Agenda item

To review and agree the Council’s special expenses, 2025/26

The Chair called on the Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst, to propose the special expenses. The Leader confirmed that this was a technical calculation and encouraged the Council to support the proposals.

Councillor Sarah Nelmes seconded the proposal.

The Chair called for debate on the item. Concern was raised by some members in relation to the proposals for the Batchworth Community Council area, most notably the special expenses charged for Watersmeet and the Aquadrome. It was felt that the Watersmeet venue was too reliant on public subsidy, and reviewing the operating model could result in the venue becoming more viable. In terms of the Aquadrome, it was felt that the facility attracted  a much wider range of visitors and a usage study should be undertaken to evaluate the benefit to the whole District, rather than expecting Batchworth residents to support the cost.

In concluding the debate, Councillor Giles-Medhurst reminded members that the Watersmeet venue had previously been operated by a commercial vendor who had ceased trading, hence it had been taken back in-house.

The Chair called for the recorded vote on special expenses:

For: Councillors Cox, Davies, Drury, Gazzard, Giles-Medhurst, Humphreys, Hussain, Khiroya, J King, S King, Lloyd, Major, Martin, Mitchell, Nelmes, Price, Raeburn, Scarth, Sian, Smith, Stungo, Tankard, Whately-Smith, Winter (24)

Against: Councillors Cooper, Edwards, Fraser, Hearn, Merali, Ranger, Reed (7)

The motion was carried.