Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 6 December 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

The following declarations were made:-

The Leader provided an update on the recent Corporate Peer Challenge which had demonstrated considerable progress since the last review.  A report would be issued in due course and the Council would develop an action plan to address any recommendations.  The Peer team would re-visit the Council later during the year to monitor progress.

The Chairman of the Council referred to recent engagements which included a curry night in aid of charitable causes and attendance at Holocaust Memorial Day events at Cheshire East Council and St. Edward’s Church,  Leek.

Councillors considered the proposed Budget for 2024/25, updated Medium-Term Financial Plan 2024/25 – 2027/28, Capital Strategy 2024/25, proposed Fees and Charges for 2024/25 and Procurement Forward Plan 2024/25.

As an AMENDMENT an alternative budget was also PROPOSED and SECONDED as detailed in a supplementary document.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, councillors voted as follows:

Amendment - Alternative Budget

Those voting FOR:

Councillors Aberley, Bentley, Beswick, Cox, Deville, Durose, Edwards, Emery, Fallows, Flunder, Herdman, Holmes, B. Hughes, P Hughes, Hulme, Moult, Pointon, Porter, Shaw, Wain, Ward and Worthington (22)

Those voting AGAINST:

Councillors Atkins, Barks, Boone, Brady, Cawley, Church, Garvey, Gledhill, Haines, Hart, Hoptroff, Jebb, Johnson, Jones, Kempster, Malyon, O’Shea, Parkes, Pascall, Plant, Price, Proudlove, Salt, Smith, Spooner,

L, Swindlehurst, M. Swindlehurst, Taylor, Wilkinson, Wood and Yates (31)

ABSTENTIONS:

None

Therefore the AMENDMENT was declared LOST.

Substantive Motion

Those voting FOR:

Councillors Atkins, Barks, Bentley, Boone, Brady, Cawley, Church, Garvey, Gledhill, Haines, Hart, Hoptroff, Jebb, Johnson, Jones, Kempster, Malyon, O’Shea, Parkes, Pascall, Plant, Price, Proudlove, Salt, Smith, Spooner,

L, Swindlehurst, M. Swindlehurst, Taylor, Wilkinson, Wood and Yates (32)

Those voting AGAINST:

Councillors Aberley, Beswick, Cox, Deville, Durose, Edwards, Emery, Fallows, Flunder, Herdman, Holmes, B. Hughes, P Hughes, Hulme, Moult, Pointon, Porter, Shaw, Wain, Ward and Worthington (21)

ABSTENTIONS:

None

Therefore the PROPOSAL was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:

1.       That the content of the report be noted and approve the following recommendations be approved.

2.       The implementation of the premium of 100% for properties that have been empty for over one year (applied to properties over two years currently) from 1 April 2024.

3.       The Implementation of the maximum premium of 100% for second homes from 1 April 2025 (this being the earliest that the new charge can apply, as legislation states that twelve months’ notice is required to be given to existing owners of second homes).

4.       Where premiums are to be applied, the Council is mindful of the current consultation by government, which recommends exceptions in certain circumstances outlined within this report. Subject to the outcome of that consultation, it is recommended that the Section 151 Officer be given delegated powers to implement the Councill’s policy on premiums in line with statute, the Council’s requirements and any guidance given by the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED:

That the Treasury Management position as at 31st December 2023 be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) 2024/25 be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Examiner’s modifications in respect of the Checkley Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan as set out in the Examiner’s report be accepted, and it be noted that the basic conditions as required by Paragraph 8 (2) of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) have been met and that a Decision Statement is published to confirm this.

2.     Officers be authorised, in consultation with the Parish Council to make any minor editorial and presentational corrections to the text/images contained within the draft Neighbourhood Plan, where these changes do not affect the substance or meaning of the Neighbourhood Plan.

3.     That the Examiner’s recommendation that the Checkley Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan, as modified by recommendation b) should meet the basic conditions and should be submitted to a referendum in the Parish of Checkley be approved.

Council at its meeting on the 6th December 2023 resolved to delegate authority to make the Biddulph Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order to the Executive Director (Place) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Planning upon receipt of a positive vote at referendum.

Council also resolved that a report should be brought to Council on the 28th February 2024 confirming the results of the referendum and whether the Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order were ‘made’.  The referendum took place on 7th December 2023 and 1,338 people voted ‘yes’ and 190 voted ‘no’.

RESOLVED:

That the information in this report be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the Pay Policy Statement for 2024/25 be approved.

RESOLVED:

That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council in accordance with Sections 31A and 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011):

(a)    £31,073,058   being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (2) of the Act. (Gross Expenditure on General Fund Services, Special District Expenses and Parish Precepts)

(b)    £23,312,930   being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act. (Gross Income including External Financing and the Use of Reserves)

(c)    £7,760,128     being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A (4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year (Amount to be Funded from Council Tax)

(d)    £230.02          being the amount at (c) above divided by the tax base, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31 (B) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. (Average Local Council Tax)

(e)    Appendix B     being Council Tax for the SMDC District divided by the tax base plus the Parish Precept and any amounts of special items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area divided the local tax base. (Band D Charges for each Parish)

(f)     Appendix C     being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at (e) above by the number which, in the proportion applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands (Charges for all Bands)

(g)         Appendix D    being the aggregate of the local charges in (f) above and the amounts levied by major precepting authorities. (Total Council Tax charge for each Band in each Parish)

APPENDIX B

Local Council Tax at Band D – 2024/25

APPENDIX C

Local Council Tax All Bands – 2024/25

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council recognises and notes the huge contribution made by our local farmers and growers to the local economy and its rural communities. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council commits to developing stronger partnerships with our arable, livestock, and dairy farmers to enhance our magnificent British countryside. The Council will strive to support farmers, by being sympathetic to diversification opportunities and promotion of local produce.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council commits to supporting our local farmers and growers by, where possible, ensuring that all food provided at council organised events is sourced from local suppliers; to include meat, dairy, and plant-based produce.

With tackling climate change and restoring nature being key priorities for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, we will consider ways to encourage residents, where possible, to shop locally, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious food, both plant and meat based thus reducing food miles to our plates and boosting the local economy.

Councillor J. Porter:

“Staffordshire Moorlands District Council recognises and notes the huge contribution made by our local farmers and growers to the local economy and its rural communities. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council commits to developing stronger partnerships with our arable, livestock, and dairy farmers to enhance our magnificent British countryside. The Council will strive to support farmers, by being sympathetic to diversification opportunities and promotion of local produce.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council commits to supporting our local farmers and growers by, where possible, ensuring that all food provided at council organised events is sourced from local suppliers; to include meat, dairy, and plant-based produce.

With tackling climate change and restoring nature being key priorities for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, we will consider ways to encourage residents, where possible, to shop locally, taking advantage of home-grown, affordable and nutritious food, both plant and meat based thus reducing food miles to our plates and boosting the local economy.”

With the agreement of Cllr Porter an AMENDMENT was PROPOSED and SECONDED that the Council would also support the farming community when developing planning strategies and neighbourhood plans.

Having been PROPOSED and SECONDED, upon being put to the vote, the AMENDMENT was CARRIED.

This Council finds the West Midlands Ambulance Service as it stands unacceptable for the Staffordshire Moorlands.  This Council demands an independent review of the service.  The residences of the Staffordshire Moorlands deserve the same reliable quality of service as people in the urban areas receive, meeting government targets for everyone in rural and urban areas

Councillor L. Malyon:

“This Council finds the West Midlands Ambulance Service as it stands unacceptable for the Staffordshire Moorlands.  This Council demands an independent review of the service.  The residences of the Staffordshire Moorlands deserve the same reliable quality of service as people in the urban areas receive, meeting government targets for everyone in rural and urban areas.”

It was PROPOSED by Cllr Malyon that the Notice of Motion be AMENDED as follows:

“This Council finds the West Midlands Ambulance Service as it stands unacceptable for the Staffordshire Moorlands. This Council demands an independent review of the services given to the Staffordshire Moorlands.  The residences of the Staffordshire Moorlands deserve the same reliable quality of service as people in the urban areas receive, meeting government targets for everyone in rural and urban areas.”

With the agreement of Cllr Malyon a FURTHER AMENDMENT was PROPOSED and to SECONDED that the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to demand a public enquiry.

RESOLVED:

Having been PROPOSED and SECONDED, upon being put to the vote, the AMENDMENT was CARRIED unanimously in the terms set out above.

(At least two clear days notice required, in writing, to the Proper Officer in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.3.)

1.     Question to the Portfolio Holder for Services received from Councillor Porter

“Since May 2023, there has been a noticeable decline in recycling rates and standards under the Labour Administration, with missed bin collections becoming increasingly common and local residents and local councillors being left without updates. What steps will the Labour Administration take to restore the recycling rates to best in the country and will you commit to a date to get them back up to that level?”

Response:

“Full year recycling figures for 2023-24 will not be available until at least July 2024. However, we can confirm that the first two quarters performance for 2023-24 are higher than 2022-23 (published Waste Data Flow figures).

The targets and current performance for Staffordshire Moorlands Recycling rates are presented in the following table. Actual at Qtr 2 details that there has been a positive increase, exceeding target % at this point for the year (compared and positioned higher other English and West Midland Collection Authorities average).

          SMDC Recycling Rates

The following Waste Data Flow tables compare both Qtr 1 and 2 for years 2022-23 and 2023-24.  It should be noted that there has been an increase of 4.3% measuring from Qtr 1 (22-23) to Qtr 1 (23-24) over the 2 year period.

Q1 confirmed 2022/23   55.6%

          Q1 confirmed 2023/24   59.9%

          The cumulative position for 2023-24 is 58.6%

Staffordshire Moorland’s recycling performance for 2022-23 compared with wider West Midland Authorities Collection and recycling results are confirmed as the highest achieving recycling rates across West Midlands Authorities; 

2022/23 West Midlands Authorities Recycling rates

The results for the remainder of 2023-24 will not be available until July  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

The Chairman to move:-

“That, pursuant to Section 100A(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings whereby it is likely that confidential information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act would be disclosed to the public in breach of the obligation of confidence or exempt information as defined in Section 100 I (1) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act would be disclosed to the public by virtue of the Paragraphs indicated.”

RESOLVED:

That, pursuant to Section 100A(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings whereby it is likely that confidential information as defined in Section 100A (3) of the Act would be disclosed to the public in breach of the obligation of confidence or exempt information as defined in Section 100 I (1)  of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act would be disclosed to the public by virtue of the Paragraphs indicated.

At least two clear days notice required, in writing, to the Proper Officer in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.3.)

The Portfolio Holder for Services replied to a question with regards to the commercial letting of a Council property in Market Place, Leek.