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Venue: Council Chamber, The Guildhall, Market Square, Cambridge, CB2 3QJ [access the building via Peashill entrance]. View directions
Contact: Glenn Burgess Committee Manager
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Request to film the meeting The Mayor gave permission for Mr Carpen to film the meeting. It was confirmed that if members of the public or speakers expressed a desire not to be filmed, filming would cease. |
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To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2014 PDF 135 KB Minutes: The minutes of the 12 June 2014 meeting were approved as a
correct record and signed by the Mayor. |
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Mayor's Announcements Minutes: 1. APOLOGIES No apologies had been received. 2. Cambridge Summer Music Festival The Mayor confirmed that a concert would take place on Friday 25 July at
the Guildhall as part of the Cambridge Summer Music Festival. The event
featured Jacqui Dankworth and a collection would be taken up in aid of the
Mayor’s two charities – Disability Cambridgeshire and Tom’s Trust. 3.
Joint City/University First World War Centenary Service The Mayor confirmed
that an ecumenical service would take place in Great St. Mary’s Church on
Monday 4 August at 6pm to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War.
The service would be followed by a reception in the University Combination Room
hosted by the University. On the same evening,
the City Council would be participating in the national “Lights Out” initiative
where households and businesses across the UK were invited to turn out lights
and display a lit candle in their windows. The Mayor and the Vice-Chancellor
would each light a candle in the windows of the Guildhall fronting the Market
Square. 4.
Cambridge-Heidelberg-Montpellier Youth Orchestra The Mayor confirmed
that the Cambridge-Heidelberg-Montpellier Youth Orchestra concert would take
place on Saturday 9 August followed by a civic reception. The event would bring
together young musicians from each of the three cities. 5. Mayor’s Day Out The Mayor confirmed
that the Mayor’s Day Out to Great Yarmouth would take place on Thursday 21
August. 6. Cambridge Open Weekend The Mayor confirmed
that the City Council had again joined with the University of Cambridge to
participate in the Open Cambridge weekend. The Council Chamber and civic suite
would be open to the public on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 September with a timed
talk about the civic insignia on both dates.
7. Harvest Festival Civic Service The Mayor confirmed
that the Harvest Festival Civic Service
would take place on Sunday 12 October at 9.30am at Great St. Mary’s Church. 8. PRESENTATION
OF RESOLUTION OF THANKS On behalf of the City Council, the Mayor presented Paul Saunders with a
framed copy of the Resolution of Thanks passed at the annual meeting of the
Council on 12 June. 9. DECLARATIONS
OF INTEREST
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Public Questions Time - see at the foot of the agenda for details of the scheme Minutes: Mr Lucas-Smith
addressed the Council and made the following points: ·
He was speaking as the Chair of Cambridge
Cycling Campaign which had over 1000 members. ·
Welcomed the mention of the Cycle Campaign
and the publication ‘Making Space for Cycling’ in Motion 7c. ·
The guide was a national publication that had
been endorsed by every national cycling group in the Country. ·
Walkers, cyclists and disability groups had
been consulted when producing the guide and the three groups agreed that shared
spaces resulted in problems. ·
The goals of the guide could be achieved in
Cambridge. ·
Newmarket Road was cited as an example of a
road with potential as it was wide but currently cluttered with out of date
street furniture. ·
In the future increasing cycling rates would
be important for the growth agenda. ·
Space would need to be used efficiently. ·
Progress with the Chisholm Trail was
welcomed. The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport stated that
he would respond to the comments made when the motion was considered later in
the meeting. Mr Carpen
addressed the Council and made the following points: ·
Drew Member’s attention to the flyer that had
been distributed for the ‘Be the Change Cambridge’ event due to be held at
Anglia Ruskin University in September. ·
Stated that the aim of the event was to bring
people together to make Cambridge a better place. ·
The event organisers want to work with the
Council. ·
Expert facilitators would be leading the
event. ·
Two charities, including one supported by the
Mayor, would benefit from the event. ·
The goal of the event was to engage the wider
community in shaping a Cambridge for the future. ·
There would be a role for Councillors at the
event. The Leader responded and made the following statements. ·
Councillors acknowledged their role in leading
the debate whilst listening to the views of others. ·
Confirmed that he would be attending the
event. ·
Welcomed the inclusiveness of the event. ·
Agreed that others should help shape the
debate. |
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To consider the recommendations of the Executive for Adoption |
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Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Owers
introduced the following changes to his 2014/15 Budget recommendation:
i.
Deletion of LS6 To be replaced with
ii.
Additional Waste Service £10k saving per annum from 2015/16
iii.
Reduced contribution to “Sharing Prosperity Fund” by £5k
in 2014/15 Full details
available via: In response
Councillor Bick proposed an updated Liberal Democrat 2014/15 Budget amendment. Full details
available via: On a show of hands
the amendment was lost by 13 votes to 25, with 3 abstentions. Resolved (by 25 votes to 13, with 3 abstentions): To
approve the budget changes as outlined in the following: General Fund Revenue Budgets: To
approve the following revenue budget changes: -
for items funded
from General Fund Reserves, as shown in Appendix A of the officer’s report. -
for items funded from
External or Earmarked Funds, as shown in Appendix B of the officer’s report Capital & Revenue Projects Plan: To
approve the capital amendment, as shown in Appendix C of the officer’s report. Earmarked Reserves: To
approve changes as follows: -
Amend the ‘Keep Cambridge Moving Fund’. The
Budget-Setting Report approved by Council in February 2014 included a
contribution to this fund of £1,063.9k. It was now proposed to reduce this to
£263.9k in order to fund the new Earmarked Reserves outlined below. The updated
Earmarked and Specific Funds were shown in Appendix D of the officer’s report. -
Establishing an earmarked reserve of £500,000 for ‘Sharing Prosperity
Fund’, with the remit: Sharing Prosperity Fund Formal Remit: To provide resources to fund fixed-term and one-off projects
and proposals (which can be made through the budget process by members or
officers, subject to consideration by the relevant scrutiny committee and the
Anti-Poverty Strategy Project Board) that support the interim objectives of the
council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, namely: 1 Helping people on low incomes
to maximise their income and minimise their costs 2 Making the move into work
easier 3 Helping low income families
with the cost of raising a child 4 Breaking the link between poor
health and poverty 5 Ensuring that vulnerable older
people get the services that they need and reducing the social isolation they
can experience 6 Helping people with high housing
costs and improving the condition of people’s homes 7 Working in partnership to tackle wider barriers to
employment and engagement (e.g. transport, learning and skills) Establishing
an earmarked reserve of £300,000 for ‘Fixed-Term Priority Project Fund’, with
the remit: Fixed-Term
Priority Project Fund Formal Remit: To use non-ongoing, potentially
short-term or uncertain sources of income, most obviously New Homes Bonus, for
fixed-term costs. The creation of this fund will allow such sources of income
to be used for priority projects without building in unsustainable ongoing
revenue commitment Earmarked Reserves ‘Sharing
Prosperity Fund’ (SPF) That
£500,000 of the balance of unapplied New Homes Bonus Funding for 2014/15
(currently in “Keep Cambridge Moving” Earmarked Fund) be used to create a
‘Sharing Prosperity Fund’. It would provide resources to fund fixed-term and
one-off projects and proposals (which can be made through the budget process by
members or officers, subject to consideration by the relevant scrutiny
committee and the Anti-Poverty Strategy Project Board) that support the
objectives of the council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, ‘Fixed-Term Priority Project Fund’ (FTPPF) -
Currently the
Priority Policy Fund (PPF) could be used to fund ongoing revenue costs as well
as fixed-term or one-off projects. In future years it would be used solely to
fund ongoing revenue costs, not fixed-term or one-off projects. -
That a new fund,
similar to the PPF but only available for funding non-ongoing, fixed-term
projects, be set up, called the Fixed-Term Priority Project Fund (FTPPF). This
can then harness non-ongoing, potentially short-term or uncertain sources of
income, most obviously NHB. The creation of this fund would allow such sources
of income to be used for priority projects without building in unsustainable
ongoing revenue commitments. £300,000 of the balance of unapplied New Homes
Bonus Funding for 2014/2015 (currently in “Keep Cambridge Moving” Earmarked
Fund) would be used to create this fund. Capital
To
approve the change identified in Appendix C of the officer’s report, namely to
delete the 'Capital contribution to the 'Keep Cambridge Moving Fund' of
£111,140 and delete from Capital Plan SC593. Full details
available via: |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved (by 39 votes to 0,
with 3 abstentions): Revenue:
i.
To agree the final carry forward requests,
totalling £469,010, as detailed in Appendix C of the officer’s report, subject
to the final outturn position. Capital:
ii.
To carry forward (net) capital resources to fund
re-phased capital spending of £15,828,000 as shown in Appendix D of the
officer’s report - Overview. (Note: this includes HRA £11,733,000) |
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Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Owers
introduced a revised Appendix D to the officer’s report (page 136 of the agenda
pack). The tabled change is
available via: The revision clarified the change to the Investment
Strategy regarding commercial property and read 'Increase the limit for
investment in the CCLA Local Authorities' Property Fund' (as underlined). This
therefore now excluded direct investment in commercial property which would be
dealt with through the capital planning process. Resolved (by 28 votes to 0,
with 14 abstentions):
i.
To
approve the report as amended, which included the Council’s
actual prudential and treasury indicators for 2013/14.
ii.
To
Approve the amendments to the Treasury Management Strategy as summarised below:- -
Increase
Counterparty limits -
Increase
the limits for longer term investments -
Include
other Building Societies on Counterparty list -
Include
suggested foreign banks on Counterparty list -
Include
Investment Commercial Properties on Counterparty list pending a more detailed
report on commercial property to the Chair, Executive Councillor
and Spokes. The details of the above recommendations are shown in Paragraph 4.2 of
the officer’s report and Appendix D of the officer’s report (as amended). |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Blencowe
introduced a revised Appendix C of the officer’s report (page 156-157 of the
agenda pack). The tabled change is
available via (page 30-31): The appendix had been
redrafted to better reflect the discussion at the Environment Scrutiny
Committee on 8 July 2014. Resolved (by 41 votes to 0,
with 1 abstention):
i.
To approve an amendment to the constitution to
include a new convention for the Planning Committee involving a deferred
decision making process for appropriate cases.
ii.
That the convention process to be introduced for a
12 month trial period from September 2014. The convention to apply in the
circumstances where the committee resolves that it is minded to refuse or
approve major applications schemes contrary to the recommendation of its
officers and be subject to the operational arrangements outlined in Appendix C
of the officers report (as amended).
iii.
To delegate to the Heads of Legal and Planning
Services authority to amend the constitution to include the new convention,
amend procedures, update guidance, provide training as necessary to ensure the
smooth implementation of the new convention.
iv.
To request the Head of Planning Services to provide
a review report to Environment Scrutiny Committee on cases where the convention
has applied, after 12 months operation. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved (by 26 votes to
14): i.
To
rescind the delegation of powers to Area Committees to determine planning
applications and enforcement matters set out in paragraph 11.3 of the terms of reference
for Area Committees (section 11 of Part 3 of the Constitution) to come into
effect from 1 October 2014. ii.
To
delegate responsibility for determining those applications and enforcement
matters to the Planning Committee with effect from 1 October 2014. iii.
To
endorse the operating principles for the Planning Committee set out in
paragraph 3.10 of the officer’s report and adopting the approach set out in
option1 in the officer’s report. iv.
To
delegate authority to the Heads of Corporate Strategy, Legal and Planning
Services to make changes to the constitution, committee operating arrangements,
publications, procedures and any other matters as necessary to secure the
smooth implementation of this change, consulting with the Executive Councillor,
Chair and Vice Chair and Opposition Spokes of Planning Committee as appropriate
and necessary. |
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Re-ordering of the agenda The Mayor used her discretion, under
paragraph 4.2.1 of the Council Procedure Rules, to alter the order of the
agenda. However, for the ease of the reader the minutes will follow
the order of the printed agenda. |
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To consider the recommendations of Committees for Adoption |
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Code of Corporate Governance PDF 46 KB Additional documents: Minutes: Resolved (unanimously): i.
To approve the
Code of Corporate Governance. |
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Constitutional Impact - Transfer of Planning Items from Area to Central Planning Committee PDF 44 KB Adoption minute to follow Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Cantrill proposed and Councillor Pitt seconded the following
amendment to the recommendation (amendment underlined):
i.
To agree
Area Committee meeting frequency is altered from the current ‘every eight
weeks’ to ‘at least six times
per year’ commencing from October 2014, with each Area Committee continuing, as
now, to set its own timetable of meetings for the municipal year; and On a show of hands this amendment was lost by 12 votes to 25. Resolved (by 26 votes to 12):
ii.
To agree
Area Committee meeting frequency is altered from the current ‘every eight
weeks’ to ‘at least four times per year’ commencing from October 2014, with
each Area Committee continuing, as now, to set its own timetable of meetings
for the municipal year; and
iii.
To
instruct the Head of Legal Services to amend the Constitution to reflect this
change. |
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City Council Appointment to the Conservators of the River Cam PDF 39 KB Adoption minute to follow Minutes: Resolved (unanimously):
i.
That Councillor Tunnacliffe
take the place of Councillor Reiner on the Conservators of the River Cam. |
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To deal with Oral Questions Minutes: 1. Councillor
Martin Smart to the Executive Councillor for Housing Is it true, as
the latest Julian Huppert and Andy Blackhurst leaflet claims, that the Council
is stopping work where improved wheelchair access is needed by tenants? The Executive Councillor
responded that it was not true that work had stopped. The Council was committed
to improving wheelchair access and these comments were simply scaremongering. 2. Councillor Benstead to
the Executive Councillor for Housing What has been the response of Lichfield Road
tenants and residents since his decision not to demolish the happy community in
Lichfield Road? The Executive Councillor
responded that no negative responses had been received from tenants regarding
the withdrawal of the redevelopment plans. Residents that had made comment had
said that they were really happy not to have to move out of their homes. 3. Councillor
Smith to the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources What actions has
the Executive Councillor taken to tackle issues associated with the unlicensed
punt station at Garret Hostel Lane? The
Executive Councillor responded that the City Council, Cam Conservators and the
Police were working together to resolve the illegal use of Garret Hostel Lane by commercial
punt operators. Use of Garret
Hostel Lane for commercial punt tours was a breach of the Cam Conservators
Byelaws and was an illegal activity. The Cam Conservators had taken action in
this respect and would continue to do so. In addition to
legal action, the Council was working with the County Council with a view to
creating a barrier to prevent the loading and unloading of punts from this
location. This location was considered unsuitable on health and safety grounds,
congestion of the river, lack of facilities and congestion created on Garret
Hostel Lane. The Council was
also looking at making more information available to the public and tourists
about how and where to get a safe punt tour. Officers would meet
on Tuesday 29 July to review the situation and the actions to be taken. 4. Councillor
Todd-Jones to the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources Can the
Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources outline the status of the proposal
passed as part of the 2014/15 budget for additional investment in the Council’s
commercial property portfolio? The Executive Councillor
responded that a capital bid of £816,000 had been made for 2014/15. However as
business rates were not progressing as planned there was not enough money to
make a substantial difference to the commercial portfolio. In order to make a
substantial difference there would need to be additional investment of £4m -
£5m. 5. Councillor Pitt to the Executive Councillor for
Environmental, Waste and Public Health What lessons
have been learned from the response to the issues raised by the bin strike? The Executive Councillor responded that the City
Council had issued numerous press releases before and after the strike in order
to keep the public informed of potential effects on service. Information had
also been issued via the City Council’s website, Twitter feed and Facebook
pages. However it was acknowledged that there was always more that could be
done to ensure that the public were as informed as possible. To address safety concerns, the collection of food
waste bins may be prioritised in the future for any planned strike days. 6. Councillor Ratcliffe to the Executive Councillor for Community, Arts
and Recreation Can the
Executive Councillor for Community, Arts and Recreation confirm that the recent
grants review will prioritise funding for voluntary and community groups which
assist in tackling inequality in the city, and that this will be achieved
despite significant cuts to the Council’s core budget as voted for by the Lib
Dem Cambridge MP, Julian Huppert? The Executive
Councillor responded that the recent grants review would now prioritise funding
for voluntary and community groups which helped tackle inequality in the city.
Due to cuts of 40% in Government grants, which MP Julian Huppert had voted for,
the City Council had to find savings of £5m by 2018. At a time when
former Councillor Brown was the relevant Executive Councillor a report on the
Grants Review was brought to the Community Services Scrutiny Committee in
January 2014. This report made many references to the need to make savings. 7. Councillor
Reid to the Leader Will this
Council take every opportunity it can to achieve multi-party representation in
making Councillor Appointments to external bodies? The Leader responded that, whilst it was dependent
on the particular circumstance, the Council’s position was that appointments be
made with input from all parties. 8. Councillor Bick
to the Leader Does the Leader
agree that even though we are waiting for revised legislation to enable a
combined authority for Greater Cambridge, the time is nevertheless now ripe for
the establishment of an interim governance structure for the Greater Cambridge
City Deal so there can be proper public transparency and democratic involvement
of this and the other two partner Councils in the preparation for action in all
the areas covered by the Deal - transport, housing, land use planning and
skills? The Leader responded that the City Deal would only
take affect when the full detail was available. An agreement had not yet been
confirmed as legislation was still outstanding from the coalition government. A Shadow Board had met and the wider governance
structures were likely to be set up by the end of the year. The following Oral Questions were also tabled, but owing to the expiry
of the period of time permitted, were not covered during the meeting: 9. Councillor Gawthrope to the Executive Councillor for Environment,
Waste and Public Health Can the
Executive Councillor for Environment, Waste and Public Health let me know what
measures are being put in place to help boost recycling? 10. Councillor
Perry to the Executive Councillor for Environment, Waste and Public Health Can the
Executive Councillor for Environment, Waste and Public Health please let me
know how the Council's litter and dog bin mapping is coming along? 11. Councillor
Bick to the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources In deflecting
from the one week delay in city rubbish collections the Executive Councillor
for Environment, Waste and Public Health talked about the recent local
authority workers' strike as a dispute between the coalition Government and
workers who aren't paid a fair wage for what they do". Given this view,
since taking office, what direction has the new Executive given the Council
employers side of the national negotiations where Labour (not the coalition
government) are in the lead position, and what upward adjustment does he expect
to make to the existing provision for Council pay increases in the Mid-Year
Financial review? 12. Councillor
Perry to the Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources Can the Executive Councillor for Finance and
Resources outline what steps he will be taking to help Cambridge residents
struggling with their energy and water bills? 13. Councillor Ratcliffe to the Executive Councillor for Environment,
Waste and Public Health Can the
Executive Councillor for Environment, Waste and Public Health update us on the
current situation regarding distribution of pocket ashtrays? |
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To consider the following Notices of Motion, notice of which has been given by: |
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Councillors Price and Todd-Jones This Council supports the launch of the SHOUT
(Social Housing Under Threat) campaign on 18 June
2014. It agrees with SHOUT that building social housing - social rented homes -
is at the core of tackling the housing crisis nationally and locally in
Cambridge and that social rented housing meets needs that other tenures cannot
address. This Council also notes that:
i.
Under
the coalition government the funding of social housing has become increasingly
marginalised with the latest prospectus for bidders from the Homes and
Community Agency stating that 'social rent provision will only be supported in
very limited circumstances.'
ii.
The
coalition government's Affordable Rent programme' linking grant funding to
rents of up to 80% of market rents is quite simply unaffordable and there is
evidence that even setting Affordable Rents of 65% of local market rents is
putting homes out of reach of many in Cambridge.
iii.
Social
housing faces great challenges in meeting the needs of those affected by
welfare cuts and rule changes over the last three years, including the damaging
‘bedroom tax’, and increased pressure from the escalating number of council
homes lost through the Right to Buy after the significant increase in discount
in April 2012 from the coalition government. This Council therefore resolves:
i.
that
the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the two MPs for
Cambridge, Julian Huppert MP and Andrew Lansley MP,
laying out the case for a social rent level of 60% of local market rent as
'affordable' for current and potential City Homes tenants, and requesting their
support for this and lobbying of the Minister for Communities and Local
Government to ensure the Affordable Housing Programme favours a Cambridge
Social Rented Programme.
ii.
To
consider how the City Deal can deliver a programme of new council homes at
affordable social rent levels, including working in partnership with other
providers and local authorities.
iii.
To
support the work of the SHOUT campaign and take a lead in affirming the
positive value and purpose of social rented housing. Minutes: Councillor Price proposed and Councillor
Todd-Jones seconded the following motion: “This Council supports the launch of the
SHOUT (Social Housing Under Threat) campaign on 18 June
2014. It agrees with SHOUT that building social housing - social rented homes -
is at the core of tackling the housing crisis nationally and locally in
Cambridge and that social rented housing meets needs that other tenures cannot
address. This Council also notes that:
i.
Under
the Coalition Government the funding of social housing has become increasingly
marginalised with the latest prospectus for bidders from the Homes and
Community Agency stating that 'social rent provision will only be supported in
very limited circumstances.'
ii.
The
Coalition Government's Affordable Rent programme' linking grant funding to
rents of up to 80% of market rents is quite simply unaffordable and there is
evidence that even setting Affordable Rents of 65% of local market rents is
putting homes out of reach of many in Cambridge.
iii.
Social
housing faces great challenges in meeting the needs of those affected by
welfare cuts and rule changes over the last three years, including the damaging
‘bedroom tax’, and increased pressure from the escalating number of council
homes lost through the Right to Buy after the significant increase in discount
in April 2012 from the coalition government. This Council therefore resolves:
i.
that
the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the two MPs for
Cambridge, Julian Huppert MP and Andrew Lansley MP,
laying out the case for a social rent level of 60% of local market rent as
'affordable' for current and potential City Homes tenants, and requesting their
support for this and lobbying of the Minister for Communities and Local
Government to ensure the Affordable Housing Programme favours a Cambridge
Social Rented Programme.
ii.
To
consider how the City Deal can deliver a programme of new council homes at
affordable social rent levels, including working in partnership with other
providers and local authorities.
iii.
To
support the work of the SHOUT campaign and take a lead in affirming the
positive value and purpose of social rented housing.” Councillor Blackhurst proposed and Councillor Catherine Smart seconded the following amendment: Delete all after “This Council notes” and
replace with –
i.
In
the period 1997-2007 new social rented housing was delivered in England, on
average, at just half the rate achieved in the period 1992-1997, which has
contributed to the current national housing shortage. That the Coalition Government
has taken decisive steps to increase the supply of affordable housing, with
£19.5 billion of public and private investment in the current Spending Review,
and has freed those local authorities which retained their housing stock from
financial controls which prevented their direct investment in new housing. The
introduction of affordable rents, pegged at no more than 80% of local market
rents is facilitating the delivery of additional housing capacity.
ii.
This
Council has successfully argued that to be “affordable” rents should be defined
in relation to the availability of housing benefit.
iii.
This
Council has made full use of the discretionary payments regime, funded by
Central Government, to those seeking appropriately-sized accommodation, since
the removal of the spare room subsidy was extended to those in social rented
accommodation. However the removal of the subsidy can only be an effective and
fair incentive for the release of larger homes if there is an adequate supply
of smaller homes, so the subsidy should not be removed from tenants who have
not been offered appropriate alternative accommodation.
iv.
The
Homes and Communities Agency currently indicate that they will only support
funding for traditional social rented accommodation in limited circumstances
(for example in regeneration schemes where decanting is necessary), though
social rented accommodation may still be supported through the application of
Council resources (funding or land). This Council therefore resolves:
i.
that
the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the two MPs for
Cambridge, Julian Huppert MP and Andrew Lansley MP,
laying out the case for a continuing role for social rent levels for new, as
well as existing, City Homes accommodation, and requesting their support for
this and lobbying of the Minister for Communities and Local Government to
ensure the Affordable Housing Programme favours a Cambridge Social Rented
Programme.
ii.
To
consider how the City Deal can deliver a programme of new council homes at
affordable social rent levels, including working in partnership with other
providers and local authorities.
iii.
To
support the work of the SHOUT campaign and take a lead in affirming the
positive value and purpose of social rented housing. On a show of hands the amendment was lost by
12 votes to 23. Resolved (by 24 votes to 0)
that: This Council supports the launch of the SHOUT
(Social Housing Under Threat) campaign on 18 June
2014. It agrees with SHOUT that building social housing - social rented homes -
is at the core of tackling the housing crisis nationally and locally in
Cambridge and that social rented housing meets needs that other tenures cannot
address. This Council also notes that:
iv.
Under
the Coalition Government the funding of social housing has become increasingly
marginalised with the latest prospectus for bidders from the Homes and
Community Agency stating that 'social rent provision will only be supported in
very limited circumstances.'
v.
The
Coalition Government's Affordable Rent programme' linking grant funding to
rents of up to 80% of market rents is quite simply unaffordable and there is evidence
that even setting Affordable Rents of 65% of local market rents is putting
homes out of reach of many in Cambridge.
vi.
Social
housing faces great challenges in meeting the needs of those affected by
welfare cuts and rule changes over the last three years, including the damaging
‘bedroom tax’, and increased pressure from the escalating number of council
homes lost through the Right to Buy after the significant increase in discount
in April 2012 from the coalition government. This Council therefore resolves:
iv.
that
the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council write to the two MPs for
Cambridge, Julian Huppert MP and Andrew Lansley MP,
laying out the case for a social rent level of 60% of local market rent as
'affordable' for current and potential City Homes tenants, and requesting their
support for this and lobbying of the Minister for Communities and Local
Government to ensure the Affordable Housing Programme favours a Cambridge
Social Rented Programme.
v.
To
consider how the City Deal can deliver a programme of new council homes at
affordable social rent levels, including working in partnership with other
providers and local authorities.
vi.
To
support the work of the SHOUT campaign and take a lead in affirming the
positive value and purpose of social rented housing. |
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Councillors Birtles and Dryden Cambridge City
Council deplores the illegal practice of 'blacklisting' within the construction
industry and will ensure that any company known to have been involved in
blacklisting practices, and not to have indemnified their victims, will not be
invited to tender for contracts until they have:
i.
identified the steps taken to remedy blacklisting
for affected workers
ii.
identified the steps taken to ensure blacklisting
will not happen again, and
iii.
given assurances that they do not employ
individuals who were named contacts for the Consulting Association. The Council asks
officers to prepare a report for the Leader and Strategy and Resources Scrutiny
Committee on implementation of this policy. Minutes: Councillor Birtles proposed and Councillor Dryden seconded the following motion: “Cambridge City
Council deplores the illegal practice of 'blacklisting' within the construction
industry and will ensure that any company known to have been involved in
blacklisting practices, and not to have indemnified their victims, will not be
invited to tender for contracts until they have:
i.
identified the steps taken to remedy blacklisting
for affected workers
ii.
identified the steps taken to ensure blacklisting
will not happen again, and
iii.
given assurances that they do not employ
individuals who were named contacts for the Consulting Association. The Council asks
officers to prepare a report for the Leader and Strategy and Resources Scrutiny
Committee on implementation of this policy.” Resolved (unanimously) to agree the motion as set out
above. |
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Councillor Cantrill This Council
notes:
i.
that the Tour de France event in Cambridge on
Monday 7th July was an overwhelming success for the city.
ii.
the hard work of council officers, volunteers
and all other organisations involved in the holding of the event.
iii.
the decision taken by the City Council in 2012, to
host the event only on the basis that the cost to the council was for the use
of its existing resources - particularly at a time of financial austerity.
iv.
the event was a demonstration of the City Council's
ability to work with many stakeholders over a period of two years to deliver an
event that reinforces Cambridge as a city where cycling is at its heart. This Council
believes that a lasting, permanent legacy of the Tour de France will be a true
measure of its success and will create that legacy by resolving to:
i.
continue to build on its
existing commitment to cycling across all areas of the council's activities -
as illustrated by the recent investment in new cycle racks across the city
centre.
ii.
commend the publication 'making space for cycling'
and to consider, to the extent where the policy does not already exist, the
adopting of the proposals within the publication.
iii.
commit to support and press for the delivery of
the Chisholm Trail, a major piece of cycling infrastructure, by the County
Council and other key stakeholders.
iv.
continue to lobby for
additional cycle infrastructure on major roads in the city (similar to the
schemes recently approved by the County Council on Hills Road and Huntingdon
Road). Minutes: Councillor Cantrill proposed and Councillor Moore seconded the
following motion: “This Council
notes:
i.
that the Tour de France event in Cambridge on
Monday 7 July was an overwhelming success for the city.
ii.
the hard work of council officers, volunteers
and all other organisations involved in the holding of the event.
iii.
the decision taken by the City Council in 2012, to
host the event only on the basis that the cost to the council was for the use
of its existing resources - particularly at a time of financial austerity.
iv.
the event was a demonstration of the City Council's
ability to work with many stakeholders over a period of two years to deliver an
event that reinforces Cambridge as a city where cycling is at its heart. This Council
believes that a lasting, permanent legacy of the Tour de France will be a true
measure of its success and will create that legacy by resolving to:
i.
continue to build on its
existing commitment to cycling across all areas of the council's activities -
as illustrated by the recent investment in new cycle racks across the city
centre.
ii.
commend the publication 'making space for cycling'
and to consider, to the extent where the policy does not already exist, the
adopting of the proposals within the publication.
iii.
commit to support and press for the delivery of
the Chisholm Trail, a major piece of cycling infrastructure, by the County
Council and other key stakeholders.
iv.
continue to lobby for
additional cycle infrastructure on major roads in the city (similar to the
schemes recently approved by the County Council on Hills Road and Huntingdon
Road).” Councillor Johnson
proposed and Councillor Martin Smart seconded the following amendment: Delete all and
replace with: “This Council notes:
i.
That the Tour de
France event in Cambridge on Monday 7 July was an overwhelming success for the
city; ii.
That the event
was only possible through hard work, partnerships and planning over two years,
in particular the tremendous work of the staff of the City and County Councils,
the Police, South Cambridgeshire District Council, volunteers including the
‘Tour Makers’ and the contributions of others notably ASO the Tour de France
organisers; iii.
The much
appreciated financial support from TdFHub Ltd and
national organisations that enabled the event to be held at no additional
financial cost, and through existing Council resources; iv.
The spectacular
success of community events including the Velo
Festival that has allowed community groups, local businesses, schools, and
others to contribute their passion for cycling through cultural and sporting
activities; v.
The funding
received from Arts Council England, which supported a series of cultural
activities, including the highly successful Cycle of Songs commission; vi.
The ongoing
partnership with Sport England and now introducing British Cycling in promoting
cycling in all its forms, and continuing work with organisations including You
Can Bike Too in increasing participation among under-represented groups; vii.
The progress
already underway by the council through its Legacy and Activity Group in
bringing together local sports and cycling clubs, community groups, schools,
charities and other interested parties to develop ideas for future events that
celebrate cycling in Cambridge, and viii.
Work being led by
the Business and Tourism Legacy Group organised by Visit Cambridge to develop
the economic legacy from the event. The Council will work with the County Council and
partners in continuing to create a lasting legacy of the Tour de France and
asks officers to bring a report to the Environment and Planning Policy Scrutiny
Committee to:
i.
Build on our
Council-wide commitment to the promotion of safe and secure cycling, as
illustrated by investment in new cycle racks in the city centre and beyond; ii.
Ensure all new
schemes take into account best practice as set out in the Cambridge Cycling
Campaign, ‘Making Space for Cycling’ report and related publications, and
consider how best to implement its proposals and conclusions through the
planning process; iii.
Commit to support
and press for the delivery of the Chisholm Trail, and support wider investment
and delivery in cycling infrastructure in and around Cambridge, and iv.
Continue to lobby
for additional high quality cycling and pedestrian improvements in the city
centre and on major roads, including schemes similar to those recently approved
by the County Council on Hills Road and Huntingdon Road.” On a show of hands
the amendment was carried unanimously. Resolved (unanimously) that: This Council notes: ix.
That the Tour de
France event in Cambridge on Monday 7 July was an overwhelming success for the
city; x.
That the event
was only possible through hard work, partnerships and planning over two years,
in particular the tremendous work of the staff of the City and County Councils,
the Police, South Cambridgeshire District Council, volunteers including the
‘Tour Makers’ and the contributions of others notably ASO the Tour de France
organisers; xi.
The much
appreciated financial support from TdFHub Ltd and
national organisations that enabled the event to be held at no additional
financial cost, and through existing Council resources; xii.
The spectacular
success of community events including the Velo
Festival that has allowed community groups, local businesses, schools, and
others to contribute their passion for cycling through cultural and sporting
activities; xiii.
The funding
received from Arts Council England, which supported a series of cultural activities,
including the highly successful Cycle of Songs commission; xiv.
The ongoing
partnership with Sport England and now introducing British Cycling in promoting
cycling in all its forms, and continuing work with organisations including You
Can Bike Too in increasing participation among under-represented groups; xv.
The progress
already underway by the council through its Legacy and Activity Group in
bringing together local sports and cycling clubs, community groups, schools,
charities and other interested parties to develop ideas for future events that
celebrate cycling in Cambridge, and xvi.
Work being led by
the Business and Tourism Legacy Group organised by Visit Cambridge to develop
the economic legacy from the event. The Council will work with the County Council and
partners in continuing to create a lasting legacy of the Tour de France and
asks officers to bring a report to the Environment and Planning Policy Scrutiny
Committee to: v.
Build on our
Council-wide commitment to the promotion of safe and secure cycling, as
illustrated by investment in new cycle racks in the city centre and beyond; vi.
Ensure all new
schemes take into account best practice as set out in the Cambridge Cycling
Campaign, ‘Making Space for Cycling’ report and related publications, and
consider how best to implement its proposals and conclusions through the
planning process; vii.
Commit to support
and press for the delivery of the Chisholm Trail, and support wider investment
and delivery in cycling infrastructure in and around Cambridge, and viii.
Continue to lobby
for additional high quality cycling and pedestrian improvements in the city
centre and on major roads, including schemes similar to those recently approved
by the County Council on Hills Road and Huntingdon Road. |
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Written Questions No discussion will take place on this
item. Members will be asked to note the written questions and answers document as
circulated around the Chamber.
Minutes: There were no written questions. |
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Special Urgency Decisions Part 4B
paragraph 16 of the Council’s Constitution, permits Special Urgency decisions
to be taken by the relevant Executive Councillor with the agreement of the
Chair of the relevant Scrutiny committee. Para 17.3 of the Access
to Information Procedure Rules requires that these decisions be reported back
to Council for information. |
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Building Cleaning In House Bid PDF 44 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The decision was noted. |
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Consultation About Area Joint Committee Proposal PDF 43 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: The decision was noted. |