Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received for Councillors Hawkins and Lansbury.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Council meeting held on 14 January 2025.

The Leader moved that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2025 be received and approved as a correct record, seconded by the Deputy Leader (Statutory).

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2025 be received and approved as a correct record.

To receive declarations by Councillors of any disclosable pecuniary interest, personal interests, other registrable interests or any other interests in respect of items on the agenda.

No Declarations of Interest were received.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any items of business on the agenda.

RESOLVED, that the press and public not be excluded from the meeting on consideration of any items of business on the agenda.

1)    To receive any announcements from the Chair;

2)    To receive any announcements from the Leader;

3)    To receive any announcements from Members of the Executive;

4)    To receive any announcements from the Chief Executive.

1.    Announcements from the Chair

The Chair made reference to the tabled list of engagements that he had attended since the last meeting.

2.    Announcements from the Leader

There were no announcements from the Leader.

3.    Announcements from the Executive

There were no announcements from the Executive.

4.    Announcements from the Chief Executive

There were no announcements from the Chief Executive.

1)    To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 10;

2)    To receive any deputations or petitions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 9.

No Public Participation submissions had been received.

To receive the Minutes of the meetings of the Executive held on 7 January and 18 February 2025 and ask questions of the Leader and Portfolio Holder on those minutes.

The Leader moved the minutes of the Executive meetings held on 7 January and 18 February 2025.

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Executive meetings held on 7 January and 18 February 2025 be received.

To receive a report from the Chief Finance Officer informing members of the Council’s treasury management activities during the six-month period ending 30 September 2024.

This report was considered by the Audit Committee on 13 February 2025.

The Chief Finance Officer submitted a report to inform members of the Council’s treasury management activities during the six-month period ending 30 September 2024. The report also provided assurances that treasury management activities had been undertaken in accordance with the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy.

The Audit Committee at its meeting on 13 February 2025 had considered and noted the report.

Councillor Patrick, Chair of Audit Committee moved that Council note the contents of the report.

One councillor asked whether there was an option for the Audit and Risk Committee minutes to be brought to Council.

The Monitoring Officer responded to say that this had recently been considered by the Constitution Working Group which had agreed a programme of reports to come to Council going forward.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.

To receive a report from the Chief Finance Officer which seeks Council approval of the proposed Strategies.

The recommendations were moved for approval by the Audit Committee at their meeting on 13 February 2025.

The Chief Finance Officer submitted a report which sought councils’ approval of the authority’s proposed reports in line with the Local Government Act 2003, statutory guidance issued by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and codes of practice issued by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy.

The Audit Committee at its meeting on 13 February 2025 had considered and agreed the recommendations for referral to Council for final approval.

Councillor Patrick, Chair of Audit Committee introduced the report and thanked the Audit Committee members and Finance Teams for their hard work. Councillor Patrick moved the recommendations as per the report, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets.

RESOLVED, that -

a)    The proposed Treasury Management Strategy Statement & Investment Strategy for 2025-26 (included in sections 2 and 3 of Appendix 1) be approved;

b)    The MRP Policy Statement for 2025-26 set out in section 4 (of Appendix 1) be approved;

c)    The prudential and treasury indicators for 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28, including the Authority’s Authorised Borrowing Limit, set out in section 5 (of Appendix 1) be approved;

d)    The revised prudential and treasury indicators for 2024-25 (set out in section 5 of Appendix 1) which have been updated to reflect the changes made to the 2024-25 capital budget.

To receive a report from the Assistant Director of HR and OD to consider the annual review of the Pay Policy Statement for Chief Officers for 2025/26.

The Assistant Director of HR and OD submitted a report asking members to approve an annual review of a pay policy for chief officers in line with The Localism Act 2011.

Council noted the Staffing Committee had met on 13 January 2025 and approved the 2025/26 Pay Policy Statement for recommendation to Council for final approval on 4 March 2025.

The Deputy Leader (Statutory) introduced the report and moved the recommendation, this was seconded by the Leader.

RESOLVED, that the Pay Policy Statement on Chief Officers’ Pay for 2025-26 be approved.

To receive a report from the Chief Finance Officer setting out the draft budget 2025-26 and medium-term financial plan for Cumberland Council.

The recommendations were moved for approval by the Executive at their meeting on 18 February 2025.

The Chief Finance Officer, Section 151 Officer submitted a report which set out the recommended proposed budget for 2025-26 and the transformation plans for 2026-27 for Cumberland Council for members approval.

The report identified the key factors which influenced and informed the development of the Council’s financial plan for 2025-26, and the ongoing impact of those plans into the medium term.

Pursuant to Procedure Rule 22.1, a motion was moved and seconded to suspend procedure rule 14.5 insofar as it related to the length of speeches by the proposers of any motions or amendments which are seconded, for the duration of the budget debate.

The motion was approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets introduced the report and addressed the Council at length in support of the motion that the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the Budget for 2025-26 be agreed.

She spoke in detail on the contents of the budget, including the requirement for a 4.99% increase in council tax to go towards continued vital services.

She explained the pressures and significant challenges which faced the Council and its financial stability and the ongoing work which was required going in to 2026-27.

The Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets moved the recommendations as per the report, thanking the S151 Officer and the team for all the hard workundertaken to prepare the budget.

The Leader seconded the motion and reserved his right to speak.

Members of the Executive spoke in turn in support of the motion.

Councillor Pickstone moved one amendment to the proposed budget on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.

The amendment contained four budget proposals: Schools Prioritised Maintenance Fund, ICT equipment for live streaming of meetings, an increase to Access and Inclusion Officers and an increase in Community Panel budgets.

The amendment was seconded by Councillor Dobson.

The Chair invited any further amendments.

Councillor Davison moved amendments to the proposed budget on behalf of the Green Party Group.

Two amendments were proposed related to: enforcement of road safety around schools and embedding action on climate and nature to tackle health inequalities.

The amendments were seconded by Councillor Perry.

Members were provided with a written opinion of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) on both proposed amendments to the budget.

The Chair adjourned the meeting at 1:57pm to afford members time to consider the amendments and the opinions provided.

The Chair reconvened the meeting at 2:21pm

Councillor Pickstone stood to move the amendment of the Liberal Democratic Group and spoke on each of the four proposals.

Councillor Dobson then spoke in favour of the amendment.

There then followed debate with input from a number of Members of the Council speaking both for and against the amendment.

A recorded vote was taken in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

Voting for the proposed amendment from Councillor Pickstone:

For:                 Councillors Davison, Dobson, Perry, Pickstone, Wernham and Wills

Against:         Councillors Allison, Cannon, Eldon, Ellis, Forster, Fryer, Ghayouba, Glendinning, Grisdale, Harid,  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.125/25

To receive a report from the Chief Finance Officer to enable the Council to calculate and approve the Council Tax requirement for 2025-26.

The Chief Finance Officer, Section 151 Officer submitted a report which sought Council to approve the necessary resolutions for Council Tax setting in accordance with Sections 31 – 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

The Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets introduced the report and corrected some typographical errors within the report and Appendix A which corrected dates to read 2025-26.

The Portfolio Holder moved the recommendations as per Appendix A of the report, this was seconded by the Leader.

A recorded vote was taken in accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

Voting for the proposed motion:

For:                 Councillors Cannon, Davison, Dobson, Eldon, Forster, Fryer, Ghayouba, Glendinning, Grisdale, Harid, Harris, Hinton, Jones-Bulman, Kelly, Lynch, McCarron-Holmes, McDermott, Minshaw, Patrick, Pegram, Perry, Pollen, Quilter, Rollo, Semple, Southward, Stoddart, Thurlow, Troughton, Tucker, Wernham, Whalen, Williamson and Wills.

Against:         Councillors Allison, Betton, Ellis, Johnson, Markley, Mitchelson, Moore and Pratt.

Councillors Mallinson and Pickstone had left the meeting before consideration of this item.

The motion was APPROVED.

RESOLVED, that:

1)    It be noted that the Council calculated:

a)    the Council Tax base 2025-26 for the whole Council area as 93,697.66 (item T in the formula in Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “Act”)) and;

b)    the dwellings in those parts of its area to which a Parish Precept relates, as in the attached Appendix C.

2)    The Council calculates that the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2025-26 (excluding Local Precepting Authorities) is £178,724,538.54.

3)    That the following amounts be calculated for the year 2025-26 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Act.

a)    £822,124,495 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Local Precepting Authorities;

b)    £637,379,864 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act;

c)    £184,744,631 being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act as its Council Tax requirement for the year. (Item R in the formula in Section 31B of the Act);

d)    £1.971.71 being the amount at (c) above (Item R) divided by Item T (1 a) above), calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year (including the average for Local Precepting Authorities); (as detailed in Appendix B1 Local Precept only by valuation band and Appendix B2 Local Precepting Authorities and Cumberland Council by valuation band);

e)    £6,020,091 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Local Precept) referred to in Section 34 (1) of the Act. (as detailed in Appendix B1 Local Precepting Authorities only, by valuation band, and Appendix C Local Precept);

f)     £1,907.46 being the amount at (d) above  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.126/25

To receive the reports from members of the Executive deferred at the Council meeting on 14 January 2025.

The Chair moved that all Portfolio Holder reports under items 13 and 18 be considered together.

The Leader then moved the two sets of Portfolio Holder update reports and the Deputy Leader Statutory seconded them.

Each Portfolio Holder responded in turn to questions on their individual report.

RESOLVED, that the reports of the Portfolio Holders be received.

To consider the following questions from Members in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 11

1.    Councillor Pickstone submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places –

‘Is Cllr Rollo, the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, aware that Network Rail is planning to close the West Coast mainline through Cumbria for two weeks in January 2026, and then for at least three more two-week periods during 2026-28, leaving Carlisle and Cumberland without mainline rail links? Are they willing to make representations to Network Rail for diversionary rail routes to be used rather than bus replacement for such prolonged periods on a key economic link?’

2.    Councillor Wills submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets –

‘Could Cllr Cannon, the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets, tell us if Cumberland Council intend to sell underused assets in order to purchase housing stock to be used for social renting?’

3.    Councillor Wernham submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services –

‘Beaver reintroduction in Cumbria has gained momentum due to its benefits for biodiversity, flood mitigation, and water quality. However, progress is often hindered by political delays and inconsistent government action.

Given Cumberland Council’s role in environmental policy, can Cllr Kelly, the Portfolio Holder for Policy and Regulatory Services, outline how Cumberland Council is supporting beaver reintroduction efforts, including policies aligning with national biodiversity goals, feasibility studies, community engagement, partnerships, licensing support, and the long-term vision for integrating beaver habitats?

4.    Councillor Dobson submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services –

‘After road safety and speeding, dog fouling is probably the second highest concern of our residents. This is for the very good reason that dog mess is a danger to public health and especially that of children.

Will Cllr Kelly, the Portfolio Holder for Policy and Regulatory Services, report on the number of £100 fixed penalties that were issued for dog fouling in the last financial year and the number of higher fines that were imposed and the number of dedicated dog waste bins that the Council has provided?’

5.    Councillor Perry submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places –

‘The flooding that occurred in Millom and Haverigg in late September 2017 resulted in almost 300 homes and business premises suffering flood damage. As Lead Local Flood Authority, then Cumbria County Council published an enquiry report in the following year which identified actions to mitigate flood risks and impacts in the future. These actions (which include Community Resilience, Upstream Management, Maintenance and Strengthening Defences) make up the Millom and Haverigg Flood Alleviation Project.

Cumberland Council has now assumed the responsibilities of Cumbria County Council. I understand the authority has submitted an Outline Business Case to draw down funding contributions that the Environment Agency and United Utilities have earmarked to help deliver the remediation measures for  ...  view the full agenda text for item C.128/25

The following questions were submitted on Notice by members:

1.    Councillor Pickstone submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places –

‘Is Cllr Rollo, the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, aware that Network Rail is planning to close the West Coast mainline through Cumbria for two weeks in January 2026, and then for at least three more two-week periods during 2026-28, leaving Carlisle and Cumberland without mainline rail links? Are they willing to make representations to Network Rail for diversionary rail routes to be used rather than bus replacement for such prolonged periods on a key economic link?’

2.    Councillor Wills submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets –

‘Could Cllr Cannon, the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets, tell us if Cumberland Council intend to sell underused assets in order to purchase housing stock to be used for social renting?’

3.    Councillor Wernham submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services –

‘Beaver reintroduction in Cumbria has gained momentum due to its benefits for biodiversity, flood mitigation, and water quality. However, progress is often hindered by political delays and inconsistent government action.

Given Cumberland Council’s role in environmental policy, can Cllr Kelly, the Portfolio Holder for Policy and Regulatory Services, outline how Cumberland Council is supporting beaver reintroduction efforts, including policies aligning with national biodiversity goals, feasibility studies, community engagement, partnerships, licensing support, and the long-term vision for integrating beaver habitats?’

4.    Councillor Dobson submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services –

‘After road safety and speeding, dog fouling is probably the second highest concern of our residents. This is for the very good reason that dog mess is a danger to public health and especially that of children.

Will Cllr Kelly, the Portfolio Holder for Policy and Regulatory Services, report on the number of £100 fixed penalties that were issued for dog fouling in the last financial year and the number of higher fines that were imposed and the number of dedicated dog waste bins that the Council has provided?’

5.    Councillor Perry submitted the following question to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places –

‘The flooding that occurred in Millom and Haverigg in late September 2017 resulted in almost 300 homes and business premises suffering flood damage. As Lead Local Flood Authority, then Cumbria County Council published an enquiry report in the following year which identified actions to mitigate flood risks and impacts in the future. These actions (which include Community Resilience, Upstream Management, Maintenance and Strengthening Defences) make up the Millom and Haverigg Flood Alleviation Project.

Cumberland Council has now assumed the responsibilities of Cumbria County Council. I understand the authority has submitted an Outline Business Case to draw down funding contributions that the Environment Agency and United Utilities have earmarked to help deliver the remediation measures for the project.  

Can Cllr Rollo, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item C.128/25

To receive a report seeking Council approval for publication and consultation for a period of 7 weeks under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, of the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village Local Plan and associated documents.

The recommendations were moved for approval by the Executive at their meeting on 18 February 2025.

The Head of Planning Policy submitted a report which sough council’s support and approval of the proposed documents in order to progress the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village Local Plan through the next formal stages.

The report and supporting documents had been considered and recommended to Council for approval by the Executive at their meeting on 18 February 2025.

The Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory introduced the report and moved the recommendations as per the report, seconded by the Leader.

RESOLVED, that:

      i.        The St Cuthbert’s Garden Village Local Plan be approved (Appendix 1) together with the accompanying Policies Map (Appendix 2), Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix 3) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (Appendix 4) for publication and consultation for a period of 7 weeks under Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

    ii.        Following publication and consultation, the St Cuthbert’s Garden Village Local Plan and supporting documents be submitted to Government for Examination, together with the Regulation 19 representations and a summary thereof, unless any unforeseen and significant issues arise post its consultation that would require reconsideration of the Plan under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

   iii.        Authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth and Placemaking, in consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive, and following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Cumberland Policy and Regulatory Services to:

a)    Make any necessary editorial changes and minor amendments to the Plan Regulation 19 Draft, Policies Map, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment prior to its publication to assist with clarity, consistency, explanation and presentation;

b)    Prepare an addendum to the Plan with proposed changes that may be necessary to address soundness issues raised by representations received in response to the Plan’s Regulation 19 consultation that can be submitted with the Plan to be considered by the Inspector during the Examination;

c)    Request that the Examination Inspector recommends any Main Modifications to the Submitted version of the Plan, Policies Map, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment (if necessary) in order for the Plan to be legally compliant and found sound in accordance with Section 20(7c) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and for making any Additional Modifications as part of the examination process;

d)    Undertake consultation on any such Main Modifications and consequential changes to the Submission version of the Plan, Policies Map, Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulations Assessment so that a post-Examination Adoption version can be finalised in advance of taking the Plan back to Executive and Full Council for its approval to be adopted.

To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer detailing a Community Governance Review application from Broughton Parish Council for Council to consider.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report which sough council to consider a Community Governance Review (CGR) application submitted by Broughton Parish Council.

Section 100 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act (LGPIHA) 2007 sets out the process by which Principal Authorities such as Cumberland may carry out a Community Governance Review of parish arrangements in its area.

At their Council Meeting on 24 July 2024, following written requests from residents in the parish, Broughton Parish Council resolved to request a CGR. The request sought to amend and extend the boundary line between Broughton Parish Council and Broughton Moor Parish Council, which would incorporate the ‘North Ridge’ development within Broughton Parish Council.

The Deputy Leader (Statutory) introduced the report and moved the recommendation not to proceed with a CGR explaining that the Local Government Boundary Commission for England had begun a review of the Electoral Arrangements for Cumberland Council, that review included Ward Boundaries and the Number of Councillors.

The review began in November 2024 and recommendations were expected to be published in February 2026 therefore it was felt that that work needed to be completed in the first instance.

The motion was seconded by the Leader.

RESOLVED, that it be agreed not to proceed with a Community Governance Review at this time, until the work of the Local Government Boundary Commission for England was completed.

To receive a report from the Monitoring Officer on the operation of Call-in and Urgency provisions.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report to inform members on the operation of call-in and urgency provisions.

Members were asked to note the recorded decisions as detailed in Appendix 1 that had been taken under Urgency and Special Urgency procedure rules.

The Leader moved the report for information.

RESOLVED, that the position be noted.

To receive reports from members of the Executive and receive questions and answers on any of those reports.

These reports were considered under agenda item 13.

To receive an update from the Leader of the Council on the Devolution Priority Programme.

The Leader provided Council with an update on the Devolution Programme to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for the local government areas of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness with scheduled elections for 7 May 2026.

A Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) for Cumbria would be in addition to the two unitary councils, Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness and would have powers transferred to it from government. There would be no requirement for Cumberland Council to give up any significant powers to the new authority nor could an elected Mayor have influence on the councils powers.

The Leader said the move would bring significant opportunities for business development and infrastructure to the Cumberland area.

A formal consultation had been launched by Government, a public consultation on Monday 17 February in areas chosen for the Devolution Priority Programme (DPP).  The consultation sought views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for the local government areas of Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness.  The consultation would end at 11:59pm on 13 April 2025.

To consider any notice of motions in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 12.

No Motions on Notice had been submitted.