Agenda and minutes

It was noted that the Leader had been delayed and Councillor Caroline Jackson (Deputy Leader) took the Chair to enable the meeting to start at the appointed time.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 12 September 2023 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 11 September 2023 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.

The Leader arrived during consideration of the following item and took the Chair at the conclusion of the item.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Chief Officer – Housing & Property (report published 18.10.23)

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property to request Cabinet’s approval of the Homeless and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2023-2028.

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

The officer preferred option is 2.

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

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the Homeless and Rough Sleeper Strategy and the three-year action plan (Appendix One) to the report, be approved and adopted.

(2)        That annual updates on progress be presented to Cabinet.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Reasons for making the decision:

Whilst the national and local housing context is undeniably challenging setting out a clear plan for action and working in partnership with others provides the best opportunity to support some of the district’s most vulnerable residents.

The decision directly contributes to the Council’s approved priorities including focussing on early intervention approaches and involving our communities.

It is also consistent with the Homes Strategy through supporting independent living, creating sustainable communities, and improving health through housing.

Councillor Phillip Black took the chair at this point.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Wood)

Report of Chief Officer - Governance

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Wood )

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Governance to enable Cabinet to consider livestreaming meetings during the municipal year 2024/25.

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 allow the public to access a livestream of Cabinet meetings and make full use of the equipment in the Council Chamber. The public will still be able to attend at Morecambe Town Hall if they do not have access to the software to watch the livestream.

Councillor Wood proposed, seconded by Councillor Ainscough:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1) That Cabinet meetings be livestreamed during the municipal year 2024/25.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Governance

Reasons for making the decision:

Extending the Council’s livestreaming offer to include formal Cabinet meetings is consistent with the Council’s priorities.  The use of technology will facilitate public viewing by improving accessibility and transparency of decision making in line with the focus on serving residents.  This fits with the modernising local government agenda, allowing people to watch meetings as they happen without having to attend in person.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published 18.10.23)

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Resources which sought Cabinet’s consideration of various matters in connection with the amendments to the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 and the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2023/24.

As the report was for consideration and progressing to Budget and Performance Panel and Full Council, no alternative options were put forward.  Councillor Hamilton-Cox, the Chief Executive and Chief Officer Resources responded to several questions with regard to the possible postponement of certain capital projects.

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

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)       That the various matters in connection with the amendments to the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 and the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review 2023/24 be noted.

(2)       That the amendments to the Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24 as set out in Appendix B to the report be forwarded to the Budget & Performance Panel for consideration and comment and then forwarded to Full Council for approval in accordance with CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code.

(3)       That the Mid-Year Review 2023/24 as set out in Appendix C to the report be forwarded on to the Budget & Performance Panel and Full Council for consideration in accordance with CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

Effective Treasury Management and use of the Councils’ resources is fundamental to the delivery of its priorities and outcomes.

Consideration of Treasury Management Mid-Year Review and presentation to Full Council will ensure the Council complies with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).

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 in private. 

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

“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 items 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 has been marked as exempt, it is for Cabinet itself to decide whether or not to consider it 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 Wood and seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-

“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.”

Members then voted as follows:-

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. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Cllr Phillip Black)

Report of Chief Officer – Housing & Property (report published 20.10.23)

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Phillip Black)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property.  The report 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.

Councillor Phillip Black proposed, seconded by Councillor Parr:-

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

Councillors then voted.

Resolved unanimously:

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:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Reasons for making the decision:

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