Agenda and minutes

The Worshipful the Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting and outlined the arrangements for the meeting

There were no interests declared.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 22^nd March 2023 & 24^th May 2023.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meetings held on 22 March 2023 and 24 May 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 22 March 2023 and 24 May 2023 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Worshipful the Mayor informed the meeting that Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Warm Homes Healthy People project had won recognition at the North-East Energy Efficiency Awards.

The project won the Regional Vulnerable Customer Support Organisation of the Year Award for organisations that had shown a true commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable people through energy efficiency in their region.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Clare Gamble reported that last winter the scheme helped hundreds of residents including:

• 177 requests for assistance processed

• 74 boiler repairs actioned by the service

• 66 proactive boiler services actioned which undoubtedly reduced the number of repairs

• 27 individuals referred to the Fire Brigade for emergency heating solutions

• 223 households received support through grants and benefits through income maximization

• 204 clients assisted by Stockton and District Advice and Information Service with the majority seeking advice regarding benefits

For 12 years, the Council's dedicated team had worked hard to help the most vulnerable households stay warm in the winter months.

The award was testament to the compassion and commitment of Council staff, working tirelessly to help those residents who were struggling with their heating payments or their domestic heating systems.

Warm Homes Healthy People runs from October to March each year and offers a range of support to the most vulnerable in our community.

Neil Mitchell and Lee Tweddle from Environment, Leisure & Green Infrastructure were in attendance at the meeting and were re-presented with the award.

The Head of Legal Services reported that there were no Public Questions.

Moved by Councillor David Reynard, seconded by Councillor Marcus Vickers, that Councillor John Gardner be appointed Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

RESOLVED that Councillor John Gardner be appointed Deputy Mayor for the Municipal Year 2023/24.

At its Annual Meeting, held on Wednesday 24 May 2023, the Council approved appointments to its Committees, Panels and Joint/Outside Bodies for 2023/27.

An attachment to the report highlighted vacancies and the nominations that had been received.

RESOLVED that the below appointments be made:-

ANEC Leaders’ and Elected Mayors Group Designated substitute for Leader of the Council - Deputy Leader of the Council

Teesside International Airport Consultative Committee - Councillor David Reynard

Hartlepool Power Station Community Liaison Committee - Councillor Michelle Bendelow

North-East Regional Employers’ Organisation - Councillor Marcus Vickers

Standing Advisory Council of Religious Education - Councillor Susan Scott

The following question was submitted by Councillor Ted Strike for response by the Leader of the Council:-

”Following the major error by the boundary commission when they put through the boundary changes on Ingleby Barwick resulting in the town council representation being reduced from 12 to 6. This was despite the error being highlighted immediately and notified that it had been rectified. The town clerk has written to the boundary commission and SBC asking for a “Community Governance Review”.

Whilst the town council wishes to be at full complement as soon as possible it recognises that this will be a long and costly exercise it is hoped that. the boundary commission is open to cover the costs due to their error. It is also recognised that there are other elections due to be held on May 2nd 2024 so would be willing to agree to the full town council election being held on this date to reduce cost and also maximise elector turnout as well as the workload of SBC staff.

Will this council be supporting our campaign to get this error corrected next year otherwise we will have to operate with just 6 councillors for four years through no fault of the town council?”

The Leader of the Council responded with:-

“It is a disappointing that the Boundary Commission did get this wrong. Ingleby Barwick is a large community and 6 Councillors for the Town Council is very low.

Officers have made contact with the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) to discuss with them the options for remedying their error, what action the LGBCE will be taking and how any costs that may be incurred by Stockton Council will be funded. The LGBCE has the power to lay an Order rectifying the error and returning the number of Town Councillors back to 12.

Once that error has been corrected then the Council can consider conducting a Community Governance Review. The CGR would consult on reducing the term of office of the 6 current town councillors which, if agreed, would then allow a new election to be held to return the Town Council to 12 councillors.

As noted this is a lengthy process and is subject to the LGBCE taking steps to remedy their error. The decision as to whether to commence a Community Governance Review is a decision of the full Council here at Stockton and once the LGBCE confirm their approach a report can be brought for consideration.

The Town Council is responsible for the costs of their elections and I would encourage them to discuss with the LGBCE how those costs will be reimbursed should it be necessary to hold a further election before the expiry of the term of office of the recently elected 6 town councillors.

Councillor Ted Strike asked the following supplementary question:-

“Can SBC keep the Ingleby Barwick Town Council clerk fully informed of the process please?”

The Leader of the Council responded with;-

“Yes, we will keep the Town Clerk  ...  view the full minutes text for item COU/34

Council last met on 25 May 2023 at the Annual Meeting. Since then Cabinet had met on the 15 June and agreed the following matters:

• An update on the 2022-25 Council Plan.

• Appointments to outside bodies

• School Term and Holiday Dates - 2024/2025

• Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services Outcomes and Action Plan

Cabinet would next meet on 13 July and consider reports on:

• Feedback on the recent elections

• Update on the Indigenous Growth Fund

• Medium Term Financial Plan – Draft Outturn March 2023

• Modern Slavery Statement

• Powering Our Future

• Senior Management Capacity

• Ombudsman Public Interest Report

• Xentrall Annual Report 2022/23

• Town Centre Regeneration

• Employee Volunteering

To mark the start of armed forces week there was the flag raising ceremony at Municipal Buildings, led by the Mayor. Armed forces day itself would be on 22 June. Armed Forces Day was a great opportunity for the people of the Borough to honour all the brave men and women serving the country. There would be activities on the High Street from 9.30am to 3.00pm with wartime musical performances from professionals and schools, military vehicle displays, exhibitions and demonstrations.

After that the Leader of the Council looked forward to seeing Members at the next Council meeting on the 26 July.