The meeting began with the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the council. Councillor Roger Phillips was re-elected as Chairperson, and Councillor Stephanie Simmonds was re-elected as Vice Chairperson. The council also discussed apologies, declarations of interest, and approved the minutes of the previous meeting. The Chief Executive provided updates on various council activities, including the King's Award for Voluntary Service and funding for a special school for SCND. The council then moved on to the election of the Leader of the Council, with Councillor Jonathan Lester being re-elected. The meeting concluded with the appointment of council committees and outside bodies, and the approval of the Herefordshire Council Plan for 2024-2028.

Election of Chairperson

Councillor Roger Phillips was re-elected as Chairperson of the council. Councillor Andrews nominated him, highlighting his 25 years of service and his ability to run the council with charm and grace. Councillor Stoddart seconded the nomination. The vote was unanimous.

Election of Vice Chairperson

Councillor Stephanie Simmonds was re-elected as Vice Chairperson. Councillor Chands nominated her, praising her commitment to public service and her competence. The nomination was seconded by another councillor, and the vote was unanimous.

Apologies and Declarations of Interest

Apologies were received from Councillors Crockett, Hichner, and Powell. No declarations of interest were made.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on March 8 were approved unanimously.

Chief Executive's Announcements

The Chief Executive highlighted the King's Award for Voluntary Service and urged councillors to support the voluntary sector. He also mentioned the Department for Education's funding for a special school for SCND, which was welcomed across Herefordshire.

Election of Leader of the Council

Councillor Jonathan Lester was re-elected as Leader of the Council. Councillor Swindlehurst nominated him, emphasizing his dedication to public service and his collaborative approach. The nomination was seconded by Councillor Durkin. A named vote was conducted, and Councillor Lester received 25 votes in favor, with one against and several abstentions.

Appointment of Council Committees and Outside Bodies

The council appointed members to various committees and outside bodies. The appointments were made based on political group allocations and were approved unanimously. Specific appointments included:

• Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Fagan as Chair and Councillor Harvey as Vice Chair.
• Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Chands as Chair and Councillor O'Driscoll as Vice Chair.
• Environment and Sustainability Committee: Councillor Stark as Chair and Councillor Pebodie as Vice Chair.
• Health Care and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Crockett as Chair and Councillor Andrews as Vice Chair.
• Scrutiny Management Board: Councillor Proctor as Chair and a vacancy for Vice Chair.
• Audit and Governance Committee: Councillor Hichner as Chair and Councillor Woodall as Vice Chair.
• Employment Panel: Councillor Lester as Chair and Councillor Chands as Vice Chair.
• Planning and Regulation Committee: Councillor James as Chair and Councillor Davis as Vice Chair.
• Licensing Subcommittee: Councillor Andrews as Chair.

Herefordshire Council Plan 2024-2028

The council approved the Herefordshire Council Plan for 2024-2028. Councillor Stoddart introduced the plan, emphasizing its focus on people, place, growth, and transformation. The plan aims to deliver the best for Herefordshire in all aspects. Councillors discussed various aspects of the plan, including housing, climate change, and working with partners like Welsh Water. The plan was approved with overwhelming support.

The meeting concluded with the announcement of the next meeting date on July 26 at 10 a.m.