Agenda and minutes

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Contact: Matthew Stembrowicz  Email: matthew.stembrowicz@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

69.

To Receive Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Cllr N Housden, Cllr P Fisher and Cllr A Varley.

70.

Substitutes

Minutes:

Cllr T Adams.

71.

Public Questions & Statements

To receive questions / statements from the public, if any.

Minutes:

None received.

72.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 327 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15th September 2021.

Minutes:

Minutes of the meeting held on 15th September 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

73.

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:

None received.

74.

Declarations of Interest pdf icon PDF 233 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 requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Minutes:

None declared.

75.

Petitions From Members of the Public

To consider any petitions received from members of the public.

Minutes:

None received.

76.

Consideration of Any Matter Referred to the Committee by a Member

To consider any requests made by non-executive Members of the Council, and notified to the Monitoring Officer with seven clear working days’ notice, to include an item on the agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Minutes:

None received.

77.

Responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee's Reports or Recommendations

To consider any responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee’s reports or recommendations:

 

During discussion of the Debt Recovery Report at the meeting held on 15th September 2021, a breakdown of NDR write-offs relating to insolvency was requested, in order to consider the impact on varying economic sectors. The data is provided below for consideration:

 

Number of NDR Write offs attributed to Insolvency

Limited Companies

Sole Traders

10

7

3

Types of Business by Economic Sector

Public House

2

2

Factory

2

 

Garden Centre

1

 

Workshop

1

 

Restaurant

 

1

Land used for storage

1

 

 

Minutes:

The DSGOS referred Members to the response provided by the Revenues Manager on the number and type of businesses that required NDR write-offs, as a result of insolvency. He added that the data showed that there was no clear correlation between the types of businesses and insolvencies.

78.

People Services Restructure pdf icon PDF 635 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the Management Restructure a new ‘People Services’ service grouping was formed which brings together the Benefits, Housing Options, Housing Adaptation and Health and Wellbeing teams under an Assistant Director.

 

The Assistant Director has identified a number of challenges and opportunities for the service and has proposed changes to the structure which are supported by additional posts to provide capacity to deliver an enhanced service in support of the Corporate Plan objectives and maximise the opportunities to lever in external funding and income to expand the offering further. 

 

This paper sets out the basis for these additional fixed term posts and the use of uncommitted fee income and relevant reserves to fund them over the two-year period.

 

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is recommended that Cabinet agree the use of uncommitted fee income and reserves to fund the proposed additional posts within for the revised ‘People Services’ service grouping and to earmark the uncommitted fee income and the required level of reserves to support the funding of the structure for the next 2 years.    

 

 

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

 

 

none

 

              

Cabinet Member(s)

 

Ward(s) affected – all

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Karen Hill, Assistant Director of People Services, 01263 516183, karen.hill@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

 

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Deputy Leader introduced the report and informed Members that the restructure aligned with the use of housing reserves to enhance the delivery of services. He added that this would strengthen the services provided to residents in need of housing assistance and disabled facilities grants. It was noted that the additional posts were not within the base budget, and would therefore be fixed-term positions, that would help to generate income via grant funding opportunities.

 

Question and Discussion

 

       i.          The Chairman noted that he had shared a range of questions posed to the CE via email in advance of the meeting, with answers provided by the ADPS.

 

      ii.          Cllr C Cushing stated that he had concerns regarding the restructure as a substantial request for additional resource had been made, whilst quarterly performance reports indicated that there were no issues that required additional resource. He added that claims made regarding the potential for generating income had not been supported with data, and overall he felt that an additional layer of management would not generate efficiencies. Cllr E Seward replied that approximately £160k of funding was for existing posts that was pre-planned expenditure, which meant that only £486k would be spent on new posts, as opposed £700k. He added that when combined with the use of housing reserves, only £1 in £4 of the proposed spend would be for staffing costs. It was noted that the Housing Team also provided a complex service that required careful management and support to deliver services.

 

     iii.          The ADPS stated that a key reason for introducing Team Leader posts over more officer level posts was to provide an opportunity for existing team members to step-up on a fixed-term basis to provide a better staff to team leader ratio. She added that HR had been consulted on improving this balance, which would allow managers more time to focus on key tasks. In relation to performance, it was reported that the additional resource would allow officers to move from crisis management to prevention, which would be a key focus following the restructure. The ADPS stated that the Pandemic had been a very difficult time for residents in need of assistance from the Housing Team, and it was therefore appropriate to use reserves and funding provided by Central Government to tackle the additional burdens placed on the Council.

 

    iv.          Cllr N Lloyd referred to rising fuel and energy costs and stated that fuel poverty was an increasing risk to residents that the Energy Officer would be well placed to address.

 

      v.          Cllr C Cushing noted that metrics on the officer to management ratio had not been included in the report, and asked whether this information was available. The ADPS replied that the ratio would be approximately six officers to one team leader. Cllr C Cushing said that he had seen little information on how processes would be improved, and asked what would happen to officers once fixed-term funding came to an end and whether any aspect of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

79.

Use of Housing Reserves to Enhance Delivery pdf icon PDF 462 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This paper provides information on the level of housing reserves held by NNDC as at 31/3/21, which were £2.516m; and includes information on the source of these reserves. 

 

The report goes on to set out some proposed uses for these reserves; including reference to a paper elsewhere on today’s agenda which set out proposals for maintaining and strengthening staffing resources in Peoples Services.

 

The report sets out plans and commitments already in place to use some of the funding, i.e. continuing to fund the Community Enabler post and ensuring some grant funding remains for community-led housing.

 

The report further recommends that funding is used to support a dedicated energy officer role to help deliver many of the energy efficiency projects included in the agreed Housing Strategy

 

The report then recommends uses for the remaining housing reserves to enhance housing delivery, which are in line with the objectives in the Housing Strategy.

 

Options considered for use of reserves, in line with agreed Housing Strategy objectives, are set out in the body of the report. Retaining un-committed reserves was rejected as an option as it is considered that releasing the funding can have a positive impact on housing need at this time.

 

Conclusions:

 

£2.516m of housing reserves were brought into 2021/22. Some of these reserves have already been committed to existing salaries and projects. However, the remaining reserves can be used to help meet housing needs in the district in line with the Corporate Plan objective Local Homes for Local Need.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

That Cabinet support the recommended uses of the £2.516m of housing reserves to fund the continuation of posts and restructure of Peoples Services, continuation of community-led housing activity and an energy officer role (as set out in paragraphs 2.1 – 2.11)

 

That Cabinet support use of the remaining £890,246 of reserves to accelerate housing delivery (as set out in paragraphs 2.12 – 2.25), including the purchase of two further units of temporary accommodation for homeless households.

 

That Cabinet gives delegated authority to a Chief Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Benefits, for the purchase of the specific properties within the overall re-allocated budget of £640,000 (with all purchases subject to an independent valuation and survey). 

 

To provide authority for expenditure over £100,000.

 

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

 

 

Outturn Report – Period 12 budget monitoring (Cabinet 6th September 2021)

Community Housing Fund (Cabinet 6th February 2017)

 

              

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr Wendy Fredericks

 

Ward(s) affected

Districtwide

Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Contact Officer: Nicky Debbage/Graham Connolly, Housing Strategy & Delivery Manager, tel: 01263 516027/516282

 

 

 

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Deputy Leader introduced the report and stated that there were significant underlying issues with the housing market, and whilst the Council could not resolve these issues, the use of reserves aimed to plug as many gaps as possible. He added that the report did not cover S106 funding for affordable housing, which would be addressed in the months ahead. Cllr E Seward referred to the Energy Officer post, and noted that similar posts had been highly successful at neighbouring authorities. It was noted that funding would also be used to increase the Council’s temporary housing stock, which would both save money and provide stability to residents in need. Cllr E Seward reported that the next proposal was a rent guarantee scheme, which would enable residents on low incomes the ability to rent privately. Finally, the shared ownership scheme would convert properties to affordable rent, which would assist ten to twelve families in meeting their housing needs.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          The Chairman referred to the contributions made by the private rental sector, and noted that there appeared to be a significant migration of properties from this sector into second homes and holiday lets. He asked whether the Council understood what was happening in the private rental sector, and whether it was in a position to try to prevent these changes, rather than treating the symptoms. Cllr E Seward replied that the changes to the private rental sector appeared evident and had emerged in-part as a result of the pandemic. He added that once more was known about these changes, measures could be put in place to address the issue. The HSDM stated that the private rental sector was an important gap filler between those who could afford to buy and those who were in greater need of affordable housing. She added that the private rental sector in North Norfolk remained small compared with other parts of the Country, and was further exacerbated by property prices and the prevalence of second and holiday homes. It was noted that demographics also played a role in the limited number of private rental properties available, as older residents did not tend to live in privately rented properties. The HSDM stated that whilst the private rental sector was small, it was still an important part of the housing mix for the District, and efforts had to be made to work with private landlords to retain as much of this housing as possible. She added that ultimately the private rental sector was determined by income, and many landlords could earn more from holiday lets, or by selling their property, which was very difficult for the Council to address. It was stated that anecdotally, the increases in second and holiday homes appeared to be at the expense of private sector rental properties, though Census information would be required to confirm this.

 

      ii.          The Chairman asked whether private landlords were known to the Council and to what extent the Council communicated with them to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

80.

DETERMINATION OF COUNCIL TAX DISCOUNTS 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report sets out alternative options for the level of council tax discounts which Full Council will resolve shall apply to classes of dwelling for the financial year 2022/23.

 

The determinations are made by the Council under sections 11A and 11B, and of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, subsequent enabling powers and Regulations made under the Act.

 

The recommendations take advantage of the reforms included in the Local Government Finance Act 2012 as amended to generate additional revenue. 

 

Conclusions:

 

The legislation provides local authorities with the power to make changes to the level of council tax discount in relation to classes of property. The Council has to approve its determinations for each financial year. The calculation of the tax base for 2022/23 will be made on the assumption that the determinations recommended below will apply. 

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

Members recommend that Full Council shall resolve that under section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, and in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 and other enabling powers one of the following applies:

 

Recommendation 1

 

(a)             The discounts for the year 2022/23 and beyond are set at the levels indicated in the table at paragraph 2.1.

(b)             The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 24 months) is set at 100% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(c)             The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 60 months) is set at 200% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(d)             The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 120 months) is set at 300% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(e)             To award a Council Tax Hardship Discount of 100% as per the policy attached at Appendix B, under the provisions section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended)

(f)              To continue to award a local discount of 100% for eligible cases of care leavers under section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended).

(g)             That an exception to the levy charges may be made by the Section 151 Officer in conjunction with the Portfolio holder for Finance, on advice of the Revenues Manager in the circumstances laid out in section 3.6 of this report.

 

Recommendation 2

 

(a)             those dwellings that are specifically identified under regulation 6 of the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003 will retain the 50% discount and;

(b)             those dwellings described or geographically defined at Appendix A which in the reasonable opinion of the Head of Finance and Asset Management are judged not to be structurally capable of occupation all year round and were built before the restrictions of seasonal usage were introduced by the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, will be entitled to a 35% discount.

   

In accordance with the relevant  ...  view the full agenda text for item 80.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

       i.          Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that a hardship relief scheme for residents in need of assistance with Council Tax payments had been included. The CTA added that this scheme had been established to provide a mechanism to offer write-offs or relief to residents without the need for Court action and the recovery process. She added that throughout the pandemic this would have applied to two or three cases, and was therefore not considered to represent a significant risk to the Council.

 

      ii.          The recommendations were proposed by Cllr L Withington and seconded by Cllr P Heinrich. 

 

RESOLVED

 

To recommend that Full Council shall resolve that under section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, and in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 and other enabling powers one of the following applies:

 

1.     (a) The discounts for the year 2022/23 and beyond are set at the levels indicated in the table at paragraph 2.1.

(b) The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 24 months) is set at 100% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(c) The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 60 months) is set at 200% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(d) The premium for long term empty properties (those that have been empty for a consecutive period longer than 120 months) is set at 300% of the Council Tax charge for that dwelling

(e) To award a Council Tax Hardship Discount of 100% as per the policy attached at Appendix B, under the provisions section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended)

(f) To continue to award a local discount of 100% for eligible cases of care leavers under section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended).

(g) That an exception to the levy charges may be made by the Section 151 Officer in conjunction with the Portfolio holder for Finance, on advice of the Revenues Manager in the circumstances laid out in section 3.6 of this report.

 

2.     (a) those dwellings that are specifically identified under regulation 6 of the Council Tax (Prescribed Classes of Dwellings)(England) Regulations 2003 will retain the 50% discount and;

(b) those dwellings described or geographically defined at Appendix A which in the reasonable opinion of the Head of Finance and Asset Management are judged not to be structurally capable of occupation all year round and were built before the restrictions of seasonal usage were introduced by the Town and Country Planning Act 1947, will be entitled to a 35% discount.

 

In accordance with the relevant legislation these determinations shall be published in at least one newspaper circulating in North Norfolk before the end of the period of 21 days beginning with the date of the determinations.

 

81.

Waste Contract Update: October 2021 pdf icon PDF 261 KB

To receive and note the update.

Minutes:

The DFC introduced the report and informed Members that the Environment Bill was now on its third reading in the House of Lords and expected to gain royal ascent with no further substantial changes. He added that the Bill would outline the Government’s environmental targets and expectations, and introduce a new regulatory body called the Office for Environmental protection. It was reported that efforts would be made to make greater use of waste as a resource, such as the extended producer responsibility, that would define the level of recyclable materials required in products. The DFC stated that this would be supported by an additional levy for producers that did not meet the required standards. A deposit return scheme had also been proposed, though details of how this would operate, such as reverse vending machines were yet to be confirmed. It was noted that reductions in packaging had impacted the Council’s recycling rates, which in addition to the deposit return scheme, would limit the Council’s ability to market its recyclable materials. The DFC stated that the most notable element of the Bill was the inclusion of a mandatory requirement for separate food waste collections from 2023. He added that the Council was prepared to offer this service, as it had been included as a costed option during the procurement process. It was noted that new burdens funding was expected to cover the costs of the additional collections. The DFC reported that a further initiative included encouraging trade waste customers to better separate their waste and recycling. He added that there were still issues that required clarification, such as free garden waste bins, and increased enforcement powers for environmental crimes.

 

The DFC reported that the Serco waste contract had faced a range of difficulties during the Pandemic, which included significant increases in the weight and type of waste being produced. The DFC stated that there were also issues with HGV driver and fuel shortages, despite the requirement for Serco to provide its own fuel storage facilities. He added that whilst service disruption had been minimal, many of the requirements outlined during the bidding process were not being met. It was suggested that it may therefore be useful for Serco officers to attend a future meeting to answer questions on when contractual obligations would be met.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr S Penfold asked whether Serco had failed to meet the targets set-out within their contract, and whether there were any issues in supplying brown bins to residents. The DFC replied that there were performance standards failures in the contract, but it was difficult to determine whether these were being triggered, as Serco had not supplied the necessary performance data. He added that there were further contractual issues in addition to delayed collections, such as the re-use service for bulky items that was yet to be implemented. On brown bins, it was reported that whilst delivery had been delayed during the early stages of the pandemic, it had resumed once Serco were operating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

82.

BEACH HUTS AND CHALETS ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT pdf icon PDF 262 KB

Summary:

 

 

Options considered:

This report provides an update following the Beach Hut and Chalet review in 2018.

 

Not applicable.

 

Conclusions:

 

The review highlighted proactive management of this service was required in order to improve operational aspects, identify efficiencies and generate service enhancements.   It established a number of actions over a 5 year period to take forward and some of which have been completed.

 

Since this time there has been some increase in income, however the national lockdown and approach to pricing has limited revenue gains over the last couple of years. With lockdown restrictions having lifted there is opportunity to move forward with a refreshed marketing strategy which is key in this service realising its full potential.

 

With tourism being currently very strong the Council should take this opportunity to optimise income from such lettings and improve the customer experience. 

 

Recommendations:

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

To receive and note update.

 

 

 

N/A

 

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

 

 

 

              

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr Eric Seward

Ward(s) affected

Cromer, Sheringham, Mundesley

 

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Renata Garfoot, Asset Strategy Manager tel: 01263 516086. Email.  Renata.Garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that updates were provided as a result the Committee’s Task and Finish Group review of beach huts and chalets undertaken in 2018. He added that refurbishments planned in Cromer and Sheringham were expected to begin in November and were due for completion in March.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr T Adams raised concerns on the service recharges, as he felt they did not promote a positive business case for retaining the assets. The EASM replied that the recharges included all costs required to run Council services, some of which did not relate directly to supporting the assets. She added that all recharges would be reconsidered as part of the zero based budgeting exercise, as it could provide an opportunity to improve associated costs.

 

      ii.          Cllr L Withington stated that she found it difficult to reach any conclusions from the report, and noted that whilst occupancy had increased, this had not been made clear. She added that income for beach huts and chalets could also be separated to determine which assets were generating a better income, to better understand the service. Cllr L Withington stated that overall, she was unable to determine whether it was more beneficial to let the assets on a weekly or annual basis, and also requested waiting list information and a clear strategy for the assets. The EASM confirmed that she would provide the information required.

 

     iii.          Cllr V Holliday referred to the maintenance schedule and stated that there did not appear to be any aspiration to maintain a good condition, and asked whether this had an impact on occupancy. The EASM replied that the officers did aspire to maintain good overall condition of the assets, but accepted that the current condition was lower than expected, as a result of delays to maintenance works. She added that this could have an impact on occupancy levels, though this was more likely the result of limited marketing.

 

    iv.          Cllr C Cushing referred to income projections and asked whether further information was available beyond 2021. He noted that annual profit appeared to be approximately £50k, and asked whether this could be expected to grow. The EASM replied that she hoped growth could be expected, and suggested that this would be achieved by the adjustment of fees on weekly lets, with analysis suggesting that profits could be increased from the current £38k, to £100k. She added that increased occupancy would result in some increased costs, but this would be offset by extending the peak letting season, creating a mid-season rate and offering block bookings.

 

      v.          Cllr E Seward stated that a good offer was crucial to increasing occupancy, and this was why maintenance and improvement was important despite the associated costs.

 

RESOLVED

1.     To receive and note update.

 

ACTIONS

 

1.     Estates and Asset Strategy Manager to provide additional information as requested by the Committee on the following matters:

·        Occupancy increases

·        Income divided by Beach Hut  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

83.

NORTH WALSHAM HIGH STREET HERITAGE ACTION ZONE: PROJECT UPDATE OCTOBER 2021 pdf icon PDF 262 KB

To receive and note the report.

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Deputy Leader introduced the report and informed Members that the second round of consultation was about to end, for which a number of public exhibitions and meetings had been held across the town. He added that feedback had been positive with many residents suggesting that were very happy to live in the town. It was noted that there were some concerns regarding the loss of retail businesses within the town centre, and that despite substantial support, there would inevitably be some residents that did not support the proposals. Cllr E Seward stated that it was now time to begin the physical works, alongside the implementation of grants to help businesses improve their premises.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          The ADSG noted that consultation was due to end on the 15th October, though further discussions were expected to take place with specific groups such as young residents and those with accessibility requirements.

 

      ii.          A presentation was provided on the range and scope of the project with the four key elements outlined as improving the public realm, improving options for safe and active travel, establishing the town’s historical identity and generating a sense of community pride. Various highways proposals were reported to have been discussed with the potential for limiting the times at which HGV and buses could travel through the town centre, in order to establish a more pedestrian friendly space. Public space proposals were shown with various options on how spaces could be better utilised. Key concerns and mitigation measures were addressed, with NCC highways reported to be actively working to ensure that key transport routes would not be negatively impacted by changes.

 

     iii.          Cllr S Penfold stated that there appeared to be a good level of support for the project from within the town, and asked whether the importance of working with young people on learning opportunities could be emphasized. He then asked what percentage of grant funding could be offered to businesses on the building improvement scheme. The ADSG replied that this would vary depending on the nature of the proposals and intended outcome of the intervention, though it could provide up to 100% of funding.

 

    iv.          Cllr T Adams referred to the property improvement grant scheme and asked what could be learnt from the project that could be applied to other towns. He then asked what controls would be put in place to ensure that any improvements made to heritage assets would not be lost at a later date. The ADSG replied that the vast majority of buildings in the town centre were listed buildings, and would therefore have a pre-existing level of protection, in addition to being within a conservation area. He added that efforts would also be made to work with property owners to undertake works that would benefit them, alongside the public improvement works and community initiatives. It was hoped that the project would establish a legacy of improvement for the town that would inspire business owners to carry on,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

84.

The Cabinet Work Programme pdf icon PDF 212 KB

To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme.

Minutes:

       i.          The DSGOS informed Members that there were several key decisions expected to go to Cabinet in November that would be of interest to the Committee, such as  renewal of the NEWS contract, a review of car parking charges, the progression of public convenience improvements, and the use of S106 funds.

 

      ii.          The Chairman noted that efforts had to be made to ensure that papers were submitted in advance of pre-agenda meetings, in order to make best use of time and ensure that the Committee were aware of the content of upcoming reports, to be added to the Work Programme where appropriate.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Cabinet Work Programme.

85.

Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme and Update pdf icon PDF 287 KB

To receive an update from the Scrutiny Officer on progress made with topics on its agreed work programme, training updates and to receive any further information which Members may have requested at a previous meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

       i.          The DSGOS informed Members that several key decisions could be expected to be added to the Committee’s Work Programme in advance of the November meeting, in addition to an expected update on the Delivery Plan, and a draft Tree Planting Strategy. It was noted that some responses were still expected on incomplete MTI projects, though it was hoped these would be received in time to bring the process review to the November meeting.

 

      ii.          It was stated that arrangements were also being made to undertake a Reef visit after the November Committee meeting, with the preference to visit once the facility was open to the public.

 

     iii.          The DSGOS noted that there was an outstanding item to monitor resource implications for the Homelessness Strategy, though this had likely been covered by the inclusion of the People Services Restructure and Use of Housing Reserves reports, which had been discussed at length earlier in the meeting.

 

    iv.          On the actions log, it was noted that responses were still outstanding from EEAST regarding the letter sent to the Chief Executive on RRVs and the location of Community First Responders.

 

      v.          Cllr A Brown asked whether implementation and performance of the Uniform Planning system would be included in the Planning Performance review. The DSGOS confirmed that it would form a central element of the review, which had been delayed to allow the new Director time to get acquainted with the issues.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Committee Work Programme.

86.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

To pass the following resolution, if necessary:

 

“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph _ of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”