Agenda and draft minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the previous Council meeting on 16 January 2024.

It was proposed by the Leader Cllr Wrigley and seconded by Cllr Keeling that the Minutes of the meeting 16 January 2024 be approved.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of 16 January 2024 be approved and signed as a correct record by the Chair.

Announcements only from the Chair of Council, Leader, Members of the Executive or the Managing Director.

The Leader has advised that Cllr Foden has replaced Cllr Swain on the Overview and Scrutiny 2 Committee, and following the sad death of Cllr Huw Cox, Cllr Colin Parker has taken up the position on the Teignbridge HATOC and Cllr Palethorpe has taken up the position on the Procedures Committee.

The Chair advised his civic event since the last meeting of the Council.

Cllr Nutley advised that a granite memorial that the late Cllr Huw Cox had crafted, would be mounted on the stone wall at the Ashburton PO Hub on St Davids Day 1 March 2024. He thanks Cllr Rogers for arranging the plaque.

Changes to committee places as set out on the agenda were noted.

The following Councillors declared an interest in agenda item 13 Notice of Motion 3 relating to Teignmouth hospital:

·           Cllr Clarance by virtue of being a patient of Teign Estuary medical practice, Teignmouth.

·           Cllr Williams by virtue of being a member of the original review Committee.

·           Cllr Peart by virtue of membership on Devon County Council health and social care scrutiny Committee.

·           Cllr James by virtue of membership of Teignmouth hospital board trust.

·           Cllr Sanders by virtue of being a patient of Channel View medical group Teignmouth

·           Cllr Wrigley by virtue of membership on Devon County Council health and social care scrutiny committee as Vice Chair, and the task and finish group.

·           Cllr Nutley by virtue of membership of health and wellbeing centres

·           Cllr Dawson by virtue of membership of the early discussion group.

Members of the public may ask questions. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum period of three minutes per questioner.

The public questions and responses attached to the agenda were noted.

Supplementary questions and answers can be viewed at the link below.

Agenda for Full Council on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024, 10.00 am - Teignbridge District Council 

To consider the attached report and appendices

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources Cllr Keeling, presented the budget proposals as set out in the agenda report as recommended by Overview and Scrutiny Committees 1 and 2 and the Executive. The Chief Finance Officer and staff, and all who had contributed to identifying savings, including the Members of the Mid Term Financial plan task and finish group, were thanked.

The budget proposals included 2 hours parking for £1.00 in the multistorey car park, Newton Abbot for the duration of the Queen Street works.

It was proposed by Cllr Keeling and seconded by the Leader Cllr Wrigley that the budget be approved as set out in the agenda report.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Bullivant and seconded by Cllr Purser that the budget be approved as set out in the agenda report with an amendment that 26 spaces in the multistorey car park, Newton Abbot be free of charge for I hour to replace on street parking spaces to be lost in Queen Street.

A vote was taken and the amendment was LOST.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr P Parker and seconded by Cllr Hall that the budget be approved as set out in the agenda report with an amendment

to introduce 2 hours parking on the top two floors of the multi storey car park, Newton abbot for £1 to take effect when the Queen Street works start on a permanent basis subject to normal annual budget review of fees and charges.

 A vote was taken on the amendment and CARRIED, followed by a roll-call on the substantive amendment proposal as follows:

Recorded vote

For Cllrs Bullivant, Buscombe, Dawson, Farrand-Rogers, Foden, Goodman-Bradbury, Hall, Hayes, Henderson, Jackman, James, Jeffries, Keeling, Lake, Morgan, Nutley, Nuttall, Palethorpe, C Parker, Parrott, Peart, Purser, Rogers, Rollason, Sanders, Smith, Steemson, Swain, G Taylor, Webster, Williams and Wrigley

Total 32

Against Cllrs Bradford, Daws and J Taylor,

Total 3

Abstention Cllrs Atkins, Clarance, Gearon, MacGregor, P Parker, Radford and Ryan,

Total 7

The amendment was CARRIED

RESOLVED

The budget be approved as set out in the agenda report as follows with an amendment to introduce 2 hours parking on the top two floors of multi storey car park, Newton abbot for £1 to take effect when the Queen Street works start on a permanent basis subject to normal annual budget review of fees and charges.

a        That the Teignbridge band D council tax for 2024/25 is increased by 2.99% or £5.70 to £196.41 per annum

b        Maintaining 100% council tax support

c          That general reserves are increased to 12.7% of the net revenue budget for 2024/25 or £2.4 million

d          That £200,000 of the general reserve balance in any one year be available to the Executive to meet unexpected expenditure in addition to the agreed revenue budget

e          All other decisions with regard to budgetary change will be approved by reference to virement rules in the financial instructions

f           That the summary revenue budget for 2024/25 is £18.9 million as shown at appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To consider the attached report

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources presented the agenda report.

It was proposed by Cllr Keeling, seconded by the Leader  Cllr Wrigley and unanimously CARRIED ,

RESOLVED to

a) Apply the current premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied and substantially unfurnished (empty dwellings) after 1 year instead of 2, with effect from 1st April 2024.

b) Apply a premium of 100% for all dwellings which are unoccupied but substantially furnished with effect from 1st April 2025.

c)  Approve the policy detailing the Council’s approach to the levying of the empty and second homes premiums.

d)  Authorise the S151 Officer to implement the policy in line with any guidance given by the Secretary of State.

To consider the attached report.

The Leader and a representative from Devon County Council to report.

For information - the proposed Devon and Torbay devolution deal published 31 January 2024 by DLUHC  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/devon-and-torbay-devolution-deal.

The Chair welcomed representatives from Devon County Council.

The Leader Cllr Wrigley presented the agenda report.

It was proposed by the Leader and seconded by the Executive Member for Corporate Resources Cllr keeling that the recommendation as set out in the report be approved as follows: 

That the response (as set out at paragraph 2 of the agenda report) to the consultation be approved, and that delegated authority be given to the Managing Director in consultation with the Leader to add to the response if required following district-level briefing by the team at DCC on the

22 February and the debate at the Full Council meeting.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Macgregor and seconded by Cllr J Taylor that and the leader of the opposition be added after the Leader in the third line of the above.  The amendment was LOST.

The original proposal was voted on and CARRIED.

RESOLVED

That the response (as set out at paragraph 2 of the agenda report) to the consultation be approved, and that delegated authority be given to the Managing Director in consultation with the Leader to add to the response if required following district-level briefing by the team at DCC on the

22 February and the debate at the Full Council meeting.

To consider the attached report

The Leader presented the agenda report and proposed the recommendation as set out in the report. This was seconded by the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and unanimously.

RESOLVED

To approve the service of a notice of withdrawal on the constituent authorities and the Heart of the South West Joint Committee to be effective as soon as practical.

At this juncture the meeting was adjourned for a break.

To consider the attached report

The Executive Member for open Spaces, Leisure, Sport, Resorts and Tourism Cllr Nutley presented the agenda report, thanked all staff involved for work on the contract, and proposed the recommendation as set out in the report.

The proposal was seconded by Cllr Palethorpe.

RESOLVED

a) Retender the Grounds Maintenance Contract for an initial 5-year period with the option to extend for a further 5 years using a restricted tender procedure.

b) Let a contract at a fixed price of £662,740.

c) Include an annual CPI (Consumer Price Inflation) increase at the anniversary each year of the contract.

d) Include a contract incentive payment of up to £15,000 measured by an annual customer survey alongside an assessment by the contract administrator to drive quality and performance.

e) Delegate authority to the Head of Place and Commercial Services to undertake the above.

Details to follow

The Chair referred to the agenda report.

It was proposed by The Leader Cllr Wrigley and seconded by Cllr Buscombe that the recommendation as set out in the agenda report be approved, to reaffirm support for delivery of the Queen Street pedestrian enhancement.

An amendment was proposed by Cllr Daws and seconded by Cllr J Taylor that the scheme be paused for further consultation with residents and traders to develop a scheme to meet the requirements of residents and traders of newton Abbot.

Cllrs were referred to the agenda report with regards to timescales for the Future High Street Fund for an alternative scheme, in particular section 6 and paragraphs 6.5 and 6.9.

A vote was taken on the amendment and a recorded vote requested in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.13.5.

Recorded vote under Procedure Rule 4.13.5

For Cllrs Bradford, Daws, Gearon, Hall, Macgregor, P Parker, Radford, Ryan, and J Taylor

Total 9

Against Cllrs Bullivant, Buscombe, Dawson, Farrand-Rogers, Foden, Goodman-Bradbury, Hayes, Nutley, Palethorpe, C Parker, Parrott, Peart, Rollason, Sanders, Swain, G Taylor, Williams and Wrigley

Total 18

Abstention Cllrs Atkins, Lake, Purser, Rogers and Clarance

Total 5

Not Voted Cllrs Keeling and Nuttall

The amendment was LOST

The original proposal was voted on. A recorded vote was requested on the in accordance with Procedure Rule 4.13.5.

Recorded vote under Procedure Rule 4.13.5

For Cllrs Bullivant, Buscombe, Dawson, Farrand-Rogers, Foden, Goodman-Bradbury, Hayes, Nutley, Palethorpe, C Parker, Parrott, Peart, Rollason, Sanders, Swain, G Taylor, Williams and Wrigley

Total 18

Against Cllrs Atkins, Bradford, Daws, Gearon, Hall, MacGregor, Radford, Ryan and J Taylor

Total 9

Abstention Cllrs Clarance, Keeling, Lake, Nuttall, P Parker, Purser, and Rogers

Total 7

The proposal was CARRIED

RESOLVED

Support for delivery of the Queen Street pedestrian enhancement be reaffirmed.  

To approve the Strata Business Plan 2024/25 at the link below as recommended by JEC in the attached minutes of the meeting held on

30 January 2024.

The Business plan can be viewed at the link below

https://democracy.teignbridge.gov.uk/documents/s18951/Strata%20Business%20Plan_v1.8%202.pdf

Councillors referred to the Minutes of the Strata Joint Executive Committee meeting held on 30 January 2024.

It was proposed by the Leader, Cllr Wrigley, seconded by Cllr keeling and

RESOLVED

The Minutes of the meeting be noted and the 2024/25 Strata Business Plan be approved.

Notice of Motion’s shall be referred to the appropriate Committee meeting. The mover of the motion can outline the proposal and then it will stand adjourned. The motion may be debated to assist debate later if agreed by two-thirds of Council Members.

Motion 1

The following motion on communication to residents regarding development in Newton Abbot has been presented by Cllr Bullivant and supported by Cllrs Lake, Rogers, Thorne Purser

Communication to residents 

“Over the next few years Newton Abbot should see areas with major developments taking place that will impact on the daily lives of residents.

It is essential that residents are kept informed of plans and project progress to ensure that everyone has access to information that will affect their lives.

The projects currently going through include:-

A382 improvements (planned start July 24) 2 year programme with major road closures

Stover Park enhancements (planned early 24) 1year programme 

NA3 developments (planned early 24) 1200 homes over 10 years

NA1 developments (planned early 25) 1200 homes over  10 years

Newton Abbot Queen Street (planed mid 24) 

Market Square improvements (planned early 24)

Cycle and footpath improvements in town centre (planned early 24)

Bradley Lane redevelopment (planned early 25)

Bus route improvements in town centre (planned mid 24)

It is recommended that an area within the Newton Abbot Market Hall is allocated to allow the developers carrying out these projects to show plans and to report on progress on an ongoing basis throughout the delivery programme. 

It is also recommended that the requirement to maintain the information and keep it up to date by developers is included within the conditions applied on the granting of planning consent.”

Motion 2

The following motion on support for care workers has been submitted by Cllr Bradford and supported by from Cllrs Daws, Hall, Gearon, Lake, Radford, Ryan, Taylor, P Parker, Palethorpe, Hook, Sanders, keeling, Nutley, C Parker, Rogers, Nuttall, Steemson

Support for Care Leavers

“Following on from our Full Council meeting in January when we voted to give extra support to Care Leavers living within the district.

Can TDC follow South Hams District Council by providing employment opportunities with the Council for Care Leavers?

A new employment policy would be introduced with four main employment commitments to our care leavers :

1. The offer of a two to four week paid work placement
2. The support of a senior manager as a mentor to help care leavers working with the council to adapt to the working environment and secure permanent employment.
3. The ring-fencing of identified entry-level apprenticeship opportunities.
4. The guarantee of an interview to any care leaver who meets the minimum requirements of a vacant post.

In addition to this the Council would sign up to the Care Leaver Covenant, which is a national inclusion programme funded by the Dept. of Education to create meaningful opportunities for care leavers in 5 key areas including Education, Employment and Training. This would ensure the details of the offer to Care Leavers would be promoted on their website  ...  view the full agenda text for item 25.

Motion 1

Cllr Bullivant presented the Motion on communication to residents regarding development in Newton Abbot.

Two-thirds of Members present did not agree to debate the matter and therefore the matter was referred to the Executive.

Motion 2

Cllr Bradford presented a Motion on support for care workers.

Two-thirds of Members present did not agree to debate the matter and therefore the matter was referred to the Executive.

Motion 3

Cllr Clarance presented a Motion on saving Teignmouth hospital from closure.

This was seconded by Cllr MacGregor and

RESOLVED

The Secretary of State be asked to examine the case for the retention of Teignmouth Hospital, stopping the eventual closure and return it to a fully functioning Hospital with recuperation beds to help out a hard pressed NHS.

Motion 4

Cllr J Taylor presented a Motion on the live streaming of public council meetings.

Two-thirds of Members present did not agree to debate the matter and therefore the matter was referred to the Audit Scrutiny Committee

Members of the Council may ask questions of the Council subject to procedural rules.

The circulated Member questions and responses was noted.

It was agreed that this be made available in the Members Newsletter together with the written responses and that any supplementary questions be deferred to next Full Council meeting.