Agenda and minutes

A minute’s silence was observed in respect of the passing of Councillor Linda Arkley OBE, serving councillor for Cullercoats ward.  She was first elected as councillor in 1991 for Tynemouth.  In 2003 she was the Borough’s first female elected Mayor, a position she was elected into again in 2009.

She received an OBE in 2018 for services to politics, as recognition of her dedication.

Council heard from Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Kim McGuiness.

Kim advised Council that she was pleased to attend the meeting and to have in attendance with her Vanessa Jardine, the Chief Constable, who has been in post since April of this year.

It was noted that North Tyneside Council and Councillors have been an important partner in the work of the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and that the region continues to remain a safe region and North Tyneside a safe place to live and work.

However, the Commissioner advised that there are still challenges to face, there is definitely a North / South divide when it comes to recruitment.  There was nothing mentioned in the Autumn Statement about public services and whilst other forces report historic numbers we are still fighting for more cops.

However, the force has recently launched a new era of Neighbourhood Policing with 134 new police officers in neighbourhoods and 98 additional PCSOs.  There is a targeted effort on Transport to improve transport safety and NTC have funded extra wardens to target offenders with £1m from the PCC office.

The Police are aware of the issues of Motorcycle Anti-Social behaviour and using intelligence and the introduction of drones are behind the key partnership successes.  It was re-iterated that this is a safe Borough and a safe region.

The Chief Constable also advised Council that she too was delighted to be here and has spent her first few months getting out and about to meet people, speaking to her members of staff and getting to know partners and stakeholders.  The Chief Constable highlighted three of her key priorities as follows:

1.       To be there when needed

2.     To make improvements in response

3.     With regards to investigations, keeping victims up to date

The Chief Constable advised that the force will continue with their priority based budgeting approach in order to realise some investment opportunities and are looking at an operating model review, work has already started and it is expected that everything will be in place by April 2024.  There are and continue to be challenges, including national challenges which can affect us locally.  There have been protests on a huge scale, not here in but officers are working hard to reassure the public, we are keeping them safe.  The Chief Constable’s advised that from her perspective she advised that North Tyneside is a very safe place to live and work and a great place to live and work.

The chair thanked the PCC and the Chief Constable for their attendance and advised members if their questions had not been asked they could send them to the PCC’s office via the chairman and responses would be arranged.

Three valid questions have been received from a member of the public for this meeting.

1.        Question from Mr Christie of Wallsend

I would like to thank the Chair of allowing me to bring this question forward to this meeting, which happens to coincide with Road Safety Week.  5 people killed and 76 people seriously injured every day on our roads, every act of road violence has a serious detrimental impact on victims and their families.

On the 21 September 2023 during the Meeting of Council, Motion 5 was moved with regards to Road Safety, however, the initiatives provided by this current leadership amounts to nothing more than kicking the can down the road and putting the onus on Northumbria Police to enforce Road Safety.

To quote paragraph 3 on the amended motion: 

“Council also notes other than road and road infrastructure design North Tyneside council has little power to enforce on road safety.”

Central government allows councils to apply for powers to enforce moving traffic offences, which the current leadership has been approached for by individuals, schools and road safety organisations since they became available in May 2022.  This includes the ability to enforce School Streets.

To date, the current leadership have actively refused to apply for those powers.  Whilst it could be argued that the working in the motion is accurate, it does hide the matter that the council has powers available to use, but have yet refused to apply for them.  This could be seen as a neutral observer as being disingenuous.

As a result, I am calling on the Mayor to allow the committee to hear evidence from the citizens of this Borough, the road safety groups and organisations that have been raising this with councillors and the Mayor directly to aid in the decision making process.

Will the Mayor hear this call and update Motion 5 from 21 September 2023 to include the hearing of evidence to the Committee?

Councillor H Johnson responded on behalf of the elected mayor as follows:

Thank you Mr Christie for your questions.  Following the road safety Motion and subsequent review at the Green Sub Committee, it was agreed that the Council will undertake discussions with emergency services stakeholders. The purpose of which are to review working practices and processes, establish opportunities to share information, promote Community Speed Watch and to review all moving traffic offences.

As part of these discussions, we will also undertake a public consultation exercise to give residents the opportunity to provide comments as how best to deal with road safety and speeding prevention.

The public consultation exercise will commence in January 2024 for 4 weeks and be made available through the Council’s website. The results of the consultation will be published and included in the new plan for addressing the Motion.

The final report will be presented at a council meeting in March 2024 for approval.

We will also include evidence from the public in addressing the motion following the consultation exercise.

Consultation on the plan will commence in January 2024, and this will give our residents the opportunity to  ...  view the full minutes text for item C50/22

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in matters appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

Please complete the Declarations of Interests card available at the meeting and return it to the Democratic Services Officer before leaving the meeting.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensation from the requirement to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests that have been granted to you in respect of any matters appearing on the agenda.

Councillor S Cox and Councillor D Cox declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in Item 9 Empty Council Tax Property Premium and indicated that they would leave the meeting during consideration of this item.

RESOLVED –         That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 September 2023 be taken as read, confirmed and signed by the Chair.

Three valid Motions on Notice, signed by at least three Members of the Council, have been received for consideration at this meeting.

It was moved by Councillor C Davis and seconded by Councillor G Madden that:

North Tyneside welcomes the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a

generation which is smoke free. We as a council should be proactive and

implement measures on single use vapes. The health and wellbeing are

paramount concerns for North Tyneside Council.

The local economy can benefit from promoting healthier alternatives to

smoking, such as smoking cessation programs and support for individuals

looking to quit. It is acknowledged that the use of vapes is widely used as a

smoking alternative. However, the use of single-use vapes and electronic

cigarettes has surged in popularity, especially among young people.

Indeed, vapes are packaged, flavoured and promoted in a way that

appeals to young people.

There is growing evidence of the health risks associated with vaping,

including potential long-term consequences on respiratory health;

With this in mind North Tyneside agrees the following measures to be

considered:

a. provide resources to public awareness campaigns, highlighting the

health risks associated with vaping and the importance of smoking

cessation programs.

b. campaign to promote the negative impacts of vaping in schools and

resource programmes specifically targeted at young people under

18 to reduce numbers using vapes

c. Support research initiatives to better understand the long-term

health effects of vaping and its impact on our community.

d. promote responsible disposal practices for vaping products,

including designated collection points to reduce litter and

environmental pollution.

We believe that by taking these actions, we can help to protect the health

of our residents, reduce the environmental impact of single-use vapes,

and promote a safer and more sustainable North Tyneside for all.

An amendment was moved by Councillor K Clark and seconded by Councillor P Earley as follows:

In the second sentence, after Council, to insert ‘should seek funding from the Government to’,

At the end of the third paragraph, to insert ‘However council notes clear guidance from public health England is If you smoke, vaping is much safer; if you don't smoke, don't vape.’

In the fourth paragraph, after North Tyneside, to insert ‘agrees to write to the Government to seek funding support’ and to delete ‘to be considered’ from the end of the sentence.

The amended motion therefore read:

North Tyneside welcomes the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create a generation which is smoke free.  We as a council should seek funding from the Government to be proactive and implement measures on single use vapes. The health and wellbeing are paramount concerns for North Tyneside Council.

The local economy can benefit from promoting healthier alternatives to smoking, such as smoking cessation programs and support for individuals looking to quit.  It is acknowledged that the use of vapes is widely used as a smoking alternative. However, the use of single-use vapes and electronic cigarettes has surged in popularity, especially among young people. Indeed, vapes are packaged, flavoured and promoted in a way that appeals to young people. 

There is growing evidence of the health  ...  view the full minutes text for item C53/22

(Cllr G Madden left the meeting at this point)

It was moved by Councillor I McAlpine and seconded by Councillor C Johnston that:

North Tyneside Council:

• Recognises the importance of small businesses to our local economy and the pressure they are under due to the rising cost of living caused by the war in Ukraine.

• Acknowledges some of the great work that already goes on to

encourage residents to shop locally, including the Shop NT project run by the authority and other projects run by the North of Tyne Combined authority through the government’s shared prosperity fund.

• Encourages as many residents as possible to shop locally this

Christmas, because we know when we support local businesses

money is reinvested into our local economy, making our area an even better place to live

• Asks the Mayor to introduce 2-hours of free parking in our town centres for the duration of December, encouraging more visitors to our outstanding small businesses. The scheme should allow all council run town centre parking to have a 2-hour no return option while also protecting the option to pay for longer for those who use our car parks regularly. Council believes this would deliver a well needed boost to our small businesses.

An amendment was moved by Councillor H Johnson and seconded by Councillor C Johnson as follows:

To add the following to the first paragraph ‘Conservative Government mismanaging the economy and’

To remove paragraph 4.

To add the following final paragraph:

‘Asks the Mayor to continue with her policy of free weekend and evening parking in out town centres to support more people to shop locally supporting our outstanding small businesses. Note that while introducing 2 hour free parking during the day time would be positive, it wouldn’t be possible to enforce this without a TRO in place and we couldn’t introduce one at such short notice without consultation. Note that this policy would also need to be fully tested and changing daytime weekday parking arrangements is likely to have a significant impact on residential parking around the town centres.’

The amended motion therefore read:

North Tyneside Council:

• Recognises the importance of small businesses to our local economy and the pressure they are under due to the rising cost of living caused by the Conservative Government mismanaging the economy and the war in Ukraine.

• Acknowledges some of the great work that already goes on to

encourage residents to shop locally, including the Shop NT project run by the authority and other projects run by the North of Tyne Combined authority through the government’s shared prosperity fund.

• Encourages as many residents as possible to shop locally this

Christmas, because we know when we support local businesses

money is reinvested into our local economy, making our area an even better place to live

Asks the Mayor to continue with her policy of free weekend and evening parking in our town centres to support more people to shop locally supporting our outstanding  ...  view the full minutes text for item C54/22

It was moved by Councillor C Johnsson and seconded by Councillor O Scargill that:

The recent spike in dangerous dog attacks by the so called XL Bully breed, including attacks in North Tyneside, has been shocking. Council welcomes the efforts of responsible dog owners who train their dogs properly resulting in well behaved dogs which offer companionship and enhance our communities.

North Tyneside Council:

• Welcomes the Government’s decision to add the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Meaning that from 1 February it will become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

• Asks the Mayor to work with Housing to establish any policy areas in relation council housing tenancies that could be tightened to ensure a more robust stance on ownership of dogs where they are found to play in a part in anti-social behaviour.

An amendment was moved by Councillor J Harrison and seconded by Councillor W Samuel as follows:

Bullet point 1 – to add the word ‘Conservative’ after ‘welcomes the’.

To remove bullet point 2 and replace with ‘Ask the mayor to write to all members confirming we already have policies in place for council tenants with regards to animals and any part they may play in anti-social behaviours. But also notes that it is not only council tenants who may cause anti-social behaviour with regards to dogs and it is the police, not the council who have the powers to enforce this under the dangerous dogs act.’

The amended motion therefore read:

The recent spike in dangerous dog attacks by the so called XL Bully breed, including attacks in North Tyneside, has been shocking. Council welcomes the efforts of responsible dog owners who train their dogs properly resulting in well behaved dogs which offer companionship and enhance our communities.

North Tyneside Council:

• Welcomes the Conservative Government’s decision to add the XL Bully type to the list of dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Meaning that from 1 February it will become illegal to own an XL Bully dog if it is not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

•       Asks the mayor to write to all members confirming we already have policies in place for council tenants with regards to animals and any part they may play in anti-social behaviours. But also notes that it is not only council tenants who may cause anti-social behaviour with regards to dogs and it is the police, not the council who have the powers to enforce this under the dangerous dogs act.

A recorded vote on the amendment was requested by two members present.

Votes for the Amendment:

Councillors G Bell, L Bell, B Burdis, C Burdis, S Burtenshaw, K Clark, D Cox, S Cox, N Craven, J Cruddas, E Darke, C Davis, S Day, D Drummond, P Earley, S Graham, I Grayson, M Hall, T Hallway, J Harrison, A Holdsworth, Janet Hunter, V Jamieson,  ...  view the full minutes text for item C55/22

Council is recommended to appoint to the role of Deputy Chair of the Caring Sub-Committee.

(Councillor E Parker Leonard and Cllr A Holdsworthy left the meeting at this point)

Council sought nominations for the position of Deputy Chair of the Caring Sub-Committee.

Councillor Gary Bell was nominated.  No other nominations were received.

On being put to the meeting, the appointment of Cllr Gary Bell as Deputy Chair of the Caring Sub-committee was approved by 43 votes with 8 abstentions.

Council is requested to consider the report and the findings of the cross-party working group established in accordance with the Motion agreed by full Council on 19 January 2023.

Council received a report relating to Electric Vehicle Charging, following a cross-party working group which was established to consider matters raised in a motion agreed by full Council on 19 January 2023.

It was moved by Councillor M Wilson and seconded by Councillor C Johnson that:

a)   The contents of the report and the findings of the cross-party working group established in accordance with the motion agreed by full Council on 19 January 2023; and

b)   The details of the report, including the actions recommended by the working group set out in the report be submitted to Cabinet for its consideration.

The recommendations, on being put to the meeting were approved unanimously.

Council is asked to consider the report and the recommendations in relation to the Council Tax Empty Property Premium.

(Cllr D Cox and Cllr S Cox left the meeting for this item.  Cllr A Spowatt and Cllr C Davis also left the meeting at this point)

Council received a report on the setting out the proposed changes to the Council Tax Empty Property Premium arising from the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill which received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023.

It was moved by Councillor A McMullen and seconded by Councillor C Johnson that Council:

(i)             Agree that with effect from 1 April 2024, the current Long-Term Empty Property Council Tax Premium charged by the Authority be applied to dwellings that have been empty for 1 year rather than 2 years;

(ii)           That the Director of Resources be given delegated authority to determine if any exemption from the Long-Term Empty Property Council Tax Premium should apply to a particular property as considered appropriate and that this delegation be included in the Officer Delegation Scheme which forms part of the Council’s constitution.

(iii)         Notes that a further report will be presented to full Council on the potential application of the power to charge a Council Tax Premium on dwellings that are occupied periodically (“second homes”).

On being put to the meeting the report was approved by 45 votes to 2 votes.

To seek to grant a dispensation in respect of Councillor Carole Burdis, under Section 85(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. 

This item was withdrawn as Councillor Burdis was in attendance at the meeting.

To receive any announcements by the Chair of Council.

Members were reminded that the 25 November marked the 16 days of action against violence against women, members were advised that one of the ways they can support this action is by wearing a white ribbon and that there was a box of white ribbons for those members who needed them at the entrance to the Chamber.

The Chair advised Council of the following events he had attended since the last meeting of Council in September.

The Chair informed Council that he had given out

Citizenship certificates to North Tyneside residents who have come from various part of the world all with different backgrounds who have brought with them the much needed skills that we require in the UK.

The Chair advised that he had been fortunate to be invited to the Salvation International Band concert in the Cultural Quarter in Howard Street in September.  Also in September the Chair attended the Batlle of Britain Commemoration Service at the War Memorial on the links.

The chair also attended the following events in October and November.

The State of Area Event at the Linskill Centre

He gave out medals and certificates at the Hadrian School Swimming Gala

He attended the Trafalgar Celebrations

He gave out certificates at the Adult Learning Awards in the Council Chamber, He opened a number of poppy appeals for the Royal British Legions of North Shields, Forest Hall and Whitley Bay

He attended Whitley Bay Rotary Club Centenary Lunch with thanks to John Clarkson and the members of the Rotary Club for that invitation

He was privileged to attend the dedication of Fields of Remembrance at Saltwell Park

The Chair advised Council that it was with Great Sadness that he attended the funeral mass of Councillor Linda Arkley.

The Chair advised that he was pleased to attend the Freedom of The Borough presentation to Sting

Finally the chair advised that he attended the 1945 Remembrance Service at the White Heart Centre

He also attended Remembrance Services at North Shields, Whitley Bay and Backworth.

To receive any announcements by the Elected Mayor.

Councillor Carl Johnson on behalf of Dame Redfearn who was very sad she could not be here as Councillor Johnson announced that Mark Longstaff would be retiring from North Tyneside Council after 28 years of service at North Tyneside but starting his working career in Local Government in 1984 and this would be his last council meeting.

Marks been at the sharp end of lots of big issues over the last 10 years in particular and has done a fantastic job and the Council really wants to express its thanks to Mark for that.

Councillor Johnson told Council that he personally was very sad to see Mark go as he had been a great assistance to him from even before he was a Councillor answering lots of questions.   Really want to pay tribute to Mark for his service to North Tyneside

3 valid questions on notice have been received for a response at this meeting.

Question 1 – from Cllr Matt Wilson

North Tyneside Council is committed to supporting women, working to ensure they can live free from coercion, abuse, and violence. Please would the Elected Mayor update us on progress made on this issue since we first passed our White Ribbon motion in 2021?

Response from Councillor Clark

Thank you for your question.  Like you, and most of us here, I too remember the White Ribbon motion being passed.  We should all take pride in the fact it received unanimous support.  Our message was therefore clear about the level of seriousness with which we take this issue and the values we want to uphold in North Tyneside.

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made since the motion was passed.

Following its application, the Authority received formal accreditation from the White Ribbon organisation in November 2021 and therefore endorsement for the required 3-year plan we submitted.

We have:

·       Established a growing network of ambassadors - those who have signed the White Ribbon pledge, men from across the authority, across partner organisations

·       Embedded a group of champions – those who have committed to raise awareness, who are women and reflect those groups referred to

·       Ensured we have a strong communications plan,

·       Participated in the annual international 16 days of action commencing on ‘White Ribbon Day’ on 25 November, and there is a whole range of actions in place including the Park Run at the Rising Sun Country Park on Sunday 25 November at 9am

·       On the 16 days the White Ribbon flags will be flown at Quadrant, in Killingworth and the Lighthouse will be illuminated orange

·       There is more ways on the Council website about ways people may want to get involved

·       Engaged in developing the Authority’s overall work on ensuring dignity and respect in working for the council.

We are now at the mid-way point of delivering our 3-year delivery plan and the steering group, chaired by our Director of Regeneration and Economic Development John Sparkes, is reviewing where we have got to and looking to shape the next steps going forward.

Question 2 - from Cllr Andy Newman

Nuclear test veterans have fought long and hard for the recognition they deserve, yet many were left disappointed when their long-awaited medals where unceremoniously sent out in the post, the Government has so far failed to organise any medal ceremonies to honour our nuclear test veterans. Will the Elected Mayor commit to holding medal ceremonies for North Tyneside veterans awarded the nuclear test medal?

Response from Councillor Carl Johnson

Thank you Councillor Newman, much like you I’m very disappointed that the honour this chamber has discussed many times and has received cross party support on, Councillor Gary Bell when he was Veterans Champion brought a number of motions on the Nuclear Test Veterans.  We’ve had representatives from the community in here many times. 

The way this was handled from the Government, the way they have organised it doesn’t sit well  ...  view the full minutes text for item C62/22

Council is requested to note the decision of the Standards Sub-Committee at its meeting on 28 September 2023.

This report was submitted for Council to note.  Council were advised that it would not be appropriate to discuss this report as the decision has already been made and published.