Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of the virtual Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, 30 April 2020 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the virtual meeting held on Tuesday 30 April 2020 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

The following declarations were made in relation to the Lancaster Canal Quarter report:

Councillor Lewis declared that she had been on the Executive of the Lancaster & Fleetwood Labour party which holds property within the canal quarter area although she had recently resigned from that position.

Councillor Sinclair advised that he had also previously been on the Executive of the Lancaster & Fleetwood Labour party and had previously been a member of the Canal Corridor Action group in the past.

Councillor Jackson confirmed that she had also previously been a member of the Canal Corridor Action Group.

Members were advised that there had been no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.

At this point the Chair requested that standing order 17 (Cabinet Procedure Rule 17) be suspended to allow for questions to be taken from all members as the reports were introduced.  The proposal was moved by Councillor Brookes, seconded by Councillor Frea and unanimously agreed.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Standing Order 17 (Cabinet Procedure Rule 17) be suspended.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Report of Director of Corporate Services (this report no longer needs to be considered by Cabinet)

The Chair advised the meeting that the spending delegations would no longer be considered by Cabinet as they had been made earlier that day in the Chair’s capacity as Leader of the Council.  The delegations would be circulated to Cabinet and appended to the Constitution.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Report of Director of Corporate Services  (report published on 5 June 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the financial position of all local authorities.  Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer which provided an update on the current financial position in  line with May’s Ministry for Homes Community and Local Government (MHCLG) submission and set out scenarios (worse and best case) and their potential implications for Council’s finances in 2020/21.

Financial implications were categorised into 3 different areas:

·        New costs that arise simply as a result of the emergency for example the setting up and operation of the emergency foodbank hub at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

·        Increase in some service costs that were not budgeted at the ‘new’ level due to the emergency, for example increase in temporary accommodation need, additional work by the Council’s facilities management team and the purchase of additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

·        Loss of income that would otherwise have been received by the Council in ‘normal’ times (e.g. car parking, other fees and charges, investment income, council tax and business rates receipts).

The report included Financial Modelling and Scenarios although predicting what the final impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances might be was extremely difficult as it was dependent on a number of factors and variables such as how long restrictions will last for and how quick, or slow the recovery will be. There was also the longer term impact on how the lockdown has changed people’s habits around shopping, transport and exercise etc. and how these were to be reflected.

The report included current estimates of the impact of COVID on the Council’s General Fund budget based on the best estimates from budget holders. Best and worst case scenarios had been developed and these would be monitored over the next few months and, as more information became available, the range between these estimates was expected to narrow.

The analysis focussed predominantly on 2020/21 but it was anticipated that COVID-19 would have a longer lasting impact on the Lancaster district and this would have to be reflected in medium term financial modelling. There was a likelihood that incomes might not recover and COVID-19 related expenditure might extend into future years. In the longer term, it was recommended that the Council undertook an outcomes based budgeting exercise to refocus budgets around the Council’s COVID recovery priorities. 

Impact on Reserves was also outlined.  An analysis was undertaken as part of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy to compare ourselves to other Councils both nationally and regionally. This work had shown that over the recent years the Council’s level of usable reserves increased significantly, as a result of increases Business Rates Retention Reserve. As a result the Council was more financially resilient than many of its neighbours. It was noted that initial modelling on the impact on reserves covering the next 18-36 months would commence shortly.

With regard to the capital programme it was reported that the Caton Road Flood Defence Works  had faced additional financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Report of the Director of Communities and the Environment (report published on 5 June 2020)

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Lewis & Sinclair)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive which set out a high level plan for the achievement of the Council’s strategic priorities through the Covid crisis and beyond.  The report set out the key strategic groups that Cabinet would use to deliver achievement of the Council’s priorities within the context of the emergency phase and likely next phases of the Covid pandemic.  If adopted these would be used as the basis for further consultation, development, decision-making and long term planning and be referred to Full Council.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The diagram of the plan was set out in document B of the report. The plan recognised that significant effort over the next few years would be taken up in recovering from the impact of the COVID pandemic.  The overall aim was to deliver the Council’s strategic priorities and support recovery to a sustainable, safe and socially just District that was healthy, connected, empowered and enabled.

The plan would be delivered through 5 themed groups, all of which were interdependent and would cover a number of the Council’s strategic priorities. Each group would be led by 2 Cabinet Members and be supported by a Chief Officer. Each group would have officers assigned to support the workstreams of the group. Officers would be drawn from the range of services that the Council provided.

It was vitally important that the Council engaged with its communities and businesses and utilised the knowledge and community wealth that exists in the district. Councillors, organisations, community groups and individuals from outside the Council would be invited to contribute to the work of these groups.

The role of the groups would be to:

·        Assist in the development of policy and set objectives

·        Engage with communities / businesses / organisations etc

·        Assist in the defining of strategic outcomes

·        Prioritise resources

·        Agree and deliver projects

·        Deliver real outcomes

The themes and activities in the groups had been identified as development areas that would significantly contribute, in partnership with the community, to the achieving of the council’s key priorities. They did not represent the totality of what the Council delivered. Core statutory services would continue to be delivered.

Each group would agree a detailed delivery plan. As the plan was developed consideration needed to be given to ensuring democratic accountability and fit with the Council constitution.

The plan outlined has been developed by Cabinet and Officers.

The risk is not delivering the Council’s priorities. This plan is intended as a means of mitigating that risk.

Councillor Sinclair proposed, seconded by Councillor Lewis:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet adopt the strategic groupings (circles) as set out in Document B to the report as the means of further progressing the agreed Council’s priorities.

(2)             That Cabinet work with officers on the development of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Hamilton-Cox & Reynolds)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration (report published on 5 June 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration to

consider the outcome of the Draft Lancaster Canal Quarter Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) statutory consultation process, and note the amendments accepted by officers and approve a final version for adoption as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to sit within the suite of Local Plan policy, advice and guidance material. The report also outlined the next steps in delivering a viable regeneration development proposal and phasing/delivery strategy, alongside the key approvals required to undertake the next stage of work.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option were set out in the report as follows:

The Officer preferred Option is Option 2. The final version of the CQSRF presents a clear statement and position on the council’s overarching spatial approach / preferences for the future development of the area.   This will guide all future planning applications and development proposals and there can be confidence that the document reflects a balanced and considered view of the council’s aspirations as informed by extensive stakeholder / community consultation.  

Councillor Reynolds proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

By way of amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment, Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed ‘that recommendation (1) be amended to include a two week consultation with members before the consultation took place enabling members the opportunity to provide a political stamp.’

Councillors then voted on the revised proposition:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the final version of the Canal Quarter Strategic Regeneration Framework be agreed as a formal publication and that prior to the four week statutory consultation period a two week member consultation enabling members the opportunity  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Report of Chief Executive (report published on 8 June 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive which sought approval to progress arrangements for the formation of a joint committee with Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council.  The committee would create a formal, shared link between the three councils, build on collective strengths and increase capacity to deliver on key issues and mutually shared interests affecting the region.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:

Councillor Lewis proposed, seconded by Councillor Jackson:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)  That a Joint Committee with Barrow Borough and South Lakeland District Council covering all respective administrative areas to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the areas be established.

(2)  That the Executive Functions within the Terms of Reference be delegated to the  Joint Committee and the Procedure Rules, as attached in Appendix 1 of the report and outlined in the report be adopted.

(3)  That it be agreed that Lancaster City Council act as the initial host authority for one    year.

(4)  That the Leader and one other cabinet member (appointed from time to time by

       the Leader) be appointed to the Joint Committee.

(5) That Council be requested to authorise the Monitoring Officer to amend the Constitution at Part 2 Section 6 to reflect the delegations and joint arrangement.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

Promoting a strategic economic, social and environmental well-being development approach across the region has been promoted via the prospectus, the event at Lancaster University and directly with Ministers, MP’s and bodies such as the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. The Leaders and Chief Executives of the constituent authorities have discussed options for creating more formal and accountable arrangements for the Councils to progress growth initiatives. The proposed arrangement will be for the discharge of executive functions only in order to promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Report of  Director  for Economic Growth & Regeneration  (report published on 5 June 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds )

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration to present the recently-drafted Rail Strategy for the Lancaster District for formal endorsement.  Subject to Cabinet endorsement for the Strategy, it was originally envisaged that a formal launch event would be arranged.  The nature of this launch event will require further consideration as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, and this is discussed in the report. The Strategy would be used as a basis for influencing key stakeholders and decision-makers within the rail industry.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option is Option 1.  This action will enable the City Council to establish its’ formal position regarding HS2 and regional and local services, and will lead to Officers working with partners, stakeholders, service providers and Central Government to advance the district’s case. Whilst it is intended that the priorities listed within the document will remain unaltered, the Strategy may be updated by the inclusion of the most-recent economic data, to help support the district’s case.

Councillor Reynolds proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)   That the Rail Strategy for Lancaster District is formally endorsed and used thereafter to positively influence key stakeholders and decision-makers in the rail industry, for the benefit of the district’s residents, businesses and other organisations and groups.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

The proposals  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This is to give further notice in accordance with Part 2, paragraph 5 (4) and 5 (5) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of the intention to take the following items in private. 

Cabinet is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item(s):- 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item(s) of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 or 3  of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for Cabinet itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

The Chair advised the meeting that there was just one report for consideration in the private part of the meeting, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) report, as the other two items had been pulled from the agenda.  The Chair indicated that unless there were any questions in relation to the Business Case appended to the CRM report which could not be discussed in a public meeting, officers had confirmed it was not necessary to go into private session to discuss the CRM report.  The press and public were therefore not excluded at this point.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration (this report no longer needs to be considered by Cabinet)

It was noted that this item no longer required a Cabinet decision.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Lewis & Hamilton-Cox)

Report of the Chief Executive (this item has been deferred to the Cabinet meeting 14 July 2020)

It was noted that this item had been deferred for consideration by Cabinet on 14 July 2020.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of the Director for Communities and the Environment

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment which requested authorisation to procure a replacement Customer Relationship Management System and set out the business case for so doing.  Following a question from Councillor Heath the Cabinet Member with responsibility confirmed that a written response would be provided identifying which other local authorities used the system.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option was option 1.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet approves the procurement of a replacement Customer Relationship Management System.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Communities and the Environment

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council’s Ambitions: A Smart & Forward Thinking Council and supports the Council’s Digital Strategy which promises to “focus around our customers in order that they can easily connect with the Council at time and place of their choosing enabling them to tell us once and expect us to get it right first time”.  In addition, digital technologies allow the Council to work in a more agile way and provide the opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by cutting down on unnecessary travel, optimising routes for waste collection and using digital technologies around paperless working.

 Prior to closing the meeting the Chair thanked attendees, participants and officers for their contribution to the meeting and confirmed that a Cabinet reshuffle would be announced the following day following on from the resignation of Councillor Whitehead from Cabinet.  The Chair expressed her thanks to Councillor Whitehead for her hard work and diligence as the Cabinet Member for Finance over the previous five years.