Agenda and minutes

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 14th December, 2022 9.30 am

Venue: Council Chamber - Council Offices. View directions

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

Items
No. Item

87.

To Receive Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Cllr E Spagnola and from Cllr R Kershaw as the relevant Portfolio Holder for the NWHSHAZ report.

88.

Substitutes

Minutes:

None.

89.

Public Questions & Statements

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

Minutes:

None received.

90.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 259 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 9th November 2022.

Minutes:

      i.        Minutes of the meeting held on 9th November 2022 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

     ii.        The Chairman noted that there were outstanding issues raised in the minutes relating to the production of an Economic Growth Strategy, and asked whether any update was available. The DSGOS replied that he had discussed the matter with officers and had been informed that whilst there would not be a formal Economic Growth Strategy, an action plan could be expected in its place for consideration in due course. Cllr T Adams stated that at present, the Council’s focus was to retain and support as many existing businesses as possible, given the challenging economic circumstances. He added that opportunities for creating economic growth were limited given the economic situation and as a result, whilst individual projects would move forward, a Strategy was not being developed at the current time. The Chairman asked if an action plan could be confirmed at a future meeting. Cllr N Housden stated that some form of Strategy should be presented to the Committee in advance of the election.

91.

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.

92.

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

Minutes:

Cllr A Brown declared a pecuniary interest for agenda item 17 and stated that he would excuse himself from the meeting during debate of the item.

93.

Petitions From Members of the Public

To consider any petitions received from members of the public.

Minutes:

None received.

94.

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.

95.

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:

Minutes:

The DSGOS noted that GRAC had accepted the Committee’s recommendation to include the forecasted budget overspend as a separate risk on the Corporate Risk Register.

96.

CAR PARK INCOME DATA MONITORING - OCTOBER 2021 TO SEPTEMBER 2022 pdf icon PDF 225 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report and Appendix provides members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with details of the level of car park income earned by the Council over the last year

 

This report is presented to Members for information and discussion.

Conclusions:

 

Income from the Council’s Off-Street parking charges continues to show moderate growth. However the recent growth in costs of repair and maintenance works for the car parks will reduce this growth in real terms.

 

The recent growth in income is expected to continue. However there are many external factors which are difficult to predict and may increase or reduce the income from car parking.

 

We need to ensure we continue to invest in maintenance and development of car parks to maximise future revenues.

 

We need to examine the cost base of the car parking provision to identify efficiencies and improvements in the way car parking is delivered.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee is asked to consider the information and data as appropriate to inform preparation of the 2023-24 budget, in relation to the proposal not to change car parking charges in the next financial year (2023-24).

 

Income from off-street car parking charges allows for the continuing provision, management and improvement of those facilities. This provision of car parking facilities is essential to support residents and the local economy.

 

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

All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Sean Kelly; 01263516276; Sean.Kelly@North-Norfolk.gov.uk

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

      i.        Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets requested that the report be deferred as a result of missing and incorrect information. He noted his apologies and suggested that the report could return to the Committee for consideration once amended. Cllr S Penfold asked whether officers were confident that the report could be updated in time for the January meeting, to which the DFR replied that it should be possible.

 

     ii.        The Chairman noted his concern that the report was not ready for consideration and the lack of notice given, but accepted that it was necessary to defer the report in order to make the necessary amendments for consideration at a future meeting.

 

RESOLVED

 

To defer the report for consideration at a future meeting.

97.

FEES AND CHARGES 2023-24 pdf icon PDF 224 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report recommends the fees and charges for the financial year 2023-24 that will come into effect from 1st April 2023.

 

Alternatives for the individual service fees and charges now being proposed will have been considered as part of the process in arriving at the fees presented within the report.

 

Conclusions:

 

The fees and charges as recommended have been used to inform the income budgets for the 2023/24 budget.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

That Cabinet agree and recommend to Full Council: a) The fees and charges from 1 April 2023 as included in Appendix A.

b) That Delegated Authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Heads of Service, to agree those fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required as outlined within the report

 

To approve the fees and charges as set out in the report that will have been used to support the 2023/24 budget process.

 

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)

 

 

Current fees and charges

 

 

 

               

Cabinet Member(s)

 

Ward(s) affected: All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

James Moore, 01263 516430, James.Moore@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that it outlined which charges were set by Government and those set by the District.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

      i.        Cllr V Holliday referred to non-statutory charges such as filming, and asked whether there was any scope for further increase in-line with the true rate of inflation. Cllr E Seward replied that whilst the Council did have discretion to set these charges, the fees and charges set-out within the report had been recommended for 2023-24. The DFC stated that whilst there was discretion for the non-statutory charges, competition had to be taken into account and charges were set to remain competitive with neighbouring authorities. He added that raising charges further would ultimately act to deter interest and lower the overall revenue generated by the Council. Cllr V Holliday asked whether the fees and charges had at least been benchmarked to determine whether they were competitive with neighbouring authorities. The DFC replied that it would be difficult to benchmark charges such as filming on the Pier, as this was a unique location. The Chairman noted that market forces would always impact fees and charges, but it would be helpful to better understand this impact.

 

     ii.        Cllr H Blathwayt noted that he had previously set charges for commercial piers which had been a difficult process, with charges often going in the opposite direction to inflation.

 

    iii.        Cllr P Heinrich noted that customers and residents all helped to generate income for the Council, and they too could be struggling financially under the current circumstances.

 

   iv.        Cllr T Adams stated that discussions with other Council Leaders across the County had suggested that some garden waste collection fees were up to £20 higher than NNDC’s, which had only risen in-line with inflation. He added that whilst some fees could potentially be raised further, the Council had to remain competitive and fair to its customers.

 

     v.        The DFC suggested that it may be helpful for Members to see comparison data on filming and garden bin charges in order to justify the recommendations. Cllr Holliday and Cllr Housden agreed that this would be useful, whilst Cllr Withington and Cllr Penfold raised concerns that requesting a range of additional information could strain the limited resources available during the budget-setting process. It was agreed that comparison data could be provided on filming and garden bin charges in February, with Cllr V Holliday proposing the request and Cllr N Housden seconding.

 

   vi.        The recommendations to Council were proposed by Cllr H Blathwayt and seconded by Cllr P Heinrich.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    To recommend to Full Council: a) The fees and charges from 1 April 2023 as included in Appendix A. b) That Delegated Authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and relevant Heads of Service, to agree those fees and charges not included within Appendix A as required as outlined within the report.

 

2.    To request that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

98.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT HALF YEAR REPORT pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Summary:

 

 

Options considered:

This report provides mid year information to Members on treasury activity

 

This report is for information purposes.

 

Conclusions:

 

This report provides mid year information to Members on treasury activity.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

That Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny Committee note the information provided on the mid year treasury activity.

 

To comply with Local government requirements on reporting treasury activity regularly.

 

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

N/A

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

James Moore, 01263 516430, james.moore@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that it provided details of the Council’s investments and borrowing within the economic context in which the Council was operating. He added that the Council did not have or plan to have any long-term borrowing, which placed the Council  in a good position whilst costs continued to rise. Short-term borrowing costs used to manage cash-flow were reported to have risen from 0.36% to 2.65%. It was noted that local authorities were not permitted to borrow for commercial investment, and whilst this had previously an option for Councils, it was no longer possible.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

      i.        The Chairman referred to commercial investments and noted that some Councils had seen very unfortunate consequences from these activities, and it was therefore prudent to limit this practice.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the information provided on the mid-year treasury activity.

99.

Annual Review of Beach Huts and Chalets 2022 pdf icon PDF 506 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report provides an annual review of Beach Hut and Chalets service, for a 12 month period following the previous 2020/21 review.

 

Not applicable.

 

Conclusions:

 

It has been a challenging period since the 2018 Beach Hut and Chalet review was completed due to the pandemic and various lock downs that initially preventing bookings and then resulted in an increase of staycations and tourism to the area. 

 

The income during this period of review has seen an increase on the previous year, however with the expected economic challenges facing the tourism sector with the cost of living crisis that is likely to see this challenging period continue and could result in less weekly let income over the next review period.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

To receive and note the update and consider any necessary recommendations or actions.

 

To maintain effective service provision.

 

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, Mundesley, Overstrand and Sheringham

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

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

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members that monitoring continued following a review undertaken by the Committee in 2018. The EASM stated that the past year had been a challenging period for beach huts and chalets as a result of the lasting the impacts of Covid-19 and associated lockdown periods, but the service was turning a corner with chalet refurbishment underway and advertising increased for weekly bookings. She added that occupancy had increased to 40% for weekly bookings from 28% when the initial review was undertaken. It was noted that annual-let beach huts and chalets occupancy remained very strong with an extensive waiting list still in place. The EASM reported that nine new beach hut plots had been added this year, though it had been difficult to find appropriate sites, with many beach front locations reserved for parking spaces. She added that a small increase in income was expected in 2023 across weekly lets, though it was not yet known how cost of living pressures would impact the service.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

      i.        Cllr L Withington referred to the annual-let waiting list, and asked whether consideration could be given to prioritising local residents, who would be more likely to use the huts throughout the year. The EASM replied that this issue had been raised before, but placing restrictions on the waiting list would be unlikely to have any meaningful impact, given that most people on the waiting list were North Norfolk residents. She added that it was also important to note that despite the high number of residents on the waiting list, they did not appear to make use of vacant weekly-let beach huts.

 

     ii.        Cllr H Blathwayt stated that there was a shortage of beach huts in the East of the District, and asked whether there were any plans to increase the provision at locations such as Clink Road car park in Sea Palling. The EASM replied that this site had been considered, but the decision had been taken not to move forward as a high number of parking spaces were required during peak periods. Cllr H Blathwayt accepted that the car park was well used, but suggested that beach huts and chalets may be a better use of the space, given the shortage in the East of the District.

 

    iii.        Cllr J Toye referred to requests from residents to consider local usage during quieter winter months, and noted that whilst this had been given consideration, he asked that it be kept under review, given the pressures placed on local amenity assets by tourism during the summer season.

 

   iv.        Cllr V Holliday referred to comments on additional beach huts and suggested that there were already too many car parks on the coast and the Council should be discouraging increased car usage. She added that using the Council’s car parks for beach huts would be a more environmentally friendly approach and should be encouraged. Cllr V Holliday asked whether the balance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

100.

NORTH WALSHAM MARKET PLACE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME pdf icon PDF 168 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

The North Walsham High Street Heritage Action Zone (NWHSHAZ) includes measures to enhance the public realm and improve accessibility within North Walsham town centre. This scheme was based on concepts developed in 2018/19 and budget estimates submitted for funding to two separate external funds in 2020. This report seeks additional finance to complete the implementation of the scheme to the standard anticipated.

 

The scheme is part of a programme of measures that will make very significant improvements to the attractiveness and accessibility of North Walsham town centre and its historic assets, thereby improving town centre vitality and the viability of local businesses. Phase one, the creation of a new amenity garden at the gateway to St Nicholas’s Church, is virtually complete and the Market Place/King’s Arms St. improvement works are continuing apace, with the programme projecting completion in March 2023. In addition, a new bus interchange has been developed at New Road, which enabled through traffic in the Market Place to be reduced and for congestion and pollution caused by idling busses to be resolved.

 

The fixed budget for the project (with substantial external funding), in the face of inflationary pressures since the scheme was conceived in 2020, has meant that the scheme has had to be tailored to fit. Further funding is therefore required in order to complete the improvements to the satisfaction of the Council and local stakeholders – in effect achieving more than the current budget allows. 

 

Alternative options would be:

·         to complete a reduced  scheme within the existing budget – this would not capitalise fully on the opportunity that exists to transform the town centre;

·         to implement the project within the existing budget and to bid for further external funds (at a later date) to implement additional works - as above but also, the likely delay and uncertainty would inevitably incur additional costs of remobilising and further inflation.

 

Conclusions:

 

The jointly funded (Government and Local Authority) place-making scheme will be enormously beneficial and the opportunity exists to capitalise on the effort but that will require additional budget. Due to cost increases, the scope of the scheme has been amended but with additional budget, greater outcomes can be achieved. It is therefore proposed that additional financial resources are made available from the Business Rates Retention Reserve (which currently holds circa £600,000 within the overall balance. This was the share of the distributed surplus from the pooling arrangement in 2019/20 and which was agreed should be set aside for regeneration projects such as this) in order to complete the proposed Market Place scheme and to undertake improvements to ancillary areas.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

To recommend to Full Council that £400,000 be allocated from the Business Rates Retention Reserve for the completion of the NWHSHAZ place-making scheme.

 

This recommendation is made in order to deliver the additional town centre improvements as part of the HSHAZ place-making scheme.

 

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not  ...  view the full agenda text for item 100.

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets introduced the report and informed Members in the absence of Cllr R Kershaw that he had been involved in the scheme as a local Member, resident and Cabinet Member for its duration. He added that the scheme included a range of projects, some of which had already been delivered. It was reported that the physical works were expected to be completed by spring, and sought to bring significant benefits to the town and improve footfall. Cllr E Seward stated that the scheme had begun with an initial funding allocation from Historic England, which the Council had matched, followed by further successful bids including £1.3m from the Local Enterprise Partnership. He added that funds had been  provided with time constraints, which had presented challenges, but had also helped the Council to avoid more significant materials cost inflation. As a result, the funding uplift requested was approximately 16-18% of the total budget, and represented substantially lower cost inflation than had been seen throughout the construction industry and in other local authority’s projects. Cllr E Seward stated that the scheme had attracted further external investment to undertake projects such as developing a new bus interchange, which had significantly improved traffic flow through the town. He added that further investments included the development of the City Gates site and businesses opening on Hornbeam Road which showed growing confidence in the town. It was stated that the uplift funding would enable the completion of the Market Place works, and make significant improvements to the Bank and Black Swan Lokes.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

      i.        The Chairman noted that the Committee did not seek to challenge the merits of the scheme, but it was right to seek assurances on project delivery, planning, governance and management. He added that risks also had to be considered, including the impact of using £400k from reserves that would no longer be available for use elsewhere.

 

     ii.        The ADSG explained that if approved, £227k of the £400k funding request would be used to complete the Market Place works as currently scoped, whilst the remaining £173k would fund improvements to the Bank and Black Swan Lokes. He added that the Loke works could be scaled to fit the available budget, given that whilst various designs had been considered, a final design was yet to be adopted. It was suggested that there were several options for improving Bank Loke, with minor improvements already made which included decluttering the area of bins and other mobile street furniture. The ADSG informed Members that a planning application had also been submitted that would create an amenity area in Black Swan Loke. 

 

    iii.        The Chairman referred to contingency funds and sought clarification that this had been 10% of the overall budget. The ADSG replied that the contingency had not been 10% of the overall budget, as it had not take into account fees beyond the physical works. He added that the contingency had now been spent as a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

101.

MANAGING PERFORMANCE QUARTER 2 2022/23 pdf icon PDF 336 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

The revised Managing Performance Report attached, as Appendix A, enables the Council to assess delivery against objectives detailed in the Corporate Plan Delivery Plan 2019-2023 and operational service performance. It gives an overview of progress towards achieving the objectives in the Corporate Plan, assesses the achievements and issues identified in the second quarter of 2022/23, and the actions being taken to address these issues and proposes any further action needed.

 

Options considering action regarding performance are presented separately, issue by issue, to the appropriate Council Committee where committee approval is required.

 

Conclusions:

 

Overall good progress has continued to have been made over the second quarter of 2022/23 in areas of core service delivery and in respect of key Corporate Plan projects and objectives as detailed in the report.  This is particularly the case given that the quarter covers the months of July and August when the District accommodates many thousands of tourist visitors placing demands on many of the Council’s public-facing discretionary services and many staff take annual leave.

 

Two exceptions have been the introduction of new waste and recycling collection rounds which initially saw quite high numbers of missed collections and related pressures on the Customer Contact Centre and increased telephony response times.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

That Cabinet resolves to note this report and endorses the actions being taken by Corporate Leadership Team detailed in Appendix A – Managing Performance.

 

That Cabinet asks for further information or action where they consider it necessary regarding performance as outlined in Appendix A.

 

To ensure the objectives of the Council are achieved.

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 Tim Adams

Ward(s) affected

All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Steve Blatch, Chief Executive

Email:- steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk Tel:- 01263 516232

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr T Adams – Council Leader introduced the report and informed Members that it covered preparation of the Levelling-Up bid applications, as well more challenging issues such as a peak in demand for customer service calls. He added that there had been some affordable housing delivered, which had been approved prior to the advent of nutrient neutrality legislation.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr V Holliday noted that beyond Serco related issues within the Customer Focus section of the report there were 28% of delivery plan actions with amber RAG status, as well as a further 25% under the Financial Sustainability heading that had not been addressed in the executive summary. Cllr T Adams replied that demand for customer service calls in relation to the Serco waste service had reduced significantly and were no longer a pressure on the service. He added that a number of projects had been impacted by inflation such as the Fakenham roundabout, and whilst it remained the Council’s ambition to see the project completed, it would be challenging. Cllr V Holliday noted that the number of calls being answered was only 62.8% on InPhase, which highlighted that a significant number of calls were not being answered.

 

      ii.          Cllr N Housden referred to staff shortage pressures and asked for clarification of the Council’s recruitment position, and whether there were any particular issues precipitating staff shortages. Cllr T Adams replied that there were recruitment issues across the Local Government sector for planning officers, however Planning performance was still positive and measures were in place to boost recruitment. Cllr A Brown noted that the Planning Service Improvement Plan – Action Plan was being developed for consideration in the new year, and this would seek to address a number of issues such as increasing efficiency in the delivery of affordable homes.

 

     iii.          Cllr C Cushing referred to delays with the Fakenham Roundabout project and asked for an update, to which Cllr Adams replied that an update was expected in the week ahead, but significant progress was not expected as funding and increased costs remained the key issues. He added that he would seek to provide a written update as soon as possible, taking into account that many affordable homes were dependent on delivery of the roundabout.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To note this report and endorses the actions being taken by Corporate Leadership Team detailed in Appendix A – Managing Performance.

 

102.

NNDC PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKING pdf icon PDF 122 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

To provide Overview & Scrutiny Committee with benchmarking information so that they are in a position to make recommendations to Cabinet for action based on evidence to improve performance.

 

1.    No action

2.    Make recommendations to Cabinet.

 

Conclusions:

 

Using the benchmarking information comparing NNDC performance to our CIPFA nearest neighbours will provide a valuable insight into the Council’s performance in the context of the performance of similar local authorities.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

 

It is recommended that the Committee;

 

1.    Receive and note the benchmarking information.

 

2.    Make recommendations to Cabinet to investigate specific levels of performance and/ or to take action.

 

3.    Agree the measures that will be reviewed for the next two quarters

 

Reviewing benchmarking data in this way will ensure the Council maintains acceptable levels of performance across the services delivered by the Council.

 

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 T Adams

Ward(s) affected:

All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Steve Blatch, Chief Executive

Email:- steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk Tel:- 01263 516232

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr T Adams – Council Leader introduced the report and informed Members that the Council continued to perform well against similar authorities on matters such as Council Tax collection and Planning Performance. He added that Benefits change of circumstances performance was an exception, though work was underway to address this, with delays now down to twelve days, well within the target fourteen days.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr V Holliday referred to time to process housing benefits changes and noted that the Council remained the worst in the benchmarking group, whilst also being fourth worst in household waste recycling, though it was noted that the latter was reportedly a result of not collecting food waste. She asked for clarification on whether the justification for poor recycling performance was correct, given that all Councils had different food waste collection arrangements. Cllr T Adams replied that that measures were in place to address benefit changes performance, and on household waste recycling this appeared to be a Norfolk-wide issue, which the anticipated mandatory food waste collections may help to address. He added that small electrical items and home collections were further measures expected as part of the waste contract in 2023, with plans also being developed for Comms to help promote recycling. It was noted that efforts were ongoing to reduce recycling contamination in communal bins through housing providers. Cllr V Holliday noted that the Council was also worsening for residual waste collections, and appeared to be lower performing than the nearest neighbours group. She added that it was also time to consider which benchmarking measures should be considered going forward, and suggested that total expenditure for central services by population would be helpful, as the Council appeared to be more expensive than its peers. The rate of births for new enterprises was also suggested, as the Council was reported to have very low performance. Cllr T Adams stated that he shared concerns with overall refuse collections, and noted that in the long-term, the Council did need to see a reduction in the tonnage of residual waste. The DFC noted that there may be more context to explain performance on matters such as residual waste collections, and suggested that a more detailed discussion could be useful to better understand performance issues.

 

      ii.          The PPMO noted that there had previously been a detailed report on housing waiting lists, and managers had been given an opportunity to provide additional contextual information to the benchmarking report, though none had been received. She added that this approach had been helpful with the deep dive that had followed the benefits change performance issues. It was suggested that any new measures should be focused on areas where performance needed investigating, to help the Council improve.

 

     iii.          Cllr J Toye asked what the effect of reducing contamination in recyclable collections to zero would be, and how would this impact the Council’s performance. The DFC replied that there was a level of contamination within the recyclables collected caused by a number  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

103.

ENFORCEMENT UPDATE - DECEMBER 2022 pdf icon PDF 251 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

This report provides the update for Members on a range of enforcement related issues arising from the work of the Enforcement Board and Combined Enforcement Team.

 

Conclusions:

 

The Enforcement Board continues to make progress towards its objectives of dealing with difficult and long-standing enforcement cases and bringing long term empty properties (LTE) back into use, across all areas of the district.

 

The Combined Enforcement Team continues working to reduce the backlog on the planning enforcement cases and ensuring that property level Council Tax enforcement is taken forward at the earliest opportunity.

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

To note the continued progress of the Enforcement Board and the Combined Enforcement Team.

 

1.    To ensure appropriate governance of the Board’s activities

2.    To show the progress of Combined Enforcement Team cases and contribution to the work of the Enforcement Board

 

 

                   

Cabinet Members:

Cllr Andrew Brown (Planning)

Cllr Nigel Lloyd (Environmental Health)

Cllr Eric Seward (Revenues and Benefits)

Ward(s) affected:

All Wards

 

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Martyn Fulcher, Director for Place and Climate Change 01263 516144

martyn.fulcher@northnorfolk.gov.uk

 

 

Minutes:

The ADP introduced the report and informed Members that he was happy to answer any questions.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr N Housden referred to the Tattersett case and asked whether there was any update available from the Environment Agency (EA), to which the ADP replied that there was little progress to report as the EA regarded NNDC to be the responsible authority under the enforcement notice. He added that the enforcement notice was being pursued with the Council moving toward prosecution, and local Members could expect to be kept up to date on progress, but should take into account current delays in court proceedings. Cllr N Housden noted that it was disappointing that the EA did not take any responsibility for enforcement, given that they had issued the permit for the site.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the continued progress of the Enforcement Board and the Combined Enforcement Team.

104.

The Cabinet Work Programme pdf icon PDF 292 KB

To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme.

Minutes:

The DSGOS reported that the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme would go to Cabinet in January, and would form a significant part of Costal Partnership East’s work going forward. He added that whilst the Committee would have limited influence on the project, it may be helpful to have a briefing on the progress and work undertaken as part of the Programme. It was noted that other reports included property transactions and improvements that were not ordinarily considered by the Committee.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Cabinet Work Programme.

105.

Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme and Update pdf icon PDF 298 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:

The DSGOS informed Members that the draft Budget and MTFS were expected to come to the Committee for pre-scrutiny in January, prior to going to Cabinet and finally Full Council for approval in February. He added that the Sheringham Leisure Centre Project Review was also expected January, alongside the NWHSHAZ update and the Car Parking Revenue report, if it could be updated in time. It was noted that Serco were expected to return in February, alongside the Action Plan for the Planning Service Improvement Plan. The DFC noted that given the Christmas break it would be difficult to amend the Car Parking Revenue report in time for the January deadline and as a result, it may be prudent to expect the report in February.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Work Programme.

106.

FORMER SHANNOCKS HOTEL SITE - SHERINGHAM pdf icon PDF 320 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report informs Cabinet that following demolition of the former Shannocks Hotel in Spring 2021, works on the site have stalled and not progressed further as proposed within the agreement made between the Council and the site owner, Huddies Limited.

 

Given the prominence of the site on Sheringham Seafront and public interest in the site’s re-development it is recommended that the District Council now seeks to implement the Compulsory Purchase Order as previously agreed in respect of the development site so as to bring about its future redevelopment.

 

1.    Pursue the CPO process by serving a General Vesting Document to take ownership of the site as the owner has failed to commence works to provide a new building on the site before 23 November 2022.

 

2.    Demur from enforcing the terms of the CPO on commencement trigger (23 November 2022), deferring action until a subsequently agreed deadline, leaving the owner to continue with its own development plans to complete on agreed deadline. The risk being that without pressure from the Council, these works will not be progressed at all. This may result in the site remaining empty and blighting the Sheringham Conservation Area.

 

3.    Demur from enforcing the terms of the CPO in its totality, leaving the owner to continue with its own development plans at its own pace, with the risk that without pressure from the Council, these will not be progressed at all. This may result in the site remaining empty and blighting the Sheringham Conservation Area and reputational harm to the Council in not following through with any action.

 

Conclusions:

 

The owner has completed phase 1 of the agreed works by demolishing the former Shannocks Hotel building by June 2021. Beyond this, notwithstanding consistent pressure on the owner by the Council for a number of months, redevelopment of the Shannocks site remains stalled. The owners have stated that they are making their best efforts to start re-development of the site. However, progress has historically been either at a slow pace or non-existent. The owner has repeatedly asked to extend the agreed project start dates, whilst providing no practical evidence of being ready to commence redevelopment.

 

The Compulsory Purchase Order obtained by the Council is in place and supported by a completed agreement with the owners, which sets out a timetable for their re-development of the site to proceed. Having completed demolition of the long-term vacant building by June 2021 the next key date by which redevelopment works should have commenced was the 23rd November 2022, with the agreement stating that the project should be completed by June 2023.

 

The November 2022 date has now passed with no works to commence re-development of the site being started.  Officers remain concerned that the owner will not develop the Shannocks site in accordance with the timetable outlined in the agreement, and are mindful of public concern over the continual delays in the progression of this high profile scheme at the centre of Sheringham seafront.

 

The actions of  ...  view the full agenda text for item 106.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr A Brown introduced the report and informed Members that he was pleased to see that the CPO was advancing. He added that whilst there was a perception that it was a quick way to resolve issues, this was not the case, but that the Shannocks site was a prime location requiring development, and he therefore fully supported the recommendation. It suggested that it could be helpful for the Government to streamline the CPO process to be more in-line with the charging order process.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr L Withington reiterated that progressing the CPO would be welcome news in the town, and the amount of work that NNDC had put into the CPO was recognised by residents. She added that it was difficult for communities to understand the extent to which the Council had been bound to process, and why it had taken so long to progress the CPO, but the report helped to explain.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To confirm support for the serving of the General Vesting Document to take ownership of the site as soon as possible.

 

2.     To recommend to Full Council that it approves the addition of a capital budget of the valuation cost as set out at section 6 of the confidential appended report, and an additional £10,000 to cover the costs associated with the purchase of the property to be financed by the use of capital receipts, use of reserves and borrowing if required.