Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mark Hinman, Sandra Peake and Janet Tait.

Members should declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non Statutory Interest as defined by the Members’ Code of Conduct in respect of:

a)  any business on the agenda

b)  any matters arising out of those items

and if appropriate, withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time.

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

To receive any announcements that the Chair of the Council may desire to lay before the meeting.

The Chair thanked all those who had already purchased tickets for his Civic Dinner, which was taking place on Friday 23^rd February 2024 to raise money for his chosen charity this year, The Royal British Legion.  Tickets were still available from the Governance Team if anyone else wished to attend and support the event.

Mandy Chambers, Chair of the Bolsover Partnership, presented the Bolsover Partnership Annual Report 2022/2023.  The annual report aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the various programmes, initiatives and activities of the Bolsover Partnership during the last financial year.

The presentation provided an overview of the Bolsover Partnership and its annual report, which summarised progress against the Sustainable Communities Strategy, as well as details of the framework the Partnership operated within, as well as how success was measured and the outputs, outcomes, impact and social value of the various projects and initiatives.

Moved by Councillor Mary Dooley and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED that the Bolsover Partnership Annual Report 2022/23 be noted.

To approve the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 11^th October 2023 and the Extraordinary Meeting of Council on 11^th October 2023.

Moved by Councillor Emma Stevenson and seconded by Councillor John Ritchie

RESOLVED that the minutes of a meeting of Council held on 11^th October 2023 and an Extraordinary meeting of Council held on 11^th October 2023 be approved as true and correct records.

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, to consider motions on notice from Members.

(A) Motion from Councillor Rob Hiney-Saunders – Climate Emergency/Flooding

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10, Councillors were able to submit Motions on Notice for consideration at meetings of Council.

a) The following motion was submitted for consideration by Councillor Rob Hiney-Saunders

Climate Emergency and Flooding

Following the flooding on 19th/20th October that affected Clowne, Pinxton and other areas within the district, Bolsover Labour Group recognises the role climate change plays in the increasing frequency of extreme storms that trigger such events. Furthermore we recognise that a pro-active approach by all councils and statutory bodies can help protect us against these events.

Climate change will impact many council services. For example extended growing seasons and later falls of leaves will put additional pressure on our teams keeping our streets tidy and safe. It is imperative that we adapt to these impacts.

Conversely council services will impact climate change. For example energy efficiency within our housing stock and the availability of electric car charging spaces within our parking estate. It is imperative that we play our part in mitigating climate change.

In the light of the above Bolsover District Council hereby declares a Climate Emergency and consequently will:

1.       Work with all authorities, Parish Councils and statutory authorities to ensure emergency arrangements are more effective for future flooding events.

2.       Proactively support maintenance and other flood prevention work required to reduce the impact of such events on residents and businesses within the District.

3.       Review processes and procedures across the Council to ensure that their climate change effects are understood and are measurable - with a view to adapting to the changing climate and maximising our own climate change mitigation measures.

The Motion was moved by Councillor Rob Hiney-Saunders and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor. 

On being put to the vote the Motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the council hereby declares a Climate Emergency and consequently will (1) work with all authorities, Parish Councils and statutory authorities to ensure emergency arrangements are more effective for future flooding events.

(2)       Proactively support maintenance and other flood prevention work required to reduce the impact of such events on residents and businesses within the District.

(3)      Review processes and procedures across the Council to ensure that their climate change effects are understood and are measurable - with a view to adapting to the changing climate and maximising our own climate change mitigation measures.

(Strategic Director of Services / Service Director Executive, Corporate Services and Partnerships)

Council considered a report which set out a recommendation from the Employment and Personnel Committee regarding the establishment of the post of Carbon Reduction Officer.

The report stated that at its meeting on 1^st November 2023, the Employment and Personnel Committee had considered a proposal for the creation of a new post of Carbon Reduction Officer.  The Committee had agreed that the creation of such a post would have a positive impact and would add significant value to the Council’s Climate Change agenda.  The post had now been through the job evaluation process and would be graded at Grade 9 (£40,978 to £45,286).  The post would be funded from the Council’s General Fund budget.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED that the growth in salary budget as set out in paragraph 1.4 of the report, as recommended by the Employment and Personnel Committee on 1^st November 2023, be approved.

(Service Director of Finance & Section 151 Officer / HR Business Partner)

Council considered a report which set out proposals for the provision of Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations within Bolsover District Council area, following a review that had been undertaken in accordance with the Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013.

The report explained that the publication of the Notice of Review had been published on 4^th October 2023.  The consultation period sought representations from Electors, District Councillors, Members of Parliament, Parish and Town Councils, political parties and existing polling place contacts.  The consultation had closed on 30^th October 2023 and a total of three submissions had been received.

A request was made at the meeting to reconsider the South Normanton East Polling Place for Polling District SNE2 as it was the other end of the village for some voters.  This would be considered and a response provided directly to the Councillor.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED that (1) the final proposals schedule, setting out any changes to the designated Polling Places be approved.

            (2) the Chief Executive be requested to formally publish the Notice of Conclusion of the Review, its findings, the responses from consultees and all other relevant documentation.

            (3) it be noted that the Electoral Registration Officer would incorporate any changes to the Polling Districts and Polling Places.

(Chief Executive / Electoral Services Manager)

The Chair wished everyone a Happy Christmas.