To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Chris Bartrum, Harry Bramer, Pauline Crockett, Mark Dykes, Robert Highfield, John Stone, Elissa Swinglehurst, and Allan Williams.

Councillor Barry Durkin declared an interest in relation to agenda item no. 9, motion - Protecting Community Safety in Herefordshire - Opposing Cuts to PCSO Hours, as a member of the Police and Crime Panel.

Councillor David Hitchiner declared an interest and outlined the dispensation granted in relation to agenda item no. 8, Leader’s Report, as a local resident to the proposed Southern Link Road.

Councillor Liz Harvey declared an interest in relation to agenda item no. 9, motion - Protecting Community Safety in Herefordshire - Opposing Cuts to PCSO Hours, as a member of the Police and Crime Panel.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2025.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 July 2025  be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive the Chairman and Chief Executive’s announcements.

Council noted the Chairman’s and Chief Executive’s announcements as printed in the agenda papers.

To receive questions from members of the public.

A copy of the public questions and written answers, together with supplementary questions asked at the meeting and their answers,  is attached to the Minutes at Appendix 1.

To receive any written questions from members of the Council.

There were no questions from members of the Council.

To provide a view on the preferred number of elected members per ward in the county

Council considered a report by the Democratic Services Manager regarding the Electoral Review: Proposing the number of councillors per ward.

The Leader proposed the Electoral Review report recommendations and introduced the report.

Councillor Liz Harvey seconded the report’s recommendations.

The Electoral Review: Proposing the number of councillors per ward was put to a vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED

That Council:

a)    Resolves, by a majority vote, to retain its current electoral arrangements of one member per ward, and

b)    Presents its resolution to the Commission stating the Council’s position on its preferred electoral arrangements

To receive a report from the leader on the activities of the executive (cabinet) since the meeting of Council in July 2025.

Council received and noted the Leader’s Report which provided an update on the activities of Cabinet since the previous meeting of Council on 25 July 2025.

Council questioned the Leader and the following actions were raised:

-       In response to a question regarding whether the title of the Domestic Abuse Strategy should highlight prevention, it was proposed that the matter be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Board for consideration.

-       In response to a question about whether the Council holds data on ongoing dissatisfaction relating to children’s service provision, it was confirmed that feedback from families will be shared with members.

-       In response to a question about Ross Enterprise Park and that access will be created in this year, it was noted that members will be updated on the timeline of works.

-       In response to a question about assurances over issues around opening up an access to the Ross Enterprise Park development site in relation to the logistical issues around the siting of fibre-optic communications cabling, it was noted that an update would be provided.

-       In response to a question regarding litter concerns around the Enterprise Zone at Rotherwas, it was noted that officers would be asked to liaise with colleagues who run Skylon Park to see what the issues are and how they can be addressed.

-       In response to a question regarding whether Herefordshire Council will undertake a Section 77 appraisal to assess the impact on the River Lugg catchment area in relation to the original planning decision for the Buttercross flats, it was confirmed that clarification would be provided.

-       In response to a question about consultation with officers regarding the Merton Meadow Urban Village Programme, it was noted that clarity would be provided with regard to which officers the member had spoken to ensure regular updates have been received.

-       In response to a question regarding the City and Market Town Public Realm Investment, and whether written confirmation would be provided to confirm that the £1.2 million allocation will be carried over into the next financial year in the event of over-runs or delivery delays, it was confirmed that this would be done.

-       In response to a question regarding whether a briefing or workshop for all members would be held prior to the public consultation stage of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), it was confirmed that this will be arranged.

Councillor Jim Kenyon left the meeting at 11:19 a.m.

To consider Notices of Motion.

Council debated the motions contained in the report by the Director of Governance and Law.

Motion - Protecting Community Safety in Herefordshire - Opposing Cuts to PCSO Hours

Councillor Owens proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor Tillett seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion. The motion with alterations (to include mention of the Chief Constable in the motion) was agreed by the proposer of the motion.

The motion was put to the recorded vote and was carried by a simple majority.

FOR (44): Councillors Andrews, Baker, Bartlett, Biggs, Boulter, Carwardine, Cole, Cornthwaite, Clare Davies, Dave Davies, Durkin, Engel, Fagan, Foxton, Gandy, Gennard, Hamblin, Harvey, Heathfield, Hitchiner, Hurcomb, James, Lester, Mason, O’Driscoll, Oliver, Owens, Peberdy, Phillips, Dan Powell, Ivan Powell, Price, Proctor, Simmons, Spencer, Stark, Stoddart, Taylor, Thomas, Tillett, Toynbee, Tully, Rob Williams, and Woodall.

AGAINST (0)

ABSTENTIONS (0)

RESOLVED:

Council resolves:

1. Formally oppose the decision of the Chief Constable and supported by the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner to limit PCSO evening working hours across Herefordshire.

2. Request the Chief Executive to write to the Chief Constable and supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner, urging a reversal of this decision in recognition of the significant impact it will have on community safety and the visibility of policing in Herefordshire.

3. Request the Leader of the Council to communicate the Council’s opposition to these proposed changes with both of Herefordshire’s MPs and encourage them to raise the issue in Parliament, and to call for increased support and funding for neighbourhood policing in rural counties such as ours.

Councillor Terry James left the meeting at 12:18 p.m.

Motion - Child Friendly Herefordshire

Councillor Fagan proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor Proctor seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion. The motion with alterations (to include the word ‘all’ in the fourth bullet point) was agreed by the proposer of the motion.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED:

1.    To adopt a formal policy of Child Friendly Herefordshire, embedding the principle of putting children and young people’s safety and wellbeing at the heart of all decisions.

2.    To ensure children and young people have meaningful opportunities to shape decisions that affect them, both now and in the future.

3.    To ask the executive to work with partners across public services, schools, health, business, transport, community groups, and voluntary organisations to create a county-wide partnership for Child Friendly Herefordshire.

4.    To ask the Leader to report annually to Council on progress towards making Herefordshire a county where all children and young people thrive.

Motion - Improving access to employment, education and leisure for young people aged 16–19 through bus provision

Councillor Tully proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor Engel seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

The motion was put to the recorded vote and was carried by a simple majority.

FOR (41): Baker, Bartlett, Biggs, Boulter, Carwardine, Cole, Cornthwaite, Clare Davies, Dave Davies, Durkin, Engel, Fagan, Foxton, Gandy, Gennard, Hamblin, Harvey, Heathfield, Hitchiner, Hurcomb, Lester, Mason,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The next meeting is the ordinary meeting of Council is on 5 December 2025 at 10.00 a.m.

The remaining meeting dates in the 2025/26 municipal year are:

5 December 2025 – 10:00 a.m.

6 February 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

6 March 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

22 May 2026 – 10:30 a.m.

Council is asked to approve the schedule of full Council meeting dates in the 2026/27 municipal year as below:

24 July 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

9 October 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

4 December 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

5 February 2027 – 10:00 a.m.

5 March 2027 – 10:00 a.m.

21 May 2027 – 10:30 a.m.

Council considered and agreed the following meeting dates of Council in the 2026/27 municipal year:

24 July 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

9 October 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

4 December 2026 – 10:00 a.m.

5 February 2027 – 10:00 a.m.

5 March 2027 – 10:00 a.m.

21 May 2027 – 10:30 a.m.