To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Pauline Crockett, Helen Heathfield and Nick Mason.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2025.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 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.

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) since the meeting of Council in March 2025.

Council received and noted the Leader’s Report which provided an update on the activities of Cabinet since the previous ordinary meeting on 7 March 2025.

Council questioned the Leader and the following actions were raised:

-      In response to a question concerning the commitment of the council to develop a ‘Child Friendly Herefordshire’ it was suggested that scrutiny could consider a task and finish group exercise.

-      In response to a question regarding projects underway to increase SEND provision, additional information would be made available.

-      In response to a question regarding the holiday activities and food programme 2025-2026, to liaise with government regarding the provision of funding for the Autumn half term for the programme.

-      In response to a question regarding how the council would seek to address the deficit in the DSG, a strategy would be shared with members. The strategy would detail how the council would seek to take the issue forward with central government.

-      In response to a question regarding thresholds for support it was suggested that scrutiny could consider an investigation into how local residents who did not qualify for the holiday activities and food programme but who were struggling could be supported during the school holidays.

-      In response to a question regarding the timelines for the delivery for the Community Transport grant through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Allocation 2025/2026 it would be considered what assistance could be provided to local community groups to access the funding.

-      In response to a question regarding work that was ongoing with respect to riparian landowners it was explained that an update would be provided.

-      To provide a response to a question regarding the procurement of highway resurfacing services and the extra miles resurfaced compared to the existing BBLP contract.

-      In response to questions regarding calls to implement a 40 mph speed limit around Locks Garage in Allensmore an officer appraisal on the proposal would be sought.

-      In response to a question regarding road side railings officers would be asked to look at the safety of corroded railings on Belmont Road and Greyfriars Bridge.

-      In response to a question regarding food waste caddies and the potential for wildlife to scavenge, officers would be asked to consider that the containers were sufficient robust before they were issued.

-      A response would be provided to a question regarding the proposed provision of fencing in Churchill Gardens, around Churchill House, following an officer review of the proposal.

To consider Notices of Motion.

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

Motion – Securing Herefordshire’s Role in the UK and European Defence Industrial Strategy

Councillor O’Driscoll proposed and introduced the motion.

Councillor James seconded the motion.

Council debated the motion. There was support across the majority of Council for the recommendations contained in the motion but concern was expressed by some members regarding the inclusion of munition and ammunition manufacturing in Herefordshire.

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

FOR (38): Councillors Andrews, Baker, Bartrum, Biggs, Bramer, Carwardine, Cole, Cornthwaite, Clare Davies, Dave Davies, Durkin, Dykes, Foxton, Gandy, Hamblin, Highfield, Hurcomb, James, Kenyon, Lester, O’Driscoll, Oliver, Owens, Phillips, Dan Powell, Price, Proctor, Simmons, Spencer, Stark, Stoddart, Stone, Swinglehurst, Taylor, Thomas, Tillett, Allan Williams and Robert Williams.

Against (2): Councillors Harvey and Woodall.

Abstentions (10): Councillors Bartlett, Boulter, Engel, Fagan, Gennard, Hitchiner, Peberdy, Ivan Powell, Toynbee and Tully.

RESOLVED:

This Council notes:

·       The publication of the UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review 2025 – Making Britain Safer: Secure at Home, Strong Abroad, which sets out plans to make defence an engine for economic growth across the UK.

·       The SDR’s headline commitments, including:

·       The announcement of a defence partnership between the UK and EU enabling UK companies to access EU defence programmes, including the €150 billion SAFE initiative and wider €800 billion ReArm programme thereby potentially unlocking substantial export and inward investment opportunities.

            This Council further recognises:

• Herefordshire’s proud history in the defence sector, including its longstanding role in munitions production, Special Forces presence, and engineering excellence.

• The county’s strong foundations in advanced manufacturing and potential to host one of the government’s planned new munitions and energetics factories.

            This Council resolves to ask the executive to:

1. Develop a Herefordshire Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Prospectus, highlighting the county’s strategic readiness to host defence-related investment, including a munitions facility, with a focus on clean and sustainable manufacturing.

2. Formally write to the Secretary of State for Defence, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Ministry for Business and Trade, urging them to consider Herefordshire as a location for one of the planned new factories and associated supply chain investment.

3. Call on the Government to support rural areas like Herefordshire by:

o   Prioritising infrastructure upgrades in strategic industrial zones;

o   Establishing an investment support scheme modelled on Enterprise Zones;

o   Fast-tracking planning for clean-tech and defence-linked developments.

4. Engage with UK defence primes and SMEs to promote supply chain expansion in the county, particularly for dual-use and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.