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Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: The Great Hall, University of Exeter, EX4 4PZ

Contact: Karen Strahan 01392 382264  Email: karen.strahan@devon.gov.uk

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Media

Items
No. Item

76.

Minutes

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on

2 December 2021.

 

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2021 be signed as a correct record.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 December 2021 be signed as a correct record.

 

The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

77.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chair of the Council reported that the Council had received an ‘inspirational care’ award. Representatives from Unicare Devon, the Northam Care Trust and the Devon Care Homes Collaborative presented an award to express their heartfelt thanks to the Council on behalf of providers across Devon for the support they felt that they had received throughout the year. 

 

The Chair commented that as this was awarded by providers themselves to the DCC team was remarkable and reflected the hard work by the team with providers during COVID.

 

Another good news story was the ‘Mind Of My Own’ Apps which created fully accessible digital participation tools for children’s services. The number of times children in Devon had used the apps to share their views increased by over 400% in the last quarter of 2021, demonstrating how highly Devon valued the voice of the child. The Chair said a big well done to everyone who helped make it happen.

 

The Chair also wished Jennie Stephens (Chief Officer for Adult Care and Health), Dave Black (Head of Service for Planning, Transportation and Environment) in their forthcoming retirements and thanked them for their many years of service in the Council. He also paid tribute to Rob Parkhouse (Head of Service for Digital Transformation & Business Support) who had already retired from the Council.

78.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

79.

Public Participation: Petitions, Questions and Representations

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

There were also no questions or oral representations from members of the public.

80.

Petitions from Members of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader was presented by Councillor Letch, on behalf of residents of Yeoford, with a petition containing 951 signatures asking for the Council to seek funding for a feasibility study into restoration of a second platform at Yeoford Station.

 

A further petition was presented by Councillor Slade on behalf of the village of Halberton, supported by Halberton Parish Council, on Traffic Problems and Road safety in Halberton. The Petition contained 163 signatories.

 

(NB: The relevant Head of Service would be asked to respond direct to the petitioner on the issues raised, within 15 days, letting him/her know how long it would take to undertake the requested review in line with the Council’s Petition Scheme)

81.

Questions from Members of the Council pdf icon PDF 153 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

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

 

·         the number of people in the Council area living with Down Syndrome;

·         whether the Council made recommendations and representations about the current Down Syndrome Bill;

·         any analysis, assessments, strategies and action plans to prepare for the cross party measure becoming law;

·         whether the Council would commit to, lead and champion a new Devon Down Syndrome Charter;

·         amendments to the Highway Code and steps being taken to make the roads safer for people walking, cycling and riding horses on roads in Devon;

·         Rural Road Safety and costed timescale on the Vision Zero South West (VZSW) Road Safety Partnership’s objective to ‘reduce killed and serious injuries (on rural roads) by 50% by 2030 and, ultimately aims to cut killed and serious injuries to zero by 2040’ and how it would be implemented; and

·         the timescale for decisions and intended implementation for the 20mph speed limit routes being invited for proposal.

 

The Leader and relevant Cabinet Members also responded orally, as appropriate, to any 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)

82.

Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 - 2025/26 and Capital Programme 2022/23 - 2026/27 pdf icon PDF 486 KB

In the exercise of its Public Sector Equality Duty, as set out below, the County Council must have full regard to and consider the impact of any proposals in relation to equalities prior to making any decisions and any identified significant risks and mitigating action required.  The overview of the impact assessments for all service areas entitled ‘2022/23 Budget Impact Assessment’ has been circulated separately and is available to all Members of the Council for consideration under this item (alongside any specific equality impact assessments undertaken as part of the budget’s preparation) at https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/published/budget-impact-assessments/. 

 

To receive and approve the Report of the Director of Finance (DF/22/18) together with the Minutes of the Cabinet held on 11th February 2022 relating to the budget.

 

Minutes from the recent Scrutiny Budget meetings (Children’s Scrutiny, Health and Adult Care and Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services) are also attached for the information of Members which contain the Scrutiny Budget Resolutions, attached.

 

The Report of the County Treasurer will follow.

 

The Cabinet Minutes will be available to view at https://democracy.devon.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=4179&Ver=4 shortly.

Additional documents:

Decision:

(Councillors Connett and Dewhirst declared personal interests by virtue of being Members of Teignbridge District Council (and intending to refer to this in debate) and Councillor Hall by virtue of being a Member of East Devon District Council)

 

The Chair of the Council MOVED that the Minutes of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, Health and Adult Care Scrutiny and Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Budget Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 18th, 20th and 27th January 2022 relating to the annual estimates be approved.

 

The MOTION was subsequently put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

The Chair of the Council MOVED and it was duly SECONDED that in accordance with Standing Order 30, Standing Order 14(4) be suspended to permit more than one motion or amendment to be debated at the same time.

 

The MOTION was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor Twiss SECONDED that Cabinet Minute 113 (1-20) setting out the proposed revenue and capital budgets as detailed in Report (DF/22/18) be approved.

 

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

Minutes:

All Members of the Council had been granted a dispensation to allow them to speak and vote in any debate on the setting of the Council Tax or Precept or any fees and charges arising therefrom as a consequence of simply being a resident of or a land, business or property owner in the administrative County of Devon or by being a County Council representative on a local authority company or joint venture or by being a parent or guardian of a child in a school on any matter relating to school meals and school transport, or in relation to being an approved foster parent, providing placements for the Council’s Children in Care or in relation to the setting of members’ allowances or the receipt of allowances from another Authority or as a parent or a guardian of a child in care or in receipt of statutory sick pay or a pension.

 

(Councillors Connett and Dewhirst declared personal interests by virtue of being Members of Teignbridge District Council (and intending to refer to this in debate) and Councillor Hall by virtue of being a Member of East Devon District Council)

 

The Council considered the Minutes of the Cabinet meeting (Minute 113 (1-20) of 11th February 2022), together with the Report of the Director of Finance on the Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 - 2025/26 and Capital Programme 2022/23 - 2026/27 (DF/22/18). This included an assessment of the adequacy of reserves, a range of prudential indicators concerning the financial implications of the capital programme and an assessment that identified risks associated with the budget strategy, together with how the risks would be managed.

 

The budget book contained details of the County Council’s revenue and capital budgets together with associated financial and operational information.

 

The detail of the budget book included:

 

·         Revenue Budget Overview;

·         Statement on the Robustness of the Budget Estimates, the Adequacy of Reserves and Affordability of the Capital Strategy;

·         Capital Programme Overview 2022/23 - 2026/27;

·         Service Budgets;

·         Fees & Charges;

·         Medium Term Financial Strategy 2022/23 - 2025/26;

·         County Fund Balance and Earmarked Reserves 2022/23;

·         Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23 - 2025/26 and Prudential Indicators 2022/23 - 2026/27;

·         Capital Strategy 2022/23 - 2026/27;

·         Risk Analysis of Volatile Budgets; and

·         Abbreviations.

 

The Chair of the Council MOVED that the Minutes of the Children’s Scrutiny Committee, Health and Adult Care Scrutiny and Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Budget Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 18th, 20th and 27th January 2022 relating to the annual estimates be approved.

 

The MOTION was subsequently put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

 

The Council noted that the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee had, at that meeting on 27th January 2022, considered and endorsed the proposed Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23, prior to determination of the budget for that year.

 

The Council further noted that the Council’s financial plans had been drawn up with reference to the County Council’s major policies and objectives, the County Council’s performance framework, demographic changes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

Recorded Vote
TitleTypeRecorded Vote textResult
Amendment in the name of Councillor Gent Amendment Lost
Amendment in the name of Councillor Hannaford Amendment Lost
Amendment in the name of Councillor Connett Amendment Lost
Motion in the name of Councillor Hart Motion Carried
  • View Recorded Vote for this item
  • 83.

    Pay Policy Statement 2022/2023 pdf icon PDF 131 KB

    To receive and approve the Councils Pay Policy Statement, as recommended by the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee (19 January 2022) (Minute 16 refers). The minutes and Pay Policy Statement are attached.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee be approved and that the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 (and consequential changes to the Council’s Constitution) as set out at Minute 16 of that Committee be endorsed and the Constitution amended accordingly.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    Minutes:

    The Council considered the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee held on 19 January 2022 relating to the adoption by the County Council of the proposed Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23.

     

    The Leader of the Council MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the recommendations of the Appointments, Remuneration and Chief Officer Conduct Committee be approved and that the Pay Policy Statement for 2022/23 (and consequential changes to the Council’s Constitution) as set out at Minute 16 of that Committee be endorsed and the Constitution amended accordingly.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    84.

    Cabinet Member Reports pdf icon PDF 300 KB

    To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    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 Hannaford,

    of the Government’s ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper and the progress of the Devon Devolution Deal. The Leader outlined the aims, objectives and ambitions for Devon of the deal, which was one of nine to start formal negotiations to agree a new ‘County Deal’. The pan-Devon area would be a Level 2 area where a County Deal could devolve powers such as control of appropriate local transport functions, ability to introduce bus franchising, the ability to provide input into Local Skills Improvement Plans, and Homes England compulsory purchase powers.

     

    The next step were talks with Ministers and officials over the coming weeks to move ahead as quickly as possible and the Leader committed to keeping Members up to date with progress.

     

    The Report also gave a summarised version of the recent Race Audit report, action points and how the programme of works would move forward. The Leader said that making Devon a fairer and more equal county was one of the six priorities in the Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 which was recently adopted. He also said more work was required to ensure Black, Asian and other Ethnically Diverse staff felt included and were able to express their needs and experiences safely. The proposed 2022/23 budget included provision for additional investment in equality, diversity and inclusion. The Leader said all Members would be invited to participate in a discussion and Scrutiny Committees would also have an important part to play in oversight of progress.

     

    The Report finally explained the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Landscape Recovery Scheme, as part of the Government’s Agricultural Transition Plan (2021 to 2024). This was a move away from direct subsidy payments and Defra was planning to open applications for Landscape Recovery pilot projects in at two rounds over the next two years. The Report commented that through the Councils role on the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) it was supporting organisations to apply and work together to submit applications and provide signposting and information to support their applications.  Also, the County Farms had the opportunity to collaborate with potential lead partners (larger landowners across the County).

     

    The Farms estate (dispersed across the County) did not have the areas of land eligible for the scheme to be a lead partner in the bid but could engage with other stakeholders through the DLNP forum to consider inclusion in the overall bid.

     

    (b) Public Health, Communities and Equality

     

    Councillor Croad circulated a Report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on the current Afghan Refugee Resettlement Scheme, highlighting that the Council, alongside key partners, continued to oversee and support two temporary bridging hotels within the County (Exmouth and Exeter). This included the establishment of a multi-disciplinary team to oversee both hotels which allowed for effective collaboration to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

    85.

    Minutes pdf icon PDF 207 KB

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

     

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    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.

     

    Development Management Committee    -           1 December 2021 and 26

    January 2022           

    Appeals Committee                                     -           6 December 2021 and 7

    February 2022

    Appointments, Remuneration and

    Chief Office Conduct Committee               -           19 January 2022

    Procedures Committee                               -           8 February 2022

    (including Minute 16 and the proposal to increase Members Allowances in line with the staff pay award)

     

    Children’s Scrutiny (ordinary)                   -           18 January 2022

    Health & Adult Care Scrutiny (ordinary)   -           20 January 2022

    Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -           27 January 2022

    Services Scrutiny (ordinary)

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    Minutes:

    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.

     

    Development Management Committee    -           1 December 2021 and 26

    January 2022           

    Appeals Committee                                     -           6 December 2021 and 7

    February 2022

    Appointments, Remuneration and

    Chief Office Conduct Committee               -           19 January 2022

    Procedures Committee                               -           8 February 2022

    (including Minute 16 and the proposal to increase Members Allowances in line with the staff pay award)

     

    Children’s Scrutiny (ordinary)                   -           18 January 2022

    Health & Adult Care Scrutiny (ordinary)   -           20 January 2022

    Corporate Infrastructure & Regulatory     -           27 January 2022

    Services Scrutiny (ordinary)

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    86.

    Restoring Railway Resilience (Minute 72 of 2 December 2021)

    To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 103(a) as an amendment to the following Notice of Motion submitted previously to the Council by Councillor Hannaford and referred thereto in accordance with Standing Order 8(2), namely: 

     

    Council warmly welcomes and celebrates the restoration of the

    Okehampton to Exeter daily rail services after an absence of fortynine

    years.

     

    After many years of strong cross party support at Devon County

    Council, we are especially pleased and proud that the first reopening

    under the governments “Restoring Your Railway Programme” has

    taken place at the heart of Devon.

     

    Hopefully heralding a national railway service revival across the whole

    country, that will see a transformational change in commuter

    movements, and a substantial reduction in harmful emissions.

     

    Council also welcomes the £50,000 to develop a business case to

    reinstate passenger rail links between Tavistock and Plymouth, and the

    new additional funding to reopen Cullompton Railway Station.

     

    However, Council is greatly concerned, that there is still an

    estimated huge gap in regional railway service investment of 4.5 billion

    for the South West Region, based on its ONS projected population

    over the period to 2045.

     

    Therefore, in order to continue to build upon the restoring your railway

    programme, increase the far South West’s general connectivity, secure

    our railway resilience, and crucially assist with the climate emergency,

    Council commits its active support, working with others to lobby, help

    facilitate, and advocate for the following projects;

     

    ·         The completion of the Great Western electrification programme.

    ·         The development of the North of Dartmoor line, connecting Plymouth, via Okehampton and Tavistock.

    ·         Additional passing loops, and an increase in line speeds, between Exeter and Salisbury to improve journey times between Exeter and Waterloo Station.

    ·         Encouraging and working with the logistics sector to commit to a serious switch to rail freight for the distribution of consumer goods, food, and industrial products.

     

    Furthermore, Council resolves to make formal representations to the

    Government, national and regional transport bodies, the business

    sector, and our local Devon Members of Parliament, to secure the

    necessary funding and investment to progress these much needed and

    long awaited improvements.

     

    Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/22/01) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

     

    that Council be recommended to:

     

    (a) continue to work collaboratively with the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body authorities to develop a Peninsula Rail Strategy to inform future rail investment priorities; and

     

    (b) through the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body, work

    closely with rail partners and key stakeholders to make the case for future funding in line with the industry’s Delivery Plan process.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

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

     

    (a) continue to work collaboratively with the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body authorities to develop a Peninsula Rail Strategy to inform future rail investment priorities; and

     

    (b) through the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body, work

    closely with rail partners and key stakeholders to make the case for future funding in line with the industry’s Delivery Plan process.

     

    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.

    Minutes:

    Pursuant to County Council Minute 72 of 2 December 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Hannaford that: 

                           

    Council warmly welcomes and celebrates the restoration of the Okehampton to Exeter daily rail services after an absence of fortynine years.

     

    After many years of strong cross party support at Devon County Council, we are especially pleased and proud that the first reopening under the governments “Restoring Your Railway Programme” has taken place at the heart of Devon.

     

    Hopefully heralding a national railway service revival across the whole country, that will see a transformational change in commuter movements, and a substantial reduction in harmful emissions.

     

    Council also welcomes the £50,000 to develop a business case to reinstate passenger rail links between Tavistock and Plymouth, and the new additional funding to reopen Cullompton Railway Station.

     

    However, Council is greatly concerned, that there is still an estimated huge gap in regional railway service investment of 4.5 billion for the South West Region, based on its ONS projected population over the period to 2045.

     

    Therefore, in order to continue to build upon the restoring your railway programme, increase the far South West’s general connectivity, secure our railway resilience, and crucially assist with the climate emergency, Council commits its active support, working with others to lobby, help facilitate, and advocate for the following projects;

     

    ·         The completion of the Great Western electrification programme.

    ·         The development of the North of Dartmoor line, connecting Plymouth, via Okehampton and Tavistock.

    ·         Additional passing loops, and an increase in line speeds, between Exeter and Salisbury to improve journey times between Exeter and Waterloo Station.

    ·         Encouraging and working with the logistics sector to commit to a serious switch to rail freight for the distribution of consumer goods, food, and industrial products.

     

    Furthermore, Council resolves to make formal representations to the Government, national and regional transport bodies, the business sector, and our local Devon Members of Parliament, to secure the necessary funding and investment to progress these much needed and long awaited improvements.

     

    and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 103(a) of 12 January 2022:

     

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

     

    (a) continue to work collaboratively with the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body authorities to develop a Peninsula Rail Strategy to inform future rail investment priorities; and

     

    (b) through the Peninsula Transport Sub National Transport Body, work

    closely with rail partners and key stakeholders to make the case for future funding in line with the industry’s Delivery Plan process.

     

    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.

    87.

    After COP 26 (Minute 73 of 2 December 2021)

    To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 103(b) 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 

     

    The final draft of the COP26 agreement recognises "the urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action." which is understood by those negotiating on behalf of local government to refer to governance, and mean that action should include all levels of Government from local to central.

     

    This Council

     

    ·         will work with Government and Local Government networks, to make sure the COP26 text is translated into meaningful local and national programmes to reduce carbon which are supported by agreed and sufficient financing by Government;

    ·         demands that national plans formulated by the Government are discussed and negotiated between local and devolved Governments and not imposed centrally by Government;

    ·         demands that when the Government promotes new financial measures addressing climate change, these should be discussed with local Governments and associations before implementation to ensure that the resources are used effectively at a local level and provide value for money; and

    ·         considers the current national Government competitive approach introduced in 2010, which has introduced an array of short-term and one-off funding pots for which Councils have to dedicate resources to bidding for to access to often small pots of money is not an effective way to address action to reduces global warming.

     

    Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/22/01) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

     

    that Council be recommended to endorse the Notice of Motion and continues to work with national government to provide the resources necessary to meet the Paris Agreement commitments’.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council endorse the Notice of Motion and continues to work with national government to provide the resources necessary to meet the 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.

    Minutes:

    Pursuant to County Council Minute 73 of 2 December 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion set out below as previously submitted and formally moved and seconded by Councillor Atkinson that: 

                           

    The final draft of the COP26 agreement recognises "the urgent need for multilevel and cooperative action." which is understood by those negotiating on behalf of local government to refer to governance, and mean that action should include all levels of Government from local to central.

     

    This Council

     

    ·         will work with Government and Local Government networks, to make sure the COP26 text is translated into meaningful local and national programmes to reduce carbon which are supported by agreed and sufficient financing by Government;

    ·         demands that national plans formulated by the Government are discussed and negotiated between local and devolved Governments and not imposed centrally by Government;

    ·         demands that when the Government promotes new financial measures addressing climate change, these should be discussed with local Governments and associations before implementation to ensure that the resources are used effectively at a local level and provide value for money; and

    ·         considers the current national Government competitive approach introduced in 2010, which has introduced an array of short-term and one-off funding pots for which Councils have to dedicate resources to bidding for to access to often small pots of money is not an effective way to address action to reduces global warming.

     

    and having had regard to the advice of the Cabinet set out in Minute 103(b) of 12 January 2022:

     

    Councillor Hart MOVED and Councillor McInnes SECONDED that the Cabinet’s advice be accepted and that Council endorse the Notice of Motion and continues to work with national government to provide the resources necessary to meet the 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.

    88.

    Behaviour Change and Phasing Out Fossil Fuels (Minute 74 of 2 December 2021)

    To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 103(c) 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: 

     

    Further to the outcomes of COP26, which failed to secure strong commitments to phase out fossil fuels, this council will seek to support behaviour change in residents and businesses in the County by implementing initiatives modelled on the Welsh Government’s One Planet Standard and associated Policies. This will include a commitment to switch funding from fossil fuel intense (e.g. new road building) projects to alternative (e.g. Active Travel) projects that will support low carbon, and healthier lifestyles.

     

    Background information at this link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSDnAnpaGHs  

     

    Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/01) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

     

    that Council be recommended to endorse the spirit of the Notice of Motion, continues to help residents and businesses reduce their environmental impact, and continues to take opportunities to invest in low-carbon infrastructure for the people of Devon’.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Chair of the Council MOVED and the Leader of the Council SECONDED that in accordance with standing order 11(11) that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    Minutes:

    The Chair of the Council MOVED and the Leader of the Council SECONDED that in accordance with standing order 11(11) that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    89.

    Community Composting Initiatives (Minute 75 of 2 December 2021)

    To receive and consider the recommendations of the Cabinet (Minute 103(d)) 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 the spirit of COP 26 to reduce the carbon footprint of waste recycling, this Council will encourage and support community composting initiatives that are supported by Parish Councils in the County.

     

    Having had regard to the aforementioned, any factual briefing/position statement on the matter set out in Report (CSO/21/01) and other suggestions or alternatives considered at that meeting the Cabinet subsequently resolved:

     

    that Council be recommended to note the current position and the planned work on community composting and no further action be taken on the Notice of Motion’.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    The Chair of the Council MOVED and the Leader of the Council SECONDED that in accordance with standing order 11(11) that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    Minutes:

    The Chair of the Council MOVED and the Leader of the Council SECONDED that in accordance with standing order 11(11) that the debate be adjourned to the next meeting.

     

    The Motion was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

    90.

    Neonicotinoid Ban

    Councillor Brazil to move:

     

    ‘It is desperately disappointing that once again the Government has permitted the use of a pesticide known to have catastrophic effects on bees. This Council will not permit the use of thiamethoxam or any neonicotinoid pesticides on County farms or any County land. We would also encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices and reduce their reliance on toxic pesticides. The Government needs to support our farmers to do this and uphold its own ban on neonicotinoids’.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

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

    Minutes:

    Councillor Brazil MOVED and Councillor Leaver SECONDED

     

    ‘It is desperately disappointing that once again the Government has permitted the use of a pesticide known to have catastrophic effects on bees. This Council will not permit the use of thiamethoxam or any neonicotinoid pesticides on County farms or any County land. We would also encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable farming practices and reduce their reliance on toxic pesticides. The Government needs to support our farmers to do this and uphold its own ban on neonicotinoids’.

     

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

    91.

    Devon's Cost Of Living Crisis

    Councillor Hannaford to move:

     

    Council notes with concern that;

    According to the House of Commons Library, the UK cost of living has been rising since early 2021, but in December 2021 inflation reached its highest recorded level in decades, seriously affecting the ability of households to afford basic goods and essential services. Economic experts agree that the UK is now expected to experience will be the sharpest fall in disposable incomes since records began in 1990, as the cost of living crisis wreaks havoc among middle and lower-income households.

    Inflation

    Consumer prices, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) , were 5.4% higher in December 2021 than a year before – the highest inflation rate recorded since 1992. In mid-December, the Bank of England forecast the CPI inflation rate to remain around 5% over the winter, before rising to 6% in April 2022. However now against a backdrop of rising household energy prices, the Bank said inflation was on course to peak close to 7.25% in April, a sharp adjustment to its previous forecast.

     

    Fuel and Petrol Prices

     

    Petrol and diesel prices both fell over the first two months of the first lockdown. At the end of May 2020 they were at their lowest level for around five years: the UK average was 104.9 pence for a litre of petrol and 111.7 pence for diesel. Prices increased steadily during most of 2021 and particularly rapidly in October and November. Petrol reached a record price of 147.5 pence per litre on 29 November 2021. Diesel reached a record price of 151.3 pence per litre on the same day. Both prices have fallen slightly since then; on 17 January 2022 average prices were 144.8 and 148.7 pence for a litre of petrol and diesel respectively. However these prices were still historically very high and are even more economically regressive in a rural county like Devon, where driving is often essential.

     

    Housing Costs

    Particularly in the private rental sector ever rising costs are adding pressure to those in most in need. The latest HomeLet Rental Index figures show average monthly rental costs in the UK rose by 8.6 percent, with the average rent being £1,060. An article on the cost-of-living crisis in the homeless charity magazine, The Big Issue, noted, “Already, data shows that private rents are unaffordable for the poorest in the country, with data from 2021 showing that there are just two areas in England where the poorest families spend less than 30 per cent of their income on rent costs.”

    As proven by the research done by Team Devon, the distortion of the rental market from ever more holiday homes, second homes , and an explosion in Airbnb properties, and the scarcity of affordable and social housing in all parts of Devon, are all feeding into this crisis.

    Also following recent Bank of England interest rate increases, homeowners with mortgages are expected to see an average  ...  view the full agenda text for item 91.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

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

    Minutes:

    Councillor Hannaford MOVED and Councillor Whitton SECONDED

    Council notes with concern that;

    According to the House of Commons Library, the UK cost of living has been rising since early 2021, but in December 2021 inflation reached its highest recorded level in decades, seriously affecting the ability of households to afford basic goods and essential services. Economic experts agree that the UK is now expected to experience will be the sharpest fall in disposable incomes since records began in 1990, as the cost of living crisis wreaks havoc among middle and lower-income households.

    Inflation

    Consumer prices, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) , were 5.4% higher in December 2021 than a year before – the highest inflation rate recorded since 1992. In mid-December, the Bank of England forecast the CPI inflation rate to remain around 5% over the winter, before rising to 6% in April 2022. However now against a backdrop of rising household energy prices, the Bank said inflation was on course to peak close to 7.25% in April, a sharp adjustment to its previous forecast.

     

    Fuel and Petrol Prices

     

    Petrol and diesel prices both fell over the first two months of the first lockdown. At the end of May 2020 they were at their lowest level for around five years: the UK average was 104.9 pence for a litre of petrol and 111.7 pence for diesel. Prices increased steadily during most of 2021 and particularly rapidly in October and November. Petrol reached a record price of 147.5 pence per litre on 29 November 2021. Diesel reached a record price of 151.3 pence per litre on the same day. Both prices have fallen slightly since then; on 17 January 2022 average prices were 144.8 and 148.7 pence for a litre of petrol and diesel respectively. However these prices were still historically very high and are even more economically regressive in a rural county like Devon, where driving is often essential.

     

    Housing Costs

    Particularly in the private rental sector ever rising costs are adding pressure to those in most in need. The latest HomeLet Rental Index figures show average monthly rental costs in the UK rose by 8.6 percent, with the average rent being £1,060. An article on the cost-of-living crisis in the homeless charity magazine, The Big Issue, noted, “Already, data shows that private rents are unaffordable for the poorest in the country, with data from 2021 showing that there are just two areas in England where the poorest families spend less than 30 per cent of their income on rent costs.”

    As proven by the research done by Team Devon, the distortion of the rental market from ever more holiday homes, second homes, and an explosion in Airbnb properties, and the scarcity of affordable and social housing in all parts of Devon, are all feeding into this crisis.

    Also following recent Bank of England interest rate increases, homeowners with mortgages are expected to see  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

    92.

    Motion for the Ocean - Ocean Recovery Declaration

    Councillor Aves to move:

     

    Devon County Council is developing the Devon Carbon Plan aiming to reach net zero carbon by 2050 at the latest. The Plan includes the ambition to enhance the ability of habitats along our 200 miles of coast, in our countryside and in our villages, towns and cities to store carbon. This offers tremendous opportunities to reverse the decline of biodiversity and restore healthy ecosystems. This council has shown its wider environmental values through its support of projects such as the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. 

     

    In May 2019, after Devon County Council declared a Climate Emergency, a partnership formed to respond to the climate and ecological emergency in Devon. Its members represent private sector interests, environmental organisations, academic institutions, and public bodies, including our neighbours Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council. Plymouth City Council is leading the way in connecting people to the ocean through the development of the UK’s first National Marine Park, in Plymouth Sound and as the first Council to pass the Ocean Recovery Declaration.

     

    International and national context

     

    The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development runs from 2021 to 2030. Last year the UK hosted COP26 in Glasgow and the G7 came to Cornwall. The UK Government has publicly declared its ambition to be a global leader in marine conservation. All eyes are on the ocean.

     

    There is national and global recognition that the world ocean is in crisis. The impact of the climate crisis on the ocean is profound, including in our local waters. Raised atmospheric carbon dissolves in the seawater and causes ocean acidification, dissolving the shells, reefs and other hard parts of marine animals. The heating of the climate causes ocean heating too which makes some parts of the ocean intolerable for life and is changing what lives and is caught locally. It also increases the volume of the ocean which causes sea level rise, added to by ice melt at the poles. Thanks to a more turbulent climate, increased storminess and sea level rise is a serious threat to all coastal communities, economies and infrastructure including Devon coasts. Marine microplastics have been found in all marine environments and in the bodies of many species, including humans. Fish stocks collapse from permitted and illegal overfishing. Poor water quality is impacting seafood and preventing safe bathing.

     

    We must play our part in securing the sustainability and health of the ocean. Action is needed at all levels, from individuals developing their ocean literacy (understanding of the relationship between people and the ocean), individual and collective marine citizenship (promoting and demanding an ocean recovery through local, national and international policy changes).

     

    This Council declares an urgent need for Ocean Recovery.

     

    We recognise that we need ocean recovery to meet our net zero carbon targets, and we need net zero carbon to recover our ocean.

     

    This Council pledges to:

     

    1. Report to Full Council within 6 months on the actions and projects that will begin an ocean recovery in Devon.

     

    2. Embed  ...  view the full agenda text for item 92.

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

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

    Minutes:

    Councillor Aves MOVED and Councillor Barnes SECONDED

     

    Devon County Council is developing the Devon Carbon Plan aiming to reach net zero carbon by 2050 at the latest. The Plan includes the ambition to enhance the ability of habitats along our 200 miles of coast, in our countryside and in our villages, towns and cities to store carbon. This offers tremendous opportunities to reverse the decline of biodiversity and restore healthy ecosystems. This council has shown its wider environmental values through its support of projects such as the Exe Estuary Management Partnership. 

     

    In May 2019, after Devon County Council declared a Climate Emergency, a partnership formed to respond to the climate and ecological emergency in Devon. Its members represent private sector interests, environmental organisations, academic institutions, and public bodies, including our neighbours Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council. Plymouth City Council is leading the way in connecting people to the ocean through the development of the UK’s first National Marine Park, in Plymouth Sound and as the first Council to pass the Ocean Recovery Declaration.

     

    International and national context

     

    The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development runs from 2021 to 2030. Last year the UK hosted COP26 in Glasgow and the G7 came to Cornwall. The UK Government has publicly declared its ambition to be a global leader in marine conservation. All eyes are on the ocean.

     

    There is national and global recognition that the world ocean is in crisis. The impact of the climate crisis on the ocean is profound, including in our local waters. Raised atmospheric carbon dissolves in the seawater and causes ocean acidification, dissolving the shells, reefs and other hard parts of marine animals. The heating of the climate causes ocean heating too which makes some parts of the ocean intolerable for life and is changing what lives and is caught locally. It also increases the volume of the ocean which causes sea level rise, added to by ice melt at the poles. Thanks to a more turbulent climate, increased storminess and sea level rise is a serious threat to all coastal communities, economies and infrastructure including Devon coasts. Marine microplastics have been found in all marine environments and in the bodies of many species, including humans. Fish stocks collapse from permitted and illegal overfishing. Poor water quality is impacting seafood and preventing safe bathing.

     

    We must play our part in securing the sustainability and health of the ocean. Action is needed at all levels, from individuals developing their ocean literacy (understanding of the relationship between people and the ocean), individual and collective marine citizenship (promoting and demanding an ocean recovery through local, national and international policy changes).

     

    This Council declares an urgent need for Ocean Recovery.

     

    We recognise that we need ocean recovery to meet our net zero carbon targets, and we need net zero carbon to recover our ocean.

     

    This Council pledges to:

     

    1. Report to Full Council within 6 months on the actions and projects that will begin an ocean recovery in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 92.


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