Agenda, decisions and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 25^th November, 2019 be received and approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 25^th November, 2019 be received and approved as a correct record.

Non-Key Decision

Leader of the Council: Councillor Jason Zadrozny

RESOLVED

that the levels of performance achieved against the Corporate Scorecard for Quarter 2, April to September 2019, be received and duly noted.

Cabinet were presented with the Quarter 2, April to September 2019 update for the new corporate performance scorecard, which had recently been refreshed to align with the new Corporate Plan and corporate priorities.

As the report was for information only, there were no alternative options for Members to consider.

RESOLVED

that the levels of performance achieved against the Corporate Scorecard for Quarter 2, April to September 2019, be received and duly noted.

Reason:

The Corporate Plan sets out the Council’s priorities for the future and the key projects and initiatives it intends to deliver.  These are then translated and cascaded through the Performance and Strategic Planning Framework into specific Service Plans to facilitate focussed delivery. Presentation to Cabinet ensures Members are kept up to date with performance progress.

Non-Key Decision

Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres: Councillor Helen-Ann Smith

RESOLVED that

a)    the introduction of an electronic payment element for car parking in the new parking order (via an appropriate car parking app), be approved;

b)    delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Communities, in conjunction with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres, to determine the most appropriate parking app. for Ashfield and oversee its introduction.

Cabinet Members were requested to consider the potential introduction of a parking app. for use in the Council’s car parks.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to approve the introduction of the parking app. as an additional payment option for customers using the Council’s town centre car parks.

RESOLVED that

a)    the introduction of an electronic payment element for car parking in the new parking order (via an appropriate car parking app), be approved;

b)    delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Communities, in conjunction with the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Streets, Parks and Town Centres, to determine the most appropriate parking app. for Ashfield and oversee its introduction.

Reason:

Paying car parking fees through an app. is increasingly popular as people carry less cash and more transactions are carried out by card payments. Inclusion of this facility within the new parking order would allow for a parking app. to be introduced.

Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and Regeneration: Councillor Matthew Relf

RESOLVED

in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and the

Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, as amended, Cabinet agrees to re-designate the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Neighbourhood Forum in relation to the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Skegby Neighbourhood Area.

Cabinet were requested to consider an application for the re-designation of the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Skegby Neighbourhood Forum.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to re-designate the Forum.   However, in compiling its recommendations the Council had considered the evidence submitted by the Forum as well as the representations received on the consultation and subject to their being a “relevant body” and meeting the legislation requirements, the Council is obligated to exercise its power of designation of a Neighbourhood Forum.

RESOLVED

in accordance with the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and the

Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, as amended, Cabinet agrees to re-designate the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Neighbourhood Forum in relation to the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Skegby Neighbourhood Area.

Reason:

National planning policy places an emphasis on neighbourhood planning and local councils facilitating neighbourhood planning. The Forum had brought forward the Teversal, Stanton Hill and Skegby Neighbourhood Plan 2017, which formed part of the Council Local Development Plan. They are an active Forum, which sets out to represent the view of the local community. Based on the information submitted, it was considered that the application met the legislative requirements and the Council should therefore re-designate the Neighbourhood Forum.

(During consideration of the item, the following Councillors declared Non Disclosable Pecuniary/Other Interests in relation to this item but remaining in the meeting and took part in the ensuing discussion:-

1.    Councillor Samantha Deakin – known to landowner within the Forum boundary;

2.    Councillor Tom Hollis - landowner with the Forum boundary is a family member;

3.    Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – member of the Forum.)

Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and Regeneration: Councillor Matthew Relf

RESOLVED that

a)    the draft Planning Compliance and Enforcement Plan be approved in principle ahead of the agreed consultation;

b)    consultation with stakeholders and regular customers of the planning service, as set out in the report, be commenced;

c)    delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and Regeneration, to approve the adoption of the final version of the Planning Compliance and Enforcement Plan following consultation.

Agreement was sought for the adoption of the Planning Compliance and Enforcement Plan following consultation with regular customers of the planning service.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to approve the Plan but it was felt that this course of action would deny customers the necessary guidance on how and why the service operates and would not meet current government guidance.

RESOLVED that

a)    the draft Planning Compliance and Enforcement Plan be approved in principle ahead of the agreed consultation;

b)    consultation with stakeholders and regular customers of the planning service, as set out in the report, be commenced;

c)    delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Communities, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Place, Planning and Regeneration, to approve the adoption of the final version of the Planning Compliance and Enforcement Plan following consultation.

Reason:

The Plan explains how Ashfield District Council carries out its planning compliance and enforcement activities and what customers can expect from the service. The National Planning Policy Framework recommends publishing a plan to manage enforcement proactively, in a way that is appropriate to the area.

Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Finance: Councillor David Martin

RESOLVED

the revised Fees & Charges proposals for 2020/21 with all applicable increases taking effect as soon as practically possible after 1st April, 2020, as presented, be approved.

Cabinet Members were presented with the revised Fees & Charges proposals for 2020/21 for consideration and approval.

Members considered various alternative options, as outlined in the report, but declined to make any changes to the proposals.

RESOLVED

the revised Fees & Charges proposals for 2020/21 with all applicable increases taking effect as soon as practically possible after 1st April, 2020, as presented, be approved.

Reason:

Additional income generated will meet the inflationary costs of service provision, contribute towards the Council’s saving targets and continue to support the financing of a range of services to Ashfield residents and businesses. In addition, an annual review of fees and charges is part of sound financial management practice and a requirement of the Council’s Financial Regulations.

Non-Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Finance: Councillor David Martin

RESOLVED that

a)    the content of the report, as presented, be received and noted;

b)    the changes to the 2019/20 Prudential Indicators for the Capital Financing Requirement, the Operational Boundary and the Authorised Limit, to reflect the impact of in-year changes to the 2019/20 Capital Programme, be approved.

b)

Cabinet received the mid-year report, written to comply with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Treasury Management Code of Practice and considered the following:

·         An economic update for the 2019/20 financial year as at 30th September, 2019;

·         The Council’s capital position (prudential indicators);

·         The Council’s investment portfolio for 2019/20;

·         The Council’s borrowing position for 2019/20.

Due to the requirement to meet appropriate legislative requirements, Members did not have any alternative options to consider.

RESOLVED that

a)    the content of the report, as presented, be received and noted;

b)    the changes to the 2019/20 Prudential Indicators for the Capital Financing Requirement, the Operational Boundary and the Authorised Limit, to reflect the impact of in-year changes to the 2019/20 Capital Programme, be approved.

Reasons:

1)    In accordance with Council’s Financial Regulations, the Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring effective scrutiny of the Treasury Management Strategy and policies.

2)    In accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations Cabinet are responsible for the implementation and regular monitoring of Treasury Management policies and practices and are to receive, as a minimum, each year reports setting out the Annual Treasury Management Strategy and Plan for the coming year; a mid-year review and an annual Treasury Management Performance Report.

Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Housing: Councillor Kier Barsby

RESOLVED

that approval be given to set the following:-

a)    an average rent increase of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) (1.7%) + 1% for all Council house rents for 2020/21;

b)    a garage average rent increase of CPI (1.7%) for 2020/21;

c)    an amenity charge of £1.35 per week (an increase of £0.04p) for all relevant Council house properties for 2020/21;

d)    an increase to the communal heating charges of CPI (1.7%) for 2020/21;

e)    an increase for water charges at Brook Street Court of 2.36% for 2020/21;

f)     an increase for service charges for the properties at Hawkers Place of Retail Price Index (RPI) at December 2019 for 2020/21.

Cabinet received a report, which provided information on the proposed rent level and other Council accommodation related charges for Council tenants for the financial year 2020/21.

Members considered the various alternative options, as outlined in the report, but declined to make any changes to the proposals as presented.

RESOLVED

that approval be given to set the following:-

a)    an average rent increase of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) (1.7%) + 1% for all Council house rents for 2020/21;

b)    a garage average rent increase of CPI (1.7%) for 2020/21;

c)    an amenity charge of £1.35 per week (an increase of £0.04p) for all relevant Council house properties for 2020/21;

d)    an increase to the communal heating charges of CPI (1.7%) for 2020/21;

e)    an increase for water charges at Brook Street Court of 2.36% for 2020/21;

f)     an increase for service charges for the properties at Hawkers Place of Retail Price Index (RPI) at December 2019 for 2020/21.

Reasons:

1.    To set a 2.7% (CPI+1%) rent increase in line with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government policy statement on rents for social housing 2020/21.

2.    To set an increase of CPI on garage rents to continue covering the increasing costs of maintenance and rental collection for the Council garage sites, consistent with the approach in previous years.

3.    To increase the amenity charge by £0.04p per week to continue covering the costs of providing the services which do not fall within the provision of the rent charge.

4.    To set an increase to the communal heating service charges. This is to cover the increase in price from the utility company to the Council for providing the communal heating in the applicable housing court schemes.

5.    To set an increase to the service charge for water at Brook Street Court, Sutton in Ashfield to cover the increase in prices from Severn Trent to the Council for providing water at Brook Street Court.

6.    To set an increase of RPI for the service fee for the properties at Hawkers Place estate, Hucknall, in line with the legal agreement between the Council and the Housing Development Company. This is to cover the annual increase set out in the legal agreement of the development.

Key Decision

Portfolio Holder for Housing: Councillor Kier Barsby

RESOLVED

that the Temporary Accommodation Policy, attached at Appendix A, be approved.

Cabinet Members were asked to approve the Temporary Accommodation Policy, as presented, and acknowledged the Council’s obligation to produce and maintain a Policy relating to how units of temporary accommodation for homeless households are procured and let.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to introduce a Temporary Accommodation Policy but this option was rejected as a Supreme Court ruling established a need for local authorities to produce and publish such policies.

A second option to have separate policies relating to procuring and letting Temporary Accommodation but this was rejected as the two elements overlap and it makes sense to combine them in a single document.

RESOLVED

that the Temporary Accommodation Policy, attached at Appendix A, be approved.

Reasons:

A Supreme Court ruling in 2015 made a number of recommendations to local authorities in respect of temporary accommodation provided for homeless households.  In light of the ruling, there is an expectation that local authorities will have policies in place that set out how temporary accommodation is procured and let.

Such policies will be of benefit to both officers and those households who are being placed in temporary accommodation.  The homelessness service returned in-house in July 2019, when the need for a Council Policy was identified.