Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 31 July 2025 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 31 July 2025 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 although Councillor Tyldesley made a declaration regarding the Adoption of Conservation Area Appraisals during consideration of that item in view of her living in one of the affected areas.  Minute 46 refers).

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)

Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property (report published on 08.09.25)

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing and Property that provided an update to developments in complaints handling within council services in line with the joint Code of Practice issued by the Housing Ombudsman and the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (2024). The report provided performance information and the required self-assessments against the code.

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: This allows officers to work towards a realistic plan for full compliance across the council in time for the expected mandatory requirement in 12 months’ time. It promotes a resident focused approach to complaints, and service improvement. It also supports the continued development of IT solutions to promote a streamlined, and consistent service for residents.

During questions an update was requested on the 3 cases that remained open from March 2025. Cabinet members suggested that the work indicated how seriously the Council took the issue of complaints and requested that the thanks of Cabinet to those involved be noted.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the Cabinet member with responsibility for complaints be delegated to agree a statement to be published by the end of September 2025 on the Council’s complaints handling in accordance with the Code.

(2)        That Cabinet approve the both the Complaint self-assessment forms and endorse the annual report and service improvement plans for 2025 and that all documents are published.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Reasons for making the decision:

Generally, residents who have reached the stage of making a formal complaint against the Council are using this mechanism to show genuine and reasonable dissatisfaction. Effective and unified complaint handling and the continuation of the development of a positive complaints culture offers vital feedback on service delivery and should be treated as a genuine opportunity for improvement.

The Code provides a clear and unified framework to ensure complaints are taken seriously, handled fairly, and used to drive improvement. It prioritises open, transparent communication with complainants; consistency in responses and response times; accessibility for complainants; and a strong focus on evidenced learning from complaints.

The report and associated Appendices set out the progress made across housing and non-housing services, and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Report of Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change which sought authorisation for the Chief Officer (Planning & Climate Change) to proceed with the statutory process and submit a proposal to the Secretary of State requesting that a Direction under Regulation 7 be renewed.  The Direction had been in place for 5 years and had been successful in managing ‘To Let’ boards.

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Report of Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Councillor Tyldesley declared an interest during the consideration of this item in view of her living in Yealand, one of the affected areas.

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change with regard to the adoption of Conservation Area Appraisals for and boundary changes to Over Kellet, Whittington and Yealand Conyers & Redmayne Conservation Areas.

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Executive

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive that provided members with an update on corporate performance and strategic projects during quarter one of 2025 - 26 (April - June 2025).

As the report was for commenting and noting no options were provided. Cabinet members responded to questions within their portfolios and the work of the Homelessness Team was applauded.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Reasons for making the decision:

Monitoring of strategic projects and key performance indicators provides a link between the Council Plan 24-27 by providing progress updates.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Executive

Please note: this report contains an exempt appendix, and the press and public may have to be excluded from the meeting in the event of Cabinet members being minded to refer to the exempt appendix.

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive that provided Cabinet with an update on the authority’s progress in updating the Strategic Risk Register.

As the report was for comments and noting no options were provided.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Reasons for making the decision:

The Council have a Risk Management Policy, which is written to provide guidance on the management of risk. Risk Management is identified in the Council Plan 2024-27.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive & 151 Officer that provided members with an update on financial performance during the first quarter of 2025/26 (April – June 2025).

As the report was for comments and noting no options were provided. In response to a question relating service support within Corporate Property Review the Cabinet member with responsibility confirmed that he would look into this and advise Cabinet members accordingly.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Reasons for making the decision:

Performance, project and resource monitoring provides a link between the Council plan and operational achievement by providing regular updates on the impact of operational initiatives against strategic aims.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Resources that provided information regarding the latest position regarding the delivery of the approved capital programme for 2025/26. It also set out information regarding any delays surrounding capital expenditure and other matters for Members’ consideration.

As the report was for consideration and progressing to Full Council no alternative options were put forward.

Although the General Fund was able to respond to the financial challenges in 2024/25 and maintain balanced budget positions by utilising its reserves, this did not mean that the financial issues for the Council had been resolved, it simply means that the in-year budget pressures were addressed. To put into context, a budget gap of £2.6M was still forecast for 2026/27 and this would rise annually to £5.5M in 2029/30 for which the cumulative effect is not sustainable.

Reviewing the Capital Programme will allow for more robust revenue projections which in turn will improve financial planning. This will ensure that funds are allocated according to a set of predefined outcomes, or priorities to ensure that funds are directed toward the Council’s key ambitions and statutory functions and away from areas which contribute less or not at all against the predetermined objectives.

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

“That recommendation (1) as set out in the report be approved, and recommendation (2) noted.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the adjustments to the capital programme as set out in Appendix C of the report be endorsed and referred to Council for full approval.

 (2)      That Cabinet note that relevant revenue adjustments in respect of minimum revenue provision and future borrowing requirements will be built into projected revenue estimates and considered alongside future reports to Cabinet in respect of the budget and policy framework updates.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property (report published 08.09.25)

Please note: this report contains an exempt appendix, and the press and public may have to be excluded from the meeting in the event of Cabinet members being minded to refer to the exempt appendix.

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property that sought approval to accept government grant revenue funding to support progression towards increasing council house building within the District. 

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: For the Council to accept the grant funding so as to seek to continue to drive forward opportunities to deliver much needed new housing within the District.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Peter Jackson:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That should Lancaster City Council be successful in its Expression of Interest, Cabinet accept the Council Housebuilding Support Fund as set out in the report and authorise the s151 officer to sign off a funding agreement and Statement of Grant Usage.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Reasons for making the decision:

Lancaster has key ambitions to deliver new housing for residents in need. Current financial constraints within the HRA are making these ambitions challenging to bring forward currently, therefore additional revenue grant funding to support momentum should not be overlooked.

The decision is consistent with Council Priorities :

A Sustainable District –Climate Emergency: Properties brought forward will be developed to a high standard, therefore benefitting residents with quality and warm homes.

An Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy – opportunities for local contractors to be employed as part of development opportunities.

The decision is also consistent with the Housing Strategy and will link directly to the Homes Strategy for Lancaster District 2020- 2025 by seeking to increase provision of affordable housing.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of Chief Executive 

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to enable Cabinet to appoint members to a number of Outside Bodies and Partnerships following a revision to the membership of Cabinet and portfolio areas.  The appointments affected by the portfolio changes were highlighted in the appendix to the report.

It was proposed by Councillor Caroline Jackson, seconded by Councillor Riches and resolved unanimously when put to the vote:-

Resolved unanimously:

That the revisions to the Cabinet appointments to outside bodies as set out in the appendix be approved.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Governance

Reasons for making the decision:

Representation on Outside Bodies is part of the City Council’s Community Leadership role.

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 Riches and seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-

“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 Bottoms)

Report of Chief Officer Sustainable Growth

Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Bottoms)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Sustainable Growth to consider the progress and next steps for the council’s Centenary House building, the former Co-op on Regent Road, Morecambe, to secure the positive reuse of this long-term vacant property.  The report 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.

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 Sustainable Growth

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.