to consider the following motions received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1
a. From Cllr Pearce and Cllr Bastone
“In response to the almost complete lack of any rented accommodation available for six months or longer that local people and those working in the area can access, and the excessive rise in house prices locally due to second home-owners and those moving in from other areas since the pandemic, which has made house prices completely inaccessible for the great majority of local people, South Hams District Council resolves to declare a Housing Crisis.
It is fortunate that we have a new Housing 5 year Housing Strategy and Housing Actions in Better Lives for All, but as an expansion of them South Hams District Council should:
1 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to allow council tax to be charged on plots with planning permission after a determined period, even if they haven’t been built out, so that developers are encouraged to build out sites without delay.
2 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to review the regulation of holiday accommodation, to ensure all holiday accommodation is suitably regulated and made subject to local planning policies and taxes. We should also appeal for an extension to the 90-day short term let legislation to be extended outside London and lobby MHCLG for a separate planning class for short term lets and a proper licensing system to cater for them..
3 Institute an immediate thorough review by the council of all holiday lettings in the District, including, but not restricted to, whether they have planning permission, whether they are paying council tax or business rates, as appropriate, for the accommodation, whether they comply with safety regulations, and to ensure they are paying appropriately for waste disposal.
4 Ask the JLP Team to review the thresholds and percentages of affordable housing on sites, and whether it would be appropriate at the Plan Revision to increase these so that the percentage of First Homes imposed by the government becomes in addition to the present 30% affordable homes rather than part of it.
5 Promote regular Landlord Forums and run a further campaign to publicise the advantages to landlords of Seamoor Lettings.
6 Work closely with our main Registered Providers to ensure best occupancy of stock, so that where tenants are prepared to downsize, not only are they given a priority banding to be able to access a smaller property but support to help them move available.
7 Use some of the affordable housing reserve to increase payments made to anyone downsizing to help make moving more attractive and affordable.
8 Use any Section 106 affordable housing contributions as soon as possible to help fund developments anywhere in the District where the terms of the Section 106 Agreement permit this.
9 Campaign for changes to the Broad Market Area to better reflect the costs of rents in the South Hams.
10. Promote the development of an exemplar site of low carbon modular housing such as ZEDpods, to show that developments like this can be both stylish and great to live in. They can offer many advantages over traditional build and could help, amongst other things, to alleviate the shortage of one bedroomed accommodation in the District.”
b. From Cllr Rose and Cllr Hodgson
“Tackling the Climate Emergency – Carbon Fee and Dividend South Hams District Council has declared a Climate Emergency and is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Council welcomes the work of SHDC officers to create and begin to implement our CC&B Action Plan, aligning with the DCC Carbon Plan; however, we recognise wider carbon neutrality and meaningful climate action will require bolder national policies.
Council notes:
• That stated current government policy is to reduce carbon emissions by 68% on 1990 levels by 2030;
• The deeply felt concerns of SHDC residents who are aware that national and international expert advisory bodies report that progress to date is insufficient to meet the global challenge on climate change by 2030.
Council agrees:
• With the widely understood principle that polluters should pay for the damage they cause;
• On the importance of ensuring a solid social and political consensus to sustain the transition to a low carbon way of life;
And therefore, South Hams District Council resolves to:
• Support the principle of the Carbon Fee and Dividend system;
• Lobby HM Government to appraise the impacts of carbon pricing based on this approach and publish the results;
• Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to express these views.”
c. From Cllr Bastone and Cllr Hawkins
‘The introduction of an Enhanced Response Area in Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Torbay and Plymouth by Public Health England will impose restrictions on the businesses and the general economy in the Region. The Council requests that the Government support the Region’s economy by extending the successful ARG grant scheme. South Hams has paid out over £82 million in grant funding to date and it has made a significant difference to the local economy. A £500,000 fourth Tranche of funding would be sufficient for this Council to support eligible businesses that will be impacted.’
d. From Cllr Hopwood and Cllr Baldry
‘In recognition of the national shortage of HGV drivers, this Council will write to the Home Secretary to call on the Government to allow temporary visas to be granted for European HGV drivers to be able to enter and work in the country.’
e. From Cllr Hodgson and Cllr Long
‘The waste and recycling collection service offered by the Council still falls well below the standards local residents expect or deserve. Councillors were given assurances that the service would return to a ‘steady state’ by mid July. In the Council’s view, this is not the case. We appreciate the efforts of officers and FCC to try and rectify the situation. However, if a solution cannot be found to deliver the ‘super recycling’ service as specified at the full council meeting on 6th December 2018 by the end of 2021, the council will exercise its contractual rights and look to bring the service back in house. We would initiate a transition period, in discussion with FCC, for the benefit of both parties. We will also look to work in partnership with other authorities to deliver a waste and recycling service that is fit for the 21st century’’
f. From Cllr O’Callaghan and Cllr Jackson
‘There is a housing crisis in the South Hams, and genuinely affordable homes for local people must be our top priority.
The Council will look to find solutions by forming a Working Group in the immediate future which will report back to the Executive and/or Full Council as soon as is practicable.’
Minutes:
48/21
It was noted that six Motions on Notice had been received in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.1:
(a) By Cllrs Pearce and Bastone
“In response to the almost complete lack of any rented accommodation available for six months or longer that local people and those working in the area can access, and the excessive rise in house prices locally due to second home-owners and those moving in from other areas since the pandemic, which has made house prices completely inaccessible for the great majority of local people, South Hams District Council resolves to declare a Housing Crisis.
It is fortunate that we have a new Housing 5 year Housing Strategy and Housing Actions in Better Lives for All, but as an expansion of them South Hams District Council should:
1 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to allow council tax to be charged on plots with planning permission after a determined period, even if they haven’t been built out, so that developers are encouraged to build out sites without delay.
2 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to review the regulation of holiday accommodation, to ensure all holiday accommodation is suitably regulated and made subject to local planning policies and taxes. We should also appeal for an extension to the 90-day short term let legislation to be extended outside London and lobby MHCLG for a separate planning class for short term lets and a proper licensing system to cater for them.
3 Institute an immediate thorough review by the council of all holiday lettings in the District, including, but not restricted to, whether they have planning permission, whether they are paying council tax or business rates, as appropriate, for the accommodation, whether they comply with safety regulations, and to ensure they are paying appropriately for waste disposal.
4 Ask the JLP Team to review the thresholds and percentages of affordable housing on sites, and whether it would be appropriate at the Plan Revision to increase these so that the percentage of First Homes imposed by the government becomes in addition to the present 30% affordable homes rather than part of it.
5 Promote regular Landlord Forums and run a further campaign to publicise the advantages to landlords of Seamoor Lettings.
6 Work closely with our main Registered Providers to ensure best occupancy of stock, so that where tenants are prepared to downsize, not only are they given a priority banding to be able to access a smaller property but support to help them move available.
7 Use some of the affordable housing reserve to increase payments made to anyone downsizing to help make moving more attractive and affordable.
8 Use any Section 106 affordable housing contributions as soon as possible to help fund developments anywhere in the District where the terms of the Section 106 Agreement permit this.
9 Campaign for changes to the Broad Market Area to better reflect the costs of rents in the South Hams.
10. Promote the development of an exemplar site of low carbon modular housing such as ZEDpods, to show that developments like this can be both stylish and great to live in. They can offer many advantages over traditional build and could help, amongst other things, to alleviate the shortage of one bedroomed accommodation in the District.”
In her introduction, the proposer made particular reference to:
o the dire housing situation in the South Hams that had only been exacerbated during this summer period;
o the need to ensure a sustainable future for the South Hams. The Leader started that the sustainability of the South Hams was being jeopardised by local people being unable to afford to live in the district;
o the increased recognition amongst Housing Policy Officers that national Housing Policies were not working in areas such as the South Hams; and
o the motion containing a number of actions that complimented the ‘Better Lives for All’ Corporate Strategy that had just been adopted (Minute 44/21 above refers).
In the ensuing debate, reference was made to:
(a) an amendment to the motion was PROPOSED and SECONDED that read as follows:
‘11. To actively seek opportunities to invest in Council owned social housing with high sustainability specification to support those on a low income who are unable to afford ‘affordable’ rented housing.’
In discussion, it was felt that this additional action should be supported and, when put to the vote, this amendment was declared CARRIED;
(b) a second amendment to the motion was PROPOSED and SECONDED that read as follows:
’12. To lobby Government to allow local councils to be able to charge up to 200% Council Tax on second/holiday homes as they do in Wales.’
In discussion, the ratio between average house prices and average wages was felt to be deeply concerning and were simply not understood by Central Government. As a result, a Member suggested formally inviting the newly appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to the South Hams for a visit to the South Hams to enable for a full appreciation of the housing crisis to be appreciated. Furthermore, the importance of local authorities being given the ability to make both landowners and developers build was recognised.
When put to the vote, the amendment was declared CARRIED.
It was then:
RESOLVED
In response to the almost complete lack of any rented accommodation available for six months or longer that local people and those working in the area can access, and the excessive rise in house prices locally due to second home-owners and those moving in from other areas since the pandemic, which has made house prices completely inaccessible for the great majority of local people, South Hams District Council resolves to declare a Housing Crisis.
It is fortunate that we have a new Housing 5 year Housing Strategy and Housing Actions in Better Lives for All, but as an expansion of them South Hams District Council should:
1 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to allow council tax to be charged on plots with planning permission after a determined period, even if they haven’t been built out, so that developers are encouraged to build out sites without delay;
2 Lobby government through our MPs and the LGA to review the regulation of holiday accommodation, to ensure all holiday accommodation is suitably regulated and made subject to local planning policies and taxes. We should also appeal for an extension to the 90-day short term let legislation to be extended outside London and lobby MHCLG for a separate planning class for short term lets and a proper licensing system to cater for them;
3 Institute an immediate thorough review by the council of all holiday lettings in the District, including, but not restricted to, whether they have planning permission, whether they are paying council tax or business rates, as appropriate, for the accommodation, whether they comply with safety regulations, and to ensure they are paying appropriately for waste disposal;
4 Ask the JLP Team to review the thresholds and percentages of affordable housing on sites, and whether it would be appropriate at the Plan Revision to increase these so that the percentage of First Homes imposed by the government becomes in addition to the present 30% affordable homes rather than part of it;
5 Promote regular Landlord Forums and run a further campaign to publicise the advantages to landlords of Seamoor Lettings;
6 Work closely with our main Registered Providers to ensure best occupancy of stock, so that where tenants are prepared to downsize, not only are they given a priority banding to be able to access a smaller property but support to help them move available;
7 Use some of the affordable housing reserve to increase payments made to anyone downsizing to help make moving more attractive and affordable;
8 Use any Section 106 affordable housing contributions as soon as possible to help fund developments anywhere in the District where the terms of the Section 106 Agreement permit this;
9 Campaign for changes to the Broad Market Area to better reflect the costs of rents in the South Hams;
10 Promote the development of an exemplar site of low carbon modular housing such as ZEDpods, to show that developments like this can be both stylish and great to live in. They can offer many advantages over traditional build and could help, amongst other things, to alleviate the shortage of one bedroomed accommodation in the District;
11 Actively seek opportunities to invest in Council owned social housing with high sustainability specification, to support those on a low income who are unable to afford ‘affordable’ rental housing; and
12 Lobby Government to allow local councils to be able to charge up to 200% Council Tax on second / holiday homes as they do in Wales.
(b) By Cllrs Rose and Hodgson
“Tackling the Climate Emergency – Carbon Fee and Dividend
South Hams District Council has declared a Climate Emergency and is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Council welcomes the work of SHDC officers to create and begin to implement our CC&B Action Plan, aligning with the DCC Carbon Plan; however, we recognise wider carbon neutrality and meaningful climate action will require bolder national policies.
Council notes:
· That stated current government policy is to reduce carbon emissions by 68% on 1990 levels by 2030;
· The deeply felt concerns of many SHDC residents who are aware that national and international expert advisory bodies report that progress to date is insufficient to meet the global challenge on climate change by 2030.
Council agrees:
- With the widely understood principle that polluters should pay for the damage they cause;
- That it would be unfair for residents of rural areas to be held accountable for pollution generated through lack of public transport available;
- On the importance of ensuring a solid social and political consensus to sustain the transition to a low carbon way of life;
And therefore, South Hams District Council resolves to:
- Support the principle of the Carbon Fee and Dividend system;
- Lobby HM Government to appraise the impacts of carbon pricing based on this approach and publish the results;
- Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to express their views.
In his introduction, the proposer informed that, since the agenda had been published, he had been in contact with the Leader, and the following minor alterations were therefore proposed:
· The deeply felt concerns of many SHDC residents who are aware that national and international expert advisory bodies report that progress to date is insufficient to meet the global challenge on climate change by 2030; and
- That it would be unfair for residents of rural areas to be held accountable for pollution generated through lack of public transport available;
The proposer proceeded to advise the meeting that, under this arrangement, fuel levies would be paid back to residents at a flat rate. As a result, those wealthiest members of society who used fossil fuels the most ended up paying the most, whilst the less wealthy would actually receive back more than the amount they paid as a result of increased fuel prices.
During the ensuing debate, there was widespread support expressed for the motion.
It was then:
RESOLVED
Tackling the Climate Emergency – Carbon Fee and Dividend
South Hams District Council has declared a Climate Emergency and is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
Council welcomes the work of SHDC officers to create and begin to implement our CC&B Action Plan, aligning with the DCC Carbon Plan; however, we recognise wider carbon neutrality and meaningful climate action will require bolder national policies.
Council notes:
· That stated current government policy is to reduce carbon emissions by 68% on 1990 levels by 2030;
· The deeply felt concerns of many SHDC residents who are aware that national and international expert advisory bodies report that progress to date is insufficient to meet the global challenge on climate change by 2030.
Council agrees:
- With the widely understood principle that polluters should pay for the damage they cause;
- That it would be unfair for residents of rural areas to be held accountable for pollution generated through lack of public transport available;
- On the importance of ensuring a solid social and political consensus to sustain the transition to a low carbon way of life;
And therefore, South Hams District Council resolves to:
- Support the principle of the Carbon Fee and Dividend system;
- Lobby HM Government to appraise the impacts of carbon pricing based on this approach and publish the results;
- Ask the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to express their views.
At this point and, in accordance with Meeting Procedure Rule 8.3(b), the Chairman advised that the 45-minute time limit for consideration of Notices of Motion had now expired and it was therefore his intention to formally close this Council Meeting. With regard to those Motions on Notice that were not considered, the Chairman informed of his intention for these to be rolled over for presentation to the next Full Council Meeting to be held on 25 November 2021.