Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Stephen Cox, Joan King and Raj Khiroya.

To confirm as being a correct record the minutes of the meeting of Full Council held on 21 October 2025 and for them to be signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 October 2025 were considered.

It was noted that the response recorded under the Leader’s Report in relation to Shannon House did not accurately reflect the question asked or the response given at the meeting. Officers were requested to amend the minutes to reflect that the leader had responded “No” to the question raised.

Subject to this amendment, the minutes were agreed by general assent.

Councillor Hussain declared a personal interest in Item 8 (Review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy) as a licensed taxi driver and left the room for the duration for that item.

To receive an update on the Chair’s activities since the last meeting.

The Chair confirmed that Item 7 (Part 2 business) would be moved on the agenda to be considered later in the meeting.

To consider any petitions received by the Council under Procedure Rule 18.

No petitions were received.

To receive any questions from the public submitted under Procedure Rule 15 and to note the answers provided.

Members of the public will have one minute to ask a supplementary question and Lead Members may have up to 3 minutes to answer.

Four public questions had been submitted in advance of the meeting and published with the agenda.

George Bleakley asked a supplementary question regarding the treatment of transitional elements of Universal Credit for Council Tax Reduction purposes. The Lead Member, Councillor Price advised that, as the matter was subject to ongoing legal proceedings, no further comment could be made beyond the written response.

David Parry was not present to ask a supplementary question.

Vishal Patel raised a supplementary question regarding the provision of a recreational cricket pitch in South Oxhey. Councillor Lloyd advised that officers were in dialogue with the questioner and that a further written response would be provided.

Jo College-Miller was not present to ask a supplementary question.

The Council considered a report relating to land at Mill End.

The item was considered in Part 2 as it contained exempt information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and third parties, the disclosure of which could prejudice the council’s position.

Some Members reiterated views expressed earlier in the meeting regarding the importance of transparency, while acknowledging the need to protect commercially sensitive information. The Proper Officer confirmed that, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and the Local Government Act 1972, The report appropriately fell within Part 2 and that sufficient information had been placed in the public domain to describe the nature of the proposal without disclosing sensitive detail.

Officers outlined the background to the site, the rationale for the proposed approach, and the potential financial implications for the Council. Members were advised that the proposal could generate a significant capital receipt, subject to the finalization of negotiations and legal agreements.

During the debate, Members raised qestions and comments regarding the location and characteristics of the land, the level of financial risk and mitigation measures, the public interst and understanding of the proposals and how the proposal aligned with the Council’s wider strategic and financial objectives.

Officers responded to Members’ questions and emphasised that while headline information could be share publicly, detailed figures, contractual terms and site specific information needed to remain confidential at this stage in order to protect the Council’s negotiating position.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst proposed the recommendations in the report and Councillor Nelmes seconded the recommendations.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, with voting being For 17, Against 16, Abstentions 2.

That:

·       Members Agree to make minor revisions to the revised Policy and recommend that Full Council adopt the revised Policy

·       That public access to the report be immediate.

Councillor Hussain left the room at 7.42pm.

Councillor Davies introduced the item and moved the recommendation to adopt the revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Policy, incorporating changes recommended by the Regulatory Services Committee, including reclassifying slavery, false imprisonment and domestic violence within the serious violence category.

Councillor Edwards proposed the following amendment seconded by Councillor Cooper.

“Under the seventh paragraph on page 11, add:

“Hackney carriage and private hire drivers were added to the list regulated occupations by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order (Amendment) (No 2) 2002.

“Therefore, a conviction is never ‘spent’. This means that when deciding whether you can be licensed, we will always be able to consider a conviction you have had, regardless of how old it is.

“All types of criminal offences can be relevant, so we will take into account all convictions, regardless of your age at the time of the offence, sentence, or the type of offence.”

In paragraph 16.2.3, after ‘antisocial behaviour injunction/order’, add ‘Domestic Violence Protection Order’.

In the table at paragraph 19, under ‘Serious criminal offences’, add a new row that reads:

“

The amendment was put to the vote and declared as CARRIED by the chair with the voting being by General Assent.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor Cooper and seconded by Councillor Hudson:

“To restore the language around emissions standards and age to that in the 2022 version of the Hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy, namely in Appendix 4:

At paragraph 1, in the second bullet, replace ‘meet Euro 6 standards from 1 September 2026’ with ‘meet Euro 5 standards’.

At paragraph 1, delete the fourth bullet.

Delete paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 and replace with:

“At the time a vehicle is first licensed (including changes of vehicles if not to a currently licensed vehicle), the vehicle must normally be less than 7 years of age. The vehicle’s age will be determined by the vehicle registration document. The age limit may be exceeded if the vehicle complies with all applicable standards.

“Once a vehicle reaches 10 years of age, the licence will only be renewed if the vehicle passes 3 compliance tests each year, at approximately 4-monthly intervals.”

And to make any consequential changes.”

Councillors, Cooper, Reed, Hearn, Ranger, Edwards, Fraser, Morris and Alley requested a recorded vote.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared as FELL by the chair with the voting as follows:

For Councillors, Alley, Campbell, Cooper, Edwards, Fraser, Hearn, Merali, D Morris, Ranger, Reed, Sims and Hudson (12)

Against Councillors, Davies, Drury, Giles-Medhurst, Grewal, Humphreys, Lloyd, Major, Martin, Mitchell, I Morris, Nelmes, Price, Raeburn, Rainbow, Scarth, Sian, Smith, Stungo, Tankard, Whateley-Smith, Winter. (21)

Abstained Councillor King. (1).

The substantive motion, incorporating Amendment 1 was then put to the vote. The motion was declared CARRIED by the chair, the voting being For 19, Against 0 and Abstentions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

That:

·       The committee is invited to note the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report 2025-26

Councillor Price introduced the report, outlining the Council’s compliance with the Prudential Code and Treasury Management Code, Investment performance during the period, and the Council’s approach to balancing risk and return. Members noted the commentary regarding different classes of investment and risk profiles.

Councillor Price moved the recommendations and Councillor Giles-Medhurst seconded. On being put to the Council, The motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

That the calculation of the Council’s tax base for the year 2026/27 be approved.

·         That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the Three Rivers District Council as its council tax base for the year 2026/27 shall be:-

Councillor Price introduced statutory Council Tax Base calculation and moved the recommendations. The recommendations were seconded by Councillor Giles-Medhurst.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendations, explaining that the project had been developed in close partnership with Croxley Green Parish Council and offers over an extended period. He highlighted that the proposal would deliver a purpose built community facility in the centre of Croxley Green, with affordable rented homes, subject to planning permission.

During debate, Members welcomed the progress made and emphasized the importance of retaining a community facility in a central and accessible location. Reference was made to the site’s longstanding role within Croxley Green and the need to future proof community provision.

Members raised questions regarding the lease length and rental arrangements for the Parish Council, whether a peppercorn rent would be considered, the financial contribution being made by the District Council and partner organisations and what would happen should lease negotiations fail.

Officers and the Lead Member advised that lease terms were still under negotiation, that commercial viability was required, and that if agreement could not be reached alternative options would need to be considered. Members also advised that some details would need to be provided in writing due to commercial sensitivity.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst moved the recommendations and Councillor Price seconded.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by General Assent.

It was noted that both Councillors Sian and Stungo were Parish Councillors. On advice both Members left the room at 8.32pm and returned at the commencement of the item at 8.50pm.

That:

·         Council notes the political proportionality of committees set out at Appendix A.

·         Council appoints the Member nominated by the Conservative Group to the vacant seat on the Climate Change and Leisure Committee.

·         Council appoints Councillor Mike Sims to the Audit Committee as an independent councillor.

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendations, explaining that the review reflected changes in political balance following recent political changes. The report proposed amendments to committee memberships to ensure compliance with the political proportionality requirements as set out in the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

In moving the recommendations, Councillor Giles-Medhurst highlighted the importance of ensuring that all political groups were fairly represented across committees, particularly those with scrutiny and governance responsibilities.

During debate, Councillor Sims thanked the Conservative Group for supporting his appointment to the Audit Committee, describing it as a positive example of cross party working and that such arrangements were important for maintaining public confidence in governance and scrutiny functions.

Councillor Cooper proposed an amendment to the recommendations to allow Councillor Sims to take a Conservative seat on Audit Commitment, seconded by Councillor Hearn.

On being put to the vote, the amendment was declared CARRIED by the Chair, with the voting being by General Assent.

The substantive motion was put to the Council, and the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, with the voting being by General Assent.

That:

·       Full Council acknowledges the results of the referendum where 96.7% voted YES to the question ‘Do you want Three Rivers District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Sarratt to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’

·       Full Council make the Sarratt Neighbourhood Development Plan in accordance with Section 38A(4)(a) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendation to make the Sarratt Neighbourhood Plan following the successful referendum. Members were advised that the referendum had achieved a notably high turnout compared to similar neighbourhood plan referendums across Hertfordshire, demonstrating strong local engagement in the planning process.

During debate, Members welcomed the level of community involvement and noted that the plan would no form part of the statutory development plan for the area. It was recognized that the neighbourhood plan provided an important framework for managing development while reflecting local priorities and character.

Councillor Reed seconded the recommendation and commented positively on the work undertaken by the local community, parish representatives and officers to bring the plan to adoption.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared as CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

To consider any recommedations arising from the meeting of the Policy and Respources Committee held on:

·          17 November 2025

·         01 December 2025

That:

·       The revenue budget virements as set out in Appendices 1 to 3 and noted in paragraph 2.1.4 be approved and incorporated into the three-year medium-term financial plan.

·       The revenue budget supplementary estimates of £0.067m as set out in appendices 1 to 3 and noted in paragraph 2.1.5 be approved and incorporated into the three-year medium-term financial plan.

·       The revenue variances to be managed of £0.001m as set out in appendices 1 to 3 and noted in paragraph 2.1.6 be noted.

·       That the capital budgets of £11.429m as set out in appendices 1 to 3 and noted in paragraph 2.4.2 be approved and incorporated into the three-year medium-term financial plan.

Councillor Price introduced the report, explaining that it set out the Council’s financial performance against the approved budget as at 30 September 2025. It was highlighted that the report demonstrated prudent financial management during a period of ongoing economic uncertainty and inflationary pressure on local government services.

Members attention was drawn to the overall revenue position, levels of reserves, and capital programme monitoring. The Council’s audit report was noted with no weakness which had been identified In the Council’s financial reporting arrangements. Councillor Price thanked the finance team for their continued diligence and professionalism.

During debate Members commented on the Council’s strong financial governance and the importance of maintaining adequate reserves in light of future funding uncertainty and potential local government reorganization.

Councillor Price moved the recommendations and seconded by Councillor Giles-Medhurst. On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED with the voting being For 23, Against 0, Abstentions 12.

That:

·       Members approve CIL funding for the following schemes detailed in Table 1 of this report and summarised in the table below for 2025/2026:

·       The final funding and implementation of the 2 agreed projects is delegated to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Lead Members for Resources and Planning Policy and Infrastructure, to determine to enable the agreed projects to be progressed and implemented. 

Councillor Giles-Medhurst introduced the report and moved the recommendations, summarizing the applications received and the officer assessments undertaken agains the Council’s CIL governance framework.

The motion was seconded by Councillor Price.

During debate, Members discussed procedural and policy matters relating to the use of CIL funding, including: the distinction between capital and revenue expenditure, the treatment of VAT within CIL-funded projects, the importance of ensuring that applications were supported by appropriate documentation and value for money considerations and the need for clarity and consistency within the Council’s CIL Policy to avoid unintended barriers for community organisations.

Specific reference was made to Beryl Bikes scheme, with Members noting assurances that the Council would not incur ongoing revenue liabilities, as commitments were borne by the operator. Members also discussed an application relating to Rickmansworth Sports Centre, where it was explained that delays had arisen due to procedural matters and the need for additional information, with officers having worked with the applicant to resolve these issues.

Members noted that revisiting and updating the Council’s CIL policy could improve accessibility for a wider range of organisation in future rounds.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair with the voting being by General Assent.

1.1              That:

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 1 to be effective from 12 January 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 2 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 3 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 4 to be effective from 1 April 2026

·       Council is recommended to approve the Fees and Charges set out in the schedule at Appendix 5 to be effective from 1 April 2026

Councillor Price moved the recommendations, noting that the proposals had been considered in detail by the Policy and Resources Committee. During debate Members raised concerns regarding, the level of parking charges, including at Ferry Car Park, and the impact on local residents, business parking permits and the potential effect on local traders, fly tipping penalties and whether increased fines would act as an effective deterrent and cost of living pressures faced by residents.

In response Members supporting the proposals highlighted comparisons with charges in neighbouring authorities, the need to encourage parking turnover near shops, the low number of fly tipping prosecutions under existing penalty levels and the importance of aligning charges with statutory maximums where appropriate.

Clarification was sought regarding figures within the appendices relating to fly tipping penalties, and members were advised that written clarification would be provided.

On being put to the Council, the motion was declared as CARRIED by the Chair, with the voting being For 21, Against 13 and Abstention 1.

Report to follow.

This item was not reached.

To receive written reports from the Lead Members on activities falling within their remit since the last meeting of Full Council.

This item was not reached.

To receive the answers to questions submitted to the Leader and Lead Members.

This item was not reached.

This item was not reached however a written response was provided after the meeting by Councillor Nelmes.

“I thank the Councillor for their question and agree that I did commit to holding a Part II briefing for Councillors. I will hold this on 14 January 2026 at 6.30pm, prior to the Climate Change and Leisure Committee. Officers will inform all Councillors of the Part II briefing.”

To consider any Motions submitted under Council Procedure 11.

This item was not reached.