Chichester District Council
Agenda, decisions and minutes

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Rooms, East Pallant House. View directions

Contact: Democratic Services  Email:  democraticservices@chichester.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

138.

Chair's Announcements

The Chair will make any specific announcements for this meeting and advise of any late items which due to special circumstances will be given urgent consideration under Late Items.

Minutes:

Cllr Lintill welcomed everyone to the meeting. She explained that as a council the Ukraine flag would be flown as a sign of support to the Ukraine and all those affected both in the Ukraine and the district.

 

There were no apologies for absence.

 

139.

Approval of Minutes pdf icon PDF 204 KB

The Cabinet is requested to approve as a correct record the minutes of its Special meeting on 24 January 2022 and its ordinary meeting on 1 February 2022.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the Special Cabinet meeting held on 24 January 2022 be approved a correct record.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 February 2022 be approved a correct record.

 

140.

Declarations of Interests

Members are requested to make any declarations of disclosable pecuniary, personal and/or prejudicial interests they might have in respect of matters on the agenda for this meeting.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

 

141.

Public Question Time

In accordance with Chichester District Council’s scheme for public question time the Cabinet will receive any questions which have been submitted by members of the public in writing by noon two working days before the meeting. Each questioner will be given up to three minutes to ask their question. The total time allocated for public question time is 15 minutes subject to the Chair’s discretion to extend that period.

Minutes:

There were no public questions.

 

142.

Draft Treasury Management, Investment and Capital Strategies pdf icon PDF 259 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following recommendations to Full Council:

 

1.    That Cabinet considers the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, the Investment Strategy and relevant Indicators for 2022/23.

2.    That Cabinet considers the Council’s Capital Strategy for 2022/23 to 2026/27.

3.    That the documents in 2.1 and 2.2 are recommended to Council for approval.

Additional documents:

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

1.    That the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, the Investment Strategy and relevant Indicators for 2022/23 be approved.

2.    That the Council’s Capital Strategy for 2022/23 to 2026/27 be approved.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Wilding introduced the item.

 

Cllr Taylor with reference to page 21, table 2 requested clarification of why the balance sheet lists no CIL figure for 2025 and 2026. Mr Catlow explained that although CIL is anticipated the table refers to what is known to be spent.

 

Cllr Dignum asked what impact the increase in interest rates is having on the capital value of the council’s bonds. Mr Catlow explained there is a difference between short term and long term bonds. He outlined a u-shaped curve in the value of bonds which he saw beginning to stabilise. Cllr Dignum followed up by asking the cost implication if the council were to sell assets at a loss. Mr Catlow explained that at present it would be deferred on a statutory override until 2023 with the first year charged to revenue.

 

Cllr Sutton requested information on whether the situation in Russia affects the council’s Strategy. Mr Catlow explained that the council’s external pool fund investments are not directly linked to Russia however there are indirect risks due to the impact on companies such as BP and on the overall impact on the UK stock market and the impact that has on shares.

 

In a vote the following recommendations were made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

1.    That the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Treasury Management Strategy Statement, the Investment Strategy and relevant Indicators for 2022/23 be approved.

2.    That the Council’s Capital Strategy for 2022/23 to 2026/27 be approved.

 

143.

Budget Spending Plans 2022-23 pdf icon PDF 232 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following recommendations to Full Council:

 

a)    That a net budget requirement of £15,015,600 for 2022-23 be approved.

b)    That Council Tax be increased by £5.00 from £170.81 to £175.81 for a Band D equivalent in 2022-23.

c)    That a contribution from the General Fund Reserve of £576,100 be approved to help fund the 2022-23 budget.

d)    The capital programme, including the asset renewal programme (appendix 1c and 1d of the agenda report) be approved.

e)    That a local Council Tax Hardship Reliefs Scheme for 2022-23 giving an additional £150 deduction on council tax bills for relevant taxpayers in receipt of CTR as set out in paragraph 6.7 of this report, using the £159,916 grant received in 2021-22.   

Additional documents:

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

a)    That a net budget requirement of £15,015,600 for 2022-23 be approved.

b)    That Council Tax be increased by £5.00 from £170.81 to £175.81 for a Band D equivalent in 2022-23.

c)    That a contribution from the General Fund Reserve of £576,100 be approved to help fund the 2022-23 budget.

d)    The capital programme, including the asset renewal programme (appendix 1c and 1d of the agenda report) be approved.

e)    That a local Council Tax Hardship Reliefs Scheme for 2022-23 giving an additional £150 deduction on council tax bills for relevant taxpayers in receipt of CTR as set out in paragraph 6.7 of this report, using the £159,916 grant received in 2021-22.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Wilding introduced the item.

 

Cllr Sutton asked what the impact of the rise in inflation is on the council’s budget. Cllr Wilding confirmed that the net effect of inflation is around £22,000 and therefore not of significant impact.

 

Cllr Sutton also asked for clarification of whether there is a cut on the planning budget. Cllr Taylor explained that the impression given by the report is due to the way local authorities have to present their  accounts. It is a requirement of local authority accounting that any capital monies sent to third parties as grants or contributions must be shown in the revenue budget, such as CIL monies. If any of those monies come from an outside body they have to be shown in the service budget.

 

Cllr Dignum asked for further information of what the large income streams were under Cllr Sutton’s portfolio. Officers provided a written response to members after the meeting.

 

In a vote the following recommendations were made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

a)    That a net budget requirement of £15,015,600 for 2022-23 be approved.

b)    That Council Tax be increased by £5.00 from £170.81 to £175.81 for a Band D equivalent in 2022-23.

c)    That a contribution from the General Fund Reserve of £576,100 be approved to help fund the 2022-23 budget.

d)    The capital programme, including the asset renewal programme (appendix 1c and 1d of the agenda report) be approved.

e)    That a local Council Tax Hardship Reliefs Scheme for 2022-23 giving an additional £150 deduction on council tax bills for relevant taxpayers in receipt of CTR as set out in paragraph 6.7 of this report, using the £159,916 grant received in 2021-22.

 

144.

Allocation of Commuted Sums to Deliver Affordable Housing pdf icon PDF 243 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following resolutions:

 

1.    That Cabinet recommend to Council the allocation of £50,000 commuted sum monies to Chichester Greyfriars Housing Association to fund the delivery of 5 social rented flats at Royal Close, Chichester.

2.    That delegated authority is given to the Director of Housing and Communities to allow the payment of monies prior to practical completion to allow the trust to acquire the units subject to satisfactory discharge of planning conditions and receipt of solicitor’s completion statement.

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

The allocation of £50,000 commuted sum monies to Chichester Greyfriars Housing Association to fund the delivery of 5 social rented flats at Royal Close, Chichester.

 

RESOLVED

 

That delegated authority is given to the Director of Housing and Communities to allow the payment of monies prior to practical completion to allow the trust to acquire the units subject to satisfactory discharge of planning conditions and receipt of solicitor’s completion statement.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Sutton introduced the item.

 

Cllr Taylor asked whether the nomination agreement would be in perpetuity or for the first or second lettings. Mr Western explained that the council has 100% of the nomination rights for the first let. At the point of re-let this changes to 50% with the other 50% being made from the housing association’s own waiting list.

 

In a vote the following recommendation and resolution were made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

The allocation of £50,000 commuted sum monies to Chichester Greyfriars Housing Association to fund the delivery of 5 social rented flats at Royal Close, Chichester.

 

RESOLVED

 

That delegated authority is given to the Director of Housing and Communities to allow the payment of monies prior to practical completion to allow the trust to acquire the units subject to satisfactory discharge of planning conditions and receipt of solicitor’s completion statement.

 

145.

Senior Staff Pay Policy Statement 2022-2023 pdf icon PDF 154 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following recommendations to Full Council:

 

That the Council be recommended to publish the Senior Staff Pay Policy Statement 2022-2023.

Additional documents:

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

That the Senior Staff Pay Policy Statement 2022-2023 (as amended) be agreed for publication.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Wilding introduced the item. He drew attention to the agenda supplement with amended Appendix 1 following agreement of the pay award.

 

In a vote the following recommendation was made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

That the Senior Staff Pay Policy Statement 2022-2023 be agreed for publication.

 

146.

Chichester Wellbeing pdf icon PDF 218 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolutions:

 

1.    To enter into a partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council for 2022/23 – 2026/27 and receive funding annually to deliver the Wellbeing service in line with the agreed business plan.

2.    To approve delegated authority for the Director for Housing and Communities to finalise and sign the Wellbeing partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council.

Additional documents:

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

1.    To enter into a partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council for 2022/23 – 2026/27 and receive funding annually to deliver the Wellbeing service in line with the agreed business plan.

2.    To recommend to full Council approval of delegated authority for the Director for Housing and Communities to finalise sign and enter into the Wellbeing partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Briscoe introduced the item.

 

Cllr Lintill explained that the recommendations would now be made to Council.

 

In a vote the following recommendations were made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

 

1.    To enter into a partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council for 2022/23 – 2026/27 and receive funding annually to deliver the Wellbeing service in line with the agreed business plan.

2.    Delegated authority for the Director for Housing and Communities to finalise, sign and enter into the Wellbeing partnership agreement with West Sussex County Council.

 

147.

Authorities Monitoring Report 2020-2021 pdf icon PDF 285 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolutions:

 

1.    That Cabinet approve the Authority’s Monitoring Report 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 for publication.

2.    That the Director of Planning and the Environment be authorised, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning Services, to make any minor amendments to the Authority’s Monitoring Report prior to its publication. 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

1.    That Cabinet approve the Authority’s Monitoring Report 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 for publication.

2.    That the Director of Planning and the Environment be authorised, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning Services, to make any minor amendments to the Authority’s Monitoring Report prior to its publication.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Taylor introduced the item.

 

In a vote the following resolutions were made:

 

RESOLVED

 

1.    That Cabinet approve the Authority’s Monitoring Report 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 for publication.

2.    That the Director of Planning and the Environment be authorised, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning Services, to make any minor amendments to the Authority’s Monitoring Report prior to its publication.

 

148.

Changes to Priorities and Principles of Grant funding pdf icon PDF 235 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolution:

 

That Cabinet approve the Council’s Priorities and Principles of Grant Funding shown in appendix 1, with effect from 1 April 2022.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That Cabinet approve the Council’s Priorities and Principles of Grant Funding shown in appendix 1, with effect from 1 April 2022.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Briscoe introduced the item.

 

Cllr Plant drew attention to a minor amendment required to page 195 to refer to seven principles.

 

RESOLVED

 

In a vote the following resolution was made:

 

That Cabinet approve the Council’s Priorities and Principles of Grant Funding shown in appendix 1, with effect from 1 April 2022.

 

149.

Choose Work pdf icon PDF 218 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following resolution:

 

That Cabinet agree to receiving £62,857 from West Sussex County Council Economic Recovery Fund, and delegate to the Divisional Manager for Communities the allocation of funds over three years (2022/23 – 2024/25).

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That Cabinet agree to receiving £62,857 from the West Sussex Economic Recovery Fund and delegate to the Divisional Manager for Communities the allocation of funds over three years (2022/23 – 2024/25).

 

Minutes:

Cllr Briscoe introduced the item.

 

Cllr Dignum asked whether the £62,000 grant from West Sussex County is received in three tranches or as a lump sum. Mr Hyland explained that it would be a lump sum and that the expectation would be that additional sources of funding would need to be found.

 

In a vote the following resolution was made:

 

RESOLVED

 

That Cabinet agree to receiving £62,857 from the West Sussex Economic Recovery Fund and delegate to the Divisional Manager for Communities the allocation of funds over three years (2022/23 – 2024/25).

 

150.

Review of Skin Piercers Registration Policy, Fees and Charges pdf icon PDF 156 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following recommendation to General Licensing Committee:              

 

That Cabinet recommends the revised skin piercing registration fees and charges 2022-23 for consideration and approval by the General Licensing Committee.

Decision:

*RECOMMENDED TO THE GENERAL LICENSING COMMITTEE

 

That Cabinet recommends the revised skin piercing registration fees and charges 2022-23 for approval by the General Licensing Committee.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Lintill confirmed that it had been clarified that Cabinet would be recommending to the General Licensing Committee as per the Constitution.

 

Cllr Plant introduced the item.

 

In a vote the following recommendation was made:

 

RECOMMENDED TO THE GENERAL LICENSING COMMITTEE

 

That Cabinet recommends the revised skin piercing registration fees and charges 2022-23 for approval by the General Licensing Committee.

 

151.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 – Civil Penalty Policy pdf icon PDF 245 KB

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the following resolutions:

 

1.    That Cabinet approves The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 – Civil Penalty Policy

2.    That Cabinet delegates the enforcement powers and ability to issue civil penalties in relation to the EnergyEfficiency (PrivateRented Property)(England andWales) Regulations 2015to the Director of Housing and Communities.

3.    That the monies received through the issuing of fines are used to meet the cost and expenses incurred in, or associated with, carrying out any such enforcement work.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

1.    That Cabinet approves The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 – Civil Penalty Policy.

2.    That Cabinet delegates the enforcement powers and ability to issue civil penalties in relation to the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 to the Director of Housing and Communities.

3.    That the monies received through the issuing of fines are used to meet the cost and expenses incurred in, or associated with, carrying out any such enforcement work.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Sutton introduced the item.

 

Cllr Dignum asked whether similar regulations apply to registered providers. Mrs Reed confirmed that registered providers are required to have an EPC but there is no minimum level to that EPC. She added that the Government is encouraging registered providers to improve their provision with associated funding available.

 

Cllr Taylor asked how the council would be proactive to ensure properties are up to standard. Mrs Reed explained that the project has allowed a targeted approach to F and G rated properties. She added that in September 2021 there were 461 properties at that level which following engaging with landlords  has now reduced to 90.

 

Cllr Lintill asked what would happen after the project. Mrs Reed explained that it was likely that the work would continue within the team.

 

Cllr Briscoe asked if there is a green homes grant. Mrs Reed explained that there is Eco funding provided by energy providers to those on low income subject to their landlords agreement.

 

Cllr Plant asked about properties in conservation areas and can anything be done to improve them. Mrs Reed explained that properties in conservation areas are not exempt if low impact improvements that do not affect the appearance can be made. The project has allowed officers to explain to landlords  of older properties how  energy efficient changes can be made.

 

In a vote the following resolutions were made:

 

RESOLVED

 

  1. That Cabinet approves The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 – Civil Penalty Policy
  2. That Cabinet delegates the enforcement powers and ability to issue civil penalties in relation to the Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 to the Director of Housing and Communities.
  3. That the monies received through the issuing of fines are used to meet the cost and expenses incurred in, or associated with, carrying out any such enforcement work.

 

152.

Late Items

a)    Items added to the agenda papers and made available for public inspection

b)    Items which the Chair has agreed should be taken as matters of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be reported at the meeting

Minutes:

There were no late items.

 

153.

Urgent Decision Notice - Westward House Energy, Efficiency and Thermal Comfort Project February 2022 pdf icon PDF 249 KB

The Cabinet is requested to note the Urgent Decision Notice relating to Westward House Energy Efficiency and Thermal Comfort Project.

Decision:

*RESOLVED

 

That the Urgent Decision Notice relating to Westward House Energy, Efficiency and Thermal Comfort Project be noted.

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet noted the Urgent Decision Notice related to the Westward House Energy, Efficiency and Thermal Comfort Project February 2022.

 

154.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

The Cabinet is asked to consider in respect of agenda items 18 and  19 whether the public including the press should be excluded from the meeting on the following ground of exemption in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 namely Paragraph 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and because, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

[Note The report and its appendices within this part of the agenda are attached for members of the Council and relevant only (printed on salmon paper)]

Minutes:

Cllr Lintill proposed and read the part II resolution in relation to agenda items 18 and 19. This was seconded by Cllr Taylor and agreed by the Cabinet with a vote to go into part II.

 

RESOLVED

 

That with regard to agenda items 18 and 19 the public including the press should be excluded from the meeting on the grounds of exemption in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 namely paragraph 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and because,  in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption  of that information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

155.

Award of contract for electric refuse collection vehicles

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 of the report.

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1 and 2.2  of the report be agreed.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Plant introduced the item.

 

Cllr Lintill invited Cllr Moss to speak on the item.

 

Questions were received from Cllr Wilding, Cllr Dignum and Cllr Sutton. Mr Carter responded.

 

 In a vote the following resolutions were made:

 

RESOLVED

 

That the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1 and 2.2 of the report be agreed.

 

156.

Financial Services Contracts 2022

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendix and make the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report.

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report be agreed.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Wilding introduced the item.

 

Questions were received from Cllr Plant and Cllr Lintill. Mr Catlow responded.

 

 In a vote the following resolutions were made:

 

RESOLVED

 

That the resolutions as set out in sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 of the report be agreed.

 

 

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