Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 9 June, 2020 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 9 June  2020 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised that she had agreed to an item of urgent business with regard to the Discretionary Grants Scheme.  The Chair confirmed that this would be considered when the Chair of Overview & Scrutiny Committee, who had agreed to the decision being taken under Special Urgency in accordance with Rule 15 of Access to Information Procedure Rules, was able to join the virtual meeting.

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. 

No declarations with regard to items on the agenda were made at this point.

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 Sinclair and there was no dissent to the proposal.

Resolved unanimously:

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

The Chair adjourned the meeting at this point in order that some technical issues preventing several attendees from joining the meeting could be addressed.  The meeting reconvened at 6.20pm.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Director of Corporate Services to consider options for the disbursement of the remainder of the Discretionary Business Grants allocation and to suggest an approach to allocate remaining monies. The Government allocated £1.68m to Lancaster City Council to disburse to businesses affected by COVID via an adopted Discretionary Grants Scheme. The scheme, which closely followed Government guidance, closed on 30 June with balances remaining.

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. Approval of options will allow the process to be re-opened and grants to be awarded to eligible businesses. It is recognised that appendix A proposes a number of options and allocations and that Cabinet might want to select some but not all of these options. Accordingly, it is important that any amendment to the proposals following discussion is recorded clearly in the Cabinet decision. 

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny has agreed to waive ‘call-in’ for any decision made. The Chief Executive is content with the decision to waive ‘call-in’. Special Urgency in accordance with Rule 15 of the Access to Information Rules has been invoked as any delay in decision making in this regard would seriously prejudice the public interest.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Caroline Jackson:-

“That the proposals as set out in the report be approved with recommendation (1) amended to exclude allocation to businesses with a rateable value in excess of £51K.” 

Councillors then voted.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the proposals as set out in Appendix A to the report and corresponding allocations be approved with businesses with a rateable value in excess of £51K excluded from the allocation. 

(2)             That the agreement of the final scheme be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Prosperity and the Leader in consultation with the Directors of Economic Growth & Regeneration and Corporate Services.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Director of Corporate Services

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Director of Communities & Environment

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director of Communities and the Environment which sought approval of the revised Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2020-23.

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.  If the Strategy is approved and adopted this will give officers and partners a clear framework and action plan to work together in collaboration to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping.  In response to questions Officers confirmed that a summary would be provided to Cabinet members detailing the various specific projects identified for additional funding.  It was also confirmed that ‘pets’ would be included in the strategy and a briefing would be arranged prior to the final review.

Councillor Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Sinclair:

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)   That the revised Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy and action plan for the  next four years be approved and adopted.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director of Communities and the Environment

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council Plan and contributes to the Council’s approved priorities including a sustainable District and Happy and Healthy Communities.  The decision is also consistent with the Local plan and will contribute directly to the Homes Strategy 2020-2025, which is currently being drafted, providing access to more accommodation options in the private sector and developing Housing First and a social lettings agency in partnership with housing providers.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration which sought approval to award commuted sums funds (Section 106 Developer Contributions) to Lune Valley Community Housing Trust to bring forward a new scheme of affordable housing in Halton and to amend the existing policy on the allocation of commuted sums.

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.  If the grant is approved, it will allow Lune Valley CLT and South Lakes Housing to bring this community led housing development into fruition as outlined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment to enable Cabinet to agree the key elements that will comprise the Homes Strategy. A Homes Strategy for the Lancaster District was currently being drafted. The report provided evidence of need and sought agreement for the four strategic housing projects that will meet those needs. It also sought in principle agreement for the  financial and borrowing mechanisms required in order to deliver against these priorities as well as proposing that the council moves forward with setting up a Local Housing Company (LATCo) as a means of generating the finance to support housing and regeneration activities outside of our current social housing provision.  

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.   Setting up the LATCo and utilising prudential borrowing provides a number of potential benefits and opportunities for the council in relation to diversification of its existing role, increasing its landlord capacity, offers greater opportunities to cross subsidise mixed tenure schemes which will meet a local need, creates more potential to provide new build residential development that contribute positively towards climate change and improving the thermal efficiency of existing dwellings within areas of significant need. Borrowing through the HRA provides the opportunity to increase and improve the council’s existing social  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Report of the Director of Corporate Services (report published on 7 July 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Cabinet received a report from the Director of Corporate Services which sought approval of a revised strategy and action plan for procurement to cover the next four years. Whilst the strategy maintained a focus on value for money in procurement decisions, it also set out the importance of the Council’s procurement to the local economy and an ambition to maximise expenditure with local organisations, enhance community wealth building and seek increased social value from spending decisions.

The Cabinet member with responsibility confirmed that consideration would be given to involving and updating the Budget & Performance Panel in relation to the process and procedure.

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. Approval of the Procurement Strategy will allow for the action plan to be implemented which will deliver a more proactive approach to procurement and demonstrable improvements in social value arising from expenditure decisions.

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

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the Procurement Strategy and action plan for 2020-2024 be adopted.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director of Corporate Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The Procurement Strategy will assist in the delivery of the Council’s recently adopted priorities:

An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy

 advocating for fair employment and just labour markets that increase prosperity and reduce income inequality

  supporting new and existing enterprises in sustainable innovation and the strengthening of local supply networks 

The objectives set out in the Procurement Strategy cover the maximisation of social value benefits. This will include incorporating adoption of fair work charter in the evaluation criteria. The objectives also set out how the Council will support local businesses and this will include developing local frameworks and supply chains.

A Sustainable District

  net zero carbon  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Report of Director of Corporate Services  (report to follow)

It was noted that this item had been deferred and would be considered at a later meeting.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Sinclair)

Report of Director of Communities & the Environment

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Sinclair)

Cabinet received a report from the Director of Communities and the Environment which set out the business case to modify the Public Space and White Lund Depot CCTV model from a 4G cellular network to Wi-Fi with an aim of reducing operating costs and generating financial efficiencies from 21/22 onwards. The report provided Cabinet with detailed information on the financial, governance and operational aspects of operating CCTV and included recommendations to merge all corporate CCTV onto a single cloud-based platform.

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.  Wi-Fi networks provide the council with an   opportunity to reduce the operating costs of the public space and White Lund Depot CCTV systems and have the added benefit of offering the public with access to the network at key points. The project will consider the future use of council assets and build in appropriate measures if offices are repurposed, sold, or leased. Options for relocating the point to point antennas and break out points will be developed. Additionally, it will be important to ensure that all P2P antennas are located on city council property, with the necessary permission and planning consent where appropriate.  The use of a 4G network is still advantageous where cameras need to be regularly moved and deployed i.e. environmental enforcement, fly tipping applications. These specialised applications can be delivered within existing budgets.

Councillor Sinclair proposed, seconded by Councillor Reynolds:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet agree to the council wide CCTV model outlined in the report to reduce operating costs and generate financial efficiencies from 2021/22 onwards.

(2)        That officers are delegated to commence on the preparation and implementation of such a system, in line with the costs contained within the report.

(3)        That £58,700 be allocated from the invest to save reserve in the current year, to be repaid from ongoing revenue savings in 2021/22.

(4)        That the general fund and housing revenue account be updated to include the new financial model regarding CCTV as part of the forthcoming 2021/22 budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

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 item(s) 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 paragraph 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. 

It was moved by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and seconded by Councillor Frea:-

“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 of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

There was no dissent to the proposition.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        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 of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The meeting adjourned at 8.00pm and the Live Teams meeting concluded at this point.  Cabinet reconvened at 8.10pm in a private Teams meeting to consider the exempt items.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

It was proposed by Councillor Reynolds proposed, seconded by Councillor Frea and resolved:-

Resolved:

(1)             The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council’s priorities. Exactly how the decision fits with those priorities is set out in the exempt minute.  

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Reynolds)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

It was proposed by Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes and resolved unanimously:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)   The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council’s priorities.  Exactly how the decision fits with those priorities is set out in the exempt minute.

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

Report of Chief Executive  (report published on 7 July 2020)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Lewis)

Cabinet received a report which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

It was proposed by Councillor Lewis, seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox and resolved unanimously:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council’s priorities.  Exactly how  the decision fits with those priorities is set out in the exempt minute.