Agenda item

Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Helen Thomas, Policy, Performance and Risk Manager

Email:- helen.thomas@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Tel:- 01263 516214

Cllr T Adams – Council Leader introduced the report and informed Members performance was positive across the Council, with objectives reached such as the Council’s tree planting goal, and taking further steps towards decarbonisation. He added that the Council had also made significant efforts to support residents through the cost of living crisis, whilst the High Street Task Force had begun work in Stalham. It was noted that there had been challenges, such as losing blue flag status at three beaches, though this was beyond the control of the Council and efforts were being made to address issues as quickly as possible to regain blue flag status in 2026. Cllr T Adams reported that performance of changes to Benefits had significantly improved, and staff had risen to the challenge.

Questions and Discussion

      i.        Cllr V Holliday stated that she had been advised of the loss of blue flag beaches by the relevant Cabinet Member, but asked if further details could be provided as she felt the issue may not have been pursued as aggressively as required. Cllr T Adams replied that NNDC representatives had met with AW and the EA, and reported that there had been issues identified at the Gimingham Combined Sewage Overflow facility, and whilst sewage outflow events could not be directly related to the facility, significant improvements were required. He added that the EA planned to DNA test the water in order to provide some indication of the cause, but consistent results would be required to regain blue flag status. It was reported that meetings had also taken place with NCC highways, though it was very unlikely that highways drainage was the source of the issue. Cllr T Adams stated that efforts had to be made to push for investment in drainage and sewage networks across the Country, as issues were not unique to North Norfolk.

     ii.        Cllr L Withington referred to local homes for local need, and noted that whilst the number of affordable homes delivered was positive, affordable housing  remained unaffordable for many. She added that it would be helpful to understand how many social housing projects were delivered, alongside exception sites used to deliver more affordable homes. Cllr W Fredericks replied that once the nutrient neutrality mitigation measures were in place, the Council should be able to move forward with delivering more affordable and social housing. She added that an update could be provided on the Housing Strategy and emerging plans once mitigation was in place. The DSGOS suggested that this update could be proposed as a potential item for the 23-24 work programme.

    iii.        Cllr J Rest referred to boosting business sustainability and growth and noted that he had been contacted by several businesses regarding significant increases in business rates with no warning or explanation, which had caused some businesses to cease trading. He added that high rates were putting off new businesses, and asked whether the Council had any plans to address concerns. Cllr T Adams replied that whilst NNDC did not set business rates, the Revenues Team were available to help businesses and offer guidance. He added that whilst some relief had been offered, businesses were encouraged to check whether they were entitled to any further discounts.

   iv.        Cllr N Housden stated that businesses in his ward had seen their rateable value increased, which had caused their business rates to rise by up to eighteen percent. He added that he had written to the District Valuer to seek an explanation, but was yet to receive a response. Cllr N Housden stated that he also had concerns regarding water scarcity, and whilst it was not the responsibility of NNDC, he asked whether any Planning considerations could be relaxed to help increase the number of reservoirs for agricultural use. The CE replied that the issue was an acute concern and NNDC were working with local MPs on plans to bring water to the region from outside the County, though this would not be in place until 2030. He added that aquifers in the region were already low and urgent action was required from AW to address the issue, whilst EA were also withdrawing a number of extraction licenses. It was noted that efforts were being made to help streamline the process for developing new reservoirs, but this may take time to implement. Cllr N Housden asked whether the Council would be free to approve reservoir plans, or whether guidance would still be required from DEFRA. The CE replied that reservoirs sat within the Planning process, but remained subject to the agreement of statutory consultees who may have competing interests and concerns. The Chairman noted that the water cycle was under considerable pressure, and whilst officers appeared to be supporting future reservoir applications, it was a lengthy process with many factors to consider. He added that it was also important to consider whether the level of planned development in the County was deliverable, within the confines of the current infrastructure. Cllr P Heinrich noted that this was a particular concern for the development plans in North Walsham, as existing supplies had been designed for a population of five thousand, rather than the planned eighteen thousand residents.

     v.        The recommendation was proposed by Cllr J Toye and seconded by Cllr P Fisher.

RESOLVED

That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee note the report and endorses the actions being taken by Corporate Leadership Team detailed in Appendix A – Managing Performance.