Agenda and minutes

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record be kept of the Members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting. Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Town Clerk.

Apologies for absence for the meeting had been received from Councillors Spurr, Gray, Morris and Bowater.

(i)    Under the Localism Act 2011 (sections 26-37 and Schedule 4) and in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, Members are required to declare any interests which are not currently entered in the Member’s Register of Interests or if he/she has not notified the Monitoring Officer of it.

(ii)   Should any Member have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in an item on the agenda, the Member may not participate in consideration of that item unless a Dispensation has first been requested (in writing) and granted by the Council (see Dispensation Procedure).

Councillors Freeman, Hemmings, Kharawala and Cursons declared a personal interest in item 8 (Community Volunteer Nominations) due to involvement in the Carnival Committee and Councillor Goodchild a personal interest in planning application CB/22/04501 due to being vice president of Leighton Buzzard Cricket Club.

Councillor Kharawala advised the Council that she had attended many events during the festive season which included carol concerts, services and the Older Persons Christmas Lunch held at Astral Park.  This event was well received and the attendees were thankful to be able to socialise together again following cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.

The next fundraising event would be the Charity Meal at the Shan Shui restaurant on 31 January followed by the Relax and Recharge afternoon on 12 February.  The last three charity fundraising events scheduled for this municipal year were a bingo night in March, a Spring Fair at Astral Park and a Tea and Tour of All Saints Church, both in April. These would be open to all and it was hoped these would add to the money already raised for her charities.

Councillor S Jones, Leader of the Conservative group, spoke to welcome the newly appointed Head of Cultural & Economic Services to her first full Council meeting.

Councillor R Goodchild, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group, informed members of the recent passing of Adrian Heffernan who had been a Councillor and to extend condolences from the Liberal Democrat group to his family.  Councillor Goodchild also spoke of his continuing concerns regarding crime in the town and the disappointing recent decision made by the Beds, Luton & Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board to not deliver the health facilities the town needed, specifically a Health Hub and new GP surgeries in Eastern Leighton Buzzard and Linslade, adding to the huge pressure on local health services.

Councillor P Carberry, Leader of the Labour group also gave his condolences to Adrian Heffernan’s family as a former fellow Labour councillor.  He agreed with the concerns raised regarding decision by the BLMK ICB to not address the lack of health facilities in the town which, he felt, could lead to serious problems in the health and wellbeing of the townspeople.

To receive questions and statements from members of the public as provided for in Standing Order Nos.3 (e)(f)(g) and (h). 

There were no questions from members of the public.

(a)        To receive and approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 November 2022 (attached) in accordance with Standing Order 12.

(b)        To receive information updates on matters arising from the previous meeting (two letters attached in response to minute reference 385).

(a)      Council received the draft minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 November 2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Council meeting held on 28 November 2022 be approved as a correct record and were signed accordingly.

(b)   Council received updates on matters arising from the previous meeting.

Minute reference 385 (Bedfordshire Police Response times): Members were informed that the possibility of an increase in police officers within the town had been raised by Bedfordshire Police officers at the Community Safety Sub Committee on 16 January but that no official communication had been received regarding this. 

An invitation had been emailed to all Leighton Linslade Town Councillors from the local Member of Parliament inviting them to a meeting with the Chief Constable and all councillors were urged to attend.   

Council received two letters received from the Chief Constable and from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in response to correspondence sent following the previous Council meeting. Members agreed to wait until after the meeting on 10 February to decide whether any further response or follow up meeting would be required.

Further to the report presented to the Policy and Finance Committee on 23 January 2023, to receive and consider approval of the 2023-24 Risk Register and Action Plan (to follow).

Council received and considered the 2023-2024 Risk Register and Action Plan, which had been presented to the Policy and Finance Committee at its meeting on 23 January 2023 and was recommended for approval.

RESOLVED to endorse the Risk Register Action Plan for 2023-2024, to be signed by the Town Mayor and the Responsible Finance Officer.

Further to the information presented to the Policy and Finance Committee on 23 January 2023, to receive and consider approval of nominations for the 2023 Community Volunteer awards (information to follow).

Council received and considered approval of nominations for the 2023 Community Volunteer Awards, following recommendation by both the Grants & Awards Sub-Committee and the Policy & Finance Committee. On being put to a vote, the recommendations were carried unanimously. The awards would be presented at the Civic Service on 26 February 2023.

RESOLVED to award the 2023 Community Volunteer Awards to Anne Guess and Ian Summerfield in recognition of their years of voluntary community service to benefit the town.

Further to the report presented to the Policy and Finance Committee on 23 January 2023 (report and draft budget to follow), to consider any recommendations from that Committee and to:

i)             approve the budget for 2023-2024

ii)            set the precept demand for 2023-2024

iii)           authorise the Town Clerk to submit the precept demand for 2023-2024 to Central Bedfordshire Council.

Council received a report in respect of the proposed budget and precept for the financial year 2023-2024.

It was noted that the proposed income and expenditure budget had been reviewed and was recommended for approval by all committees with budgetary responsibility, culminating in a recommendation for approval made by the Policy & Finance Committee on 23 January 2023.

An amendment to the proposed budget was proposed by Councillor R Goodchild and seconded by Councillor P Snelling, to reduce the Community Safety budget to £20,000 from £40,000, with the resulting £20,000 to be moved to the Professional Fees budget, with the potential that it could be utilised to progress the planning of development of Land South of the High Street.  As there was already a Community Safety earmarked reserve and the underspend from the current financial year would top this up further, it was felt that the revenue budget line could be reduced for 2023-24.

After discussion, although sympathetic to the proposed amendment, Members felt that the Community Safety budget should remain at its current level to allow for revenue spending on schemes such as youth or community projects. It was felt that any additional funding which might be required in future for professional fees could potentially be met from general reserves.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was not carried (3 for, 13 against and 1 abstention). 

On being proposed and seconded, a vote to approve the proposed revenue budget for 2023-24 was approved (12 in favour, 4 abstentions). 

RESOLVED:

(a)  To endorse the report and the budgetary recommendations made by the other committees with budgetary responsibilities.

(b)  To approve the proposed revenue budget for 2023-2024 (total expenditure £2,874.353 less anticipated income £271,365) in accordance with the recommendation made by the Policy and Finance Committee at its meeting held 23 January 2023.

Having approved the budget, Council considered how to meet the budget requirement of £2,602,988.  Despite an increase in the tax base of 210 properties, there would be a shortfall of £144,168. A number of options were presented to demonstrate how this shortfall could be met.

Whilst recognising that Council costs had risen at a high inflationary level in line with the national picture, Members were cognisant of the impact of cost of living pressures on residents.

It was proposed and seconded that the earmarked reserve set aside to support the precept fund be used in its entirety to meet £101,389 of the shortfall, with the remainder being met by a 1.7% increase in precept. This represented an annual increase of £2.86 for a Band D property which was a minimal increase for residents in a difficult economic climate. This option would also have minimal impact on the Council’s capital programme and existing earmarked and general reserves.

A range of views were expressed regarding the level of reserves and potential precept increase prior to a vote to taking place.

On being taken to a vote, the proposal to meet the budget shortfall through use of the Precept Support  ...  view the full minutes text for item 398.

Further to the draft Calendar of Meetings 2023-2024 presented to Policy & Finance Committee on 23 January 2023, to receive and consider approval of a draft meeting calendar (to follow).

Further to the recommendation made by the Policy and Finance Committee on 23 January 2023, Council gave consideration to the proposed Calendar of Meetings for the municipal year 2023-2024.  A suggested change in start time from 1930 hours to 1900 hours for evening meetings was raised. This could be considered further by the new Council administration in May.

RESOLVED to approve the Calendar of Meetings for 2023-2024.

(i)                  To receive and note the Minutes of Committee meetings held between 15 November 2022 - January 2023 as specified below (attached).

(ii)                 To consider therecommendations contained in committee minutes which have not already been resolved, as specified below.

(iii)           To receive any relevant verbal updates from officers or Committee Chairs and any councillor comments or questions relating to the below minutes. (Standing Order 5(l)(x) allows 15 minutes in total and 2 minutes per question /comment).

a)           Planning & Transport Committee             23 November 2022

b)           Grounds & Environmental Committee      5 December 2022

c)            Partnership Committee                             8 December 2022

d)           Cultural & Economic Committee               12 December 2022

Recommendation at 156/CE (original committee report attached)

e)               Planning & Transport Committee            14 December 2022

f)                Planning & Transport Committee            4 January 2023

g)              Policy & Finance Committee                  23 January 2023 (to follow)

(i)     Council received the draft minutes of Committee meetings held since the Council received and noted the minutes of the Committee meetings held between 15 November 2022 – 23 January 2023 specified below.

RESOLVED to receive and note the minutes of the following meetings:

• Planning & Transport Committee                   23 November 2022
• Grounds & Environmental Committee           5 December 2022
• Partnership Committee                                   8 December 2022
• Cultural & Economic Committee                   12 December 202
• Planning & Transport Committee                  14 December 2022
• Planning & Transport Committee                  4 January 2023
• Policy & Finance Committee                         23 January 2023

(ii)       Council considered the recommendation at minute reference 156/CE in the Cultural & Economic Services Committee minutes of 12 December 2022 regarding the 55UP Project and making a formal resolution to become an “age-friendly” community. On being proposed and seconded, the recommendation was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED to become an Age-Friendly Community and join the UK Network of Age Friendly Communities/World Health Organisation Global Network.

(iii)      A question was raised regarding the purpose of the Partnership Committee. This had been discussed at the last meeting of that Committee and it was understood that the local authority would survey committee members for their thoughts, for future consideration regarding the joint committee purpose and term of reference.  A six monthly update report from Central Bedfordshire Council on matters relating to Leighton-Linslade would be presented at the next committee meeting on 9 March.

The meeting was adjourned for a brief break at 2054 hours and reconvened at 2100 hours.

To receive a report regarding public open space adoption (as recommended by the Grounds & Environmental Services Committee) and to consider the recommendation/s contained therein (to follow).

Council received a report in respect of the potential transfer of Public Open Space to the Town Council, following a recommendation made previously by the Grounds and Environmental Services Committee. The presumption was that the commuted sum offered would fund maintenance of the land for a period of up to twenty years and an annual amount would therefore be vired from an earmarked reserve into the appropriate Grounds Maintenance and salaries budget each year for this purpose.

RESOLVED

(a)          To note the report.

(b)          To approve the adoption of land as set out on the appended map and accept the financial sum of £249,364.68 to fund maintenance of this land for up to twenty years.

(c)          To delegate authority to the Town Clerk to deal with all matters involved in this adoption.

(d)          In accordance with a resolution made under standing order 23,  Councillors Kharawala and Berry to sign, on behalf of the Council, any document required by law and the Proper Officer shall witness their signatures in relations to this transfer.

To receive and note delegated decisions made on behalf of Council/committees in accordance with the agreed procedure since November 2022:

(a)      To take on the planting and maintenance (only) of the newly installed planter in the High Street. As a third party asset, we will not be held responsible should the planter fail or be damaged in any way. (Grounds & Env Committee, November 2022)

Council received the delegated decisions made on behalf of the Council / committees in accordance with the agreed procedure since November 2022.   Only one such decision had been made on behalf of the Grounds & Environmental Services Committee: to take on the planting and maintenance (only) of the newly installed planter in the High Street.  As a third party asset, Grounds and Environmental Services would not be held responsible should the planter fail or be damaged in any way.

RESOLVED to note the delegated decisions made since November 2022.

To receive questions from Councillors to the Chairman as provided for in Standing Order 27, provided three clear days’ notice of the question has been given (Questions /statements should not exceed 3 minutes).

One question had been submitted by Councillors in advance of the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 27:

“Given government approval of the proposed pan-regional partnership for the Oxford to Cambridge corridor that includes Central Bedfordshire Council, could the Town Clerk, at his earliest opportunity, seek a briefing from Central Bedfordshire Council to establish what potential opportunities and tangible benefits this powerful economic partnership could bring to Leighton-Linslade”

It was agreed that this action would be taken.

No changes to appointments to Committees were made.

No changes to appointments to outside bodies were made and no update reports were received.

To consider the below Motion submitted by Councillor S Owen on 12 January 2023 and seconded by Councillor R Goodchild: 

That this Council has No Confidence in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board to deliver the Health facilities the town needs, specifically a Health Hub to deliver decentralised hospital services and new GP surgeries in Eastern Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.

Reasons: ICB’s failure to

1. Undertake public consultation over their plans and permit democratic challenge (so failing in its statutory duty).
2. Publish its project evaluation criteria to the public or consider the case put forward advanced by this Council for prioritisation for Leighton Buzzard health projects.
3. Ensure fair access by different communities in its area to financial investment in Health facilities, again failing its statutory obligations
4. Plan adequate frontline doctor and nurse staffing in Leighton Buzzard surgeries, so creating a current crisis in patient appointment access.

Council considered a motion submitted by Councillor S Owen and seconded by Councillor R Goodchild:

That this Council has No Confidence in the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board to deliver the Health facilities the town needs, specifically a Health Hub to deliver decentralised hospital services and new GP surgeries in Eastern Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.

Reasons: ICB’s failure to

1. Undertake public consultation over their plans and permit democratic challenge (so failing in its statutory duty).
2. Publish its project evaluation criteria to the public or consider the case put forward advanced by this Council for prioritisation for Leighton Buzzard health projects.
3. Ensure fair access by different communities in its area to financial investment in Health facilities, again failing its statutory obligations.
4. Plan adequate frontline doctor and nurse staffing in Leighton Buzzard surgeries, so creating a current crisis in patient appointment access.

In introducing the Motion, Councillor Owen expressed regret that this was needed but it was felt to be a last resort following years of attempted engagement with the relevant authorities regarding the town’s healthcare needs. A public meeting held on 18 January 2023 had seen a great deal of anger and frustration expressed by residents.

Several councillors spoke in support of the Motion, expressing disappointment that it was necessary and acknowledging this was about bureaucracy and not about front line staff. It was noted that the NHS nationally was in crisis, but agreed that ensuring health services kept pace with housing growth was essential and that funding should be commensurate with that. In particular, Members expressed disappointment in a lack of engagement or public consultation.

On being put to a vote, the Motion was carried unanimously and the Town Clerk asked to write to the Chief Executive of the Integrated Care Board, the Chief Executive of Central Bedfordshire Council, the Member of Parliament, the local GP practices and GP Patient Participation Groups to convey the resolution.

RESOLVED to declare that this Council has no confidence in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Hub to deliver the health facilities the town needs, specifically a Health Hub to deliver decentralised hospital services and new GP surgeries in Eastern Leighton Buzzard and Linslade. 

To receive and consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor V Harvey:

This council will proactively engage in partnership working with Health agencies, CBC Adult Social Care and Children’s services and other agencies and the community to seriously explore the possibility of planning, fund raising and delivering a multi-purpose building within the Land South of the High Street area that can support the needs of the town council, health and community needs. For example, a large council chamber could also be used as a Community Hall when there are not council meetings. There could be additional rooms as part of the building to fulfil community needs and health needs. The council would pursue this agenda through its existing committees on Health and South Side and also through Partnership Committee.

Rationale:

This Council has been discussing the possibility moving to premises on the Land South of the High Street due to a range of issues including oversupply of office space and the fact that the council chamber is too small for full Council meetings especially if they are well attended by residents.

There is a need for more health facilities in the town and the Patient Participation Groups have made it very clear that Land South of the High Street is   by far the most desirable location in order that all residents across the town can access them.

There is also a significant need for building space for a community hub/ café, outreach services from CAB, Age UK/ CBC Children’s Services and Housing, Space for large meetings for community groups, community groups that not only really support the needs of the town’s residents but also support social inclusion and the whole preventative agenda on health with arts/ crafts/music movement/ knit and Natter, Repair café etc. (This is a different sector of need to the proposals from the Peppercorn). Funds might need to be drawn down if the plans for a multi-purpose building progress. However this motion   is about the first stage of exploration. Publicly agreeing this as an ambition for LLTC and working through the committees will start the conversation with a range of potential partners and will reveal the practical opportunities, constraints, feasibility and potential funding sources.  

The meeting is due to end by 2200 hours at the latest unless Standing Order 3(x) is suspended before this time.

Council considered a motion submitted by Councillor V Harvey regarding Land South of the High Street:

This council will proactively engage in partnership working with Health agencies, CBC Adult Social Care and Children’s services and other agencies and the community to seriously explore the possibility of planning, fund raising and delivering a multi-purpose building within the Land South of the High Street area that can support the needs of the town council, health and community needs. For example, a large council chamber could also be used as a Community Hall when there are not council meetings. There could be additional rooms as part of the building to fulfil community needs and health needs. The council would pursue this agenda through its existing committees on Health and South Side and also through Partnership Committee.

Rationale:

This Council has been discussing the possibility moving to premises on the Land South of the High Street due to a range of issues including oversupply of office space and the fact that the council chamber is too small for full Council meetings especially if they are well attended by residents.

There is a need for more health facilities in the town and the Patient Participation Groups have made it very clear that Land South of the High Street is   by far the most desirable location in order that all residents across the town can access them.

There is also a significant need for building space for a community hub/ café, outreach services from CAB, Age UK/ CBC Children’s Services and Housing, Space for large meetings for community groups, community groups that not only really support the needs of the town’s residents but also support social inclusion and the whole preventative agenda on health with arts/ crafts/music movement/ knit and Natter, Repair café etc. (This is a different sector of need to the proposals from the Peppercorn). Funds might need to be drawn down if the plans for a multi-purpose building progress. However this motion   is about the first stage of exploration. Publicly agreeing this as an ambition for LLTC and working through the committees will start the conversation with a range of potential partners and will reveal the practical opportunities, constraints, feasibility and potential funding sources.  

In introducing the Motion, Councillor Harvey emphasised the need for community facilities to capitalise on the prevention of healthcare issues agenda, thereby reducing pressure on local doctors and hospitals.

Several Members spoke and it was generally felt that this work was already in progress.

It was proposed and seconded that in order to continue the meeting past 2200 hours, Standing Order 3(x) be suspended for a maximum of five minutes.

RESOLVED to suspend Standing Order 3(x) for a maximum of five minutes.

After discussion, the majority of members agreed with the Motion and acknowledged that the town had a deficit of community infrastructure. On being put to a vote, the Motion was carried (11 for, 5 abstentions).

RESOLVED to proactively engage in partnership working with Health agencies, CBC Adult  ...  view the full minutes text for item 407.