Venue: King Edmund Chamber, Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich. View directions
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS BY COUNCILLORS Minutes: There were no declarations of interests made by Councillors. |
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MCa/22/40 TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 9 JANUARY 2023 PDF 114 KB Minutes: It was resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting held on the 9 January 2023 be confirmed and signed as a correct record of the meeting.
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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: None received.
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MATTERS REFERRED BY THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY OR JOINT AUDIT AND STANDARDS COMMITTEES Minutes: 84.1 The Chair, Councillor Morley invited the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Welham to present matters.
84.2 Councillor Welham referred to the recommendation made at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 23 January 2023, asking Cabinet to consider an increase in the Locality Award allocation for each Member.
84.3 Councillor Welham questioned whether this would be included in the budget papers for Council.
84.4 The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Whitehead responded that new emerging community grants projects were coming through all the time and that the Locality Grant funding would be included clearly in the budget papers for Council in March.
Due to technical issues a short break was taken between 10:41 am and 10:50 am. |
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FORTHCOMING DECISIONS LIST Please note the most up to date version can be found via the website:
Minutes: There were no comments made for the Forthcoming Decisions List.
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MCa/22/41 GENERAL FUND BUDGET 2023/24 AND FOUR-YEAR OUTLOOK PDF 940 KB Cabinet Member for Finance. Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That the General Fund Budget proposals for 2023/24 and four-year outlook set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. 1.2 That the General Fund Budget for 2023/24 is based on no increase to the Band D Council Tax, be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023.
REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils General Fund budget for endorsement and recommendation to Council. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement, therefore no other options are appropriate in respect of this. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 86.1 The Chair, Councillor Morley invite the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Whitehead to introduce the report.
86.2 Councillor Whitehead introduced the report and moved the recommendations 3.1 and 3.2 in the report.
86.3 Councillor Richardson seconded the recommendations and stated that this was a healthy budget for another year, which allowed the Council to invest in Communities and the District as a whole and reflected a strong financial position for the Council.
86.4 In response to questions from other Members attending the meeting the Director for Corporate Resources clarified the loan arrangements for CIFCO and the Capital borrowing programme.
86.5 The Cabinet Member for Finance responded to questions from other Members attending the meeting regarding the allocation of the Locality Funding and the risk management table in the report and further that the medium-term prediction was cumulative over the next four years. However, growth in business rates, fees and charges were likely to increase during this period to mitigate the funding gap.
86.6 In response to questions from other members attending the meeting, the Director for Housing advised Members that the Council was seeking legal advice on transfer between the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account to explore if changes could be made, but that this would not be completed before the budgets were presented to Council in March.
86.7 In responses to further questions from other Members attending the meeting the Cabinet Member for Finance stated that the Council continuously strived to make efficiency savings to maintain and improve services to residents. However, the reserves were for projects, which would improve residents’ lives. There had been challenges on the Council’s day to day budget, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis. However, projects funded by the reserves, such as Gateway 14 and the Stowmarket Health, Education and Leisure Facilities scheme (SHELF) and the Electric Vehicle Charging Point project were also part of the Council’s work.
86.8 Councillor Morley stated that there were better, faster ways to save money for the Council such as going paperless and self-services for residents, which would free-up officers’ time to undertake more detailed work for residents.
86.9 Councillor Richardson queried table 1 for Risk Management and the Director for Corporate resources advised that it was prudent to leave the risk level as it was.
86.10 Members debated the issues including that efficiencies were key enablers for projects to improve the lives of residents and that the current funding for these projects would be carried forward to next year’s budget.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That the General Fund Budget proposals for 2023/24 and four-year outlook set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. 1.2 That the General Fund Budget for 2023/24 is based on no increase to the Band D Council Tax, be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to ... view the full minutes text for item 86.
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MCa/22/42 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT (HRA) 2023/24 BUDGET PDF 229 KB Cabinet Member for Finance. Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That the HRA Budget proposals for 2023/24 set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. 1.2 That an increase of 7% for council house rents, equivalent to an average rent increase of £6.16 for social rent and £9.03 for affordable rent, a week be implemented. 1.3 That the CPI increase of 10.1% in garage rents, equivalent to an average rent increase of £4.86 or £4.91 (private rental), a month be implemented. 1.4 That an increase of 7% for sheltered housing service charges, equivalent to £10.83 a month, be implemented. 1.5 That an increase for sheltered housing utility charges, equivalent to £27.93 a month (30% for heating and 62% for water), be implemented. 1.6 That in principle, Right to Buy (RTB) receipts should be retained to enable continued development and acquisition of new council dwellings.
REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils Housing Revenue Account budget for recommendations to Council. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2023/24 is an essential element in achieving a balanced budget and sustainable medium-term position, therefore no other options are appropriate in respect of this. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 87.1 The Chair Councillor Morley invited the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Whitehead to introduce the report.
87.2 Councillor Whitehead introduced the report and moved the recommendations in the report.
87.3 Councillor Hadingham seconded the recommendations.
87.4 The Director for Housing responded to question from other Members attending the meetingon issues including that the increase to tenancy rents had been restricted to 7% and that there were significant challenges to the HRA budget going forward, to keep properties up to standard as safe, warm and dry homes. Rents had to be increased to make sure there was enough capital to invest for the future for Council properties.
87.5 The Director for Housing clarified that HRA land was the Council’s responsibility, and when this land was sold the Council had to ensure that the land was kept in good order. It was possible to transfer land to parish councils, however, this was not easy as there was cost involved for this process.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That the HRA Budget proposals for 2023/24 set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. 1.2 That an increase of 7% for council house rents, equivalent to an average rent increase of £6.16 for social rent and £9.03 for affordable rent, a week be implemented. 1.3 That the CPI increase of 10.1% in garage rents, equivalent to an average rent increase of £4.86 or £4.91 (private rental), a month be implemented. 1.4 That an increase of 7% for sheltered housing service charges, equivalent to £10.83 a month, be implemented. 1.5 That an increase for sheltered housing utility charges, equivalent to £27.93 a month (30% for heating and 62% for water), be implemented. 1.6 That in principle, Right to Buy (RTB) receipts should be retained to enable continued development and acquisition of new council dwellings.
REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils Housing Revenue Account budget for recommendations to Council.
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MCa/22/43 BUSINESS RATES RELIEF POLICIES PDF 221 KB Cabinet Member for Finance. Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet approved the introduction of the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Supporting Small Business rate relief policies as set out in appendix 1 & 2 for the 2023/24 financial year. 1.2 That Cabinet gave authority to the Director for Corporate Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to agree future changes to the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Supporting Small Business rate relief policies for the life of the 2023 rating list.
REASON FOR DECISION To provide discretionary reliefs to support Business ratepayers in Mid Suffolk. To enable the implementation of the discretionary schemes. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: 1.1 Option 1 - Cabinet approve the introduction of the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Support Small Business rate relief polices as set out in appendix 1 and 2 for the 2023/24 financial year and; 1.2 Delegate authority to the Director for Corporate Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to agree future changes to the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Supporting Small Business rate relief policies for the life of the 2023 rating list. 1.3 Option 2 - There is no mandatory requirement on billing authorities to provide retail, hospitality and leisure and support small business reliefs, however the Government is funding the scheme. It would be an opportunity missed to support local retailers.
Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 88.1 The Chair, Councillor Morley invited the Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Whitehead to introduce the report.
88.2 Councillor Whitehead introduced the report and moved recommendations 3.1 and 3.2 as detailed in the report.
88.3 Councillor Richardson seconded the recommendations.
By a unanimous vote.
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet approved the introduction of the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Supporting Small Business rate relief policies as set out in appendix 1 & 2 for the 2023/24 financial year. 1.2 That Cabinet gave authority to the Director for Corporate Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance to agree future changes to the discretionary Retail, Hospitality and Leisure and Supporting Small Business rate relief policies for the life of the 2023 rating list.
REASON FOR DECISION To provide discretionary reliefs to support Business ratepayers in Mid Suffolk.
To enable the implementation of the discretionary schemes.
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MCa/22/44 MSDC: RINGFENCED FUNDING FOR ELECTRIC BUS RURAL TRANSPORT PDF 116 KB Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Wellbeing. Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet noted the extensive work undertaken by officers to date to consider the viability of an electric bus rural transport scheme across the District. 1.2 To approve the officer recommendation to pause the delivery of this project in order to allow more time to collate evidence to support the viability of a pilot scheme as limited evidence of successful schemes has been available to date across the local area and across the UK, accepting that further agreement with Gateway 14 Board may be required if the final scheme is linked to G14 delivery.
REASON FOR DECISION The Sustainable travel officer and a sustainable travel intern carried out extensive research on existing electric vehicle passenger transport services, gathering information on different types of delivery models from local, regional and national case studies. As the rollout of electric vehicles in respect of community-based services is a relatively new concept, most of the case studies found are currently running as pilots, and evidence to support long term sustainability does not exist. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Cabinet are asked to consider whether the spending/delivery associated with this project should be paused for up to six months, for the reasons outlined in this report. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 89.1 The Chair, Councillor Morley invited Councillor Richardson to introduce the report, as the Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing, Councillor Flatman had forwarded apologies for this meeting.
89.2 Councillor Richardson introduced the report and proposed that recommendations 3.3 be removed and that recommendation 3.2 be amended to:
To approve the officer recommendation to pause the delivery of this project in order to allow more time to collate evidence to support the viability of a pilot scheme as limited evidence of successful schemes has been available to date across the local area and across the UK, accepting that further agreement with Gateway 14 Board may be required if the final scheme is linked to G14 delivery.
89.3 Councillor Richardson then moved recommendation 3.1 and 3.2 as proposed, which was seconded by Councillor Whitehead.
89.4 In response to questions from other Members attending the meeting regarding the Gateway 14 Travel Plan Councillor Richardson responded that the travel plan was a condition of the Planning application. The Sustainable Travel Officer confirmed that the travel plan was based on the occupation of The Range, which was due to be in Summer 2024.
89.5 In response to further questions from other Members attending the meeting Councillor Richardson responded that the lead time for purchasing EV buses would be variable depending on the model chosen. The Working Group had recommended that the EV Bus Scheme was paused until further evidence was available from other similar schemes nationally, as there was not enough evidence to work with for this kind of scheme. With regards to the funding of the scheme Transport of London were not currently funding the scheme, so the cost would be carried by the Council. There would be some Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) available in connection with the planning application for The Range.
89.6 During the debate Councillor Fleming thanked Officers for the extensive work undertaken for the project and stated that the Council was not ready to commit funding to this type of service yet. However, as this area developed in relation to vehicles, greener fuel options and technology, the Council would be considering options for improving transport to rural areas.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet noted the extensive work undertaken by officers to date to consider the viability of an electric bus rural transport scheme across the District. 1.2 To approve the officer recommendation to pause the delivery of this project in order to allow more time to collate evidence to support the viability of a pilot scheme as limited evidence of successful schemes has been available to date across the local area and across the UK, accepting that further agreement with Gateway 14 Board may be required if the final scheme is linked to G14 delivery. REASON FOR DECISION To meet the obligations set out in the funding agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England) and Mid Suffolk District Council in relation to the Shared Ownership Affordable Homes ... view the full minutes text for item 89.
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MCa/22/45 HOMES ENGLAND COMPLIANCE AUDIT - NEEDHAM MARKET MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE PDF 147 KB Cabinet Member for Housing. Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
That Mid Suffolk District Cabinet formally acknowledged the compliance audit received from Homes England in relation to the affordable housing development at Needham Market Middle School.
REASON FOR DECISION To meet the obligations set out in the funding agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England) and Mid Suffolk District Council in relation to the Shared Ownership Affordable Homes Programme 2016-2021 Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: There are no options to consider. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 90.1 The Chair Councillor Morley invited the Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Hadingham to introduce the report.
90.2 Councillor Hadingham introduced and moved the recommendation 3.1 as detailed in the report, which was seconded by Councillor Morley.
By a unanimous vote.
It was RESOLVED: -
That Mid Suffolk District Cabinet formally acknowledged the compliance audit received from Homes England in relation to the affordable housing development at Needham Market Middle School.
REASON FOR DECISION To meet the obligations set out in the funding agreement between the Homes and Communities Agency (now Homes England) and Mid Suffolk District Council in relation to the Shared Ownership Affordable Homes Programme 2016-2021
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MCa/22/46 STOWMARKET HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LEISURE FACILITIES (SHELF) SCHEME PDF 151 KB Cabinet Member for Economic Growth Cabinet Member for Communities, Health and Wellbeing Additional documents:
Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet noted the work and progress made on the scheme to date, including extensive public engagement, design and cost planning and scheme viability. 1.2 To also noted the future gateways for decision making for the scheme including bringing the full business case, funding strategy and optimal operating model to Cabinet and Council later this year for a formal decision. 1.3 To approved the recommendation to submit a full planning application and develop detailed designs for the scheme. 1.4 To recommend to Council further spend of £250,000 from the Growth and Efficiency fund to enable the works outlined in 3.3 to progress.
REASON FOR DECISION Further work is now required to identify and secure occupiers and end users for the scheme, particularly the Wellbeing hub, to enable completion of the full business case. In addition, several external funding streams can only be submitted once a planning permission has been secured. Therefore, it is recommended that work continues on the scheme to enable the next set of milestones to be met, at which point the full business case detailing final draft cost plan, levels of income and expenditure for the whole site, a proposed management model and a detailed funding strategy, will be brought back for formal decision. The full business case may outline options for the phased delivery of the site. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Several options for the scheme were considered with the partners, other landowners and key stakeholders, and the option presented in this report provides for the optimum use of the land available and the right management structure to secure maximum wellbeing outcomes. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: 91.1 The Chair Councillor Morley invited the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Councillor Richardson to introduce the report.
91.2 Councillor Richardson introduced the report and moved the recommendations, as detailed in the report.
91.3 Councillor Whitehead seconded the recommendations and stated that whilst it was an ambitious and expensive project, it would bring high quality sports facilities to the area.
91.4 In response to questions from other Members attending the meeting, Councillor Richardson advised that sustainable transport options would be explored.
91.5 The Director for Economic Growth and Climate Change responded to questions from other Members attending the meeting and advised that all the pitches referred to in paragraph 4.5 were outdoor, all-weather pitches.
By a unanimous vote
It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That Cabinet noted the work and progress made on the scheme to date, including extensive public engagement, design and cost planning and scheme viability. 1.2 To also note the future gateways for decision making for the scheme including bringing the full business case, funding strategy and optimal operating model to Cabinet and Council later this year for a formal decision. 1.3 To approve the recommendation to submit a full planning application and develop detailed designs for the scheme. 1.4 To recommend to Council further spend of £250,000 from the Growth and Efficiency fund to enable the works outlined in 3.3 to progress.
REASON FOR DECISION Further work is now required to identify and secure occupiers and end users for the scheme, particularly the Wellbeing hub, to enable completion of the full business case. In addition, several external funding streams can only be submitted once a planning permission has been secured. Therefore, it is recommended that work continues on the scheme to enable the next set of milestones to be met, at which point the full business case detailing final draft cost plan, levels of income and expenditure for the whole site, a proposed management model and a detailed funding strategy, will be brought back for formal decision. The full business case may outline options for the phased delivery of the site.
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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.
Decision: It was RESOLVED: -
1.1 That the General Fund Budget proposals for 2023/24 and four-year outlook set out in the report be endorsed for recommendation to Council on 23 February 2023. 1.2 That the General Fund Budget for 2023/24 is based on no increase to the Band D Council Tax.
REASON FOR DECISION To bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils General Fund budget for endorsement and recommendation to Council. Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: Setting a balanced budget is a statutory requirement, therefore no other options are appropriate in respect of this. Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None Any Dispensation Granted: None
Minutes: This was not required for the consideration of the above item. |
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MCa/22/46 APPENDIX B - COST PLAN AND FUNDING SUMMARY |