Venue: King Edmund Chamber, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich. View directions
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: There were no declarations of interest declared. |
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BCa/21/1 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 MARCH 2021 PDF 279 KB Minutes: It was RESOLVED:-
That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2021 were confirmed as a true record.
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TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF PETITIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL'S PETITION SCHEME Minutes: None received. |
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QUESTIONS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: There were no questions from Councillors. |
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MATTERS REFERRED BY THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY OR JOINT AUDIT AND STANDARDS COMMITTEES Minutes: There were no matters referred. |
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FORTHCOMING DECISIONS LIST Please note the most up to date version can be found via the website:
https://www.babergh.gov.uk/the-council/forthcoming-decisions-list/
Minutes: The forthcoming decisions list was noted. |
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BCa/21/3 GATEWAY TO HOMECHOICE ALLOCATIONS POLICY REVIEW AND AMENDMENTS PDF 239 KB Cabinet Member for Housing Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
That the Allocations Policy amendments, as set out in Appendix A of this report, be approved by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision:
1.1 To ensure that the Allocations policy meets legal requirements.
1.2 To clarify wording in the policy so that key decisions are made fairly and consistently by all Gateway Local Authorities.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: The proposed changes are predominantly related to National Legislative or Policy changes, therefore, to ensure compliance with our Statutory Framework, these changes are recommended and there are no other options to consider at this time.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 8.1 The Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Osborne, introduced the report and provided Members with details of the proposed changes to the Gateway to Homechoice Allocations Policy.
8.2 Councillor Osborne proposed the recommendations in the report. This was seconded by Councillor Malvisi.
8.3 Councillor Holt asked whether the amendments to the policy would ensure that local residents would be provided with the housing needed.
8.4 In response Councillor Osborne assured Members that concerns regarding the allocations policy would be considered in the wider review taking place later in the year.
8.5 Following a question from Councillor Busby regarding the timescales for the wider review, Councillor Osborne confirmed that the review was currently starting to take place.
8.6 The Corporate Manager for Housing Solutions responded to a question from Councillor McCraw regarding circumstances when priority may be given to local connections. The Officer clarified that the allocations policy does not determine which properties are designated for a village connection, this would instead be determined by planning policy. The amendments to the allocations policy provides clarity on this issue.
8.7 Councillor Ward asked what reassurance could be provided in circumstances where a victim of domestic abuse has had to move away from the district and wishes to return. The Corporate Manager for Housing Solutions advised that a risk assessment would be carried out to ensure the safety of the resident, and appropriateness of returning to the area.
8.8 Councillor Arthey commented that a balance is required between need, requirement, and local connection. The Corporate Manager for Housing provided details of the policy for prioritisation of housing.
It was RESOLVED:-
That the Allocations Policy amendments, as set out in Appendix A of this report, be approved by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision:
1.1 To ensure that the Allocations policy meets legal requirements.
1.2 To clarify wording in the policy so that key decisions are made fairly and consistently by all Gateway Local Authorities.
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BCa/21/2 QUARTER 4 PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION PDF 1 MB Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement
A presentation of performance across the whole Council for the period 1 January – 31 March 2021 (Q4). To note the information contained within the presentation, giving the opportunity to reflect and comment on progress made against the key priorities aligned to the Corporate Plan 2019 – 2027. Minutes: 9.1 The Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement introduced the item.
9.2 The Assistant Director for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement provided a presentation of the Quarter 4 Performance and an overview of the key performance measures.
9.3 Councillor Arthey queried whether any action could be taken to improve the customer service figures in respect of telephone call answer times and the number of abandoned calls. In response the Assistant Director for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement advised that the telephone call rates were higher during quarter 3 due to the issuing of council tax bills in this period. The Assistant Director advised that additional staff members were employed during these periods to mitigate the wait time and the Chat Bot function had also been introduced. The Assistant Director also advised that although the call answer times and abandonment rates were higher during this quarter, the average rates for the year were below target.
9.4 Councillor McCraw suggested that future presentations could include annual figures alongside quarterly figures to enable comparisons across the year.
9.5 Following questions from Members regarding the customer service performance figures, the Assistant Director provided assurance that improvements to the services were continually being considered and reviewed.
9.6 Councillor McLaren queried what action would be taken to ensure digital inclusion for residents. The Assistant Director provided details of the programmes of work which were being considered and advised that details of these would be shared with Members over the coming months.
9.7 Councillor Busy requested details of the number of fly tipping incidents resulting in prosecutions. The Assistant Director advised that these details would be provided by the Assistant Director for Environment.
9.8 The report was noted. |
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BCa/21/4 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL) - CIL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMME JUNE 2021 PDF 317 KB Cabinet Member for Planning Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
That Cabinet approved the CIL Expenditure Programme (June 2021) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B21-01 and B20-14 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) follows: - Decision for Cabinet to make: Local Infrastructure Fund
1.2 That Cabinet noted and endorsed this CIL Expenditure Programme which includes the position in respect of approved CIL Bids from Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (including Cabinet decisions - December 2020 and March 2021. (Appendix A Section B of the report) together with details of emerging infrastructure /CIL Bids (Appendix A Section C of the report).
Reason for Decision: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies have been collected since the implementation of CIL on the 11th April 2016. The CIL Expenditure Framework (originally adopted in April 2018 and reviewed with amendments adopted on the 18th March 2019 and with further amendments on the 20th April 2020 and March 2021) requires the production of a CIL Expenditure Programme for each District which contains decisions for Cabinet to make or note on CIL Bids for CIL expenditure. These decisions relating to the expenditure of CIL monies form one of the ways in which necessary infrastructure supporting growth is delivered.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: There is a diverse spectrum of approaches to CIL expenditure across the country from Unitary Authorities who have absorbed CIL into their individual Capital Programmes to others who ringfence all funds to be spent locally. A range of different approaches was identified in Appendix A of the Framework for CIL Expenditure report provided to Cabinet’s on the 5th and 8th of February 2018 and discussed in full during the workshops with the Joint Member advisory panel. Members adopted the documents set out in paragraph 1.1 of the report by Council decision in April 2018 which were subsequently reviewed and adopted on the 19th March 2019 (Babergh) and 18th March 2019 (Mid Suffolk) and then reviewed for the second and third time and adopted by both Councils on the 20th April 2020 and 23rd March 2021(Babergh) and 25th March 2021(Mid Suffolk) respectively.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes:
10.1 The Cabinet Member for Planning, Councillor Arthey, introduced the report and provided Members with details of the bids contained in the report.
10.2 Councillor Arthey introduced Jo Fellowes, Suffolk County Council Schools Infrastructure Programme Manager.
10.3 The recommendations in the report were proposed by Councillor Arthey and seconded by Councillor Osborne.
10.4 Following a request from Councillor Davis, the Leader confirmed that a separate vote would be taken for each individual bid detailed in the recommendations.
10.5 The Schools Infrastructure Programme Manager responded to questions from Councillor Davis regarding Bid 20-14 Holbrook Academy (High School) on issues including the work to be undertaken, the feeder primary schools, the number of pupils attending the school from outside the schools catchment area, the admissions policy for the school, and the entrance to the school site.
10.6 In response to a question from Councillor Busby in respect of Bid 21-01 Preston St Mary Village Hall, Councillor Arthey provided confirmation of the figures.
10.7 The Schools Infrastructure Programme Manager responded to questions from Councillor Busby regarding how much Holbrook Academy would be contributing to Bid 20-14 and whether their funding would be increased as a result of increased capacity at the school.
10.8 Members debated Bid 20-14 on issues including the schools need to expand, the pupil forecast, and the admissions policy.
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That Cabinet approved the CIL Expenditure Programme (June 2021) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B21-01 and B20-14 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) follows: - Decision for Cabinet to make: Local Infrastructure Fund
1.2 That Cabinet noted and endorsed this CIL Expenditure Programme which includes the position in respect of approved CIL Bids from Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (including Cabinet decisions - December 2020 and March 2021. (Appendix A Section B of the report) together with details of emerging infrastructure /CIL Bids (Appendix A Section C of the report). Reason for Decision: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies have been collected since the implementation of CIL on the 11th April 2016. The CIL Expenditure Framework (originally adopted in April 2018 and reviewed with amendments adopted on the 18th March 2019 and with further amendments on the 20th April 2020 and March 2021) requires the production of a CIL Expenditure Programme ... view the full minutes text for item 10.
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BCa/21/5 SPEND AGAINST THE CLIMATE CHANGE AND BIODIVERSITY EARMARKED RESERVE PDF 326 KB Cabinet Member for Environment Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That total funding of £32,849 for the biodiversity mapping and tree canopy survey work, from the Climate Change and Biodiversity earmarked reserve, be approved by Cabinet.
1.2 That the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, be given delegated authority to consider future proposals for spend and approve funding from the Climate Change and Biodiversity reserve.
Reason for Decision: To recognise the increasing pace with which natural habitat is being lost and that it too, has become a biodiversity emergency.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 To proceed with the biodiversity mapping and tree canopy survey work and fund from the Climate Change and Biodiversity earmarked reserve.
1.2 To proceed with the biodiversity mapping work and tree canopy survey work and fund from elsewhere within the General Fund.
1.3 To not proceed with the biodiversity mapping and tree canopy survey work.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes: 11.1 The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Malvisi, who provided details of the proposed mapping and survey work to be undertaken.
11.2 The recommendations in the report were proposed by Councillor Malvisi and seconded by Councillor McCraw.
11.3 Councillor Arthey queried the area which would be covered by the survey. In response Councillor Malvisi confirmed that the work would be district wide.
11.4 Councillor McCraw expressed his support for the proposed work and highlighted the significance of the speed with which the results would be available.
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That total funding of £32,849 for the biodiversity mapping and tree canopy survey work, from the Climate Change and Biodiversity earmarked reserve, be approved by Cabinet.
1.2 That the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, be given delegated authority to consider future proposals for spend and approve funding from the Climate Change and Biodiversity reserve.
Reason for Decision: To recognise the increasing pace with which natural habitat is being lost and that it too, has become a biodiversity emergency.
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Cabinet Member for Environment Additional documents: Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That an increase to the capital budget of £24,900 for the installation of a new backwash pool water cleaning system at Kingfisher Leisure Centre and its partial funding of £21,650 from the Councils Climate Change and Biodiversity Reserve, be approved.
1.2 That the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, be given delegated authority to consider future proposals for spend and approve funding from the Climate Change and Biodiversity reserve.
Reason for Decision: To reduce the Councils CO? emissions, in accordance with its commitment to be zero carbon neutral by 2030.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 To proceed with the installation of a new backwash pool water cleaning system.
1.2 To continue with the current sand filtration system.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes: 12.1 The Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report and outlined the proposal before Members.
12.2 The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Malvisi and seconded by Councillor Arthey.
12.3 Councillor Malvisi responded to questions from Councillor Arthey regarding questions relating to utilities savings.
12.4 Councillor Busby raised a query relating to the costs of utilities being transferred to Babergh District Council. The Service Improvement Adviser confirmed that the transfer was part of the move to a green tariff and these costs would be mitigated through the management fee and lease arrangement with partners.
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That an increase to the capital budget of £24,900 for the installation of a new backwash pool water cleaning system at Kingfisher Leisure Centre and its partial funding of £21,650 from the Councils Climate Change and Biodiversity Reserve, be approved.
1.2 That the Cabinet Member for Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, be given delegated authority to consider future proposals for spend and approve funding from the Climate Change and Biodiversity reserve.
Reason for Decision: To reduce the Councils CO? emissions, in accordance with its commitment to be zero carbon neutral by 2030.
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SUFFOLK WASTE AND RECYCLING CONSISTENCY IN HOUSEHOLD AND BUSINESS RECYCLING CONSULTATION Cabinet Member for Environment
Recommendation
That a cross party working group consisting of the Cabinet Member for Environment and a Member from each political group be constituted to consider the issues raised in the consultation document for a response to be submitted by the Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships under her delegated powers.
The link to the consistency consultation site which includes the documents is below:
https://consult.defra.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling/consistency-in-household-and-business-recycling/
Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
That a cross party working group consisting of the Cabinet Member for Environment and a Member from each political group be constituted to consider the issues raised in the consultation document for a response to be submitted by the Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships under her delegated powers.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that a comprehensive response is prepared before the consultation response deadline announced by the Government.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 13.1 The Cabinet Member for Environment provided Members with details of the Suffolk Waste and Recycling Consistency in Household and Business Recycling Consultation, and the recommendation to assemble a cross party working group to consider the consultation.
13.2 Councillor Malvisi proposed the recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Davis.
13.3 Councillor Busby raised concerns over the Members of the working group and suggested that a member of the Tenant Forum should be included.
13.4 Councillor Arthey commented that he believed the working group had the correct number and mix of people.
13.5 In response to a question from Councillor McCraw, the Leader confirmed that the party leaders would be contacted to put forward nominations for the working groups.
13.6 Members continued to debate the mix of representatives on the working group.
It was RESOLVED:-
That a cross party working group consisting of the Cabinet Member for Environment and a Member from each political group be constituted to consider the issues raised in the consultation document for a response to be submitted by the Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships under her delegated powers.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that a comprehensive response is prepared before the consultation response deadline announced by the Government.
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BCa/21/7 HADLEIGH A1071 ROADSIDE COMMERCIAL WORKSPACE DEVELOPMENT
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth Decision: It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the high-level business case and options appraisal attached as Appendix A of the report be considered. 1.2 That option 3 was agreed to be the Cabinets preferred option and should be progressed as priority, as the best strategic fit for the Council. 1.3 That the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration be authorised to progress with the detailed development of a viable scheme and business case, to best achieve strategic regeneration priorities from the Council’s investment, to be reported back to Cabinet on a final preferred scheme for authorisation for capital funding and construction. 1.4 That up to £100,000 be authorised to undertake in 2021/22 the necessary site diligence and preliminary marketing work including surveys, costs and ground investigations, detailed design concept work-up and retail agent fees. 1.5 That, subject to the detailed reporting back to Cabinet as required by recommendation 1.3, Cabinet agreed ‘in principle’ support for the scheme up to a cost envelope of £2.25m of borrowing within the Capital Programme for 2022/23 to deliver the scheme. Reason for Decision: The Council has secured a small parcel of employment land which it can directly invest in to address market failure and develop as a viable scheme to provide needed workspace, employment opportunities and support for the local community of Hadleigh and surrounding area. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: 1.1 (a) DO NOTHING – the site is transferred to the Council without it having any clear plan and retains an underutilised site with an employment allocation. Not considered a viable proposition given high level appraisal undertaken already. 1.2 (b) PROGRESS SITE INVESTIGATIONS, DESIGN WORK-UP AND RETAIL OCCUPIER ENQUIRIES – This option is being progressed as per this report. This will directly support the Council’s ‘Invest in Hadleigh’ programme and provide jobs and employment opportunities at a growing key location in the district if a suitable scheme can be delivered. Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes: 14.1 The Leader advised that following consultation before the meeting this item does not have to confidential, however Appendix A remains confidential.
14.2 The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Councillor Holt, introduced the report which sets out the proposed plans for the project.
14.3 Councillor Holt moved the recommendations in the report. These were seconded by Councillor Busby.
14.4 In response to a question from Councillor Ward regarding funding for the feasibility work, the Regeneration and Capital Projects Manager advised that a bid had been submitted for funding from the transformation fund.
14.5 Following a question from Councillor Arthey, the Assistant Director for confirmed that the use of the land was restricted to business use.
14.6 The Assistant Director confirmed to Members that the figures provided in the report included the cost of the feasibility study.
14.7 Members discussed the options detailed in the report and expressed a preference for option 3.
It was RESOLVED:-
1.1 That the high-level business case and options appraisal attached as Appendix A of the report be considered. 1.2 That option 3 was agreed to be the Cabinets preferred option and should be progressed as priority, as the best strategic fit for the Council. 1.3 That the Assistant Director for Economic Development and Regeneration be authorised to progress with the detailed development of a viable scheme and business case, to best achieve strategic regeneration priorities from the Council’s investment, to be reported back to Cabinet on a final preferred scheme for authorisation for capital funding and construction. 1.4 That up to £100,000 be authorised to undertake in 2021/22 the necessary site diligence and preliminary marketing work including surveys, costs and ground investigations, detailed design concept work-up and retail agent fees. 1.5 That, subject to the detailed reporting back to Cabinet as required by recommendation 1.3, Cabinet agreed ‘in principle’ support for the scheme up to a cost envelope of £2.25m of borrowing within the Capital Programme for 2022/23 to deliver the scheme. Reason for Decision: The Council has secured a small parcel of employment land which it can directly invest in to address market failure and develop as a viable scheme to provide needed workspace, employment opportunities and support for the local community of Hadleigh and surrounding area.
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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/these item(s), it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against the/each item.
The author(s) of the report(s) proposed to be considered in Part 2 of the Agenda is/are satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
Minutes: It was RESOLVED:-
That pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that if the public were present during the item, it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information.
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BCa/21/8 TO CONFIRM THE CONFIDENTIAL MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 11 MARCH 2021 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting held on 8 March 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and would be signed at the next practicable opportunity.
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