Minutes:
97.1 The Chair referred Councillors to paper BC/21/35 and reminded Councillors about his charity dinner being held at Hintlesham Hall on 13th May 2022.
97.2 Councillor Ward made the following announcements:
Covid
The Leader was pleased to say he didn’t have much to report about Covid: although infection rates were very high, it did seem to be much less of a threat now that there were effective vaccinations and therapies, and he hoped that everyone could look forward to a better year – and see more of everyone working back in Endeavour House.
Ukraine
The Leader did not say too much about the terrible events in Ukraine as there was a motion to debate later. However, Councillor Ward stated that our council would do everything it could to support the Homes for Ukraine scheme in line with the guidance provided by the DLUHC. It was essential that this scheme was a success and that we could house as many refugees as possible. Councillor Ward said the Council would continue to support our residents and communities so that they can offer those fleeing the Russian atrocities the warmest welcome to the UK.
Peer Challenge
The Leader reported that the LGA peer review team had visited last week.
The Leader thanked those who had participated in the focus groups for giving up their time and he hoped they had found the sessions worthwhile. The reviewers spoke to over 200 people – members, officers and external partners – which gave them plenty of material for their task. They felt that everyone really engaged with the process and they particularly enjoyed their visits to Sudbury and Stowmarket. The feedback the Council had got so far overall was positive but, as expected, there were things that needed to be focussed on that needed improving. Members have been sent the presentation with the initial findings and recommendations and a full report will be published soon.
DCN Mini-Conference
The Leader had attended the spring DCN Mini-conference in London. It was well-supported by representatives from around the country as well as senior government and opposition MPs. It was good catching up again with colleagues on a lovely Spring day.
Stuart Andrew, the new minister for Housing, gave an update on what we can expect from DLUHC. He said that we could expect announcements soon about the Local Plan process, expanding the availability of planning resources and skills, and enhanced CPO powers. He tackled some probing questions about housing targets and local need; permitted development rights; empowering councils to build, particularly to deliver affordable and social housing; financing to invest in infrastructure ahead of CIL receipts; use of RTB receipts; and problems with PINS.
There was also an excellent panel discussion about revitalising high streets. This addressed a number of themes, including the lack of enough public funding, the need to include private partners and therefore the need for robust business cases. We also heard that some councils had made good use of section 215 notices to protect assets at risk where the condition is harmful to the area and to tidy up land and buildings.
It was good to hear from others and to know that we are all, irrespective of political control, facing the same challenges and looking for the same solutions.
Supporting documents: