Issue - meetings

The Chair reported that a decision made by the Executive on 22 July 2024 entitled ‘Western Growth Corridor Scheme Delivery - Phase 1A & Phase 1B’ had been called in by Councillors Clare Smalley and Natasha Chapman, who had cited seven reasons for the call in, and had suggested two outcomes, which were laid out on pages 7 and 8 of the agenda pack. Specific details were set out in the exempt report and minute extract of the meeting held on 22 July 2024.

Councillor Clare Smalley, as lead signatory to the Call In, was invited by the Chair to address the Committee who explained the reasons for Call In.

She outlined the suggested recommendation she felt the Committee should make to the Executive.

The Chair invited members of the Committee to ask any questions in relation to the reasons for Call In. Relevant questions and responses were received.

The Chair invited Councillor Naomi Tweddle, Leader of the Council, to respond to the Call In request. Councillor Tweddle responded to each of the points set out and put forward her explanation as to why the Executive decision had been taken.

The Chair invited members of the Committee to ask any questions of the Leader relating to the decision. A number of questions were asked, with answers provided. Signatories to the Call In were also provided with an opportunity to ask questions of clarification.

The Chair asked the Committee to consider whether the request for Call In should be approved or refused.

It was RESOLVED that the request for Call In on the decision of the Executive on Western Growth Corridor Scheme Delivery - Phase 1A & Phase 1B be refused, for the following reasons:

(1)  That having regard to the nature of the decision, and the circumstances in which it was made, the decision had been taken on the basis of appropriate or sufficient consultation.

(2)  That the decision maker had given adequate reasons for the decision.

(3)  That the decision maker had taken relevant considerations into account and had come to a decision which a reasonable decision maker, taking everything properly into account, would have come to.

(4)  That the decision was not contrary to the policy framework.

(5)  That the decision was not contrary to and was wholly in accordance with the budget.

(6)  That the decision could be justified and was not open to challenge on the basis of the evidence considered.

(7)  That a viable alternative was considered.

(8)  That the risk was very low and the decision was proportionate and justified.

(Vote: Three in favour, two against)

The Chair reported that a decision made by the Executive on 20 February 2023 entitled ‘Events and Culture in the City – Christmas 2023 and Beyond’ had been called in by Councillors Thomas Dyer and Rachel Storer, who had cited three reasons for the call in, and had suggested four outcomes, which were laid out on pages 4 and 5 of the agenda pack.

A.       Reasons for the Call in Request and Suggested Outcomes

Reasons for the Request for the Call In

Councillor Thomas Dyer, as the lead call in member, provided detail on each of the grounds for the call in request as follows:

(a)  The process in which the decision had been made to re allocate the existing budget provision for the Christmas Market to provide a wider events programme throughout the year including a new ‘Christmas in Lincoln’ offer, had been made without sufficient public consultation. Opposition Councillors and backbench Members of the controlling group were notified one day prior to the public announcement. The strength of public feeling was referenced and was evidenced by the petition entitled ‘Save the Lincoln Christmas Market’ organised by Rachel Whitaker. Despite a significant number of signatories, the organiser was declined the opportunity to address Executive Members. The Council had fallen short of the necessary consultation that local stakeholders expect from a local authority.

(b)  There had not been adequate discussions held with Members, stakeholders and the wider public to consider the alternative options suggested by the multi-agency Safety Advisory Group (SAG). There had been limited anecdotal discussion however no detailed data had been provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the alternatives.

(c)  The decision to re-allocate the existing budget provision for the Christmas Market to provide a wider events programme throughout the year, including a new ‘Christmas in Lincoln’ offer had not been taken with due regard to possible alternative options.

Suggested Outcomes

Councillor Thomas Dyer also explained the four suggested outcomes;

(a)  The City of Lincoln Council (CoLC) issue a full public apology for its poor engagement with local stakeholders, businesses and residents.

(b)  To undertake a review of the decision making process to ensure that decisions could not be made in the future in the absence of engagement standards having been met.

(c)  That the decision to re-allocate the existing budget provision away from the Christmas Market be paused until such time a full public consultation comprehensively considers the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

(d)  In the instance that the CoLC formally decide to re-allocate the existing budget provision for the Christmas Market, that the budget would receive full protection from decrease for five full financial years, commencing from 2024 – whereby an events programme was due to commence.

Statement from Councillor Rachel Storer in Support of the Call In Request

Councillor Rachel Storer, as a signatory to the call in, made a statement in support of the call in request:

(a)  It was disappointing that the decision to re-allocate the existing budget provision away from the Christmas Market  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2