Council Minutes - 20 January 2005

Present

Members stood for a minute's silence in memory of Councillor Banks who had died on Friday 17 December 2004

Cl/186 Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R A Brunskill, P T Evans and A P Richardson.

Cl/187 Chairman's Announcements

1. The Chairman reminded Members of the damage and heartbreak caused by the recent flooding and storms caused in the district and in the County as a whole and passed on heartfelt wishes to all those affected in any way.
2. Members were advised that a late item on the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund Appeal would be taken at the end of the agenda.

Cl/188 Declarations of Interest

1. Councillor N Hughes declared a personal interest in item 3 on the agenda due to being a member of the board of Eden Housing.

Cl/189 Departmental Service Plans

The Council considered report PP1/05 of the management Team which set out the departmental service plans for the period January 2005 to March 2006. Service plans are a key management tool for translating the Council's aims and objectives into service delivery and linking them into the Council's financial planning process. Service plans also link upwards into the Council's corporate plan and downwards into individual targets within staff appraisals.

RESOLVED that the departmental service plans be accepted as the Council's service plans for the period January 2005 to march 2006. ()Appendix A)

Reasons for decision

1. Service plans are a key part of the corporate planning process.

Other options considered

None

Cl/190 Council Tax Local Discounts

The Council considered report F9/05 of the Director of Finance which sought Members agreement to continue the current position in relation to local discounts for Council Tax.

RESOLVED that the current position of having no discounts is continued.

Reasons for decision

1. Local Government Act 2003, Section 75 which introduced Section 13A to the Local Government Finance Act 1992.b) No evidence to suggest that any local discounts are necessary for the Eden Area.

Other options considered

None

The Chairman considered that the following item should be considered as a matter of urgency at this meeting because a delay of one committee cycle would not be in the best interests of the efficient operation of the service

Cl/191 Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund Appeal

The Council considered report CE1/05 of the Chairman of the Council which asked Members to consider a contribution to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund Appeal which has been established by the Cumbria Community Foundation.

Members were advised that the fund will be used for charitable purposes in connection with relief of hardship caused directly or indirectly by storm damage and flooding.

Moved by Councillor R H Fisher Seconded by Councillor C Nineham

that:

1. a grant of £5,000 is made to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund; and
2. a supplementary estimate funded from balances is agreed in that sum.

Amendment by Councillor Mrs E M Cook
Seconded by Councillor M A Saunders

that a grant of £8,000 is made to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund.

A vote was taken when there were:

For the amendment 8
Against it 25

The amendment was lost and the original motion, on being put as the substantive motion, was carried whereby it was RESOLVED accordingly

Reasons for decision

1. A contribution to the fund is permissible on the basis that the fund relates to flooding in Eden and is open to Eden residents.
2. The cost of the donation would be funded from balances
3. The grant supports the scheme Social and Community Well-being and the objective Work with partners to maintain and enhance the vitality of our communities.
4. Section 138 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Other options considered

The meeting closed at 7.50pm