To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Polly Andrews, Dave Davies, Elizabeth Foxton and Ivan Powell.

Council stood in silence in memory of Councillor Peter Jinman.

The Group Leaders paid tribute to Councillor Jinman and the significant contribution he had made to Herefordshire Council and his local ward of Golden Valley South. Councillor Jinman was respected widely throughout the council and the local community. He brought a rational and considered approach to matters and warmth and good humour in all his interactions with members, officers and local residents.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 May 2023.

The Chairman outlined a correction to the minutes of the previous meeting to correct the use of the term Chairman to Chairperson under paragraphs 5 and 8.

RESOLVED: That, subject to the corrections as outlined above,the minutes of the meeting 19 May 2023 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 questions from members of the Council.

A copy of the Member questions and written answers, together with supplementary questions asked at the meeting and their answers, is attached to the Minutes at Appendix 2.

To receive a report from the leader on the activities of the executive (cabinet).

Council received and noted the Leader’s report which provided an update on the work of the Cabinet since the annual meeting of Council on 19 May 2023.

Council questioned the Leader on those topics contained in the report and the following actions were raised:

·       To provide a written response to a question requesting updates on the motions concerning Herefordshire’s Rivers, including: Water Protection Zone for River Wye System; Cabinet Commission on Phosphates; and River Wye bylaws; and

·       To review the submission of recommendations concerning the Local Plan from the Environment and Sustainability Scrutiny Committee to Cabinet and to consider an executive response.

To consider Notices of Motion.

Motion 1 – County Athletics Track

Councillor Jim Kenyon proposed the motion.

Councillor Rob Williams seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

In summary, there was widespread support for the motion and the contribution the facility would make to the health and wellbeing of local residents and the promotion of participation in sport. There was concern expressed regarding long term maintenance of the facility, following repair, and the potential precedent that the Council would set for other local fundraising efforts seeking contributions towards projects.

Councillor Kenyon closed the debate.

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

RESOLVED – that:

This Council asks the cabinet to reconsider the decision made by council back in February, at the budget meeting, regarding funding for the County Athletics Track in Hereford. Since that meeting they have attracted additional funding from the levelling up government fund and the local community following the initial pump prime funding from Hereford City council of £70k the short fall for the project to be fully funded is £70k the total project cost is £450k.

Motion 2 – Climate and Ecological Emergency

Councillor Ellie Chowns proposed the motion.

Councillor Liz Harvey seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion.

In summary, there was considerable support for the motion and the importance of accelerating efforts locally to address climate change and move towards net zero. Evidence of the impact of the climate change locally was raised including the increase in the incidence and severity of flooding. It was raised that the motion should not create an impediment to growth and development in the county.

Councillor Chowns close the debate.

The motion was put to the recorded vote and was carried unanimously.

FOR (48) - Councillors: Bruce Baker, Jenny Bartlett, Chris Bartrum, Graham Biggs, Dave Boulter, Harry Bramer, Jacqui Carwardine, Ellie Chowns, Simeon Cole, Frank Cornthwaite, Pauline Crockett, Clare Davies, Barry Durkin, Mark Dykes, Toni Fagan, Carole Gandy, Catherine Gennard, Peter Hamblin, Liz Harvey, Helen Heathfield, Robert Highfield, David Hitchiner, Dan Hurcomb, Terry James, Jim Kenyon, Jonathan Lester, Nick Mason, Bob Matthews, Ed O'Driscoll, Aubrey Oliver, Rob Owens, Justine Peberdy, Roger Phillips, Dan Powell, Philip Price, Ben Proctor, Stef Simmons, Adam Spencer, Louis Stark, Pete Stoddart, John Stone, Elissa Swinglehurst, Richard Thomas, Kevin Tillett, Diana Toynbee, Allan Williams, Rob Williams and Mark Woodall

AGAINST (0)

ABSTAIN (0)

RESOLVED – that:

In March 2019 Herefordshire Council unanimously passed a motion recognising the climate emergency.  This was updated in December 2020 to include recognition of the ecological emergency.

Since that time the scale of the challenge has become greater, and the need for action more urgent. Climate change is driving extreme weather such as heatwaves that cost lives. Wildlife is under extreme pressure, and species loss is accelerating.

Here in Herefordshire we can see the effects of the climate and ecological emergency very clearly at local level.  Climate change contributed to the unprecedented flooding in February 2020 that caused immense damage and disruption.  Pollution has caused a collapse  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.