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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: 92.1 In accordance with delegated authority, the Monitoring Officer had granted dispensations to all Members in respect of the Budget papers.
92.2 Councillor Mansel declared a non-registerable interest in respect of item 12 as she was an event representative for the park run that takes place on Chilton Fields.
92.3 Councillor Pratt declared a non-registerable interest in respect of item 12 as he is a schoolteacher at Stowmarket High School.
92.4 Councillor Carter declared a non-registerable interest in respect of item 12 as his daughter attends Wood Ley Community Primary School. |
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MC/22/33 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26 JANUARY 2023 PDF 118 KB Minutes: 93.1 Councillor Stringer pointed out that the start time of the meeting was incorrect on the minutes, the Deputy Monitoring Officer agreed that this would be amended.
93.2 Councillor Ekpenyong stated that in paragraph 77.2 the word ‘effect’ should be amended to ‘affect’. This change was agreed.
It was RESOLVED:-
That subject to the above amendments raised by Councillors, the Minutes of the meeting held on 26th January 2023 be confirmed and signed as a true record. |
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MC/22/34 CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS PDF 18 KB Minutes: 94.1 The Chair referred Councillors to paper MC/22/34 for noting.
94.2 The Chair thanked those Councillors who had purchased tickets for his dinner event at the Officers Mess at Wattisham Flying Station on 4th March. |
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LEADER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS Minutes: 95.1 The Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council made the following announcements:
Ukraine one year on Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Since the war began, thousands of Ukrainians have been killed defending their freedom from Russia’s appalling onslaught. Millions more have been forced from their homes, with many finding refuge in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme – including nearly 250 here in Mid Suffolk. Tomorrow at 11am there will be a national moment of silence, offering people the chance to pay tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people and demonstrate the UK’s unwavering solidarity with the country. I am sure I speak for all of us at Mid Suffolk District Council when I say we continue to stand with Ukraine.
£2.2m government funding I am pleased to say Suffolk’s district and borough councils, including Mid Suffolk, have secured £2.2m of Government funding to improve the standard of private rented homes in the county. This will tackle poor housing conditions and improve tenants’ wellbeing. The funding, from DLUCH, will be used to create and support additional roles, offering advice to tenants and landlords, and take enforcement action against those who let poor quality housing. It will also enable the councils to continue working collaboratively, pooling resources to improve the standards of privately rented homes.
Ending rough sleeping Suffolk’s public sector leaders group agreed last week to fund a plan which aims to end rough sleeping in our county by 2027. During the pandemic, 160 people sleeping on the streets were accommodated in Suffolk in six weeks, including 42 in one day, under the Everyone In initiative. We have wanted to build on that work in Suffolk and provide a sustainable solution to the problem and help more people through a preventative approach. £175,000 has been agreed to develop the plans, which include more support for young people leaving local authority care, who are at greater risk of homelessness.
Supported Food Network And in another great example of the collaborative approach we take in Suffolk, public sector leaders also agreed to fund a new Supported Food Network. It will work with new and existing food outlets, including food banks, providing more stock and ensuring a range of enhanced support is available to meet local needs. It will also focus on early help and prevention, upskilling, and additional support around benefits. SPSL agreed £1.5million funding over three years for this project, led by the Collaborative Communities Board, and I am sure this will build on the outstanding work of food banks, community larders and other charities, helping more people in the cost of living crisis. SPSL had previously pledged £1.8million to the Local Welfare Assistance scheme, which saw more than 7,000 applications for help between October and December last year. SPSL has also published a report highlighting some of our key achievements in the last two year term. These include:
- Committing £1.3million to tackle gangs, county lines and trafficking. - Pledging more than ... view the full minutes text for item 95. |
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TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF PETITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11, The Chief Executive will report the receipt of any petitions. There can be no debate or comment upon these matters at the Council meeting. Minutes: 96.1 None received. |
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QUESTIONS BY THE PUBLIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES The Chairman of the Council to answer any questions from the public of which notice has been given no later than midday three clear working days before the day of the meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 12. Minutes: 97.1 None received. |
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QUESTIONS BY COUNCILLORS IN ACCORDANCE WITH COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULES The Chairman of the Council, Chairs of Committees and Sub-Committees and Portfolio Holders to answer any questions on any matters in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affect the District of which due notice has been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 13. Minutes: 98.1 None received. |
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MC/22/35 GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2023/24 AND FOUR-YEAR OUTLOOK PDF 1001 KB Cabinet Member for Finance
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19.3, immediately after any vote is taken at a budget decision meeting of the Council the names of Councillors who cast a vote for the decision or against the decision or who abstained from voting shall be recorded in the Minutes of that meeting.
At its meeting on 6 February 2023, Cabinet considered Paper MCa/22/41, the General Fund Budget for 2023/24 and four-year outlook. Paper MC/22/35 now includes all the relevant updated information together with the necessary recommendations. The tax base, precepts and council tax band information at parish level has also been updated with the exception of four Parishes where the formal written precept notification remains outstanding. Further details will be reported at the meeting.
Additional documents:
Minutes: 99.1 The Chair invited Councillor Whitehead – Cabinet Member for Finance, to introduce report MC/22/35.
99.2 Councillor Whitehead outlined the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Morley.
99.3 Councillor Mellen introduced and PROPOSED the amendment from the Green and Liberal Democrat Group, as detailed in the tabled papers. The amendment was SECONDED by Councillor Whitehead and accepted by Councillor Morley.
99.4 Councillor Passmore queried how the proposal within the amendment would be targeted and eligibility.
99.5 Councillor Matthissen responded that this had been addressed through the Warmer HomesScheme.
99.6 The Chair clarified that it would be a Cabinet decision.
99.7 Councillor Fleming questioned whether the content of the amendment presented any concerns or alterations to the budget.
99.8 Councillor Whitehead and the Director of Corporate Resources confirmed that the amendment posed no concerns to them or the budget.
99.9 Councillor Scarff inquired about the continuity of Councillor locality grants due to the merger of different funds and why they were not listed within the budget.
99.10 Councillor Whitehead confirmed that Councillor locality grants were included in the budget and advised that a community development fund had also been allocated for local projects.
99.11 Councillor Field asked for reassurance that there had been no significant changes to the budget figures since the second quarter.
99.12 Councillor Whitehead confirmed no significant changes, and the Director for Corporate Resources confirmed the budget is in line with the projections from the second quarter.
99.13 Councillor Stringer asked whether Gateway 14 was eligible to pay business rates as it was a freeport.
99.14 Councillor Whitehead responded that although the businesses would not be eligible to pay business rates, the equivalent amount would be allocated by central government.
99.15 Councillor Passmore requested confirmation that sufficient provision existed within the budget for maintenance of the leisure facilities.
99.16 Councillor Whitehead confirmed that there was nothing to indicate otherwise.
99.17 During the debate, Councillors discussed their support for the proposed amendment, funding for training for retrofit work, improvements to the Councils housing stock and staff pay awards. The legacy of the Council was discussed in support of the council tax freeze alongside Council investments, Mid Suffolk Growth, Gateway 14 and the Community grants fund. Digitalisation and the efficient delivery of services to residents was discussed. Support and current investments for leisure centres was also voiced.
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19.3, the vote was recorded as follows:
By a unanimous vote,
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That the General Fund Budget proposals for 2023/24 and four year ... view the full minutes text for item 99.
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MC/22/36 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) 2023/24 BUDGET PDF 227 KB Cabinet Member for Finance
In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 19.3, immediately after any vote is taken at a budget decision meeting of the Council the names of Councillors who cast a vote for the decision or against the decision or who abstained from voting shall be recorded in the Minutes of that meeting.
At its meeting on 6 February 2023, Cabinet considered Paper MCa/22/42, the Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2023/24. Paper MC/22/36 includes all relevant updated information and includes the necessary recommendations.
Minutes: 100.1 The Chair invited Councillor Whitehead – Cabinet Member for Finance, to introduce report MC/22/36.
100.2 Councillor Whitehead detailed the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Hadingham.
100.3 Councillor Mansel referred to section 4.9 with regard to rental income and queried the absence of purchasing tenants under the right to buy scheme. In addition, Councillor Mansel asked whether the figures of new homes reported were net gain or gross within the capital budget.
100.4 Councillor Whitehead responded that there had been approximately 20 purchases from a stock of around 3,000 houses but confirmed that due to the small but dynamic nature of purchases, it was difficult to provide an appropriate estimate. Furthermore, Councillor Whitehead confirmed that the reality of purchases meant that the figures in the capital budget would entail the need for the replacement of houses.
100.5 Councillor Field was concerned about the proposed rent increases and asked whether any other alternatives were considered.
100.6 Councillor Whitehead responded that initial conversations had leant towards CPI plus 1% increase and that due to benefits raising in line with inflation the raise was considered to be manageable.
100.7 Councillor Carter wondered what the procedure was in situations where the rent increase was not manageable to residents and whether the raise was on balance equitable to the Council should vulnerable residents require further Council interventions as a result, due to the compound impact on stress and mental health.
100.8 Councillor Whitehead appreciated the concerns raised and invited the Director for Housing to respond.
100.9 The Director for Housing revealed that the ‘Rent Sense’ software will enable housing officers to predict forthcoming rent arrears and identify struggling residents. Moreover, the Director for Housing explained that due to this optimised process, officers would then be able to concentrate on assisting the identified residents and work with colleagues in Communities and other Housing teams for a better presence for ASB and neighbourhood issues but that Housing solutions also existed for supporting residents to maximise their benefits.
100.10 Councillor Matthissen stated that the charge from the Public Realm team into the HRA was of greater benefit to the general public and questioned whether there were costs that could be charged to the General fund as opposed to the HRA.
100.11 The Director for Housing confirmed the possibility was already being explored and consultations with Operations and Finance were required before a proposal could be brought forward.
100.12 Councillor Scarff requested assurance that the Council would not trigger a governmental repayment with a 4% above base rate interest added in regard to right to buy sales, on pg.99.
100.13 Councillor Whitehead agreed that the disincentive was sufficient enough but invited the Director for Housing to clarify.
100.14 The Director for Housing confirmed a development program to process housing sale receipts but added that as a measure of last resort the Council is able to partner with local housing associations and through that process secure the ... view the full minutes text for item 100.
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MC/22/37 CASE FOR A NEW JOINT DEPOT PDF 562 KB Cabinet Member for Assets & Investments
Minutes: 101.1 The Chair invited Councillor Gould – Cabinet Member for Assets and Investments, to introduce report MC/22/37.
101.2 Councillor Gould outlined the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Fleming.
101.3 Councillor Mansel questioned the title of the item and queried the adequacy of recommendation 4.2 against recommendation 4.1, as site disposal was not a foregone conclusion. In addition, Councillor Mansel hoped that any site development would facilitate cyclists and pedestrians.
101.4 Councillor Gould gave assurances that the latter point would be taken onboard and reiterated the inceptive and non-prescriptive nature of the proposal and recommended provisions.
101.5 The Chair asked whether the clarification of “Any capital receipts” was an acceptable amendment to the recommendation.
101.6 Councillor Gould and Councillor Fleming accepted the amendment.
101.7 Councillor Amorowson questioned further phrase construction within the recommendations.
101.8 Councillor Gould dismissed pedantic alterations.
101.9 Councillor Field requested clarity of ongoing costs or savings to the project and requested assurance that any future savings would not be misused.
101.10 Councillor Gould clarified potential operational savings estimated at £75-150,000 but invited the Director for Assets and Investments to respond.
101.11 The Director for Assets and Investments reported the net impact as £13,000 per annum as a best case scenario and £163,000 worst case scenario, due to the cost of borrowing.
101.12 Councillor Matthissen asked how the different sites were chosen.
101.13 The Director for Assets and Investments explained featured sites were where services utilised the Council’s existing depots, as the report looked for an equivalent premise.
101.14 Councillor Field expressed concern about the land value estimations and potential excess funds.
101.15 The Director for Assets and Investments confirmed that no palaces will be built, and that current provisions are based on a fully serviced site.
101.16 The Chair advised the Council that the focus should be on whether the total amount was sufficient, and not delve into individual estimations.
101.17 Councillor Mellen asked whether the financial commitment would irrevocably tie the Council down to a single future depot, and whether staff travel distances had been considered.
101.18 Councillor Gould confirmed that the proposal was non-binding, and that the issues of travel distances would be explored when the business case developed.
101.19 Councillor Warboys inquired whether the provision of household recycling depots would also be under consideration.
101.20 Councillor Gould replied that it was a matter for the County Council.
101.21 Councillor Stringer asked for suggestions not be ruled out at this stage of the proposal, such as sloped or split level disposals sites and joint household waste services, and highlighted the need for connectivity and access.
101.22 Councillor Gould responded that the Council would need to remain focused on the proposal’s objective but not at the expense of a very good idea.
101.23 Councillor Amorowson questioned the impact on employment.
101.24 Councillor Gould clarified that operational pressures may entail a net increase in employment and that the Council is sensitive to the issue.
101.25 ... view the full minutes text for item 101.
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MC/22/38 STOWMARKET, HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LEISURE FACILITIES (SHELF) UPDATE PDF 127 KB Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing
Additional documents:
Minutes: 102.1 The Chair invited Councillor Richardson – Cabinet Member for Economic Growth to introduce report MC/22/38.
102.2 Councillor Richardson outlined the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Flatman.
102.3 Councillor Pratt asked what considerations have been put in place to preserve the current habitat and whether a biodiversity net gain of 10% was enforceable.
102.4 Councillor Richardson acknowledged that the technical detail being asked would not be available until later in the planning process but would take note of the questions.
102.5 The Project Regeneration Manager explained that discussions are underway in conjunction with the Public Realm team and ecologists, and confirmed that all hedgerows on the school site would be kept and further information would be provided when it became available.
102.6 Councillor Stringer questioned whether the planning application was singular or split up.
102.7 REAL Consulting representative Alan Hepburn confirmed there would be one application submitted including both sites.
102.8 Councillor Carter requested confirmation on whether the parking and drop-off areas of the high school would be sold for housing and if access to current onsite bungalow would be levelled. In addition, Councillor Carter inquired into the financial robustness of the application, whether measures were in place for parental access to school drop-off areas, and why the leisure centre had not been incorporated into the application.
102.9 Councillor Richardson clarified that the enabling land mentioned by Councillor Carter was subject to agreements of disposal with the department for education but that they would defer to officers on whether that agreement had been reached as they anticipated that this would answer some of Councillor Carter’s queries. Councillor Richardson disclosed that conversations had begun on the management of travel and traffic flows, and the decision not to include the leisure centre was based on the sizeable scope and scale of the project.
102.10 Councillor Carter further inquired about future of the wellness centre should the leisure centre be lost.
102.11 Councillor Richardson informed the Council that occupancy would still need to be addressed with service levels agreements but that the wellness centre would be able to operate as a standalone hub should the situation arise.
102.12 Councillor Amorowson asked whether information could be provided about the areas of wellness and education.
102.13 Councillor Richardson refuted the relevance of the request but believed wider reading on the subject matter was available, only not to hand.
102.14 Councillor Mansel asked about the overall timeline and whether it would be phased.
102.15 Councillor Richardson answered that it was all tentative at this stage, but that timeline details would be provided should the application return to Council as a full business case.
102.16 Councillor Pratt conveyed concerns from a constituent that the Council would restrict their bar license.
102.17 Councillor Richardson reassured Councillor Pratt that no intention existed.
102.18 Councillor Amorowson conveyed concerns from resident dog walkers in Chilton about possible field restrictions.
102.19 Councillor Richardson deferred to the Director for Economic Development ... view the full minutes text for item 102.
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC (WHICH TERM INCLUDES THE PRESS) To consider whether, pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public should be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that if the public were present during this item, it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against the item.
The author of the report proposed to be considered in Part 2 of the Agenda is satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
Part 2 Minutes: |
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RESTRICTED APPENDIX - CASE FOR A NEW JOINT DEPOT (Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1) Cabinet Member for Assets & Investments
Minutes: As Members had completed their discussion of paper MC/22/37 - Case for a New Joint Depot, the Chair refrained from going into closed session. |
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RESTRICTED APPENDIX - STOWMARKET HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LEISURE FACILITIES SCHEME (Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part 1) Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
Minutes: As Members had completed their discussion of paper MC/22/38 - Stowmarket, Health, Education and Leisure Facilities (Shelf) Update, the Chair refrained from going into closed session. |
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RE-ADMITTANCE OF THE PUBLIC (WHICH TERM INCLUDES THE PRESS) Minutes: N/A |
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MC/22/39 JOINT CAPITAL, INVESTMENT AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 2023/24 PDF 1 MB Co-Chair of Joint Audit and Standards Committee
At its meeting on 30 January 2023, Joint Audit and Standards Committee considered Paper JAC/21/42, the Joint Capital, Investment and Treasury Management Strategies. Paper MC/22/39 now includes all the relevant updated information, together with the necessary recommendations.
Minutes: 103.1 The Chair invited Councillor Muller – Co-Chair of the Joint Audit and Standards Committee, to introduce report MC/22/39.
103.2 Councillor Muller detailed the purpose of the report and PROPOSED the recommendations contained within the report, which was SECONDED by Councillor Caston.
103,4 Councillor Davies requested information on progress on the ESG benchmarks.
103.5 The Director for Corporate Resources apologised and stated that this would be followed up.
103.6 Councillors debated the matter. Continued fossil fuel investment against the previously carried Climate emergency motion was discussed.
By a vote of 20 for, 7 against and 1 abstention,
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 The Joint Capital Strategy for 2023/24, including the Prudential Indicators, as set out in Appendix A. 1.2 The Joint Investment Strategy for 2023/24, as set out in Appendix B. 1.3 The Joint Treasury Management Strategy for 2023/24, including the Joint Annual Investment Strategy as set out in Appendix C. 1.4 The Joint Treasury Management Indicators as set out in Appendix D. 1.5 The Joint Treasury Management Policy Statement as set out in Appendix G. 1.6 The Joint Minimum Revenue Provision Statement as set out in Appendix H. 1.7 That the key factors and information relating to and affecting treasury management activities set out in Appendices E, F, and I be noted.
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COUNCILLOR APPOINTMENTS Minutes: 108.1 There were no Councillor appointments. |
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MOTIONS ON NOTICE Minutes: 109.1 None received. |