Agenda and minutes

The Chair advised the meeting that Councillor Parr had resigned from Cabinet and expressed her thanks to Councillor Parr for her service and commitment to her portfolio.  The Chair welcomed Councillor Hartley to the Cabinet meeting and confirmed that Councillor Hartley would be taking on responsibility for Arts, Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 19 January 2021 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 19 January 2021 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. 

No declarations 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 Dowding and there was no dissent to the proposal.

Resolved unanimously:

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

Report of Director for Communities and the Environment  

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment to consider and adopt the financial penalty charging policies for Electrical Safety and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards in the private rented sector. 

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, to adopt the financial penalty charging policies for both sets of regulations and to allow the Head of Public Protection to make minor amendments to the policy to reflect changes in legislation.

Councillor Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Dowding:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the financial penalty charging policy for The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (as amended by The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Sector) (England and Wales (Amendment) Regulations 2019, attached at Appendix 1 to the report be adopted.

(2)       That the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 within the Council’s amended Civil Charging Policy attached at Appendix 2 to the report be included.

(3)        That the Head of Public Protection be authorised to make minor amendments to the financial charging policies in accordance with any future changes to legislation.

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 objectives to promote sustainable communities, reduce carbon emissions of domestic dwellings, and support the positive health and wellbeing of residents in the district and reduce health inequalities.  Cabinet approved a Private Sector Enforcement Policy, which included a Civil Penalties Enforcement Policy, in December 2018. This was designed to help deliver the Council’s priorities identified in the Corporate Plan to improve the quality and availability of private housing. Additional regulations have been introduced to further improve standards in the private rented sector with associated financial penalties that require approval and the Civil Penalties policy amended accordingly. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Report of Director of Corporate Services (report published on 8 February 2021)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Director of Corporate Services which provided Cabinet with information on the Council’s latest General Fund Revenue budget proposals and resulting Council Tax requirement. Further information was provided regarding the Council’s proposed Capital Programme as well as its Treasury Management and Capital Strategies and the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the adequacy of reserves. The report sought Cabinet’s approval and recommendations to Full Council.

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

Revenue Budget, Capital Programme and Reserves Position

Proposals to be put forward by Cabinet should fit with any external constraints and the budgetary framework already approved. The recommendations as set out in the report meet these requirements; the detailed supporting budget proposals are then a matter for Members.

Treasury Management Strategy

To approve the framework as attached to the report, allowing for any amendments being made under delegated authority prior to referral to Council. This is based on the Council continuing to have a comparatively low risk appetite regarding the security and liquidity of investments particularly, but recognising that some flexibility should help improve returns, whilst still effectively mitigating risk. It is stressed that in terms of treasury activity, there is no risk free approach. It is felt, however, that the measures set out above provide a fit for purpose framework within which to work, pending any update during the course of next year.

If Cabinet or Budget Council changes its Capital Programme from that which is proposed in this report then this would require a change in the prudential indicators which are part of the Treasury Management Strategy. Delegation to the Finance Portfolio Holder is therefore requested in order to ensure that Cabinet’s final capital programme proposals are reflected in the Treasury Management Strategy

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet recommends the following for approval to Budget Council:

· The 2021/22 General Fund Net Revenue Budget and resulting Council Tax Requirement excluding parish precepts (as set out in Appendix A to the report) and supporting budget proposals (as set out in Appendix B to the report).

· The Section 151 Officer’s statement on the adequacy of reserves and advice that the minimum level of balances be increased to £3.5M, subject to annual review.

· the resulting position on reserves (as set out in Appendix C to the report).

· the updated Capital Programme covering financial years 2021/22 to 2024/25 (as set out in Appendix D to the report).

· the updated position on budget transfers (as set out in Appendix I to the report)

(2)             That the Finance Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to finalise the Revenue & Capital Budgets and Treasury Management Framework, as updated for Cabinet’s final budget proposals, and outcomes of the Final Local Government Settlement for referral on to Budget & Performance Panel and Council.

(3)             That the Finance Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 111.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

Report of Director for Communities and the Environment (report published 03.02.21)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment which sought Cabinet decisions on Council Housing rent setting proposals and HRA Revenue and Capital Budget proposals.

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

The options with regards to rent setting are set out under section 3, the maximum permitted increase being CPI+1%. By applying this increase, it allows for a budget that can deliver on the Council’s ambitions on improving housing standards and addressing the climate change emergency, whilst adhering to the Rent Standard and legislative requirements.

In relation to garage rents, the previous decision was to freeze rents for 2020/21. Occupancy levels suggest a further freeze for a 12-month period in order to protect the current income levels achieved is required. Garage rents and occupancy will be reviewed fully during 2021/22, but current assumptions involve reverting to a CPI increase thereafter.

With regard to the revenue budget generally, Cabinet could consider other proposals that may influence spending in current and future years, as long as their financing is considered and addressed.

The options available in respect of the minimum level of HRA balances are to retain the level at £500,000 in line with the advice of the Section 151 Officer, or adopt a different level. Should Members choose not to accept the advice on the level of balances, then this should be recorded formally in the minutes of the meeting and it could have implications for the Council’s financial standing, as assessed by its external auditor.

With regards to the additional budget proposals as set out in section 8 of the report, Cabinet should consider the costs and benefits of the proposals and whether they are affordable, in particular, over the medium to longer term.

The options available in respect of the Capital Programme are:

i)                 To approve the programme in full, with the financing as set out;

ii)                ii) To incorporate other increases or reductions to the programme, with appropriate sources of funding being identified.

Any risks attached to the above would depend on measures Members proposed, and their impact on the council housing service and its tenants. As such, a full options analysis could only be undertaken once any alternative proposals are known, and Officers may require more time in order to do this.

Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Lewis, Brookes & Frea)

Report of Director for Communities and the Environment (report published on 8 February 2021)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Frea)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Communities and the Environment which sought approval of Public Sector Decarbonisation Funding should an offer be forthcoming.  The Council had been informed that if funding was offered, officers would need to confirm that necessary approvals had been provided to accept the funds by no later than 20^th February 2021.

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: Accept Public Sector Decarbonisation Funding.  Further work will be carried out to determine the optimum modelling of solar PV, battery storage and air source heat pumps. It is anticipated that this work will be completed prior to the funding acceptance deadline of 20^th February 2021 and will provide S151 and Director with a full financial model for consideration.

Capital funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides the Council with an opportunity to move significantly closer to its net zero 2030 target. If delivered, this flagship project would cement the council’s ambitions and intentions set out following the 2019 Climate Emergency declaration and provide clear, significant, demonstrable action.

Councillor Frea proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That Cabinet supports the scheme and approves the PSDS funding should an offer be forthcoming noting that any final acceptance by a Director is subject to S151 officer consent following due diligence.

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 following priorities and cross-cutting themes:

·        A co-operative, kind and responsible council specifically embracing innovativeways of working to improve service delivery and the operations of the council.

·        Climate Emergency – Net zero 2030 ambition. This project could reduce the Council’s emissions by upwards of 30% and bring SALC close to carbon neutrality.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration (this report has been pulled)

It was noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.