Items
| No. |
Item |
15. |
Minutes  PDF 144 KB
To approve, as a correct record, the minutes
of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 05 June 2023.
Minutes:
The minutes of the meeting held on
5th June were approved as a correct record and signed by
the Chairman.
|
16. |
Public Questions and Statements
To receive questions and statements from the
public, if any.
Minutes:
|
17. |
Declarations of Interest PDF 721 KB
Members are asked at this stage to declare any
interests that they may have in any of the following items on the
agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requries that declarations
include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable
pecuniary interest (see attached guidance and flowchart)
Minutes:
|
18. |
Items of Urgent Business
To determine any other items of business which
the Chairman decides should be considered as a matter of urgency
pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972
Minutes:
|
19. |
Members' Questions
To receive oral questions from Members, if
any
Minutes:
The Chairman advised members that they could
ask questions throughout the meeting as matters arose.
|
20. |
Recommendations from Overview & Scrutiny Committee
To consider any recommendations referred to
the Cabinet by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for
consideration by the Cabinet in accordance within the Overview and
Scrutiny Procedure Rules
Minutes:
The Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny
Committee, Cllr N Dixon, confirmed that there were no
recommendations made to Cabinet at the last meeting of the
committee.
|
21. |
Recommendations from Planning Policy & Built Heritage Working Party
The following recommendations were made by the
Planning Policy & Built heritage Working Party at the meeting
on 12th June 2023:
Health Protocol Update:
To recommend to Cabinet that
the Council endorses the update to the Health Protocol (in so far
as it relates to contact details, factual changes, and reference
systems) but does not endorse the content of the protocol in its
entirety.
Further, Planning Policy &
Built Heritage Working Party recommends to Cabinet that the Council
requests that the Norfolk Strategic Planning Framework reconsiders
the scope of the Protocol including mental health, dentistry and
public health in the broader sense, and addresses the issues around
practical implementation.
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To endorse the update to the
Health Protocol (in so far as it relates to contact details,
factual changes, and reference systems) but to not endorse the
content of the protocol in its entirety.
To request that the Norfolk
Strategic Planning Framework reconsiders the scope of the Protocol
including mental health, dentistry and public health in the broader
sense, and addresses the issues around practical
implementation.
Minutes:
The Chairman invited Cllr A Brown, Portfolio
Holder for Planning and Chairman of the Planning Policy & Built
Heritage Working Party, to introduce this item.
Cllr Brown began by explaining that there was
currently a Health Protocol in place but changes were required to
bring it up to date in light of recent planning policies. The
Working Party did have some concerns and it was agreed that there
was further work to do.
It was proposed by Cllr A Brown, seconded by
Cllr W Fredericks and
RESOLVED
To endorse the update to the
Health Protocol (in so far as it relates to contact details,
factual changes, and reference systems) but to not endorse the
content of the protocol in its entirety.
To request that the Norfolk
Strategic Planning Framework reconsiders the scope of the Protocol
including mental health, dentistry and public health in the broader
sense, and addresses the issues around practical
implementation.
|
22. |
Corporate Plan 2023 - 2027 PDF 146 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
Following the District Council elections on 4th May
the Cabinet and Corporate Leadership Team have worked to develop a
new Corporate Plan which sets out the intent and ambition of the
authority for the period 2023 – 2027.
The
draft Corporate Plan document is now presented for formal approval
by Cabinet and thereafter presentation to Full Council for
adoption.
|
|
Options considered
|
The
Council is required to publish a Corporate Plan.
The
development of this Plan reflects the priorities of the
administration based upon their manifesto statements and looks to
take forward new actions under the principal themes from the 2019
– 2023 Corporate Plan – particularly with respect to
the environment and Net Zero, housing, the local economy, quality
of life and engagement with our residents and
communities.
|
|
Consultation(s)
|
The
development of the new Corporate Plan has not in itself involved a
specific process of consultation. The
Plan has been developed recognising those critical issues facing
North Norfolk and its communities and reflects the priorities of
the incoming council administration for the period 2023 –
2027. These issues are not new and will
involve the Council working with established partners to develop
responses to these challenges. The
Corporate Plan is a high level document
setting out the priorities of the Council over the next four years,
with specific project proposals and interventions developed to
address those challenges being the subject of engagement and
consultation in the months ahead.
|
|
Recommendations
|
That
Cabinet resolves to:
-
Agree the content of the draft Corporate Plan 2023
– 2027 as a statement of the Council’s intent and
ambition for the term of this Council administration.
-
Authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with
the Leader of the Council, to agree any minor revisions and changes
to the final draft of the Corporate Plan document and thereafter
the format / design of the document for publication, following
adoption by Full Council.
-
That Cabinet publishes an Action Plan detailing how
the objectives detailed in the Corporate Plan will be delivered /
achieved to its November 2023 meeting.
That
Cabinet recommends to Full Council:-
-
That Full Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2023
– 2027.
|
|
Reasons for
recommendations
|
The
Corporate Plan details the Council’s ambitions and intent for
the next four years. It will provide
the framework and context for the Council’s service
provision, project interventions and resource allocation (financial
and staffing) for the period through to 2027.
The
Plan will be subject to annual review to ensure that it continues
to reflect the Council’s priorities and objectives throughout
the next four years in response to emerging trends, policy
developments and legislation.
|
|
Background papers
|
No background papers were used
in the preparation of this report.
|
|
Wards affected
|
All
|
|
Cabinet member(s)
|
Cllr Tim Adams, Leader of the
Council
|
|
Contact Officer
|
Steve Blatch, Chief
Executive
Tel:- 01263 516232
Email:
steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk
|
Additional documents:
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED:
-
To agree the content of the draft Corporate Plan
2023 – 2027 as a statement of the Council’s intent and
ambition for the term of this Council administration.
-
To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation
with the Leader of the Council, to agree any minor revisions and
changes to the final draft of the Corporate Plan document and
thereafter the format / design of the document for publication,
following adoption by Full Council.
-
That Cabinet publishes a Delivery Plan detailing how
the objectives detailed in the Corporate Plan will be delivered /
achieved to its November 2023 meeting.
That
Cabinet recommends to Full Council:-
-
That Full Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2023
– 2027.
|
|
Reason for the Decision:
The
Corporate Plan details the Council’s ambitions and intent for
the next four years. It will provide
the framework and context for the Council’s service
provision, project interventions and resource allocation (financial
and staffing) for the period through to 2027.
The
Plan will be subject to annual review to ensure that it continues
to reflect the Council’s priorities and objectives throughout
the next four years in response to emerging trends, policy
developments and legislation.
|
Minutes:
The Chairman and Leader of the Council, Cllr T
Adams, introduced this item. He began by thanking officers for
their hard work and support in preparing the Corporate Plan 2023
– 2027. He said that many of the key issues campaigned for by
the Administration during the District Council elections, were
reflected as key themes in the Corporate Plan. An Annual Action
Plan would be developed to cover the next two years and would
outline those projects and interventions the Council would seek to
implement to address the challenges faced by the District under
each of the priority themes. Once the Action Plan was finalised, it
would inform a revision of the Council’s Medium Term
Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the 2024/25 budget process.
The Chairman said that the Council would have
to respond to a great deal of change in the next four years,
including the impact of inflationary pressures on finances, the
outcome of the standardisation of waste consultation and the
potential agreement of County Deals.
He explained that the Corporate Plan had the
following five key themes;
·
Our greener future
·
Developing our communities
·
Meeting our local housing need
·
Investing in our Local Economy and Infrastructure
·
A strong, responsible and accountable council
He added that work would continue to support
important workstreams, such as continued investment in public
toilet facilities, the provision of temporary accommodation and
addressing the challenges of the cost of living crisis.
Cllr A Brown welcomed the progress that had
been made on developing the new Corporate Plan so quickly.
Cllr L Shires said that she welcomed the
reduction in jargon and as Portfolio Holder for Finance she was
looking forward to the challenge of achieving financial
stability.
The Chairman thanked them for their comments
and said there was still some detail to include such as additional
information on affordable homes.
It was proposed by Cllr T Adams, seconded by
Cllr W Fredericks and
RESOLVED:
-
To agree the content of the draft Corporate Plan
2023 – 2027 as a statement of the Council’s intent and
ambition for the term of this Council administration.
-
To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation
with the Leader of the Council, to agree any minor revisions and
changes to the final draft of the Corporate Plan document and
thereafter the format / design of the document for publication,
following adoption by Full Council.
-
That Cabinet publishes a Delivery Plan detailing how
the objectives detailed in the Corporate Plan will be delivered /
achieved to its November 2023 meeting.
That
Cabinet recommends to Full Council:-
-
That Full Council adopts the Corporate Plan 2023
– 2027.
|
|
Reason for the Decision:
The
Corporate Plan details the Council’s ambitions and intent for
the next four years. It will provide
the framework and context for the Council’s service
provision, project interventions and resource allocation (financial
and staffing) for the period through to 2027.
The
Plan will be subject to annual review to ensure that it continues
to reflect the Council’s priorities and objectives throughout
the next ...
view the full minutes text for item 22.
|
|
23. |
2022/2023 Outturn Report PDF 823 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
This report presents the provisional outturn
position for the 2022/23 financial year which shows a General Fund
overspend of ££0.782m, which is made up of a
£0.261m revenue services’ overspend and a £0.561k
income shortfall in retained business rates.
This report also presents the Council’s
capital programme outturn
position.
Details are included within the report of the
more significant year-end variances compared to the current budget
for 2022/23. The report also makes recommendations for
contributions to reserves.
The report provides a final budget monitoring
position for the 2022/23 financial year. The report makes
recommendations that provide funding for ongoing commitments and
future projects.
|
|
Options considered
|
The revenue outturn position as of 31 March
2023 shows an overall overspend of £0.782m. The final
position allowsfor
£1.137m from budget and grant underspends
to be rolled forward within Earmarked Reserves to fund ongoing and
identified commitments in 2023/24. This draft outturn position will
form the basis for the production of the statutory accounts, which
will then be subject to audit by the Council’s
externalauditors.
|
|
Consultation(s)
|
None – This is a factual
report of the financial year end position for 2022/23.
|
|
Recommendations
|
Members
are asked to consider the report and recommend the following to
FullCouncil:
a)
The
provisional outturn position for the General Fund revenue account
for 2022/23;
b)
The
transfers to and from reserves as detailed within the report (and
appendix C) along with the corresponding updates to the
2023/24budget;
c)
The
deficit of £0.261m relating to service overspends be funded
from the GeneralReserve;
d)
The
deficit of £0.561m relating to retained business rates be
funded from the Business RatesReserve;
d)
The
financing of the 2022/23 capital programme as detailed within the report and at
AppendixD;
e)
The
balance on the General Reserve of£2.649m;
f)
The
updated capital programme for 2023/24
to 2025/26 and scheme financing as outlined
withinthe
|
|
|
report and detailed at Appendix E;
g)
The
roll-forward requests as outline in Appendix F are
approved.
h)
The
transfer of £0.500m from the Delivery Plan Reserve to a new
reserve ‘Net Zero Initiatives’ set up specifically to
fund projects, initiatives and works to achieve net
zero.
i) The Provision of Temporary
Accommodation capital budget for 2024/25 and 2025/26 of
£0.250m per year be moved into 2023/24 giving a total budget
of £0.750m in 2023/24 and that this be funded by temporary
borrowing until it can be replaced by preserved right to buy
capital receipts
|
|
Reasons for
recommendations
|
To approve the draft
outturn position on the revenue and capital accounts used to
produce the statutory accounts for 2022/23.
|
|
Background papers
|
Budget report, Budget Monitoring reports, NNDR3
return
|
|
Links to key
documents:
|
|
Corporate Plan:
|
Financial
Sustainability and Growth
|
|
Medium Term Financial Strategy
(MTFS)
|
The outturn position
will have an impact on the Reserve Balances, which will become the
revised starting balances for the MTFS
|
|
Council ...
view the full agenda text for item 23.
|
Additional documents:
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
|
Torecommend the following to Full
Council:
a)
The provisional
outturn position for the General Fund revenue account for
2022/23;
b)
The transfers to and
from reserves as detailed within the report (and appendix C) along
with the corresponding updates to the 2023/24budget;
c)
The deficit of
£0.261m relating to service overspends be funded from the
GeneralReserve;
d)
The deficit of
£0.561m relating to retained business rates be funded from
the Business RatesReserve;
d)
The financing of the
2022/23 capital programme as detailed
within the report and at Appendix D.
e)
The balance on the
General Reserve of£2.649m;
f)
The updated capital
programme for 2023/24 to 2025/26 and
scheme financing as outlined withinthe report and detailed at
Appendix E
g)
The roll-forward
requests as outlined in Appendix F
h)
The transfer of
£0.5m from the Delivery Plan Reserve to a new reserve –
‘Net Zero Initiatives’ set up specifically to fund
projects, initiatives and works to achieve Net Zero.
i)
The provision of a
Temporary Accommodation capital budget for 2024/25 and 2025/26 of
£0.25m per year be moved into 2023/24 giving a total budget
of £0.75m in 2023/24 and that this be funded by temporary
borrowing until it can be replaced by preserved right to buy
capital receipts.
Reasons for the
decision:
To approve the draft
outturn position on the revenue and capital accounts used to
produce the statutory accounts for 2022/2023.
|
Minutes:
Cllr L Shires, Portfolio Holder for Finance,
Estates and Property Services, introduced this item. She began by
saying that the Council’s financial position was much better
than anticipated and she thanked officers for their hard work in
preparing the report. The surplus for the 2021/22 financial year
was transferred to the General Reserve as there was a deficit
forecast and the outturn position in November 2022 was forecast to
be £900k. The forecast at period 10 was lower and this was to
be welcomed. She concluded by saying that the Council’s
finances continued to be in a much stronger position than most
local authorities and she thanked officers across the organisation
for their help in achieving this.
The Director for Resources added that
expenditure had been managed very carefully and acknowledged that
the receipt of several grants had helped. There had been savings on
capital costs due to delays in the capital programme, which had
been largely unavoidable. She explained that £500k had been
allocated to a reserve for Net Zero, to support investment in
reducing carbon emissions. Regarding temporary accommodation, two
years capital budget would be brought forward to 2023/24 from
2024/25 and 2025/2026 so that properties could be purchase now
rather than waiting two to three years.
The Chairman invited members to speak:
Cllr C Cushing said that he was surprised that
Cllr Shires was satisfied with the report given that this was the
first time that an overspend had been forecast at the outturn
stage. However, he noted that this was based on provisional figures
and sought clarification when the finalised position would be
available and why was it not ready now. The Director for Resources
replied that the 2020/2021 accounts were still outstanding and the
auditors were currently assessing them and it was hoped that they
would be signed off within the next two weeks. The 2021/2022
accounts would then be finalised. There was a knock-on effect that
each year’s accounts needed to be finalised before the
balances could be brought forward into the next financial year. It
was hoped that the 2021/22 accounts would be audited in late July /
early August and the final balances for 2021/22 could then be
carried forward as the opening balances for 2022/2023. She added
that the final position with any required audit adjustments, could
be signed off at the December meeting of the Governance, Risk &
Audit Committee (GRAC).
The Director for Resources went onto say that
the issue with not having completed the accounts which was
affecting the outturn position for 2022/2023 and meant that the
Council was not fully assured of the financial outturn, was due to
an ongoing lack of resource in the Finance team. This was currently
being addressed, with several posts out to recruitment. On top of
this there was the national issue regarding lack of resource within
external audit providers.
Cllr L Shires said that in response to Cllr
Cushing’s comment about her being pleased with the current
financial position, it was because ...
view the full minutes text for item 23.
|
24. |
Treasury Management Annual Report 2022 - 2023 PDF 119 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
This report sets out the
Treasury Management activities undertaken during 2022/23 compared
with the Treasury Management Strategy for the year.
|
|
Options Considered
|
This report must be prepared to
be ensured members are aware of Treasury activities. It is also a
requirement for the Council to comply with the CIPFA Treasury
Management and Prudential Codes.
|
|
Consultation(s)
|
Link Treasury Services have
provided the economic information in Appendix T associated with
this report.
|
|
Recommendations
|
That
Cabinet reviews and approves this report, with the recommendation
that it is submitted it to Full Council for final
approval.
|
|
Reasons for recommendations
|
This report requires approval
by Full Council for the Authority to be compliant with the CIPFA
Treasury Management and Prudential Codes.
|
|
Background papers
|
This report refers to the Council’s Capital
Strategy Report 2022/23 which was approved by Members on
31/01/2022.
This report refers to the Council’s Treasury
Management Strategy 2022/23 which was approved by Members on
23/02/2022.
|
|
Wards
affected
|
All
|
|
Cabinet member(s)
|
Cllr Lucy Shires
|
|
Contact Officer
|
James Moore - Accountancy
Assistant - James.Moore@north-norfolk.gov.uk
|
|
Links
to key documents:
|
|
Corporate Plan:
|
This report shows the
Council’s current Treasury position against the cost of
delivering its Capital Programme (CFR – Capital Financing
Requirement). This shows the Council’s current ability to
finance its current Capital Programme.
|
|
Medium Term Financial Strategy
(MTFS)
|
This report supports the Medium
Term Financial Strategy through protecting Council funds and cash
flows, whilst minimizing borrowing costs.
This
report shows the Council’s Investment and Borrowing position
against the Council’s Capital Financing Requirement, showing
the net debt position of the Authority as at the end of the
financial year.
|
|
Council Policies &
Strategies
|
This report refers to the
Council’s Capital Strategy Report 2022/23 which was approved
by Members on 31/01/2022.
This report refers to the Council’s Treasury
Management Strategy 2022/23 which was approved by Members on
23/02/2022.
|
|
Corporate Governance:
|
|
Is this a key
decision
|
No
|
|
Has the public interest test
been applied
|
This report is available to the
public.
|
|
Details of any previous
decision(s) on this matter
|
This is an annual report on the
Council’s current Treasury position.
|
Additional documents:
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To recommend to Full Council that the Treasury
Management Annual Report for 2022 – 2023 be approved.
Reason for the decision:
To ensure compliance with the
CIPFA Treasury Management and Prudential Codes.
Minutes:
Cllr L Shires, Portfolio Holder for Finance,
Estates & Property Services, introduced this item. She
explained that it was an annual report which showed the
Council’s current treasury position against the cost of
delivering the capital programme. She referred members to pages 106
– 107 which set out the impact of interest rates on the
Council’s investments.
The Director for Resources agreed with Cllr
Shires observation that increases in interest rates were having a
positive impact on the Council’s investments but acknowledged
that they had a negative effect on residents.
Cllr N Dixon
It was proposed by Cllr L Shires, seconded by
Cllr T Adams and
RESOLVED
To recommend to Full Council that the Treasury
Management Annual Report for 2022 – 2023 be approved.
Reason for the decision:
To ensure compliance with the
CIPFA Treasury Management and Prudential Codes.
|
25. |
Purchase of Affordable Home - LAHF Grant PDF 99 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
This
report recommends purchase of a 4-bed home partly funded from
government Local Authority Housing Fund grant. Initially the home
will be used to help meet the resettlement needs of Afghan
households but in the longer-term the Council will be able to use
the home as temporary accommodation for homeless households.
|
|
Options considered
|
Do not use government grant and
allocated budget to purchase property and therefore do not add to
the stock of affordable homes in the district.
Transfer the grant funding to a
Registered Provider for them to acquire a 4-bedroom home for
affordable housing
|
|
Consultation(s)
|
Portfolio Holder for Housing,
Housing Options Manager, Estates and Assets Strategy Manager,
Finance Team.
|
|
Recommendations
|
That
Cabinet approves the purchase of a 4-bed home, partly supported by
funding from the government’s Local Authority Housing Fund
grant
|
|
Reasons for recommendations
|
To give authority for spend
over £100k
|
|
Background papers
|
Local Authority Housing Fund
grant opportunity- 6 March 2023
Purchase of Temporary
Accommodation Unit
- 7 November 2022
|
|
Wards
affected
|
District-wide
|
|
Cabinet member(s)
|
Cllr Wendy
Fredericks
|
|
Contact Officer
|
Nicky Debbage, Housing Strategy
& Delivery Manager nicky.debbage@north-noroflk.gov.uk
|
|
Links to key documents:
|
|
Corporate Plan:
|
Local Homes for Local
Need
|
|
Medium Term Financial Strategy
(MTFS)
|
Provision of good quality council
owned temporary accommodation can deliver savings compared to more
expensive and inferior alternatives such as bed and
breakfast
|
|
Council Policies &
Strategies
|
North Norfolk District Council
Housing Strategy 2021 - 2025
|
|
Corporate Governance:
|
|
Is this a key
decision
|
Yes
|
|
Has the public interest test
been applied
|
-
|
|
Details of any previous
decision(s) on this matter
|
Cabinet 6 March 23, Agenda item 12
- Local Authority Housing Fund Grant Opportunity
Decision
RESOLVED that
The Council accepts the Local
Authority Housing Fund grant funding in full and commits to the
delivery of 11 homes.
The source of the homes is from
market sales including new-build when
available (and if affordable).
The Council delivers the new homes
in partnership with Flagship. The Council will pass the grant on to
Flagship, who will provide the match funding and own the homes, in
return the Council will have nomination rights to the homes in
perpetuity.
|
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To approve the purchase of a
4-bed home, partly supported by funding from the government’s
Local Authority Housing Fund grant
Reason for the
decision:
To give authority for spend
over £100k
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr W
Fredericks, introduced this item. She explained that this followed
on from Cabinet’s agreement on 6th March 2023, to
accept a grant from the Local Authority Housing Fund programme. It
was proposed that the Council purchased a four bedroom property
that would initially be used to meet the resettlement needs of
Afghan households. In the longer term the home would be available
to the Council to use to meet its statutory homeless duties.
Cllr C Cushing asked where the property was
located. Cllr Fredericks replied that this could not be disclosed
due to the sensitive nature of the circumstances. She said she
could advise Cllr Cushing outside of the meeting.
It was proposed by Cllr W Fredericks, seconded
by Cllr L Shires and
RESOLVED
To approve the purchase of a
4-bed home, partly supported by funding from the government’s
Local Authority Housing Fund grant
Reason for the
decision:
To give authority for spend
over £100k
|
26. |
Council Loan to Homes for Wells to Enable Purchase of Two Properties PDF 243 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
The delivery of new affordable housing is
a key priority for the Council. This is
an opportunity to support the delivery of two affordable homes and
support the work of a partner community-led housing
organisation.
The support takes the form of a loan of
£110,000 at commercial rates and at minimal risk to the
Council.
|
|
Options considered
|
The alternatives are:
a)
To provide a loan for one property
only.
b)
Not to provide any loan funding at
all.
|
|
Consultation(s)
|
Cllr. Wendy Fredericks – Portfolio
Holder.
Finance team – support for and
terms of the loan.
Homes for Wells – amount of loan
and number of properties.
|
|
Recommendations
|
This is a resolution for Cabinet to
approve a loan of £110,000 to Homes for Wells to help with
the purchase of two properties.
|
|
Reasons for recommendations
|
The two homes will provide affordable
housing for low-income households from the Homes for Wells waiting
list.
|
|
Background papers
|
No other background papers.
|
|
Wards affected
|
Wells with Holkham
|
|
Cabinet member(s)
|
Cllr. Wendy Fredericks
|
|
Contact Officer
|
Graham Connolly, Housing Strategy and
Delivery Manager, graham.connolly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
|
|
Links to key documents:
|
|
Corporate
Plan:
|
This proposal supports
the Council’s Local Homes for Local Need by facilitating new
homes and by using loan funding to achieve that aim.
|
|
Medium Term
Financial Strategy (MTFS)
|
No links to the
MTFS.
|
|
Council Policies
& Strategies
|
This proposal supports
the Council’s aim to provide more affordable housing in the
district.
|
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
to approve a loan of
£110,000 to Homes for Wells to help with the purchase of two
properties.
Reason for the
decision:
The two homes will
provide affordable housing for low-income households from the Homes
for Wells waiting list
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr W
Fredericks, introduced this item. She explained that this was an
opportunity to support the delivery of two affordable homes in
Wells and to support the work of a partner community-led housing
organisation. The homes would be allocated to local, low-income
households.
Cllr L Withington asked why a social housing
rent and an affordable rent had been chosen rather than two social
housing rents. The Housing Strategy and Delivery Manager (GC)
replied that it was difficult for Homes for Wells to make both
rents affordable rents, so they were proposing one social rent and
one affordable. Both were significantly below the market rent
level.
It was proposed by Cllr W Fredericks, seconded
by Cllr L Shires and
RESOLVED
to approve a loan of
£110,000 to Homes for Wells to help with the purchase of two
properties.
Reason for the
decision:
The two homes will
provide affordable housing for low-income households from the Homes
for Wells waiting list
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27. |
Discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant Policy PDF 201 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
The current mandatory
Discretionary Facilities Grant (DFG) service delivered by the
Integrated Housing Adaptations Team (IHAT) is valued, effective and
efficient.
Demand for mandatory DFGs is
increasing due to an increasing older population and the desire by
many people with disabilities and long
term health conditions to remain in their own home rather
than in residential or nursing care.
A Discretionary DFG Policy is
needed to widen the scope and services available through the DFG
process. It will offer an early intervention service and contribute
to the resolution of cases that require works outside the scope of
the current DFG fund. A Discretionary DFG Policy will reduce the
formal process and enable adaptations to be progressed more quickly
for those with life limiting conditions.
Overall the Discretionary DFG
Policy will widen the DFG offer, improve customer service, reduce
DFG process wait times and support the promotion of independent
living.
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|
Options considered
|
Not
to adopt a Discretionary DFG Policy - not recommended
Whilst there is no legal
requirement for North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) to have a
Discretionary DFG Policy, without one the DFG funding can only be
used to fund eligible, mandatory DFG works. There is evidence of
unmet need amongst clients who require adaptations that are outside
the financial or eligible scope of current mandatory DFG
works.
Without a Discretionary DFG
Policy, NNDC would not be able to access designated additional
Better Care Fund funding for the period 2023 – 2025 as this
is specifically for discretionary DFG works and is conditional on
the Council having a Discretionary DFG Policy. The exact amount is
to be confirmed but it is believed to be around £240,000 for
the period 2023 – 2025.
To
adopt the Discretionary DFG Policy and utilise the additional
Better Care Fund for the period 2023 – 2025 to allocation to
expand the current DFG service to meet identified and unmet need. -
Recommended
NNDC will not be able to access
the additional Better Care Fund discretionary allocation without a
Discretionary DFG Policy. The Discretionary elements identified
within the Policy are believed to be those that will have the most
positive benefit for residents, will meet current unmet need and
which can be delivered at this time within existing staff capacity
and resources.
The Discretionary DFG Policy
will be reviewed annually and recommendations for change made if
appropriate.
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|
Consultation(s)
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Cllr Wendy Fredericks,
Portfolio Holder for
Housing and Peoples’ Services
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Recommendations
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Recommendation - Cabinet to
adopt the Discretionary DFG Policy.
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|
Reasons for recommendations
|
To enhance and improve DFG
provision with the aim of promoting independent living and
wellbeing.
To increase the range of DFG
Services that are available and to enhance the existing services
offered to meet unmet need.
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|
Background papers
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Adult social care system reform: next steps to put
People at the Heart of Care
NNDC Discretionary DFG
Policy
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Wards
affected
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All wards in North
Norfolk
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Cabinet member(s)
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Cllr Wendy
Fredericks
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Contact Officer
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Sonia Shuter, Early Help &
Prevention Manager sonia.shuter@north-norfolk.gov.uk
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Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To adopt the Discretionary DFG
Policy
Reasons for the
decision:
To enhance and improve DFG
provision with the aim of promoting independent living and
wellbeing.
To increase the range of DFG
Services that are available and to enhance the existing services
offered to meet unmet need.
Minutes:
The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr W
Fredericks, introduced this item. She explained that demand for
mandatory Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) was increasing due to
an ageing population and the desire by many people with
disabilities and long-term health conditions to remain in their own
home rather than opt for residential or nursing care.
A discretionary DFG policy was needed to widen
the scope and services available through the DFG process. It would
offer an early intervention service and contribute to the
resolution of cases that required work outside of the scope of the
current DFG fund.
Cllr A Brown said that any scheme aimed at
supporting people to stay in their own homes should be
welcomed.
It was proposed by Cllr W Fredericks, seconded
by Cllr A Brown and
RESOLVED
To adopt the Discretionary DFG
Policy
Reasons for the
decision:
To enhance and improve DFG
provision with the aim of promoting independent living and
wellbeing.
To increase the range of DFG
Services that are available and to enhance the existing services
offered to meet unmet need.
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28. |
Information, Advice & Advocacy PDF 156 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
North Norfolk District Council
(NNDC) is committed to reducing inequality and supporting residents
of North Norfolk to have access to Information, Advice &
Advocacy (IAA) services that meet a range of generis and
specialised needs.
There is an ongoing and
increasing need for the provision of generic IAA and specialist
debt services. This has been exacerbated as a result of Covid and
the Cost of Living increases.
Norfolk Citizens Advice
(Norfolk CA) have worked in partnership with NNDC for at least ten
years providing a range of generic and specialist IAA services
across North Norfolk. They are also a Government approved debt
advisor organisation.
Awarding a grant of
£66,323 to Norfolk CA will enable the continuation of
established advice and information services in North Norfolk and
the provision of a dedicated specialist debt advisor for direct
referrals by NNDC for the period 1st April 2023 – 31st March
2024.
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|
Options considered
|
Not to provide funding towards IAA services. - Not
recommended
There has been an increase
in demand for a range of IAA services in North Norfolk particularly
in relation to finance, benefit and debt. The impact of Covid and
the continued Cost of Living increases and considered to be the
main contributing factors.
The provision of accredited
IAA services in a range of community locations across North Norfolk
contributes towards the achievement of Quality of Life objective in
the Corporate Plan.
Utilising the identified IAA budget to increase internal support
for people requiring IAA services. – Not
recommended
The focus of the People
Services Directorate is to provide a range of services including
IAA to residents particularly those who are vulnerable and
experience hardship.
Whilst the majority of the
People’s Services do provide an element of community
provision mainly through visiting people in their own homes if
necessary there is no consistent community presence. People are
encouraged to utilise a range remote service provision to contact
NNDC and a range of effective methods are available. However, for
some people often those who are most vulnerable an in person
appointment is more appropriate. NNDC currently does not have the
capacity or resources to provide the range of IAA services needed
in the community. This means that unless people are able to travel
to NNDC offices in Cromer or Fakenham there are limited
opportunities for them to receive face to face IAA
services.
NNDC are not a Government
Approved Debt Advisor and therefore are limited to the range of
debt support they can offer.
Utilise the IAA budget to fund an external, debt accredited IAA
provider. - Recommended
IAA services has been in
North Norfolk provided by Citizens Advice for many years. Norfolk
CA has been the main provider of IAA in North Norfolk for at least
ten years.
Norfolk CA has a positive
reputation and a visible presence in dedicated offices, community
venues and more recently food banks.
Norfolk CA are the only
provider offering face to face IAA services in North Norfolk who
are also a Government approved ...
view the full agenda text for item 28.
|
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To award a grant of
£66,323 to Norfolk CA towards for the provision of generic
IAA services in North Norfolk and a Specialist Debt Relief Order
Advisor to take direct referrals from NNDC and to be based at NNDC
at least one day a week.
Reason for the decision:
To recognise and respond to the
ongoing and increasing demand for generic and specialist IAA
services in North Norfolk.
Minutes:
Cllr W Fredericks, Portfolio
Holder for Housing & Benefits, introduced this item. She
explained that the Council gave a grant to the Citizen’s
Advice Bureau (CAB) supporting people in North Norfolk. Norfolk
Citizens Advice (Norfolk CA) have worked in partnership with NNDC,
the County Council and Town and. Parish
councils for at least ten years providing a range of generic and
specialist IAA services across North Norfolk. They were also a
government approved debt advisor organisation.
Cllr Fredericks informed
members that over the last year, there had been a 22% increase in
people approaching the CAB for support and assistance.
Cllr Shires said that she would
like to see some additional data in future reports about face to
face contact. The Early Help and Prevention Manager said that she
would circulate additional, detailed information to
members.
It was proposed by Cllr W
Fredericks, seconded by Cllr T Adams and
RESOLVED
To award a grant of
£66,323 to Norfolk CA towards for the provision of generic
IAA services in North Norfolk and a Specialist Debt Relief Order
Advisor to take direct referrals from NNDC and to be based at NNDC
at least one day a week.
Reason for the decision:
To recognise and respond to the
ongoing and increasing demand for generic and specialist IAA
services in North Norfolk.
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29. |
Cromer - Marram's Bowls Club, Proposed Redevelopment PDF 365 KB
|
Executive Summary
|
The
Council own the premises leased to and occupied by Marrams Bowls
Club on Runton Road, Cromer.
The Club
is managed by Trustees.
The
external elements of the premises are in dis-repair and will
require major capital expenditure by NNDC to consolidate the
building structure and ongoing revenue cost to then
maintain.
In this
paper the potential to demolish part of the property and to
refurbish and reconfigure the Clubhouse into a reduced area has
been considered and both plans and costs have been provided by
external architects and quantity surveyors.
The
recommended option would provide the opportunity to create a newly
refurbished clubhouse and a new bespoke area for up to 3x separate
income producing concessions.
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Options considered
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The following options have been
considered as being possible and implementable;
- Termination of the
current lease and closure of the Club to provide for redevelopment
- discounted
- Demolition of the
whole and development of a new Clubhouse and restaurant at first
floor level – not viable.
- Demolish the whole
and re-use for concessions and re-provide putting concession
– discounted as loss of bowls amenity
- Reduced scale of
repairs (roof and windows) – discounted as doesn’t meet
net zero priorities
- Demolition of part
and refurbishment of the Clubhouse to provide new community club
facilities and space for concessions viable scheme (the recommended
scheme).
- Disposal to tenants
or 3rd party - discounted
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Consultation(s)
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- Planning – the
proposal to redevelop or refurbish has been discussed at a high
level with the planning team and conservation officer
- Several meetings have
been held with senior Club members to discuss the options and they
have seen the plans for refurbishment being Option 4
above.
- Local Members are
aware of the proposals albeit at a high level.
- The pitch & putt
tenant has been advised of the proposed plans.
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|
Recommendations
|
It is
recommended to Cabinet to approve:
1)The
proposal (Option 4) to redevelop the club house to
respond to
significant building repair needs
2) Additional capital budget of
£350,000 to fund the project alongside the £50,000 of
Capital for roof repairs previous allocated.
3)That
should there be any further negotiations to the lease
terms, to
delegate to the Assistant Director Finance Assets
Legal,
s151 officer, in consultation with the portfolio holder,
the
ability to amend the lease terms.
4) The
surplus area to be marketed and let to concession
operators
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Reasons for recommendations
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This recommendation is being
made as it provides the best return on the capital to be employed
in responding to repairs and maintenance issues at the property and
supports the Councils Corporate Plan objectives.
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Background papers
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None
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Wards
affected
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Cromer Town; Cllr Adams, Cllr
Boyle
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Cabinet member(s)
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1) Finance, Estates &
Property Services; Cllr Shires
2) Community, Leisure &
Outreach; Cllr Withington
3) Climate & Net Zero; Cllr
Varley
4) Sustainable Growth; Cllr
Heinrich
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Contact Officer
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Renata Garfoot, Estates &
Asset Manager Renata.garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk
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Links
to key documents:
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Corporate Plan:
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The proposals are linked to the
following Corporate Plan priorities;
·
Boosting Business Sustainability and
Growth
·
Financial Sustainability and ...
view the full agenda text for item 29.
|
Additional documents:
Decision:
Decision
RESOLVED
To defer a decision pending the provision of
further information on planning constraints, footfall figures and
potential concession opportunities
Reason for the decision
It was considered that more information was
required before members felt able to reach a decision on the future
of the site.
Minutes:
Cllr L Shires, Portfolio Holder for Finance,
Estates and Assets, introduced this item. She said that the report
related to a much loved asset which was
owned by the Council and currently leased an occupied by Marrams
Bowls Club, Cromer. The external elements of the premises were in
dis-repair and required major capital expenditure by NNDC to
consolidate the building structure and ongoing revenue cost to then
maintain. Cllr Shires said that she felt that more exploratory work
could be undertaken regarding what could be achieved on the
site.
The Estates and Asset Strategy Manager said
that several options were possible and implementable, with the
recommended option providing an opportunity to create a newly
refurbished clubhouse and a new bespoke area for up to 3 separate
income producing concessions. The proposals would also comply with
the Council’s Net Zero policy.
The Chairman said that he felt Cabinet would
like to see more explanation regarding the reasons why a bigger,
more profitable scheme was not being pursued and he asked whether
there were any planning constraints preventing this. He also said
that there was some anxiety around how footfall into the
concessions would be captured and ensure that they were successful,
thus mitigating any costs incurred by the Council. He felt that
this additional information would be helpful in informing members
ahead of reaching a decision.
Cllr A Varley, Portfolio Holder for Climate
Change, said that the preferred scheme did have merit but he had concerns that the proposed
redevelopment could have an impact on the reduction of the
Council’s carbon footprint. He said that he was supportive of
Cllr Shire’s suggestion that more exploratory work should be
undertaken.
Cllr L Withington said that this was a
significant site as well as a community asset and it was important
that any work did not impact negatively on the Bowls Club. The
Chairman added that there was a water supply issue that affected
both sites and this needed to be considered. He said that it was
hoped that a way forward that respected the importance of the site
to the community, whilst maximising revenue could be found.
Cllr W Fredericks said that if the works were
undertaken, then consideration should be given to other community
groups having access to the facilities. The Chairman replied that
there were a lot of community facilities in Cromer but it was possible that the Clubhouse could
be used by other groups.
Cllr Shires said that she would like more
information on the following;
-
How the concessions would be promoted in terms of footfall and
directing visitors to the site
-
Assurance that revenue was being maximised on the site
-
Clarification regarding planning constraints
On this basis, she said that she would propose
deferral until the above information could be provided. Cllr L
Withington seconded the proposal.
Cllr N Dixon referred to the recommendation on
page 146 and the proposal to proceed with Option 4 in the report.
He said that this option proposed a ...
view the full minutes text for item 29.
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30. |
Exclusion of Press and Public
To pass the following
resolution:
a.
That under 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 they involve the
likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3
of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the
Act.”
b.
That the public interest in maintaining the
exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure for the
following reasons:
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Agenda Item Number
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Paragraph of Part 1 Schedule
12A
|
|
16
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3
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Information relating to the
financial or business affairs of any particular person (including
the authority holding that information). The appended report
contains commercially confidential information.
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31. |
Private Business
|