Agenda, decisions and minutes

The minutes of the meeting of 7 October 2021 are attached to be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The minutes for the meeting of 7 October 2021 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence from Members*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they will be absent.

Apologies were received from Councillor Kinnell.

To declare disposable pecuniary, and any other interests*.

*Note: Members are asked to email Committee Services in advance of the meeting as soon as they become aware they may have an interest to declare.

None.

The Chairman had no announcements.

None.

To seek Cabinet approval to provide funding for the appointment of consultants to review Hart’s Climate Change Action Plan and prepare a report which sets out the pathway that the council will need to follow to achieve the targets set in its Climate Emergency declaration.

RECOMMENDATION

That £30k is allocated in the council 21/22 budget to fund the consultancy costs required to prepare a report which sets out the pathway that the council will need to follow to achieve the targets set in its Climate Emergency declaration.

Cabinet agreed to allocate £30k in the council 21/22 budget to fund consultancy costs required to prepare a report.

This report sought Cabinet approval to provide funding for the appointment of consultants to review Hart’s Climate Change Action Plan and prepare a report which sets out the pathway that the council needs to follow to achieve the targets set in its Climate Emergency declaration.

Members were informed that the appointment of a consultant would be completed by the beginning of December, with the first draft report ready in the new year.  Competitive bidding will be sourced outlining clear specifications and requirements for this very specific project.

The Chairman confirmed that an updated report on the Council’s climate emergency action plan would be provided at Full Council in November.

DECISION

Cabinet agreed to allocate £30k in the council 21/22 budget to fund consultancy costs required to prepare a report.

The purpose of this report is to seek Cabinet approval to move a proportion of ‘Trailblazer’ grant funding, ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ funds and ‘Healthy Eating’ funds that were placed in ear marked reserves, to support the delivery of projects set out in the agreed Supporting Communities Plan, delivering the “Here for Hart “programme

The request is to move the following amounts from capital to revenue budgets:

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Cabinet approve the transfer of Trailblazer monies (51,000), Workplace Wellbeing monies (£3,160) & Healthy Eating monies (£2,300) from ear marked reserves into the revenue budget line and that the Social Inclusion & Partnerships Manager be authorised to use funds to support the delivery of projects set out in the agreed Supporting Communities Plan, delivering the “Here for Hart “programme.

Cabinet approved the transfer of Trailblazer monies (51,000), Workplace Wellbeing monies (£3,160) & Healthy Eating monies (£2,300) from ear marked reserves into the revenue budget line and that the Social Inclusion & Partnerships Manager be authorised to use funds to support the delivery of projects set out in the agreed Supporting Communities Plan, delivering the “Here for Hart“ programme.

Members were presented with a report requesting approval to move a proportion of ‘Trailblazer’ grant funding, ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ funds and ‘Healthy Eating’ funds that were placed in ear marked reserves, to support the delivery of projects set out in the agreed Supporting Communities Plan, delivering the “Here for Hart” programme

It was requested to move the following amounts from capital to revenue budgets:

Members requested clarity on the programme’s delivery of projects and the possibility of the reallocation of funds.  It was confirmed that these funds are not restricted to Hart’s residents and can be reallocated but will be focused on Hart residents whilst working with multi agencies in neighbouring districts.  It is to support the “Here for Hart” programme and will work with partners in the community.

DECISION

Cabinet approved the transfer of Trailblazer monies (51,000), Workplace Wellbeing monies (£3,160) & Healthy Eating monies (£2,300) from ear marked reserves into the revenue budget line and that the Social Inclusion & Partnerships Manager be authorised to use funds to support the delivery of projects set out in the agreed Supporting Communities Plan, delivering the “Here for Hart“ programme.

To consider the Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule (PDCS) for public consultation.

RECOMMENDATION

That Cabinet:

1.    Approves the Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix 5) for public consultation; and

2.    Authorises the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place to make any necessary minor corrections prior to consultation.

That Cabinet:

1      Approved the Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix 5) for public consultation; and

2      Authorised the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place to make any necessary minor corrections prior to consultation.

This report required Cabinet approval of the Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule (PDCS) for public consultation.  This information had been debated by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 19 October 2021.

Members were advised that the charges identified in the paper were based on the viability assessment and the amount each development can afford to contribute towards the infrastructure.  The proposed rate is mid-way between charges made by neighbouring authorities which has been benchmarked following technical assessments and viability of the work for attainable value, but these can be changed at subsequent dates in the future.  Setting the rate at a sensible level will aid setting the schemes delivery with full commitment to enable achieving a higher percentage of impact on the scheme as a whole.

Members requested details on the communication plan for the public consultation and were informed that there is a local plan database comprising of developers, agencies, statutory bodies and members of the public.  Social media channels and a press release would be targeted to engage further with the development industry.

Further clarification was sought over charging a rate range or a flat rate across the district and on evaluation during the consultation period, the flat rate level deemed more feasibly justified as a district.

DECISION

That Cabinet:

1      Approved the Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule (attached as Appendix 5) for public consultation; and

2      Authorised the Head of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place to make any necessary minor corrections prior to consultation.

This report sets out the intent in Spring 2022 to progress with a factual assessment of the current Hart Local Plan (Strategy & Sites) 2032 (the Local Plan) which was adopted in April 2020. The assessment will decide at what point it would be right to consider a review of the Local Plan in line with the latest government guidance on local plan reviews.

The report also addresses the future of the current work associated with the Shapley Heath Garden Community (SHGC).

Finally, the report recommends that a comprehensive evidence-based study is commissioned to review the potential capacity within the district’s settlements to accommodate future growth. The study will seek to identify regeneration opportunities, the potential for intensification of development, as well review as the scale of brownfield land available to meet any future need for new homes.

RECOMMENDATION

1.     A Local Plan review assessment is carried out once any ‘Planning Bill’ has passed through Parliament and the Government has issued any associated updated guidance.

2.    That the Shapley Heath Garden Community Project is concluded with immediate effect but that existing baseline studies and surveys proceed to completion and be published early in the new year.

3.    Cabinet agrees to the principle of seeking the commissioning of a ‘Settlement Capacity and Intensification Study’ to be funded through a drawn down from the Local Plan reserve.

Cabinet agreed:

1.    A Local Plan review assessment to be carried out once any ‘Planning Bill’ has passed through Parliament and the Government has issued any associated updated guidance.

2.    That Notice of termination under the provisions of paragraph 13.5 of the Shapley Heath Collaboration Agreement be given to L&Q Estates Limited and Lightwood Land Limited and that following the expiry of the 21-day Notice period the Shapley Heath Garden Community Project is concluded with immediate effect but that existing baseline studies and surveys proceed to completion and be published early in the new year.

3.    To the principle of seeking the commissioning of a ‘Settlement Capacity and Intensification Study’ to be funded through a draw down from the Local Plan reserve.

Cabinet were presented with a report setting out the intent in Spring 2022 to progress with a factual assessment of the current Hart Local Plan (Strategy & Sites) 2032 (the Local Plan) which was adopted in April 2020. The assessment will decide at what point it would be right to consider a review of the Local Plan in line with the latest government guidance on local plan reviews.

The report also addressed the future of the current work associated with the Shapley Heath Garden Community (SHGC) and the conclusion of the Project.

Finally, the report recommended that a comprehensive evidence-based study be commissioned to review the potential capacity within the district’s settlements to accommodate future growth.  The study will seek to identify regeneration opportunities, the potential for intensification of development, as well as review the scale of brownfield land available to meet any future need for new homes.

Assessment of the current local plan will enable checking that the current plan is still on track to be delivered with updates on clearer guidelines for our climate change requirements.

Members challenged the costs involved in the studies of the assessment of the local plan and were assured the figures will be brought back to Cabinet in a report for further review.

Members questioned the timescale of the announcement of the Government Planning Bill and updated guidance available.  This will assist regeneration opportunities from areas defined in our neighbourhood plans and availability of delivering these objectives.  Our current local plan serves well and continues to offer protection to significant changes.

An adjusted to the recommendation was made, for the conclusion of the Shapley Heath Garden Community Project to reflect the obligation to give all parties 21 days' notice of the termination of the project.

DECISION

Cabinet agreed:

1.    A Local Plan review assessment to be carried out once any ‘Planning Bill’ has passed through Parliament and the Government has issued any associated updated guidance.

2.    That Notice of termination under the provisions of paragraph 13.5 of the Shapley Heath Collaboration Agreement be given to L&Q Estates Limited and Lightwood Land Limited and that following the expiry of the 21-day Notice period the Shapley Heath Garden Community Project is concluded with immediate effect but that existing baseline studies and surveys proceed to completion and be published early in the new year.

3.    To the principle of seeking the commissioning of a ‘Settlement Capacity and Intensification Study’ to be funded through a draw down from the Local Plan reserve.

To update Cabinet with regards to the work being undertaken by the Civic Quarter Regeneration Work Group and seek Cabinet’s approval to further funding to enable the next stages, as proposed, around public engagement.

RECOMMENDATION

That 24K is allocated in the council 21/22 budget, to fund consultancy costs, and other resource requirements (website, publications, media and analysis) to enable an effective public engagement with regard to the Civic Quarter.

Members agreed that 24K be allocated in the council 21/22 budget, to fund consultancy costs, and other resource requirements (website, publications, media and analysis) to enable an effective public engagement with regard to the Civic Quarter.

Cabinet were updated on the work being undertaken by the Civic Quarter Regeneration Working Group and Cabinet’s approval was requested for further funding to enable the next stages, as proposed, around public engagement.

Engagement would involve presenting the best ideas of what could be achieved in the Civic Quarter and will involve framing positive dialogue with residents in our community.

It was suggested that it would be helpful to reconsider live streaming the meetings of the civic regeneration working group and include more open forums for public discussions.  The Chairman of the working group agreed this would be implemented further down the line subject to any elements of commercial sensitivities which may need to be considered.

Critical factors for the success of this project would focus on the civic quarter due to the amount of sizable assets and land holdings by the council to engage reinvigoration.  Wider areas of fleet would benefit from the regeneration of the civic quarter.

DECISION

Members agreed that 24K be allocated in the council 21/22 budget, to fund consultancy costs, and other resource requirements (website, publications, media and analysis) to enable an effective public engagement with regard to the Civic Quarter.

To seek Cabinet approval for a pilot Councillor Community Grant which would support the Council’s Corporate Plan priority of supporting both healthy communities and people.  This would enable the introduction of ward-based approach to funding projects, which in the pilot year, would support the coming together of our communities, after a long period of social separation, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. It also supports our equality objectives through funding projects that encourages community cohesion.

RECOMMENDATION

That Cabinet approves the policy for adopting a ward-based approach for awarding of Ward based community grants, as attached at appendix one, for the purpose of a one year trial specifically to bring communities together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

That Cabinet approved the policy for adopting a ward-based approach for awarding of Ward based community grants, as attached at appendix one, for the purpose of a one year trial specifically to bring communities together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Members considered the approval for a pilot Councillor Community Grant which would support the Council’s Corporate Plan priority, of supporting both healthy communities and people.  This grant would enable the introduction of ward-based approach to funding projects, which in the pilot year, would support the coming together of our communities, after a long period of social separation, to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. It also supports our equality objectives through funding projects that encourages community cohesion.

The grant money available in this scheme is restricted and what isn’t spent will be returned to the “Here for Hart” budget and used within the community in other ways.  The publicity and funds allocated within this scheme would only be available and recognised at the time of the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

Members were concerned about the use of these funds for more practical and strategic ideas and if the amount per ward set would be a significant amount.  The Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Jane Worlock, spoke in support of this community grant scheme and suggested Parishes use these funds joined with other Parish funds towards individual communities’ celebrations across the wider demographic area.

DECISION

That Cabinet approved the policy for adopting a ward-based approach for awarding of Ward based community grants, as attached at appendix one, for the purpose of a one year trial specifically to bring communities together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

To consider the emerging budget for 2022/23 and the draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in line with the timetable set out in the Overview and Scrutiny meeting of the 17August 2021 and to approve the recommendations below.

RECOMMENDATION

1.    That the revised MTFS including Level One savings as shown at paragraph 3.4 is noted.

2.    The Level Two business cases contained in Appendix One are discussed and approval provided for implementation.

3.    The MTFS including Level One and Two savings shown at paragraph 6.4 is noted.

4.    The detailed timetable for 2022/23 budget setting be approved.

5.    Recruitment Management as detailed in paragraph 5.4 is agreed.

Appendix One is exempt from publication

That Cabinet agreed to implement with immediate effect:

1      The revised MTFS including Level One savings as shown at paragraph 3.4 are noted.

2      The Level Two business cases contained in Appendix One were discussed and agreed.

3      The MTFS including Level One and Two savings shown at paragraph 6.4 are noted.

4      The detailed timetable for 2022/23 budget setting approved.

5      Recruitment to vacant posts will only be made with relevant portfolio-holder consultation and be reported as part of the quarterly budget monitoring process.

Appendix One is exempt from publication

Cabinet considered the emerging budget for 2022/23 and the draft Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) in line with the timetable set out in the Overview and Scrutiny meeting of 17August 2021.

The Government settlement promised had not yet been secured at this time and is expected by the end of the year.  Spending power on average is increasing across local Government and it looks like we will have up to a 2% full referendum council tax cap on district councils.  There is 3% indexation with a 3% increase for all contracts and salary increases have been factored into the figures.

Members asked what schemes were in place to enhance climate change, and were advised that policies and procedures were already in place to allow incentives to use sustainable travel with cycle to work schemes and the use of EVs as well as rates in place to encourage car share for working towards decreasing decarbonisation.  Members considered the Member’s IT allowance being replaced with IT equipment supplied and the advantages of this implementation.

DECISION

That Cabinet agreed to implement with immediate effect:

1      The revised MTFS including Level One savings as shown at paragraph 3.4 are noted.

2      The Level Two business cases contained in Appendix One were discussed and agreed.

3      The MTFS including Level One and Two savings shown at paragraph 6.4 are noted.

4      The detailed timetable for 2022/23 budget setting approved.

5      Recruitment to vacant posts will only be made with relevant portfolio-holder consultation and be reported as part of the quarterly budget monitoring process.

Appendix One is exempt from publication

To consider and amend the Cabinet Work Programme.

The Cabinet Work Programme was considered and amended as follows:

An additional paper was highlighted and would be added on the topic of the Project Integra Joint Municipal Waste Strategy for January 2022.