Agenda and minutes

Councillors Kay and Suthers declared an interest in Motions 2 and 3 as they were both were in receipt of a state pension.

Councillor Rider declared an interest in all matters relating to Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council as a Member of the Parish Council.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on the 1 August 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record with a correction to minute 121 in particular supplementary question 13 to delete the £ sign which should then read 1,820.

RESOLVED that the attendance matrix be noted.

The Mayor

The Mayor thanked everybody who attended and contributed towards his Charity Race night last Friday at Cleveland Golf Club, it was a good night enjoyed by all and raised nearly £3000 overall with the sponsorship, so a fantastic amount to raise. 

His next charity fundraiser would be on Friday, 8November at Loftus Social Club, with live music featuring the Beer Pigs and pie & peas, for £10 a ticket, tickets available from Jane Holmes. 

He announced that on the 18 October there would be a town twinning visit from our twin town of Troisdorf in Germany, when a group including two Deputy Mayor’s would be making a visit to the area, we looked forward to welcoming them.

He had attended many engagements since the last Council meeting, but one of the main ones was the Sod Cutting Ceremony for the new pool at Eston, which showed that we were moving forward with the project and everybody could look forward to the future new pool in Eston.

The Leader.

I would like to welcome newly elected Councillor Crane to his first Borough Council meeting.

I am sure all members will welcome the reopening of the Saltburn Tramway.

A lot of work went into making this happen after all the damage caused by the fire in the pump room in January. It is a historic attraction and there were restrictions on how we did the work, but now it is open again and will remain open into the winter months for residents and visitors to enjoy.

We had good interest from residents interested in becoming foster carers at our recent ‘meet the carers’ event at Kirkleatham Walled Garden.

Members of the public got the chance to speak to people who already foster children and young people for us and this will hopefully lead to us increasing our number of in-house foster carers.

Living with a foster family gives children and young people in our care the best chance of a great start in life and is more cost-effective for us as a council.

Since we last met, our borough has hosted two big events for the public.

Thousands of visitors came to Redcar to enjoy the Between the Tides free festival for children and their families.

The weather was challenging, with high winds meaning we had to reorganise some of the events, but that didn’t spoil the enjoyment.

Also, the crowds came out to watch the country’s elite cyclists compete in a stage of the Tour of Britain.”

The cyclists passed through East Cleveland towards the stage finish in Redcar.

There was entertainment for families and live television coverage of the event showcased our borough nationally once again, with viewers seeing stunning views of our fantastic coast and countryside. “

The Managing Director advised Members that he had asked the Monitoring Officer to step down for this meeting due to a conflict on the agenda however the Deputy Monitoring Officer was in attendance.

There were no questions from Members of the public.

Review of Statement of Principles for Gambling.

The Council considered and received a report presented by Councillor Pallister and seconded by Councillor Brown that advised that the Gambling Act 2005 required the council to publish, and review every three years, a statement of the principles which it proposed to apply when exercising its regulatory functions in relation to gambling activities.

The report set out the Council’s review of its Statement of Principles and sought approval to progress the review.

RESOLVED that the Draft Statement of Principles be approved.

Financial Update – Quarter 1 – 2024/25.

The Council considered and received a report presented by Councillor Massey and duly seconded by Councillor Brown setting out the forecast year-end position for the Council as at Quarter 1 of the 2024/25 financial year and covered the revenue budget, the collection fund, revenue reserves, the capital investment programme, our arrangements for Treasury Management, and approval requests for debt write-offs.

Cabinet were reminded that the forecast financial position needed to be considered within the context of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2024/25 to 2028/29, which was approved by Full Council on 29 February 2024.

The report also sought confirmation of authority to proceed with the acquisition of properties in relation to the redevelopment of Eston Precinct, as approved in principle by the Cabinet in a report dated 11 July 2023 in relation to the Levelling Up Fund Round 2 (LUF Rd2).

RESOLVED that in terms of the capital investment variations Borough Council approves:

·       Additional Council resources of £1.312 million for additional IT expenditure, costs associated with reconfiguring Seafield House, Saltburn cliff lift, digitalisation of telecare equipment and the purchase of equipment for assisted technology;

·       Inclusion of a £1.000 million Business Transformation scheme for 2024/25 and £2.500 for 2025/26. This is following the approval of the Flexible Capital Receipts Policy by the Borough Council as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy report in February 2024; 

·       Transfer of £0.099 million of grant funding between the Education block and Council Investments for Highcliffe air source heating scheme;

A)   Report of the Cabinet Member for Children (HEREWITH)

B)    Report of the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation          (HEREWITH)

(A period of 10 minutes, or such longer period at the discretion of the Mayor, will be set aside for questions which must be succinct and relate directly to matters within the report).

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Councillor Suthers presented a report which gave an update on his portfolio and answered Member’s questions.

Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport.

Councillor Quartermain presented a report which gave an update on his portfolio and answered Member’s questions.

:- NOTED.

Reports of the Governance Director and Monitoring Officer:

A)   Review of Proportionality and Distribution of Seats      (HEREWITH)

Review of Proportionality and Distribution of Seats.

The Managing Director sought confirmation of the revised proposed distribution of seats resulting from a change in political balance following the recent by-election and a change in political group membership.

RESOLVED that the distribution of seats to the different political groups as set out herein so that the appointments of Members to Committees and other bodies can be subsequently made.

Motion 1.

MOVED by Councillor Morgan and duly seconded by Councillor Joy that:

“The Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many feel that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, this council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In Redcar & Cleveland, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 25,297. That means 85.5% of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them - and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

Council resolves to:

•   Instruct the Managing Director to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Managing Director write to all MPs covering Redcar & Cleveland asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

•   Request all group leaders within Redcar & Cleveland sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.

•   Redcar & Cleveland Council to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.”

Motion 2.

MOVED by Councillor Learoyd and duly seconded by Councillor Hargreaves that:

This council reverses the undemocratic, potentially unlawful, and secretive decision made by officers on 25 July 2024, to not defend the appeal lodged by Taylor Wimpey and Earl of Ronaldshay at the planning inquiry for R/2023/0181/FFM (Land Adjacent to Silverdale Gardens) on 8 October 2024."

Motion 3.

MOVED by Councillor Thomson and duly seconded by Councillor Smith  ...  view the full agenda text for item 131.

Motion 1.

MOVED by Councillor Learoyd and duly seconded by Councillor Hargreaves that:

“This council reverses the undemocratic, potentially unlawful, and secretive decision made by officers on 25 July 2024, to not defend the appeal lodged by Taylor Wimpey and Earl of Ronaldshay at the planning inquiry for R/2023/0181/FFM (Land Adjacent to Silverdale Gardens) on 8 October 2024."

The Motion was put to the vote whereupon it was declared lost.

Motion 2.

MOVED by Councillor Morgan and duly seconded by Councillor Curr that:

“The Council notes the recent announcement by the Labour Government to end universal winter fuel payments and restrict eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credits and other benefits.

Though many feel that universal Winter Fuel Payments are not necessary, this council is deeply concerned that many pensioners on lower and middle incomes will now not receive the payments. Across England and Wales the number of people eligible for winter fuel payments will fall by 10 million (from 11.4 million to only 1.5 million).

In Redcar & Cleveland, the number of pensioners affected by the change in eligibility criteria is 25,297. That means 85.5% of pensioners currently eligible for winter fuel payments will no longer be able to claim the payment from this winter onwards.

Council believes that the Labour Government has set the threshold at which pensioners do not qualify for Winter Fuel Payments far too low. Only those receiving a pension of less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 a week for couples) are eligible for pension credits. This is significantly lower than the living wage rate.

Council is also concerned by the low take up of pension credit with only 63% of those eligible nationwide receiving them - and over 880,000 pensioners not doing so. Council recognises the role we have to play to increase awareness of benefits such as Pension Credit to ensure people are aware of the support they are entitled to.

Council further notes that the Energy Price Cap is due to rise by 10% in October, which combined by the removal of Winter Fuel Payments will push thousands of local pensioners into fuel poverty.

Council resolves to:

Instruct the Managing Director to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the policy on linking Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit receipt to be immediately paused and introduce a new threshold to determine eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments. Council further requests the Managing Director write to all MPs covering Redcar & Cleveland asking them to give their formal support to halting the changes to the Winter Fuel Payment eligibility.

Request all group leaders within Redcar & Cleveland sign a joint letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer calling for the new Winter Fuel Payment policy to be suspended and reviewed.

Redcar & Cleveland Council to urgently commence a significant awareness campaign to maximise uptake of pension credits. This will include use of council noticeboards, social media, promotion in local press and also targeted letters to those who may be eligible.”

AMENDMENT proposed by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

Where there are vacancies or changes in appointment:

·         To appoint Members of Council Bodies and Representatives to serve on other bodies to which Members are appointed by the Council; and

·         To approve any changes to Committee membership and to appoint Chairs and Vice Chairs where appropriate.

RESOLVED:-

1.That the following changes to Committee Membership be approved.

Councillor Curr to replace Councillor Bendelow on Governance Committee.

Councillor Learoyd to replace Councillor Lavan on Growth Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor Crane to replace Councillor J Thompson on Growth Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Conservative Councillor (name to be confirmed and sent to Democratic Services) to replace Councillor Joy on Children and Families Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor Learoyd to replace Councillor Jeffery on Adults, Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor Crane to replace Councillor Curr on Adults, Wellbeing and Health Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor Curr to replace Councillor Symon on Children and Families Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor Salvin to replace Councillor Pugh on Corporate Resources and Governance Scrutiny & Improvement Committee

Councillor Fairley to fill vacant seat on Corporate Resources and Governance Scrutiny & Improvement Committee

Councillor Pugh to replace Councillor Hargreaves on Climate and Environment Scrutiny and Improvement Committee.

Councillor R Clark to fill vacant seat on Children and Families Scrutiny & Improvement Committee

Councillor Brown to fill vacant seat on Appointments Panel

Councillor Richardson to fill vacant seat on River Tees Port Health Authority

Councillor Crane to replace Councillor Curr on Tees Valley Joint Health Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Fairley to replace Councillor Neal on Tees Heritage Trust Ltd

2.That following a vote Councillor McInnes replaces Councillor Pugh on North Yorks Moor National Park

Questions to the Chair, Members of the Cabinet, Chairs of any Committee or Sub-Committee, Members of the Fire Authority, Police and Crime Panel or the Tees Valley Combined Authority Scrutiny Committee, for which notice has been given.

The Mayor advised that due to the lack of time, the questions that had been received would either be answered in writing or resubmitted to the next meeting.

:-NOTED.