Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R B Carrington-Wilde, D Challinor, G Dinsdale and S E Shaw.

To receive Declarations of Interest by Members and Officers

 

There were no declarations received from Members or officers.

To elect a Chairman for the ensuing year.

Proposed by Councillor A Rhodes and seconded by Councillor J Potts.

 

Resolved that Councillor D Merryweather be elected Chairman of Bassetlaw District Council for the 2023/24 municipal year.

 

The Chairman took and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

 

The Chairman thanked fellow Councillors for supporting the nomination. She thanked Councillor G Freeman for trusting her to be Chairman as due to personal circumstances Councillor G Freeman was unable to perform the duty of Chairman for 2023/24. It is with pride she accepts the nomination to represent Bassetlaw. She looks forward to working with all councillors. During her time as Chairman, she will do her utmost to champion people with mental health issues. She gave special thanks to her neighbours who were in attendance. She thanked Councillor M Richardson for her year of office and congratulated her on her good work throughout the year.

To propose a vote of thanks for the retiring Chairman.

 

Proposed by Councillor J Naish and seconded by Councillor J White.

 

The Chief Executive also gave his thanks to the retiring Chairman on behalf of officers and presented her with a gift of thanks.

 

Resolved that a vote of thanks be recorded to the retiring Chairman, Councillor M Richardson.

 

The retiring Chairman commented that it has been a great honour to represent Bassetlaw. She has attended 82 events and functions in Nottinghamshire and the surrounding area forging many friendships. She noted in particular Remembrance Day, the Mercian Freedom March, Tree Lighting Events, carol services and the Bassetlaw Achievers Awards. She commented that it was a privilege to attend the Queen’s Jubilee Service, the proclamation after her passing and the remembrance service. She noted that she had met many dedicated volunteers over the year. She thanked her brother Graham and the Vice-Chairman for her friendship. She thanked the Civic Officer and Member Support Officers. She wished the incoming Chairman a successful year of office.  

To appoint a Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

 

Proposed by Councillor J Naish and seconded by Councillor J White, it was

 

Resolved that Councillor Gillian Freeman be appointed Vice-Chairman of Bassetlaw District Council for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

 

The incoming Vice-Chairman accepted the appointment

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on 2^nd March 2023.

 

Resolved that the Minutes of the meeting held on 2^nd March 2023 be approved.

To receive such communications as the Chairman and Chief Executive desire to lay before the Council

 

Chairman's Communications

 

The Chairman thanked Members for their attendance and hoped they would join her for tea and cake after the meeting.

 

Chief Executive's Communications

 

The Chief Executive welcomed all new and returning Members.  

To confirm the Leader for the ensuing year.

 

Resolved that Councillor J Naish be confirmed as the Leader of Bassetlaw District Council for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

 

The Leader congratulated all new and re-elected members and welcomed new members who had been elected for the first time. He commented that:

 

·        There were 17 new councillors in total, making up 35% of this administration’s intake. He thanked them for taking this step to serve the people of Bassetlaw.

 

·        For those who needed it, for general guidance during the next few months, the Leader said that his phone and laptops are always nearby, and that he looks forward to working with all councillors over the coming months and years as they seek to build a positive future for Bassetlaw.

 

·        He thanked Labour colleagues for their patience during the campaign period and said that he looked forward to continuing to build positive working relationships with them as they focus on delivering the commitments made to the electorate over recent weeks.

 

·        He thanked officers present, especially Steve and Cara, for overseeing the recent elections which saw an increased turnout vs. 2019. He thanked the team for their efforts, especially given the challenges presented by new photo ID requirements. He said the Council’s communication efforts on this matter were considerable and effective, so he also thanked the Council’s Comms Team for their efforts.

 

·        In response to an article on ConservativeHome written by the leader of the opposition, Cllr Stanniland, the Leader wryly commented on the balance of councillors in the room and noted that this didn’t align with the narrative of the article which had appeared online. He said that the number of Labour Councillors had increased by 3 vs. the last meeting in March. The opposition’s count had increased by 2. He noted that the number of Labour Councillors had reached a record high at 38, and said that this was only the fourth time since 1973 that the opposition had returned less than 10 councillors, having had 12 in 2015 and as many as 25 in 2010. The election results showed that Labour secured over 47% of the vote, the highest since all-out elections commenced in Bassetlaw in 2015.

 

·        The Leader thanked the electorate for putting their trust in Labour to continue its record of delivering locally. He said that he was personally delighted to see so many colleagues returned having been endorsed by residents for the hard work and support that they provide to their respective communities, day in, day out. He congratulated and thanked them for their election efforts.

 

·        The Leader noted that when he spoke about becoming Leader of the Labour Group in 2022, he told colleagues that “I want to show residents and businesses that we can build a fairer, better, more equal society”. Now they have a four-year opportunity to deliver on that commitment.

 

·        They have produced an optimistic vision for the future, a vision for 2040 which aligns with delivery of the STEP fusion energy programme. It is this vision which he and Labour colleagues  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To appoint Committees and bodies as the Council considers appropriate to deal with matters which are neither received by the Council nor are Cabinet functions (to follow)

 

Members were asked to appoint Committees and bodies as the Council considers appropriate to deal with matters which are neither received by the Council nor are Cabinet functions, as per the tabled report.

 

Resolved that the membership of Committees be approved as follows:

 

AUDIT AND RISK SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 9

Political Balance: 7-2

 

Chair: Vacant

Vice-Chair: Councillor C Troop

 

Councillor R B Carrington-Wilde

Councillor L A Dixon

Councillor C Entwistle

Councillor J M Horrocks

 Councillor F Merryweather

 

Councillor E Griffin

Councillor J Manners

 

Substitutes: Any Member except those appointed to Cabinet

Lead Officer:  Head of Finance and Property

 

 

LICENSING COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 12

Political Balance: 10-1-1

 

Chair: Councillor J Potts

Vice-Chair: Councillor C Tindle

 

Councillor M M Carroll

Councillor T P Eaton BCA

Councillor D J Henderson

Councillor D Merryweather

Councillor F Merryweather

Councillor L A Sanders

 Councillor D A Naylor

Councillor S E Shaw

 

Councillor A Coultate

 

Councillor J Sanger MBE

 

Substitutes: None

Lead officer: Principal Solicitor (Licensing and Regulatory)

 

OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 12

Political Balance: 10-2

Chair: Councillor J C Shephard

Vice-Chair: Councillor M Richardson

 

Councillor M M Carroll 

Councillor H J Digby

Councillor P J Ducey

Councillor  J M Horrocks

 Councillor D A Naylor 

Councillor D R Pressley

Councillor L A Sanders

(Chair of Audit & Risk Scrutiny Committee)

 

Councillor D Bamford

Councillor S Pashley

 

Substitutes: Any Member except those appointed to Cabinet

Lead Officer:  Head of Corporate Services

 

 

PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 12

Political Balance:  9-2-1

 

Chair: Councillor N J Sanders

Vice-Chair: Councillor S J Fielding

 

Councillor C L Adams

Councillor J P Bowker

Councillor D Challinor

Councillor M R Charlesworth

Councillor G Freeman

Councillor G A N Oxby

Councillor D G Pidwell

 

Councillor G Dinsdale

Councillor F McFarland 

 

Councillor H M Brand

 

Substitutes: None

Lead Officer:  Head of Regeneration

 

 

 

APPEALS COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 3

Political Balance: 2-1

 

Chair: Councillor J Evans

Vice-Chair: Councillor C Entwistle

 

Councillor L Stanniland

 

Substitutes: Any Member except a Member involved in

making the decision which is the subject of the appeal

Lead Officer: Chief Executive

 

 

APPOINTMENTS COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats: 9

Political Balance:  7-1-1

 

Chair: Councillor J Naish

Vice-Chair: Councillor J White

 

Councillor R B Carrington-Wilde

Councillor G J Evans

Councillor J A Leigh

Councillor A Rhodes

Councillor S E Shaw

 

Councillor L Stanniland

 

Councillor H M Brand

 

Substitutes: Any Member

Lead Officer: Chief Executive

 

 

CHIEF OFFICERS’ INVESTIGATING COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Council)

 

No. of Seats:  3

Political Balance:  2-1

 

Chairm: Councillor D E Pulk

Vice-Chair: Councillor L Schuller

 

Councillor L Stanniland

 

Substitutes: Any Member

Lead Officer: As appropriate

HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

 

(Reporting to Cabinet)

 

No. of Seats: 8

Political Balance:  7-1

 

Chair: Councillor D Challinor

 

Councillor L A Dixon

Councillor T P Eaton

Councillor C Entwistle

Councillor J Potts

Councillor D R Pressley

Councillor J C Shephard

 

Councillor J Manners

 

Substitutes: Any member drawn from the same area of representation

as the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To review and amend as necessary appointments to Outside Organisations (to follow).

Members were asked to review, and amend if necessary, appointments to Outside Organisations, as per the tabled report.

 

Resolved that the appointments to Outside Organisations be approved as follows:

 

INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS MADE TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS 2023/24

 

BASSETLAW ACTION CENTRE

Councillor C Troop

           

BASSETLAW FOOD BANK

Councillor M M Carroll

 

BASSETLAW TWINNING ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(AGM in January)       

Councillors D Bamford, D Merryweather and J Shephard 

 

BERSAHILL LTD.

Councillor S Scotthorne

 

CHESTERFIELD CANAL TRUST PARTNERSHIP

Councillor S J Fielding

 

FOCUS ON YOUNG PEOPLE IN BASSETLAW

Councillor T P Eaton BCA

 

GOODWIN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Councillors J Manners, D Naylor and C Troop

 

INTERNAL DRAINAGE BOARDS

Isle of Axholme and North Nottinghamshire Water Level Management Board

Councillors H M Brand and J M Sanger

Trent Valley Councillors S Shaw, J Slater and L Stanniland

 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE POLICE AND CRIME PANEL

Councillor M Richardson (Sub - Councillor L Schuller)

           

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RURAL COMMUNITY ACTION

Councillor C L Adams (sub J Leigh)

 

PATROLJC (Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Adjudication Committee)

Councillor D Pidwell

Sub Councillor J White 

 

ROBIN HOOD AIRPORT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

Councillor D G Pidwell (Sub - Councillor J White)

 

RURAL SERVICES NETWORK

Councillor S Fielding (Sub - Councillor J Naish)

 

STUART GOODWIN CHARITIES

(a)        Sir Stuart Goodwin Charity (Former Borough)

            (Incoming Retford Town Mayor)

            and Councillors J G Slater and C Troop

(b)        Sir Stuart and Lady Goodwin Charity (Former Rural)

            (Chairman of the District Council)

            and Councillors J Bowker, H M Brand, D E Pulk and J M Sanger MBE.

 

WORKSOP CHARITIES

Councillor D R Pressley and N Sanders

 

ROLE BASED APPOINTMENTS MADE TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS 2023/24

 

BASSETLAW CITIZENS' ADVICE BUREAU

Cabinet Member for Corporate Services

 

BASSETLAW PUBLIC AND THIRD SECTOR PARTNERSHIP

Board – Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing (Sub - Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing)

 

BASSETLAW COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY SERVICE

Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing (Sub - Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing)

 

BASSETLAW, NEWARK AND SHERWOOD COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP

Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing (Sub - Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing)

 

DISTRICT COUNCILS’ NETWORK ASSEMBLY

Cabinet Member for Communications, Policy and Strategy (Sub - Cabinet Member for Skills and Business)

 

DONCASTER AND BASSETLAW HOSPITALS TRUST

Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing (Sub - Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing)

 

EAST MIDLANDS MUSEUMS SERVICE 

Cabinet Member for Identity and Place and Museum Curator

 

EAST MIDLANDS COUNCILS

Cabinet Member for Communications, Policy and Strategy (Sub - Cabinet Member for Skills and Business)

Regional Employers Board - Cabinet Member for Skills and Business

Strategic Migration Board – Cabinet Member for Corporate Services

 

NHS BASSETLAW PATIENT AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT GROUP 

Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Health and Well-being Board - Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing (Sub - Shadow Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing)

Joint Economic Committee – Cabinet Member for Skills andBusiness (Sub – Shadow Cabinet Member for Skills and Business)

 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST

(Chairman of the District Council) (Honorary Vice-President)

 

RETFORD AIR CADETS (1403 SQUADRON) – CIVILIAN COMMITTEE

Chairman of the District Council

 

ROTARY CLUB OF WORKSOP AND  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive a programme of meetings of the Council for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

 

Members were asked to receive the programme of meetings for the Council for the 2023/24 Municipal Year.

 

Resolved that the programme of meetings for the Council for the 2023/24 Municipal Year be received.

As there was no other urgent business to be discussed the Chairman closed the meeting.