Agenda and minutes

No declarations of interest were made.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 16 September 2024, be received and approved as a correct record.

(During consideration of the minutes, Councillor Jason Zadrozny entered the meeting at 10.02am.)

Key Decision

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Parks and Environmental Services

Cabinet was updated on the forecasted capital and revenue costs for the Council (as a waste collection authority) in respect of implementing the requirements of ‘Simpler Recycling’ as part of the Environment Act 2021.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to reconfigure the current refuse and recycling rounds but this was not recommended as it would deny the Council the opportunity to become a more efficient, effective and value for money service, that meets the requirement of legislative changes and local service demand.

RESOLVED that

a)    the content of the report and the forecasted capital and revenue costs of implementing ‘Simpler Recycling’, be received and noted;

b)    delegated authority be granted to officers, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Parks and Environmental Services, to progress a project to deliver ‘Simpler Recycling’ that achieves the Council’s statutory responsibilities as a waste collection authority.

Reason:

Officers were authorised by Cabinet to develop a Costed Action & Delivery Plan (CADP) for the introduction of ‘Simpler Recycling’ by April 2026 and the weekly domestic food waste collection service by October 2027.

Key Decision

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Parks and Environmental Services

Members were updated on the project work currently being undertaken to assess the condition of the Bridges, Tunnel and Watercourse along the Skegby and Teversal trails.  Approval was also sought for the temporary repairs needed to two bridges along the Skegby trail.

Members considered the alternative option of keeping the existing ‘closure order’ of the Skegby and Teversal trails in force whilst funding options are investigated but this was not recommended as it would result in the existing trails remaining inaccessible for the foreseeable future.

RESOLVED that

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

b)    the initial revenue allocation of £51,211.54 to provide a temporary bridge repair, for a period of six months whilst longer-term replacement and repair options are explored, be approved;

c)    it be agreed that the Executive Director of Operations takes forward the procurement of the temporary repair as outlined in b) above;

d)    an update including proposals for a longer-term solution for reparation of the Bridges, Tunnel and Watercourse along the Skegby and Teversal trails, be received by Cabinet within the next six months.

Reason:

To allow continued access to the existing Skegby and Teversal trails, which are currently partially closed due the unsafe condition of two existing bridges, whilst officers continue to undertake the remaining condition surveys and explore external funding opportunities for the replacement or repair of any assets identified from the surveys undertaken.

Key Decision

Councillor Matthew Relf – Executive Lead Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning

Cabinet was updated on funding allocations, progress of funded programmes and bids for external funding.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to approve the allocation of S106 funding on the Capital Programme but this was not recommended as it would result in public open space improvement projects not being delivered.

RESOLVED that

a)    progress with the Future High Streets Fund, Towns Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes, as presented, be received and noted;

b)    following receipt of funds, Council be recommended to include Section 106 monies on the Capital Programme;

c)     following identification of suitable funding for The Wharf – Environmental improvements project, Council be recommended to include it on the Capital Programme;

d)    progress with the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) programme, be also noted.

Reasons:

1.     To ensure that Cabinet is kept updated on progress with the regeneration programmes.

2.     To ensure that projects and spend are achieved within the set timeframes and programme budget envelopes.

3.     To ensure delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan and improvements to parks and green spaces with a rolling programme of investment.

4.     To ensure funding streams are delivered collaboratively and effectively.

Key Decision

Councillor Chris Huskinson – Executive Lead Member for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing

Cabinet was requested to agree the draft Destination Management Plan to develop visitor economy, concentrating efforts on key target markets, enhancing the Council’s events programme and working closely across the

business and public sector.

Members considered the alternative option of declining to approve and adopt the Destination Management Plan as presented.

RESOLVED

that the draft Destination Management Plan, which sets out a clear plan to

develop the visitor economy and enhance the Council’s events programme, be approved.

Reasons:

1.     To further develop Ashfield as a visitor destination for residents and visitors enhancing and growing the visitor economy.

2.     To ensure delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan for Economic Growth and Place developing the visitor economy, arts and culture as a priority.

3.     To enhance the potential to generate spend and to support local businesses and create jobs.

4.     To enhance the quality of life for the Council’s residents through delivery of free to access and lowcost activities/events and facilities.

Non-Key Decision

Councillor Vicky Heslop – Executive Lead Member for Governance

Cabinet was presented with the Council’s Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report for 2023/24.

As the report was for information only, Members did not have any alternative

options to consider.

RESOLVED

that the Annual Corporate Health and Safety Report for 2023/24, as presented, be received and noted.

Reason:

To ensure Cabinet are informed on corporate health and safety performance

across the Council, to provide assurance that the Council’s statutory health

and safety obligations are being met and to provide transparency and an

understanding that the health and safety risks created by the Council’s

services and operations are being managed effectively, and as required by

law.

A Member of the Cabinet is asked to move:-

“That in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting during the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and in respect of which the Proper Officer considers the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

RESOLVED

that in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting during the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and in respect of which the Proper Officer considers the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Key Decision

Councillor Helen-Ann Smith – Deputy Leader and Executive Lead Member for Parks and Environmental Services

Cabinet received an update on the Council’s Business Trade Waste Service and legislative changes requiring the Council to introduce a food waste

collection option for trade waste and business customers. Details were also included in respect of the current and proposed future scheme of delegation for setting the prices for the traded service.

Members considered the alternative options as outlined in the report.

RESOLVED that

a)    the procurement of a contractor(s) for the provision of food waste containers for the collection of commercial food waste, with consideration given to working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, be approved;

b)    the procurement/purchase of one suitable food waste collection vehicle for the collection of commercial food waste, with consideration given to working in partnership with neighbouring authorities, be approved;

c)     delegated authority be granted to the Executive Director of Operations, in conjunction with the relevant Executive Lead Member and the Corporate Resources Director to set fees, charges and vary prices, as required.

Reason:

1.     To advise Cabinet on the requirements placed upon local businesses through ‘Simpler Recycling’ as part of the UK Resource & Waste Strategy 2018 and the Environment Act 2021.

2.     To ensure the Council has the right authorisations and approvals in place to enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations, by the deadlines set by Government, to offer a compliant business trade waste service.