Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Penny Carpenter.

Councillor Wainwright declared an interest in Item 12 in his capacity as a Member on the Panel of the Standards Sub Committee.

Councillor G Carpenter declared an interest in Item 12 in his capacity as a Member on the Panel of the Standards Sub Committee.

Councillor Newcombe declared an interest in Item 12 in her capacity as a Member on the Panel of the Standards Sub Committee.

Councillor Jeal declared a personal interest in item 12 as he was the Subject Member related to the report.

Councillor Candon declared an interest in item 9 in his capacity as a Director of Equinox Enterprises and Property Holdings.

In line with the Council's Constitution all were allowed to speak and vote on the items as listed above.

Her Worship the Mayor advised that she had not been made aware of any urgent items of business to be discussed.

Her Worship the Mayor advised that she was looking forward to her upcoming Civic Reception to be held on Thursday 24 October 2024.

The Leader made reference to recent Social Media posts that had been circulating especially in the past couple of weeks which had referenced issues of a corrupt Council, Councillors receiving brown envelopes with one post referencing violence towards the Councillors.

The Leader advised that as he had discussed at the recent Cabinet meeting and with other Members, that if anyone had any proof of corruption or anyone accepting bribes, as this is a serious offence this should be reported by reporting by bringing the evidence to the attention of the Monitoring Officer or the Police so that it could be investigated fully.

The Leader reported that he had been in conversation with Officers regarding the live streaming of the Full Council and Development Control Committee, so that these could be available for the public to view and see how the democracy of the Council works. He advised that this would be introduced as soon as possible.

The Leader provided an update to Members on the outcome of the recent meeting between Cllr Mason-Billing (Leader of Norfolk County Council) and the Local Government Minister, Jim McMahon MP, regarding the Norfolk Devolution deal. The Leader advised that he had requested a meeting of the local Council Leaders to discuss this matter further.

The Leader here passed on his apologies to Her Worship the Mayor as he would be unable to attend her Civic Reception.

The Leader here advised that he would hand over to the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Paul Wells to advise Council of a recent award received.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Paul Wells advised that the Council had recently been nominated for the John Connell Award for the innovate work it had done working with Norfolk police to secure funding through safer streets funding to install a noise activated CCTV camera on the seafront to enhance the enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order for the car enthusiasts.

Councillor Wells advised that the Council had received a highly commended award for this work at the award ceremony held at the Palace of Westminster.

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Candon 

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 25 July be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

CARRIED

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Plant 

1. That Councillor N Galer replace Councillor G Carpenter on the Local Plan Working Party.

2. That Councillor Leslie Mogford replace Councillor G Boyd on the Licensing Committee.

CARRIED 

Her Worship the Mayor invited the Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee forward to present his report.

The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Williamson presented his report to Council and advised that the report was to inform Members of the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Committee during 2023/24. 

The Chairman passed on his thanks to the Democratic Services Manager and Democratic Services Officer for their work in assisting the Scrutiny Committee during the 2023/24 period.

Council noted the Chairman's Annual Report for the Scrutiny Committee for 2023/24

Her Worship the Mayor called upon the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Growth, Councillor Daniel Candon to present the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Growth, Councillor Daniel Candon reported that the Local Plan was a key policy document for the Council setting out the amount of new planned development, where that development should go, and how it should be delivered. It also sets out planning policies to determine planning applications.

He advised that the plan formed part of the 'development plan' for the area which the Council has a statutory duty to keep under review and up to date.

Councillor Candon reported that as members were aware, a new Local Plan had been under preparation since 2022, and the First Draft Local Plan Consultation took place in March and May 2024.

Councillor Candon reported that that the Final Draft Local Plan put forward to members tonight represented the plan the Council would wish to adopt. Subject to approval, the Final Draft Local Plan will be published for a minimum six-week period where the public and stakeholders can make representations on its soundness.

Following this the plan would then be submitted for examination by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Government. Should the Inspector find the plan sound, the plan would come back before Full Council for adoption, most likely in early 2026.

Section 3 of the report also sets out the proposal to publish and submit a Community Infrastructure Levy (or CIL) Draft Charging Schedule (which members can refer to Appendix 7 to the report). The levy would be a mandatory charge, expressed in pounds per square metre of internal floorspace, which is levied on new development. Funds raised can be spent on the delivery of infrastructure to support the development in the Borough.

Councillor Candon commented that he hoped Members would agree that Great Yarmouth needed a new local plan in place to address the boroughs changing needs and future growth. The current plan is likely outdated and doesn't reflect the economic, environmental, and demographic challenges that the area now faces.

A new plan would allow the council to effectively manage land use, housing development, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring that Great Yarmouth remains a desirable place to live, work, and visit. Without such a refreshed framework, development would become haphazard, allowing for speculative development to take place in areas, leading to strained public services, environmental degradation, and missed opportunities for economic regeneration, particularly in tourism and renewable energy sectors, which are crucial for our region.

Councillor Candon commented that if the council were not to adopt a new local plan for residents; the unintended consequence could be not just 6-7,000 houses. But over 10,000 houses. He advised that by just saying  we are 'full' would not stand up as an argument.

Councillor Plant commented that this was in his opinion a really important document for the Council, he felt that if this was not approved there could be vase amounts of ad-hoc developments. Councillor Plant commented that he was disappointed to see that the MP for Great YArmouth had opposed to the Plan. Councillor Plant advised that the plan was needed to ensure the younger generations would have a home and that new homes were needed to develop Great Yarmouth and retain jobs, he felt that the plan identified the right places and was a good plan for Great Yarmouth.

Councillor Wainwright congratulated the Strategic Planning Team and advised that he fully endorsed the plan, he refuted the claims that had been made against Councillors where they had been called corrupt and stated that in the 20 years of being in Local Government, he had never known the levels of hate witnessed recently. He made reference to some recent social media posts which had remarked about Councillors being in receipt of Brown Envelopes which were totally false accusations.

Councillor T Wright thanked Officers for the immense amount of work that had been completed to produce the plan and he commended them for this. he commented that the  plan looked at not only Housing but the environment shops and jobs, which is what he felt a plan should encompass.

Councillor Wright disagreed with recent comments that had been made via social media claiming that all housing should be stopped. He advised that he felt there was a need to proud of recent applications that had been passed that would provide for affordable homes in the rural areas as he felt this was supporting people for a need that is required.

Councillor Wright further advised that he felt this plan was a vitally important document for the Council but reminded Members that any applications would be subject to planning consent so therefore did not stop the Councillors having the right to challenge developments.

Councillor Annison thanked Officers for the immense amount of work that had been completed to produce the Plan, he also reiterated the need for the plan and commented that he having chaired the Planning Committee for a number of years was proud of the plan that had been produced. He further commented that he also was dissappointed by comments that had been made by the local MP.

The Leader passed on his thanks to Officers and the Local Plan Working Party for the work that had been completed on the plan. He advised that he would be holding a Parish Liaison meeting on the 30 October whereby a number of questions had been received regarding the Local Plan. The Leader commented that he was proud of the plan that had been created.

Councillor Bensly also passed on his thanks to Officers for their work on the plan, he commented that he had received some concerns from residents regarding the number of homes within the norther parishes but acknowledged the need for the plan and hoped that this would evolve and he hoped that this would help businesses to flourish.

Councillor Wells endorsed all of the comments that had already been made by Members and commented that he felt the plan was a good solid plan, he acknowledged that this would never be suited to all but that there was a need to understand what would be offered if there was no plan in place.

Councillor Dwyer-McCluskey commented that there was need to have a plan in place to ensure that children were able to live in the Borough in the future, he felt that this plan was really important for the Borough. Councillor Dwyer-McCluskey referred to recent social media posts that had not only been directed at Councillors but also Officers of the Council and commented that this was unacceptable and should be dealt with accordingly.

Councillor Newcombe commented that whilst it was acknowledged there were objections to the plan there was a need to consider the impact that could be seen if there was no plan in place.

Councillor Cordiner-Achenbach commented that there was a need for this plan to be in pace to ensure that the generations of the future have a place to live and somewhere to educate. Councillor Cordiner-Achenbach also referred to recent social media posts which had made Councillors feel vulnerable and commented on the need for these to be addressed.

Councillor Bird advised of his support for the plan and commented that it was great to see full cross party support of the plan.

Councillor Boyd commented that whilst he did not agree with the numbers allocated in particular to Caister, he understood that without the plan the numbers could be significantly higher and therefore he advised he would support the plan rather than the alternative.

The Chief Executive Officer advised with reference to the number of comments that had been made with regard to the social media posts, that moving forward the Council would be responding to any negative, threatening or accusation posts  to sign post to the relevant authority and would be asking for evidence to be provided if accusations are made.

Councillor Freeman commented that he had been part of the Local Plan Working Party throughout the process, which had seen Members ask lots of questions and checked information giving and whilst he commented that the plan was not always going to provide the ideal for each village there was a need to consider what the other options would be if no plan was in place.

Councillor Candon commented in the summing up of the report, that there was a need to remember that the Council were required by the NPPF to meet housing demands. He advised that the local MP is able to challenge this legislation as set out by the Government. Councillor Candon also referred to recent social media posts that had been directed directly at him and how these had been unacceptable.

Proposer : Councillor Candon 

Seconder : Councillor Smith 

That Council : 

1. Approve the publication of the Final Draft Local Plan (Appendix 1) under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012 (as amended) to receive representations in relation to soundness

    

2. Approve the publication of the Draft CIL Charging Schedule (Appendix 7) under Regulation 16 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) for consultation

    

3. Approve the consultation plan in Appendix 13

    

4. Delegate authority to the Head of Planning through consultation with the Cabinet holder to:

i) Make necessary minor amendments to the Final Draft Local Plan (Appendix 1) following receipt of the habitat regulations assessment report and other factual and minor amendments to policies, supporting text and Policies Map prior to publication;

ii) Make necessary minor amendments to the Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix 4) following receipt of the habitat regulations assessment report and other factual and minor amendments to policies and supporting text prior to publication;

iii) Submit the Final Draft Local Plan to the Secretary of State following the representation period, together with a request under Section 20(7C) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 to request the Planning Inspector to recommend any main modifications necessary to make the plan sound;

iv) Work with the Inspector and participants of the examination to agree necessary main modifications under point 4ii) above and to make minor (“additional”) modifications to the plan as necessary

v) Conduct a public consultation on any necessary main modifications to the plan (should they arise).

vi) Make any presentational, typographical and/or other minor (non-material)

amendments to the CIL Charging Schedule (Appendix 7) and its supporting documents prior to consultation;

vii) Consider the representations made to the consultation, to make any relevant modifications, and then submit the draft CIL Charging Schedule (and supporting documents) for examination by an independent Examiner; and

viii) Agree any further work and/or appropriate changes to the draft CIL Charging Schedule (and Instalment Policy) during the examination as the need may arise.

Her Worship the Mayor invited the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Paul Wells forward to present the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Paul Wells reported that the Council’s Contaminated Land Strategy must be regularly reviewed and was due for renewal. The Strategy sets out how the Authority will inspect for, identify and address contaminated land within the Borough. The updated Strategy takes account of the latest national guidance relating to contaminated land.

He advised that under Part 2A of The Environmental Protection Act 1990 Great Yarmouth Borough Council has a duty to produce a Contaminated Land Strategy and to review this as required. The aims of the Governments policy on contaminated land are

• To identify and remove unacceptable risks to human health and the environment;
• To seek to ensure that contaminated land is made suitable for its current use;
• To ensure that the burdens faced by individuals, companies and society are proportionate, manageable and compatible with the principles of sustainable development.

 Land may be contaminated for a number of reasons including naturally occurring contamination, however for Great Yarmouth the main cause of contaminated land issues will be as result of historic and current land uses. These can include:

• Industrial use such as ship building or foundries;
• Transportation hubs such as railway stations;
• Military use;
• Port related activities;
• Landfill.

It was reported that the main route to address Contaminated Land was through the planning process. The Council maintains a database of potentially contaminated land based on historic use which is updated on a regular basis. Remediation of such land is secured through planning conditions and negotiations with the developer.

Where land is deemed as being contaminated the Borough Council must decide whether remediation options are reasonable taking into account a number of factors including the health and environmental impacts, practicability, costs and benefits.

It was further advised that the Strategy laid out the process of dealing with Contaminated Land which includes serving notice for remediation action, carrying out remediation works in default and voluntary action by the developer/owner.

Proposer : Councillor Wells 

Seconder : Councillor Jeal 

That Council approve the document as Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Contaminated Land Strategy.

CARRIED 

Her Worship the Mayor invited the Leader forward to present the report.

The Leader reported that this report presented a policy for the setting of the annual fees and charges from 2025/26 to 2029/30. The policy replaces the current policy which has been in place for the period 2020/21 to 2024/25.

The Council has utilised the policy framework for the annual setting of its fees and charges for services since 2015/16. Its provides a useful framework within which fees and charges can be set annually within a number of principles that allow for cost recovery and increases to cover inflationary costs.

It was reported that the current policy covered the period to 2024/25 and that this report was recommending a revised policy for the five years commencing 2025/26 as included appended to the report.

The Leader further advised that by establishing a policy for the setting of fees and charges annually, this provides a clear framework within which fees and charges can be set that seeks to recover the costs of the service.

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Wainwright 

That Council approve the fees and charges policy for the setting of the fees and charges from 2025/26 to 2029/30.

CARRIED 

Her Worship the Mayor invited the Chairman of the Standards Sub-Committee, Councillor G Carpenter forward to present the report.

 Councillor Carpenter reported that a complaint, reference 2462598 had been brought against Councillor Jeal of Great Yarmouth Borough Council. Following advice from the Monitoring Officer and the Council’s Independent Person in relation to conduct matters, Mr Alex Oram, there was sufficient ground for the matter to be fully investigated. The investigator was Mr Andrew Brett, Senior Solicitor, of nplaw.

 Following receipt of the investigator’s report a meeting of the Standards Sub-committee was held on 23rd July 2024. The Sub-committee were asked to determine this complaint under the Borough Council’s Code of Conduct.

After hearing a presentation of the report, hearing from Cllr Jeal and asking a number of questions, the Sub-committee retired to discuss the complaint. By a majority, members decided to uphold the Investigating Officer’s recommendation of a finding of breach in relation to paragraph (j) i.e. it was found that Cllr Jeal’s conduct during the incident fell short of treating the Complainant with respect. They found that the other paragraphs (b) and (k) mentioned by the Complainant were not engaged by the incident.

The Sub-committee agreed that the breach was of a relatively minor nature, and there were some mitigating circumstances, in that there had been a misunderstanding on Cllr Jeal’s part as to the Complainant’s attendance at the meeting, for which he had already apologised. Nevertheless, there had been a failure to treat an individual with respect. The Sub-committee was advised that the parties had been able to move on since the incident and concluded that the investigation and hearing process and its outcome were sufficient to address the incident. Members discussed the range of sanctions available to them. They decided to report the Sub-committee’s findings to Council for information, confirming that the report would be made public.

Councillor Jeal commented on the need for Standards Committees and the sanctions that could be given to be looked into as these processes were costing money to the Council but yet sanctions appeared to lack any power.

Councillor Jeal advised that he had apologised for the incident directly to the complainant, but the complainant had decided to take the matter further, he advised that the complaint had been received on the 9 July 2023 and not resolved until 9th October 2023.

Councillor Wainwright advised that Councillors had to abide by the principles set out one of which was respect, which he felt Members had not been shown and referred to recent social media posts which had seen Members threatened.

Council noted the decision of the Standards Sub-committee.

Her Worship the Mayor called upon the Monitoring Officer to present the report to Council.

The Monitoring Officer reported that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England is undertaking its periodic electoral review of Great Yarmouth Borough Council to consider such matters as the number of councillors to be elected to the Council and to its wards, and the boundaries of the wards.

An Officer Working Group has been established to undertake the practical work and collation of data necessary to support the Commission in its work.

The Monitoring Officer advised that it is proposed that a cross-party Member Working Group be established to keep members sighted on the information provided to the Commission, the feedback received from the Commission’s officers, and as a forum for members to provide their input and views on any proposed adjustment to current arrangements via recommendation to Council as to formal representations.

The Monitoring Officer advised that she had received confirmation of Member representation and that these would be as follows :-

Councillors Smith, Candon, Wells, Wainwright and T Wright 

Proposer : Councillor Smith

Seconder : Councillor Wainwright 

That Council :-

1. Appoint the following 5 members, Councillors Smith, Thompson, Wells, Wainwright and T Wright to establish a politically balanced Electoral Review Working Group  

and

2.Approve the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

CARRIED

Her Worship the Mayor called upon the Leader to present the motion.

Motion 1

The Leader presented the Motion on Notice as follows :-

Great Yarmouth Borough Council notes that:

The Labour Government's recent decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only pensioners in receipt of means-tested benefits like Pension Credit, as announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This decision is estimated by Age UK will mean that 2 million pensioners who badly need the money to stay warm this winter will not receive it. Winter Fuel Payments play an important role by helping older residents of Great Yarmouth and across the UK afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health. It had been broadly agreed that this decision will place on vulnerable pensioners, many of whom do not claim Pension Credit despite being eligible, further exacerbating their financial hardship. This news has been followed by announced that the energy price cap will raise costing the average family an additional £149.

Council believes:

That the Winter Fuel Payment has been a lifeline for many older people across the UK and that restricting its availability solely to those on Pension Credit risks leaving many pensioners in financial hardship.

While some pensioners currently in receipt of the Winter Fuel Payment may not require it, many thousands across Great Yarmouth sit just above the cut­ off for Pension Credit and will now lose their allowance.

The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and well-being of our poorest older residents.

The government's approach fails to consider the administrative barriers and stigma that prevent eligible pensioners from claiming Pension Credit, leaving many without the support they desperately need.

The Leader therefore proposed that the Council resolves to:

1. Bring forward a Council-led local awareness campaign to alert those eligible of Pension Credit which in some respects will help access to the Winter Fuel Payment for those most in need.
2.  Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging a review of the decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment and asking the government to ensure that vulnerable pensioners, particularly those who do not claim Pension Credit, are protected from fuel poverty.
3.  Commit the Council to signing the 'Save the Winter Fuel Payment for Struggling Pensioners' petition being run by Age UK and write to all members offering them the opportunity to sign the petition themselves.
4. Encourage local efforts to promote Pension Credit uptake through council services and partnerships with local charities and community organisations to ensure that all eligible pensioners in Great Yarmouth are supported in claiming their entitlement.

The Motion was hereby seconded by Councillor Flaxman-Taylor who reserved her right to speak on the matter.

Councillor Wainwright commented that Government of all colours have to make difficult decisions. Removing the Winter Fuel Allowance is one of them, when faced with an unfunded in year black hole of £22 Billion something has to give.

Over the years, he advised, that the Labour Group had proposed many motions, one in 2021 asking that the Conservative Government to honour their 2019 manifesto pledge, and lift the suspension of the state pension triple lock for 2022/23. This was voted against, costing pensioners approximately £500 and the ongoing cumulative effect.

Councillor Wainwright reported that the motion in front of Council today proposed to :-

1 – Bring forward a Council-led Local Awareness Campaign.

He advised that this was already being done and the present Government have written to all pensioners explaining the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, and the eligibility criteria for claiming pension credit.

He commented that the Conservative government knew that up to 800.000 pensioners could be eligible for pension credit or had not applied for it, but yet had appeared to do nothing.

2 – Request that the Council Leader write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The Labour Group has already written to the chancellor, and asked amongst other things, he had hoped that the 30^th October Budget would include additional measurers to mitigate the loss of the winter fuel allowance to pensioners.

3 – Commit the Council to sign the “Save the Winter Fuel Payment for struggling pensioners” Promoted by Age UK.

Many Councillors have already signed one of the many petitions on this subject, and therefore he felt that there was no for the Council to do this.

4 – Encourage Local Efforts to promote Pension credit uptake. In case the party opposite has failed to notice this is already being done by many local organisations and partnerships. Including  DIAL, Age UK, Older Peoples Network, local Charities and Foodbanks.

Pensioners have been hit hard by Conservative austerity over the last 14 years, and have seen their pensions eroded by large increases in inflation which is now baked into their weekly budget.

Councillor Wainwright commented that he felt this was purely a political gesture by the Conservative Group, in an effort to shore up their support, and therefore he would be Abstaining on the Motion.

Councillor T Wright commented that concerns of the impact to pensioners had been raised to the previous Conservative Government. He referred to a previous motion which had been opposed by the Conservative Group which say rents increase in the Borough, he further referred to the Covid payments which had been made whereby the new Government were now having to recover from. Councillor Wright advised that as per Councillor Wainwright's comments the Labour Group had already written to the Chancellor to raise their concerns.

Councillor G Carpenter commented that in his opinion the removal of the Winter Fuel Payment was unjust and many pensioners living on a small income could now be pushed into poverty.

Councillor Plant commented that Norfolk County Council were already looking to use around £15 Million through household support fund with winter looking extremely challenging. He urged the Government to change the funding to not allow this to be of detriment to the senior citizens.

Councillor Candon commented that he was deeply concerned and frankly outraged by the Labour government's reckless decision to scrap the Winter Fuel payments for many of our pensioners here in Great Yarmouth. He advised that he felt the move which would see essential support stripped away from the most vulnerable in the community in his opinion could have devastating consequences, especially as we head into what is likely to be another cold and challenging winter.

Councillor Candon referred to his Ward which had a significant elderly population, many of whom rely on the payments to keep warm. He advised those that live on fixed incomes, were also facing rising energy costs, could see the difference between a warm home and a cold one with these payments being stopped.

Councillor Candon referred to those people who were still on legacy benefits such as the means-tested housing benefit who he feared would slip through the net, he felt that the government in making this decision were turning their back on the people who need the help the most.

Councillor Candon commented that there was a need for the Council to stand up for its residents as winter fuel payments were not a luxury to some they are a necessity and he called for the government to reverse its decision.

Councillor Williamson commented that in his opinion, pensioners had already been stripped of funds by the previous Government and referred to the removal of the £20 a week Universal Credit money that had been taken away.

Councillor Jeal commented that the previous government had caused the economy to crash.

Councillor Wells commented that his main issue with the proposed changes to the policy was that it was fundamentally wrong in that if every pensioner was to receive pension credit the scheme would fail. 

Councillor Galer commented that in his opinion the Government had failed to account for those people in receipt of legacy benefits and how this would impact them and potentially put them into further hardship.

Councillor Murray-Smith referred to a press release in August which had shown that the tax rate had reached a new high of 3.6% higher than previous, and referenced a £2.7 billion payment to the Treasury. He commented that in his opinion there was money available to fund the winter fuel allowance.

Councillor Flaxman-Taylor commented that all Members had been appointed to look after the residents of the Borough a number of whom were within an aging population range, she commented that it was heart breaking to see these fuel payments scrapped, where for some these payments were lifelines in order to keep a warm home. Councillor Flaxman-Taylor urged Councillors to approve the Motion.

The Leader was hereby given the oppurtunity to sum up the Motion before a vote was to be taken. 

The Leader commented that he felt the word swift was appropriate when referring to the actions of the Government in relation to the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payments as he felt this had been brought in very quickly. He commented that in his opinion the removal of this payment would see residents of the Borough suffer and therefore he urged Councillors to vote for this motion to be approved.

The Leader hereby requested and proposed that a recorded vote be taken on this item 

This was seconded by Councillor Flaxman-Taylor 

Following a vote a recorded vote on this item was agreed.

Proposer : Councillor Smith 

Seconder : Councillor Flaxman-Taylor 

That Council resolves to :

A recorded vote was taken on this matter as follows :-

For the Motion : Councillors Annison, Bensly, Bird, Boyd, Candon, G Carpenter, Flaxman- Taylor, Freeman, Galer, Grant, D Hammond, Lawn, Mogford, Murray-Smith, Rundle, Plant, Smith, Stenhouse, Thompson,  Wells

Abstentions from the Motion : Councillors Borg, Capewell, Cordiner-Achenbach, Green, Jeal, Martin, McMullen, McCluskey, Newcombe, Pilkington, Robinson-Payne, Sharp, Upton, Wainwright, Waters-Bunn, Williamson, A Wright & B Wright.

Against the Motion :- Nil 

The Motion was CARRIED 

Motion 2 

Her Worship the Mayor called upon the Leader to present the motion.

The Leader reported that following the recent announcement from the Government and reported that he was pleased to see that the James Paget Hospital rebuild had now been included within the plans. He therefore advised that he would be withdrawing the motion from consideration by Council.

The motion was hereby withdrawn.

Councillor Wainwright here declared a point of order in that he felt the Leader when withdrawing the motion should not have spoken on the matter. It was advised that the Leader had only commented that he was pleased to see the inclusion of the new build within the plans and therefore this was the reason for the withdrawal.

Council RESOLVED :

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be
excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it
involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I
of Schedule 12(A) of the said Act."

CARRIED