Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations made.

It was moved by Councillor Greenhalgh and seconded by Councillor Barrow that the minutes of the meeting held on 27 February 2020 be approved as a correct record, subject to:

1.     The inclusion of Councillors Burton, Cross, Hardy, Huddlestone, Lawson, R McKeown and Oakley in the list of those present; and

2.     The inclusion of Councillor Cross’ vote in favour in the named vote for the budget and medium term financial plan (minute 20/35a refers)

The motion was carried and the Mayor was authorised to sign the minutes as amended.

The Mayor conveyed his thanks to elected members, officers, volunteers, the health and emergency services, social care and others working in the community for their work in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mayor’s Charity Ball was held on 14 March and raised £5,600 which had been distributed to a wide range of initiatives across the borough, particularly to help children and young people with mental health issues.  The Mayor thanked all those who helped organise and attend the event.

The Mayor announced that former Councillor Arthur Forrester and Deputy Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council had recently passed away.  Members conveyed their condolences to Councillor Forrester’s family.

No questions had been received.

It was moved by Councillor Ashton and seconded by Councillor Siddall that the Select Committees’ Annual Report 2019/20 be noted.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

It was moved by Councillor Greenhalgh and seconded by Councillor Barrow that the Calendar of Meetings 2020 – 21 be approved, subject to the meeting of Economy and Growth Select Committee scheduled for 1 October 2020, being moved to 7 October 2020, and the date of the meeting of Audit & Regulatory Committee in November to be confirmed.

When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.

The recommendation at paragraph 2.1 of the report was moved by Councillor Greenhalgh and seconded by Councillor Barrow:

1.     That Council approves the recommendation of the Joint Appointments Panel that Andrew stokes be appointed as Joint Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service

An amendment was moved by Councillor Ashton and seconded by Councillor Kemp:

“That having regard to Agenda Item 8 (Appointment of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service) it is clear that due process as set out in the Constitution has not been followed. The Council resolves that in the interest of transparency, accountability and legal certainty,  the item should be withdrawn and brought back for consideration at a future meeting. Prior to that, there should be proper consultation with all elected members and political parties within the provisions of the Constitution, and all relevant information material to the appointment should be disclosed to members including the remuneration arrangements proposed for the post.”

Councillors voted as follows for the amendment:

The amendment was declared lost.  Councillors subsequently voted on the original motion as follows:

The recommendation was declared carried and it was RESOLVED accordingly.

The recommendation at paragraph 2.2 of the report was moved by Councillor Thrane and seconded by Councillor Cross:

2.     That Council notes and supports the appointment of Andrew Stokes as Returning Officer and Electoral Registration Officer for High Peak Borough Council.

 When put to the meeting it was RESOLVED accordingly.