Venue: Virtual Teams Meeting
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Minutes: There were no apologies for absence. |
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: Councillor Jan Osborne declared a local non-pecuniary interest in respect of report BCa/20/15 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – CIL Expenditure Programme December 2020, Bids 20-04 Tenterpiece Sheltered Accommodation and 20-11 CCTV Arrangements in Sudbury and Hadleigh. |
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BCa/20/10 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 09 NOVEMBER 2020 PDF 501 KB Minutes: It was RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 09 November were confirmed as a true record. The minutes would be signed at the next practicable opportunity.
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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 received 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/20/11 GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL MONITORING 2020/21 - QUARTER 2 PDF 331 KB Cabinet Member for Finance Decision: It was RESOLVED:
That the Council’s financial position at the end of quarter 2 was noted by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that Councillors are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both General Fund Revenue and Capital.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: At this stage in the year, the financial position is for noting only.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes: 31.1 The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and provided Members with an overview of the details contained in the report including the financial impact on the Council of the Covid-19 pandemic.
31.2 Councillor Ward thanked the Finance team for their hard worked and moved the recommendations in the report.
31.3 Councillor Davis seconded the recommendations.
31.4 Councillor Parker queried the Commuted Sum reserve detailed on page 30, appendix C of the report. In response Councillor Ward advised that this figure related to the St Bartholomews Development in Sudbury.
31.5 Members commended the hard work of the Finance team.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:
That the Council’s financial position at the end of Quarter 2 was noted by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that Councillors are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both General Fund Revenue and Capital.
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BCa/20/12 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) FINANCIAL MONITORING 2020/21 - QUARTER 2 PDF 208 KB Cabinet Member for Finance Decision:
That the Council’s financial position at the end of quarter 2 was noted by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that Members are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both HRA Revenue and Capital Budgets.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: At this stage in the year, the financial position is for noting only.
Any Declaration of Interests Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 32.1 Report BCa/20/12 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Financial Monitoring 2020/21 – Quarter 2 was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance.
32.2 Councillor Ward moved the recommendations in the report and this was seconded by Councillor Osborne.
32.3 Following a question from Councillor Arthey regarding paragraph 6.8 of the report, the Corporate Manager for Finance and Commissioning and Procurement advised that the details relating to agency costs for responsive repairs and maintenance would be provided to Cabinet Members outside of the meeting.
32.4 Councillor Busby queried the number of Council owned homes compared to previous numbers. The Cabinet Member for Housing confirmed that these figures had increased and that a new HRA Business Case would be presented to Cabinet with details of future plans.
32.5 The Assistant Director for Housing responded to Councillors Holts’ questions on issues including the costs of building services, and the current timescales for carrying out responsive repairs and planned maintenance.
32.6 Councillor Arthey queried the housing stock numbers detailed in the business plan. The Assistant Director for Housing confirmed that he would provide Members with the figures relating to housing stock for the previous 10 years.
32.7 Councillor Osborne requested that a ringfenced amount for mobile CCTV cameras be included in the HRA budget.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:
That the Council’s financial position at the end of quarter 2 was noted by Cabinet.
Reason for Decision: To ensure that Members are kept informed of the current budgetary position for both HRA and Capital Budgets.
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BCa/20/13 QUARTER 2 PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION PDF 967 KB Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement
A presentation of performance across the whole Council for the period 1 July – 30 September 2020 (Q2). 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: 33.1 The Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement invited the Assistant Director for Customer Services to present item BCa/20/13 Quarter 2 Performance Presentation.
33.2 The Assistant Director for Customer Services provided Members with a presentation of the Council’s performance during quarter 2.
33.3 Following a query from Councillor Busby, Councillor Holt confirmed the current position regarding the Phillips site.
33.4 The item was noted. |
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BCa/20/14 ICT STRATEGY PDF 126 KB Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement Additional documents: Decision: It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That the ICT Strategy attached as Appendix A to the report was approved by Cabinet.
1.2 That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement in consultation with the Cabinet Member to make future minor amendments and updates to the ICT Strategy.
Reason for Decision:
To ensure that the Councils’, through their adoption of the ICT Strategy:
• Endorses a set of principles by which ICT decisions are undertaken • Remain flexible by using the most appropriate technologies in the delivery of their business • Leverages value from their existing technology estate It is our intention to review this within 3 yeas and that future iterations of the ICT strategy will be combined with the Customer Strategy to create one holistic and cogent view.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:
1.1 To create an ICT strategy that embeds the appropriate framework for ICT developments within Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. A framework that consists of a set of principles and technology design standards to which technology decisions will adhere. An ICT Strategy that can flex and change with both the needs of the business and the changes in available technologies, whilst also looking to leverage existing technology investments.
1.2 It is a statutory requirement to report this information to Cabinet, therefore there are no other available options.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None Minutes: 34.1 The Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement introduced report BCa/20/14 ICT Strategy which was presented to Full Council at the Council Meeting held on 24 November 2020.
34.2 The recommendations in the report were moved by Councillor Parker and seconded by Councillor Ward.
34.3 The Corporate Manager for ICT responded to questions from Councillor Ward regarding providers of tool sets.
34.4 Councillor Holt raised a question regarding the hardware currently in use and whether there were any plans to replace existing equipment. The Corporate Manager for ICT advised that equipment would continue to be replaced when needed.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 That the ICT Strategy attached as Appendix A to the report was approved by Cabinet.
1.2 That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director for Customers, Digital Transformation and Improvement in consultation with the Cabinet Member to make future minor amendments and updates to the ICT Strategy.
Reason for Decision:
To ensure that the Councils’, through their adoption of the ICT Strategy:
• Endorses a set of principles by which ICT decisions are undertaken • Remain flexible by using the most appropriate technologies in the delivery of their business • Leverages value from their existing technology estate It is our intention to review this within 3 years and that future iterations of the ICT strategy will be combined with the Customer Strategy to create one holistic and cogent view.
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Bca/20/15 COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL) - CIL EXPENDITURE PROGRAMME DECEMBER 2020 PDF 211 KB Cabinet Member for Planning Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED: 1.1 That the CIL Expenditure Programme (December 2020) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B20-11, B20-05, B19-18, B20-04 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) be approved. This includes decisions on valid Bids approved and noted by Cabinet as follows: - Decision for Cabinet to make: Strategic Infrastructure Fund and Ringfenced Infrastructure funds (Hadleigh only)
Decision for Cabinet to make: Ringfenced funds (Lavenham only) and Local Infrastructure Fund
Decision for Cabinet to make: Local Infrastructure Fund
Decisions for Cabinet to note: Local Infrastructure Fund
1.2 That Cabinet note and endorse the CIL Expenditure Programme which included the position in respect of approved CIL Bids from Rounds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (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 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 ... view the full decision text for item 35. Minutes: 35.1 The Cabinet Member for Planning introduced the report and provided Members with an overview of the Bids detailed in the report. 35.2 Councillor Arthey moved the recommendations in the report. This was seconded by Councillor Davis. 35.3 Councillor Jan Osborne declared a local non-pecuniary interest in respect of Bids 20-04 Tenterpiece Sheltered Accommodation and 20-11 CCTV Arrangements in Sudbury and Hadleigh.
35.4 In response to a question from Councillor Busby regarding Bid 20-05 in Lavenham, Councillor Arthey provided confirmation of the works to be carried out and the ownership of the facilities.
35.5 Councillor Davis commented on the benefits of the CIL Expenditure Programme and thanked the team for their hard work.
35.6 Councillor enquired whether there were any conditions attached to Bid 20-05 in Lavenham regarding ownership. Councillor Arthey confirmed that there were no conditions.
35.7 Councillor McCraw advised Members that the existing CIL Expenditure Framework is regularly reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
35.8 Councillor Osborne commented on the bids in Sudbury and expressed her support for the bids.
35.9 Councillor Holt requested clarification whether mobile cameras would be included in Bid 20-11, CCTV arrangements in Sudbury and Hadleigh. Councillor Arthey advised that confirmation would be provided outside of the meeting.
By a unanimous vote It was RESOLVED: 1.1 That the CIL Expenditure Programme (December 2020) and accompanying technical assessment of the CIL Bids – B20-11, B20-05, B19-18, B20-04 (forming Appendices, A and B of the report) be approved. This includes decisions on valid Bids approved and noted by Cabinet as follows: - Decision for Cabinet to make: Strategic Infrastructure Fund and Ringfenced Infrastructure funds (Hadleigh only)
Decision for Cabinet to make: Ringfenced funds (Lavenham only) and Local Infrastructure Fund
Decision for Cabinet to make: Local Infrastructure Fund
Decisions for Cabinet to note: Local Infrastructure Fund
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BCa/20/16 ABBEYCROFT FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2020/21 PDF 902 KB Cabinet Member for Communities Decision: It was RESOLVED:
1.1 The business case to create a £150,000 loan facility for Abbeycroft Leisure, as set out in section 9 of this report was agreed by Cabinet.
1.2 The business case to provide a £270,000 grant for Abbeycroft Leisure, as set out in section 9 of this report was agreed by Cabinet.
1.3 That delegated authority was given to the Council’s Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Communities, and the Assistant Director for Environment & Commercial Partnerships, to agree the final details of the loan and enter into a loan agreement(s) with Abbeycroft Leisure.
Reason for Decision: The financial situation that Abberycroft Leisure find themselves in due to the impact of Covid-19 means that they will be unable to survive without Babergh District Council intervention and support. If this were to happen the Council would be in a position of having to take responsibility for service provision.
Alterative Options Considered and Rejected: Various options for the future operation and delivery of leisure activities in Babergh have been examined and risk rated to identify the potential financial, legal and reputational damage or benefits that each option could bring to Babergh District Council (BDC), Abbeycroft Leisure and the community. This is attached at Appendix One of the report. The options views as potentially viable include:
a. Abbeycroft Leisure receives a loan and or grant from BDC to cover the period up to the end of March 2021 to give sufficient time for their service and financial recovery plans to take effect. This is the preferred option because it keeps a high-quality leisure service open through a partner that offers a high level of social value. It will enable Abbeycroft to continue trading through the current social distancing measures and potentially into the time where vaccinations are available. b. BDC funds the shortfall in Abbeycroft Leisure’s operations but reviews and agrees this on a monthly basis. This is not the preferred option as it does not give the Council or the provider any stability and increases workload on both sides. c. Abbeycroft Leisure ends the contract with BDC and the centres remain open, with the management and operations transferring to another leisure
organisation. This is not the preferred option as Abbeycroft has not failed in their contract with BDC as the current issues are Covid-19 related; or
d. Abbeycroft Leisure ends the contract with BDC and the management and operations of the leisure centres transfer back to the Council. This is not the preferred option for the same reason as c above.
Any Declarations of Interest Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 36.1 The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report and provided details of the proposals recommended.
36.2 Councillor Davis moved the recommendations in the report. Councillor Osborne seconded the recommendations.
36.3 In response to a question from Councillor Malvisi, the Assistant Director for Environment and Commercial Partnerships provided clarification of the grant and loan amounts.
36.4 Councillor Holt expressed concern over the amount of funding being proposed by the report.
36.5 Members debated the recommendations in the report on issues including: the importance of leisure facilities, the amount of funding, and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on businesses.
By 7 votes for and 1 against
It was RESOLVED:
1.1 The business case to create a £150,000 loan facility for Abbeycroft Leisure, as set out in section 9 of this report was agreed by Cabinet.
1.2 The business case to provide a £270,000 grant for Abbeycroft Leisure, as set out in section 9 of this report was agreed by Cabinet.
1.3 That delegated authority was given to the Council’s Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance and Communities, and the Assistant Director for Environment & Commercial Partnerships, to agree the final details of the loan and enter into a loan agreement(s) with Abbeycroft Leisure.
Reason for Decision: The financial situation that Abberycroft Leisure find themselves in due to the impact of Covid-19 means that they will be unable to survive without Babergh District Council intervention and support. If this were to happen the Council would be in a position of having to take responsibility for service provision
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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.
Minutes: Members agreed not to exclude the public. |
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BCa/20/16 ABBEYCROFT FINANCIAL SUPPORT 2020/21 Cabinet Member for Communities Minutes: As Members agreed not to exclude the public this item was not applicable. |