Agenda and decisions

Executive Summary

Following the District Council elections on 4^th 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:-

4. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:-

4. 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.

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

Wards affected

All

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Lucy Shires

Contact Officer

Tina Stankley Director ofResources

Tina.Stankley@north-norfolk.gov.uk01263 516439

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 10.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Consultation(s)

Cllr Wendy Fredericks, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Peoples’ Services

Recommendations

Recommendation - Cabinet to adopt the Discretionary DFG Policy.

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.

Background papers

Adult social care system reform: next steps to put People at the Heart of Care

NNDC Discretionary DFG Policy

Wards affected

All wards in North Norfolk

Cabinet member(s)

Cllr Wendy Fredericks

Contact Officer

Sonia Shuter, Early Help & Prevention Manager sonia.shuter@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:  ...  view the full agenda text for item 14.

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.

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 15.

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.  

Options considered

The following options have been considered as being possible and implementable;

1. Termination of the current lease and closure of the Club to provide for redevelopment - discounted
2. Demolition of the whole and development of a new Clubhouse and restaurant at first floor level – not viable.
3. Demolish the whole and re-use for concessions and re-provide putting concession – discounted as loss of bowls amenity
4. Reduced scale of repairs (roof and windows) – discounted as doesn’t meet net zero priorities
5. Demolition of part and refurbishment of the Clubhouse to provide new community club facilities and space for concessions viable scheme (the recommended scheme). 
6. Disposal to tenants or 3^rd party - discounted

Consultation(s)

1. Planning – the proposal to redevelop or refurbish has been discussed at a high level with the planning team and conservation officer
2. 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.
3. Local Members are aware of the proposals albeit at a high level. 
4. The pitch & putt tenant has been advised of the proposed plans.

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

Reasons for recommendations

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.

Background papers

None

Wards affected

Cromer Town; Cllr Adams, Cllr Boyle

Cabinet member(s)

1) Finance, Estates & Property Services; Cllr Shires

2) Community, Leisure & Outreach; Cllr Withington

3) Climate & Net Zero; Cllr Varley

4) Sustainable Growth; Cllr Heinrich

Contact Officer

Renata Garfoot, Estates & Asset Manager Renata.garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Links to key documents:

Corporate Plan:          

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 16.

Agenda Item Number

Paragraph of Part 1 Schedule 12A

16

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