Agenda and minutes

On the nomination of Councillor M J Hill OBE, seconded by Councillor A N Stokes and there being no other nominations, it was

RESOLVED:

        That Councillor R P H Reid be elected the Chairman of the County          Council for 2023/24

On the nomination of Councillor P A Bradwell OBE, seconded by Councillor R D Butroid and there being no other nominations, it was

RESOLVED:

           That Councillor E W Strengiel be elected the Vice-Chairman of the      Council for 2023/24.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M D Boles, K H Cooke, A G Hagues,  A M Key, M J Overton MBE and R B Parker.

None were declared.

RESOLVED:

        That the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2023     be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Council received the Electoral Return for the By Election for Eagle and Hykeham West Electoral Division.

The Chairman welcomed Councillor Briggs to his first meeting of the Council.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the Council Chamber and thanked them for taking part in the County Council photograph.

The Chairman reminded Members that the Lincolnshire Show would be held on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd June at the County Showground and all Members were invited to take part in the Meet Your Councillor section of the stand. Further details would follow.

The Chairman was proposing to hold a service of dedication and thanksgiving in Lincoln Cathedral on Sunday 10th September 2023.  Invitations would be sent nearer the date but in the meantime, he asked that the date be noted in diaries.

On a sadder note, the Chairman reported the death of three former County Councillors: David Mawby DL who was County Councillor for the former Holbeach Fen division having been first elected in May 1977 and retiring in 2001.  Mr Mawby served as Deputy Leader of the Council from 1997 to his retirement in 2001; Tony Turner MBE JP who represented the North Wolds electoral division until his retirement in May 2021, having first been elected to the Council at a by-election in August 1995.  He served for 26 years on the county council, having previously been elected to the former Cleethorpes Borough Council in 1954 and also elected to the former Humberside County Council; and Ken Bridger, who represented the Market Rasen Wolds electoral division from May 2005 to June 2009. Members were invited to stand for a minute’s silence to pay tribute.

In accordance with Article 5.02 of the Council’s Constitution the Leader notified the Council of the appointments to the Executive and for the purposes of Part 3 (Responsibilities for Functions) the responsibilities of each portfolio holder. The Leader also notified the Council of the Executive Support Councillors he had appointed in accordance with Article 5.07.

To be circulated at the meeting.

Statements by the Leader and members of the Executive were circulated at the meeting.

The Leader of the Council was pleased to announce the achievements of the Council for 2022/23 despite facing challenges such as the end of the Pandemic, the War in Ukraine, a surge towards net zero and high inflation. Despite challenges, the Council remained financially and operationally robust and services remained good or outstanding. Ensuring that services were delivered well and provided good value money for residents was a priority. The Leader of the Council also highlighted some of the successes for 2022/23 and outlined future projects. Plans for devolution were progressing, with the option for the Council to make a formal bid to the Government in Autumn 2023.

The challenges of migration within Lincolnshire were acknowledged, including the potential challenges posed by plans for asylum accommodation at RAF Scampton. The Council were working with the City of Lincoln Council and West Lindsey District Council as plans progressed.  

A report by the Executive Director – Resources had been circulated.

It was moved, seconded and

RESOLVED:

1.  that the Council's Committees, along with their terms of reference, as set out in the Constitution be established for the 2023/24 municipal year in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2;

2. the size of the Committees, as set out within the appendices to the report be agreed for the 2023/24 municipal year in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 2.2;

3.  that the allocation of Committee seats (as detailed in Appendix A which was circulated with the Order of Proceedings) be agreed in accordance with the political balance rules; and

4.  That appointments to Committees as nominated by Group Leaders and detailed in Appendix B, which was circulated with the Order of Proceedings, be agreed.

A report by the Executive Director – Resources had been circulated.

It was moved, seconded and

RESOLVED:

     That the nominations for Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees and Sub-Committees, as set out in schedule 4 to the Order of Proceedings, be approved.

Questions pursuant to Council Procedure Rule 10.3 were asked answered as follows:

A report by the Executive Director – Resources had been circulated.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:

1.   That the 2023-25 Calendar of Meetings, attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved and the points outlined in paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5 be noted;

2.  that delegated authority be granted to the Head of Democratic Services following consultation with the Chairs of the relevant Committee(s) / Working Group(s) to amend the Calendar of Meetings as and when required.

A report by the Executive Director – Resources had been circulated.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:

That the Council makes the appointment to the organisations as detailed in Appendix A to the report.

A report by the Chief Executive had been circulated.

It was proposed, seconded and

RESOLVED:

That the refreshed Corporate Plan 2019-2029, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be agreed.

No motions on notice had been submitted.