Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair and Head of Democratic Services to present.

The Chair of the Council and the Head of Democratic Services gave a presentation on meetings processes and etiquette.

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2021 be signed as a correct record.

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

The Chair of the Council reported that a new project that supported unpaid carers had received a national award for its ‘outstanding contribution to healthcare’ during the height of the pandemic. The Carers Hospital Service had been awarded the System Led Support for Carers Award at the 40th Health Service Journal Awards 2020 for supporting thousands of unpaid carers.

The Carers Hospital Service saw staff from Devon Carers, commissioned by the Council and NHS Devon CCG, work alongside hospital teams to identify circumstances where unpaid carers had been involved.

The judges had said: “(Devon County Council and the NHS Devon CCG, the RD&E and Devon Carers) have shown extraordinary integration with the leadership of carers being critical to the work that has been achieved. There is a strong culture of trust and esteem across the system partners and their teams where carers are confident that commitments will be followed through. The programme produced outstanding health and well-being outcomes for carers and provided clear benefits to the sustainability of health and care services…”

The Chair asked the Council to join him in congratulating all those involved.

He also paid tribute to the achievements of Mr Ollie Watkins, formerly of Decoy Primary School and South Dartmoor Community College and Exeter City AFC on his recent selection for the England Football Squad, including scoring a goal on his first appearance. The Chair placed on record his gratitude to teachers and volunteers who helped young people to fulfil their potential in so many areas.

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

Petitions, Questions or Representations from Members of the public in line with the Council’s Petitions and Public Participation Schemes.

There was no petition received from a member of the public.

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the relevant Cabinet Member responded to one question from a member of the public on setting up a residents’ parking scheme in Jubilee Road, Totnes.

The Cabinet Member responded orally to the supplementary question arising from the above.

The Council also received and acknowledged an oral representation made by Mr Tom Ginnever on supporting the implementation of a Residents' Parking Scheme in Swallowfields, Riverside and Dartside, Totnes.

The Chair thanked the participants for joining the meeting and their contributions.

(NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to these minutes and any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting).

There was no Petition received from a Member of the Council.

Answers to questions from Members of the Council pursuant to Standing Order 17.

In accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules, the Leader and relevant Cabinet Members and Committee Chairs provided written responses to ten questions submitted by Members of the Council relating to:

·         the restoration of the Okehampton to Exeter passenger service and work being done to bring forward the Okehampton Parkway station;

·         safety steps being taken to keep the county bridleways and footpaths and open spaces safe from the effects of the pandemic;

·         the current position and status of the former Civic Centre in Barnstaple.

·         safety concerns in Abbey Rd and an update on any work planned for Abbey Road, Barnstaple;

·         compensation claims made by residents impacted by the construction of the South Devon Highway and dates of settlement; 

·         second platform at Yeoford station and use of IiD money from the sale of Exeter Airport;

·         demand for resident’s parking schemes, steps being taken to respond to requests, temporary parking schemes, criteria for resident’s parking schemes and impact of local car park charges;

·         assistance offered to parish & town councils, community groups and individuals in local areas to support the Life on the Verge initiative;

·         investment in Air Quality Management Action Plans; and

·         Devon Investment and Pension Fund and steps that are being taken to expediate change in relation the portfolio of investments and net-zero by 2050.

The Leader, Committee Chairs and relevant Cabinet Members also responded orally, as appropriate, to the supplementary questions arising therefrom.

(A copy of the questions and answers are appended to the minutes and any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting)

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

The Council received reports from the relevant Cabinet Members on specific issues upon which they had been asked to comment, as set out below:

(a)       Policy, Corporate and Asset Management

Councillor Hart circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Shaw, on the Council’s proposals to hold Council, committee and other meetings, given the provisions for online meetings had not been extended. The Report  highlighted the initial introduction of the Local Authorities and Police and Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Police and Crime Panel Meetings) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020 which applied to local authority meetings to be held before 7th May 2021, the contents of the letter from Luke Hall MP on the 25 March which announced the regulations could not be extended due to the limited availability of the parliamentary timetable, the current court case to permit continuation of remote meetings and the outcome as well as some of the actions now required so that the Council could hold ‘in person’ meetings safely.

(b)       Infrastructure Development and Waste

Councillor Davis circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on opportunities to work with Great Western Railway and Network Rail to make St Thomas Railway Station more accessible for disabled people and those with mobility issues. The Report highlighted that the St Thomas Station site had significant complexities which made the delivery of lifts challenging, however, the Cabinet Member would explore with Network Rail and GWR the scope for including Devon stations, including St Thomas in future funding rounds.

(c)       Economy and Skills

Councillor Gilbert circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford, on the latest figures, trends and statistics regarding youth unemployment in Devon and work being done with partners to help get young people back into work, including retraining and upskilling. There had been an increase in youth unemployment over the past 12 months due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic. The Report outlined the direct support for young people and unemployment, in terms of supporting programmes and pathways to allow young people to access work and other training and learning opportunities, including the new Exeter Youth Hub.

The Council’s decision to support an economic recovery programme would include additional support for young people.

(d)       Highways Management

Councillor Hughes commented, as requested by Councillor Dewhirst, on the

roll out of the LED streetlight conversion. He highlighted that nearly 52% - of Devon’s streetlights had been converted to LED with the remainder expected to be converted in the next 18 months. He outlined that some of the integration of legacy systems were still causing issues in some cases and also that the contractor was supplying a new software system which should be operational in the summer.

(e)       Children’s Services and Schools

Councillor McInnes circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on the quality of school meals and snacks offered to children and the proactive work to monitor any issues and processes to rectify operational performance when required. 

The Report highlighted that School Governing bodies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 369.

To receive and adopt and / or approve the Minutes of the under mentioned Committees

In accordance with Standing Order 13(2), the Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the undermentioned meetings of Committees be endorsed.

Audit Committee                                           -           25 February 2021

Investment & Pension Fund Committee  -           26 February 2021

Public Rights of Way Committee               -           11 March 2021

Standards Committee                                 -           23 March 2021

Appeals Committee                                     -           19 April 2021

Procedures Committee                               -           20 April 2021

(including Minute 105 and the associated amendments to the Constitution on Financial Regulations)

Development Management                        -           21 April 2021

Children’s Scrutiny                                      -           16 March 2021

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                     -           18 March 2021

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -           25 March 2021

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

In accordance with Standing Order 13(2), the Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the Minutes of the undermentioned meetings of Committees be endorsed.

Audit Committee                                           -           25 February 2021

Investment & Pension Fund Committee  -           26 February 2021

Public Rights of Way Committee               -           11 March 2021

Standards Committee                                 -           23 March 2021

Appeals Committee                                     -           19 April 2021

Procedures Committee                               -           20 April 2021

(including Minute 105 and the associated amendments to the Constitution on Financial Regulations)

Development Management                        -           21 April 2021

Children’s Scrutiny                                      -           16 March 2021

Health & Adult Care Scrutiny                     -           18 March 2021

Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -           25 March 2021

Services Scrutiny

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

To receive the Scrutiny Annual Report, a copy of which is attached to this agenda.

The Council received and endorsed the 2020/21 Annual Report summarising the activities and investigations undertaken by each of the Council’s three Scrutiny Committees during the course of the year, the outcomes arising and the continuing challenges, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and development of the Scrutiny role over that period.

The Report also highlighted the activities of elected members had changed from a typical years’ focus on policy development and review to supporting positive governance and community leadership.

Children’s Scrutiny had carried out a deep dive into Ofsted related issues, Corporate Scrutiny had considered 5G and maintained work on problem gambling, lobbying government on both issues. Health and Adult Care had continued to represent the views of local people, and even made a referral to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Scrutiny Chairs expressed their thanks to all Scrutiny Committee Members, across the four year term. The support of the dedicated Scrutiny team, coupled with the expertise offered by the two special advisors continued to be critical to the success of scrutiny.

In associating himself with the above remarks the Leader of the Council also expressed his thanks to the Council's Scrutiny Committees for the advice they had given to the Cabinet over the last year.

[NB: A copy of the Annual Report was available on the website Document 2020-2021 Scrutiny Annual Report - Democracy in Devon.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643a) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Shaw and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

This County Council regrets that under the current first-past-the-post

system for electing councillors:

1.    A large proportion and usually the majority of the votes cast do not help to elect a councillor, meaning that many voters see their votes wasted over many successive elections.

2.    This situation discourages participation in the electoral process since many people see no point in voting.

3.    A party is able to gain an overwhelming majority on the Council despite receiving only a minority of the votes across the county, reducing voters’ faith in the fairness of elections.

In this light, this Council welcomes the new legislation agreed by the Welsh Assembly to allow councils to choose to change their voting system to the proportional Single Transferable Vote system, which is already used for local elections in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This Council calls on the Government to introduce similar legislation for England so that we can make a choice of the best system for the people of Devon.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/7) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(a)    note the various voting mechanisms in place and the lack of consistency across various organisations and throughout the UK;

(b)    welcome the current Council campaign that has been designed to

encourage candidates to stand in the Election and also the investment made to promote the Elections and increase public participation through voting safely in person, by post or by proxy;

(c)    welcome any future legislative changes that increases participation in democratic processes; and

(d)     in light of the public being given the opportunity to vote to change the

current voting system in 2011 and the referendum being lost, the Council take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council.

(a)   note the various voting mechanisms in place and the lack of consistency across various organisations and throughout the UK;

(b)   welcome the current Council campaign that has been designed to encourage candidates to stand in the Election and also the investment made to promote the Elections and increase public participation through voting safely in person, by post or by proxy;

(c)    welcome any future legislative changes that increases participation in democratic processes; and

(d)   in light of the public being given the opportunity to vote to change the current voting system in 2011 and the referendum being lost, the Council take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 356 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Shaw that: 

This County Council regrets that under the current first-past-the-post

system for electing councillors:

1.    A large proportion and usually the majority of the votes cast do not help to elect a councillor, meaning that many voters see their votes wasted over many successive elections.

2.    This situation discourages participation in the electoral process since many people see no point in voting.

3.    A party is able to gain an overwhelming majority on the Council despite receiving only a minority of the votes across the county, reducing voters’ faith in the fairness of elections.

In this light, this Council welcomes the new legislation agreed by the Welsh Assembly to allow councils to choose to change their voting system to the proportional Single Transferable Vote system, which is already used for local elections in Scotland and Northern Ireland. This Council calls on the Government to introduce similar legislation for England so that we can make a choice of the best system for the people of Devon.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 643 (a) of 10 March 2021:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council.

(a)   note the various voting mechanisms in place and the lack of consistency across various organisations and throughout the UK;

(b)   welcome the current Council campaign that has been designed to encourage candidates to stand in the Election and also the investment made to promote the Elections and increase public participation through voting safely in person, by post or by proxy;

(c)    welcome any future legislative changes that increases participation in democratic processes; and

(d)   in light of the public being given the opportunity to vote to change the current voting system in 2011 and the referendum being lost, the Council take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643b) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Shaw and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

This County Council regrets the Government's decision to continue with elections in May as planned, despite the difficulties of organising this safely for voters or polling staff, while banning leafleting and canvassing and failing to make postal voting easier.

In order to ensure the safe and equitable running of the elections, this Council calls on the Government to facilitate (1) online registration for postal voting, and (2) a free postal delivery of leaflets for each Council Election Candidate.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/7) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(a) support the work of the Cabinet Office in developing online postal voting and furthermore supports any mechanism which gives choice to the electorate in terms of voting, but also notes that any changes would not be possible for the forthcoming Elections on the 6th May 2021, given the legislative changes required; and

(b) that in light of the new guidance issued by the Cabinet Office, which states that from the 8th March people campaigning in support of the electoral success of candidates or political parties will be allowed to deliver leaflets and canvass electors in relation to the elections, Council be recommended to take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council;

(a) support the work of the Cabinet Office in developing online postal voting and furthermore supports any mechanism which gives choice to the electorate in terms of voting, but also notes that any changes would not be possible for the forthcoming Elections on the 6th May 2021, given the legislative changes required; and

(b) that in light of the new guidance issued by the Cabinet Office, which states that from the 8th March people campaigning in support of the electoral success of candidates or political parties will be allowed to deliver leaflets and canvass electors in relation to the elections, Council be recommended to take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 357 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Shaw that: 

This County Council regrets the Government's decision to continue with elections in May as planned, despite the difficulties of organising this safely for voters or polling staff, while banning leafleting and canvassing and failing to make postal voting easier.

In order to ensure the safe and equitable running of the elections, this Council calls on the Government to facilitate (1) online registration for postal voting, and (2) a free postal delivery of leaflets for each Council Election Candidate.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 643b of 10 March 2021:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council;

(a) support the work of the Cabinet Office in developing online postal voting and furthermore supports any mechanism which gives choice to the electorate in terms of voting, but also notes that any changes would not be possible for the forthcoming Elections on the 6th May 2021, given the legislative changes required; and

(b) that in light of the new guidance issued by the Cabinet Office, which states that from the 8th March people campaigning in support of the electoral success of candidates or political parties will be allowed to deliver leaflets and canvass electors in relation to the elections, Council be recommended to take no further action on the Notice of Motion.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643c) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hodgson and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

In line with our formal declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency, and our commitment to actions to change behaviour to address the causes of this situation and mitigate the impacts, this Council supports the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill proposed by a coalition of scientists, academics and lawyers with the aim of bringing the UK’s climate policy into one with evolving scientific evidence. This proposed Bill is also supported by 96 cross-party members of parliament. Nationally we need a strong legislative framework that embeds the Government’s targets in law, enabling us as supportive players, to plan and develop our future trajectories, to fit in with those targets.

Council therefore resolves to:

i. Support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

ii. Inform the local media of this decision;

iii. Write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill; and

iv. Write to the CEE Bill Alliance, the organisers of the

campaign for the Bill, expressing its support

(campaign@ceebill.uk ).

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/7) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

that Council be recommended to endorse the Notice of Motion and encourage local MPs to support the Bill. In doing so, Council will ask local MPs to work with Government colleagues to provide a national framework of necessary legislative changes and additional resources to facilitate the unprecedented levels of behaviour change, skills development, technology deployment and investment that will be necessary to meet Paris Agreement commitments.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council endorse the Notice of Motion and encourage local MPs to support the Bill. In doing so, Council will ask local MPs to work with Government colleagues to provide a national framework of necessary legislative changes and additional resources to facilitate the unprecedented levels of behaviour change, skills development, technology deployment and investment that will be necessary to meet Paris Agreement commitments.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 358 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hodgson that: 

In line with our formal declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency, and our commitment to actions to change behaviour to address the causes of this situation and mitigate the impacts, this Council supports the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill proposed by a coalition of scientists, academics and lawyers with the aim of bringing the UK’s climate policy into one with evolving scientific evidence. This proposed Bill is also supported by 96 cross-party members of parliament. Nationally we need a strong legislative framework that embeds the Government’s targets in law, enabling us as supportive players, to plan and develop our future trajectories, to fit in with those targets.

Council therefore resolves to:

i. Support the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

ii. Inform the local media of this decision;

iii. Write to local MPs, asking them to support the Bill; and

iv. Write to the CEE Bill Alliance, the organisers of the

campaign for the Bill, expressing its support

(campaign@ceebill.uk ).

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 643c of 10 March 2021:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council endorse the Notice of Motion and encourage local MPs to support the Bill. In doing so, Council will ask local MPs to work with Government colleagues to provide a national framework of necessary legislative changes and additional resources to facilitate the unprecedented levels of behaviour change, skills development, technology deployment and investment that will be necessary to meet Paris Agreement commitments.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643d) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Biederman and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

This Council recognises that many children in Devon have never been to the beach or because of financial limitations on families can often find it beyond their means.

Visiting a beach can have fantastic health benefits for young people and their family, particularly their mental health, as well as connecting them with our beautiful environment, if communities are better connected to our natural environment, they will be more inclined to preserve it for future generations.

Pensioners can access the beaches with their free bus pass, we believe this should also be available to our young people.

So, this Council commits to work with our travel partners to provide vouchers to families on low incomes for free travel to the beach at weekends and/or during school holiday periods.

Cabinet are asked to provide a budget to support this, from the public health budget.

We also lobby Government for more Public Health Funding to help support these type of initiatives.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/7) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(a)    ask that Public Health Devon explore with the Devon Local Nature Partnership (LNP) and/or other partners to conduct a pilot study examining possible options to increase engagement with green and blue spaces in children, young people, and families on low income;

(b)    further ask Public Health Devon work with the Devon LNP and Active Devon to review and if necessary develop resources to promote local opportunities for walks or activities in green/blue space for to a wide variety of users e.g. family friendly, pram friendly, wheelchair accessible etc; and

(c)    increase communications using a social marketing approach that are targeted and relatable to improve confidence and allay anxieties about accessing the natural environment and facilitate behaviour change.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council;

(a)   ask that Public Health Devon explore with the Devon Local Nature Partnership (LNP) and/or other partners to conduct a pilot study examining possible options to increase engagement with green and blue spaces in children, young people, and families on low income;

(b)   further ask Public Health Devon work with the Devon LNP, Active Devon and Devon Communities Together to review and if necessary develop resources to promote local opportunities for walks or activities in green/blue space for to a wide variety of users e.g. family friendly, pram friendly, wheelchair accessible etc; and

(c)    increase communications using a social marketing approach that are targeted and relatable to improve confidence and allay anxieties about accessing the natural environment and facilitate behaviour change.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 359 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Biederman that: 

This Council recognises that many children in Devon have never been to the beach or because of financial limitations on families can often find it beyond their means.

Visiting a beach can have fantastic health benefits for young people and their family, particularly their mental health, as well as connecting them with our beautiful environment, if communities are better connected to our natural environment, they will be more inclined to preserve it for future generations.

Pensioners can access the beaches with their free bus pass, we believe this should also be available to our young people.

So, this Council commits to work with our travel partners to provide vouchers to families on low incomes for free travel to the beach at weekends and/or during school holiday periods.

Cabinet are asked to provide a budget to support this, from the public health budget.

We also lobby Government for more Public Health Funding to help support these type of initiatives.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 643d of 10 March 2021:

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council;

(a)   ask that Public Health Devon explore with the Devon Local Nature Partnership (LNP) and/or other partners to conduct a pilot study examining possible options to increase engagement with green and blue spaces in children, young people, and families on low income;

(b)   further ask Public Health Devon work with the Devon LNP, Active Devon and Devon Communities Together to review and if necessary develop resources to promote local opportunities for walks or activities in green/blue space for to a wide variety of users e.g. family friendly, pram friendly, wheelchair accessible etc; and

(c)    increase communications using a social marketing approach that are targeted and relatable to improve confidence and allay anxieties about accessing the natural environment and facilitate behaviour change.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643e) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Atkinson and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

 This Council notes that:

1. Until 2013, emergency financial assistance was principally provided by central Government through the Discretionary Social Fund.

2. From 2013, the Government implemented wholesale reform of the Discretionary Social Fund. Some parts were kept, however, the government abolished Crisis Loans (other than Alignment Payments)

and Community Care Grants.

3. Responsibility for emergency financial assistance was devolved to the local level and funding transferred to local authorities in England on a non-ring-fenced basis, with the intention that they establish their own Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) Schemes to support local people facing

a crisis.

4. The Government then decided that from 2015/16 onwards there would be no separate LWA funding stream. Instead, it would become part of the general Revenue Support Grant that central government provides to

councils to support their spending on any local services.

5. In the intervening years, with reduced overall funding for councils, a lack of guidance from central government, and the absence of a statutory

requirement for local authorities to deliver emergency financial assistance, local authorities faced difficult decisions about funding and maintaining LWA schemes. In many areas local welfare provision was either significantly reduced or closed completely.

6. In 2020/21, in response to significant levels of need during the COVID-19 pandemic, Government provided additional funding to local authorities to deliver emergency financial assistance. £63million was provided through the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for food and essential items, whilst a further £170million was provided through the COVID Winter Support Scheme.

This Council believes that:

1. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, we can expect there to be significant ongoing need for emergency financial assistance, with many families in this country at some time facing a ‘financial crisis’ point – a financial problem which puts the immediate health and wellbeing of family members at risk.

2. If properly resourced, local authorities are uniquely placed to support residents facing financial crisis, with LWA schemes central to that support. Local schemes can be underpinned by the existing knowledge that councils have of need in their communities, alongside the relationships they hold with local voluntary and community sector partners.

3. Whilst local authorities have other mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments and Local Council Tax Support Schemes to support low income households, Covid-19 has demonstrated how important it is for Councils to have the capacity to deliver timely and discretionary emergency support to households reaching crisis point.

4. Central Government should therefore provide sustainable, long-term funding for local welfare assistance- to give councils the confidence and certainty that they need to develop an effective local welfare offer.

This Council, therefore, resolves:

1. To [establish/maintain] a Local Welfare Assistance Scheme to support residents facing financial crisis.

2. To campaign for a new funding allocation  ...  view the full agenda text for item 376.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council

(a)  maintain the Team Devon Financial Hardship scheme to support, as far as the resources permit, residents facing financial crisis for 2021/22;

(b)  campaign for a new funding allocation for councils from central government to provide schemes to address financial hardship and economic vulnerability be made available at the next comprehensive spending review and protected in real terms over the following years;

(c)   write to the Chancellor, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to request that they make such a funding allocation available to local authorities, and;

(d)  continue to work and engage partners as necessary to create the appropriate climate for job creation in the County to improve its prosperity.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED and subsequently thereafter also CARRIED as the substantive motion.

(Councillor’s Ball and Hodgson declared personal interests in this matter by virtue of being members of Covid response groups).

Pursuant to County Council Minute 360 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Atkinson that: 

            This Council notes that:

1. Until 2013, emergency financial assistance was principally provided by central Government through the Discretionary Social Fund.

2. From 2013, the Government implemented wholesale reform of the Discretionary Social Fund. Some parts were kept, however, the government abolished Crisis Loans (other than Alignment Payments)

and Community Care Grants.

3. Responsibility for emergency financial assistance was devolved to the local level and funding transferred to local authorities in England on a non-ring-fenced basis, with the intention that they establish their own Local Welfare Assistance (LWA) Schemes to support local people facing

a crisis.

4. The Government then decided that from 2015/16 onwards there would be no separate LWA funding stream. Instead, it would become part of the general Revenue Support Grant that central government provides to

councils to support their spending on any local services.

5. In the intervening years, with reduced overall funding for councils, a lack of guidance from central government, and the absence of a statutory

requirement for local authorities to deliver emergency financial assistance, local authorities faced difficult decisions about funding and maintaining LWA schemes. In many areas local welfare provision was either significantly reduced or closed completely.

6. In 2020/21, in response to significant levels of need during the COVID-19 pandemic, Government provided additional funding to local authorities to deliver emergency financial assistance. £63million was provided through the Local Authority Emergency Assistance Grant for food and essential items, whilst a further £170million was provided through the COVID Winter Support Scheme.

This Council believes that:

1. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, we can expect there to be significant ongoing need for emergency financial assistance, with many families in this country at some time facing a ‘financial crisis’ point – a financial problem which puts the immediate health and wellbeing of family members at risk.

2. If properly resourced, local authorities are uniquely placed to support residents facing financial crisis, with LWA schemes central to that support. Local schemes can be underpinned by the existing knowledge that councils have of need in their communities, alongside the relationships they hold with local voluntary and community sector partners.

3. Whilst local authorities have other mechanisms such as Discretionary Housing Payments and Local Council Tax Support Schemes to support low income households, Covid-19 has demonstrated how important it is for Councils to have the capacity to deliver timely and discretionary emergency support to households reaching crisis point.

4. Central Government should therefore provide sustainable, long-term funding for local welfare assistance- to give councils the confidence and certainty that they need to develop an effective local welfare offer.

This Council, therefore, resolves:

1. To [establish/maintain] a Local Welfare Assistance Scheme to support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 376.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 643f) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Wright and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely 

This Council regrets the Government’s u-turn on using Neonicotinoids, banned under EU law, and which have proved to be damaging to our vital bee population, other insects and birds and water courses.

This Council calls on the Government to urgently reverse its decision.

Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/7) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

(a)  endorse the spirit of this Notice of Motion given the significant environmental concerns relating to the use of neonicotinoids and calls on Government to carefully review its consideration of emergency use applications to ensure consistency with the objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan; and

(b)  and note that with the new guidance recently received the motion has been superseded by Government action.

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council

(a)  endorse the spirit of this Notice of Motion given the significant environmental concerns relating to the use of neonicotinoids and calls on Government to carefully review its consideration of emergency use applications to ensure consistency with the objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan; and

(b)  and note that with the new guidance recently received the motion has been superseded by Government action.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Wright then MOVED and Councillor Shaw SECONDED that the Motion be amended as follows (strike through denotes words removed and new words in red):

That Council

(a)  endorse the spirit of this Notice of Motion given the significant environmental concerns relating to the use of neonicotinoids and as such calls on Government to carefully review its consideration of emergency use applications to ensure consistency with the objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan urgently and fully ban the use of such chemicals, in line with EU law.

(b)  note that with the new guidance recently received the motion has been superseded by Government action,

The amendment in the name of Councillor Wright was then put to the vote and declared LOST. 

The motion in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Pursuant to County Council Minute 361 of 18 February 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Wright that: 

This Council regrets the Government’s u-turn on using Neonicotinoids, banned under EU law, and which have proved to be damaging to our vital bee population, other insects and birds and water courses.

This Council calls on the Government to urgently reverse its decision.

and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 643f of 10 March 2021

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council

(a)  endorse the spirit of this Notice of Motion given the significant environmental concerns relating to the use of neonicotinoids and calls on Government to carefully review its consideration of emergency use applications to ensure consistency with the objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan; and

(b)  and note that with the new guidance recently received the motion has been superseded by Government action.

The amendment in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Wright then MOVED and Councillor Shaw SECONDED that the Motion be amended as follows (strike through denotes words removed and new words in red):

That Council

(a)  endorse the spirit of this Notice of Motion given the significant environmental concerns relating to the use of neonicotinoids and as such calls on Government to carefully review its consideration of emergency use applications to ensure consistency with the objectives of the National Pollinator Strategy and the 25 Year Environment Plan urgently and fully ban the use of such chemicals, in line with EU law.

(b)  note that with the new guidance recently received the motion has been superseded by Government action,

The amendment in the name of Councillor Wright was then put to the vote and declared LOST. 

The motion in the name of Councillor Hart was then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Councillor Connett to move:

Our precious National Parks, including Dartmoor and Exmoor, are loved by millions and used by many thousands of people.

The LOCAL Park Authorities comprise LOCAL representatives who know and serve the community and keep LOCAL oversight of Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park.

Government is understood to be considering setting up a National Landscape Service which would centralise services under one, nationally run, new organisation.

A National Landscapes Service that effectively replaces individual National Park Authorities would not be a positive reform:

·       It is contrary to the Government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda which involves government decentralising power and working more directly with local partners and communities.

·       The 2019 Conservative Party Manifesto stated that “the days of Whitehall knows best are over” (p.26) and pledged to give communities of all sizes far more control. This Council questions how a centralist National Landscapes Service would achieve this.

·       The move is contrary to international good practice in the management of protected landscapes which emphasises the importance of management being undertaken with and through local people and mainly for and by them.

·       Locally run and locally managed National Parks are able to respond in the most appropriate way to their own unique qualities and without the burden and red-tape of national management.

Therefore, this Council urges Government not to proceed with a National Landscape Service or to take any step which will remove local engagement and involvement in our precious national parks and Council instructs the Chief Executive to write urgently to the Prime Minister and local Members of Parliament serving Devon and Somerset setting out our support for our local National Parks.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

(Councillor J Hook declared a personal interest in this matter by virtue of being an employee of Dartmoor National Park).

Councillor Connett MOVED and Councillor Dewhirst SECONDED

Our precious National Parks, including Dartmoor and Exmoor, are loved by millions and used by many thousands of people.

The LOCAL Park Authorities comprise LOCAL representatives who know and serve the community and keep LOCAL oversight of Dartmoor National Park and Exmoor National Park.

Government is understood to be considering setting up a National Landscape Service which would centralise services under one, nationally run, new organisation.

A National Landscapes Service that effectively replaces individual National Park Authorities would not be a positive reform:

·         It is contrary to the Government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda which involves government decentralising power and working more directly with local partners and communities.

·         The 2019 Conservative Party Manifesto stated that “the days of Whitehall knows best are over” (p.26) and pledged to give communities of all sizes far more control. This Council questions how a centralist National Landscapes Service would achieve this.

·         The move is contrary to international good practice in the management of protected landscapes which emphasises the importance of management being undertaken with and through local people and mainly for and by them.

·         Locally run and locally managed National Parks are able to respond in the most appropriate way to their own unique qualities and without the burden and red-tape of national management.

Therefore, this Council urges Government not to proceed with a National Landscape Service or to take any step which will remove local engagement and involvement in our precious national parks and Council instructs the Chief Executive to write urgently to the Prime Minister and local Members of Parliament serving Devon and Somerset setting out our support for our local National Parks.

In accordance with Standing Order 6(6) the Notice of Motion was referred, without discussion, to the Cabinet for consideration.

The Chair and Party and Political Group representatives thanked those Members of the Council not standing for re-election on 6 May 2021 for their many years of service to the Council and to the public of Devon and paid special tribute to the contribution of a number of long serving members and the roles they held, for example former Chair’s and Cabinet Members.

Councillors Ackland, Ball, Berry, Chugg, Colthorpe, Edgell, Greenslade, G Hook, Mathews, Parsons, Trail and Way responded.

Brian Greenslade -member since 1985,

* Stuart Barker - member since 2001

John Clatworthy - member since 1999

Gordon Hook - member since 2005

Nick Way - member since 2005

* Caroline Chugg (Chair) - member since 2009

* Richard Edgell (Vice Chair) - member since 2009

Barry Parsons - member since 2009

Andrew Eastman - member since 2009

Polly Colthorpe -member since 2009

* John Mathews (Chair) - member since 2013

Kevin Ball - member since 2013

Claire Wright - member since 2013

Jackie Hook - member since 2017

Hilary Ackland - member since 2017

Ray Bloxham -member since 2017

Greg Sheldon - member since 2019

* Denotes former chair of Council