Items
No. |
Item |
65. |
Minutes PDF 128 KB
To approve as a correct record
the minutes of Cabinet held on 15 January 2020.
Minutes:
The minutes of the Cabinet
meeting held on 15 January 2020 were
approved as a correct record.
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66. |
Items of Urgent Business
To receive additional items
that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter
of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local
Government Act 1972.
Minutes:
There were no items of urgent
business.
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67. |
Declaration of Interests
Minutes:
There were no items of urgent
business.
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68. |
Statements by the Leader
Minutes:
The Leader began his statement
by describing how in April 2017 the Grays Public Space Protection
Order had been launched to tackle
problems such as street drinking and anti-social behaviour in
Grays. He felt these issues were caused
by a minority of people, but had a disproportionate negative effect
on residents, businesses, and people that shopped in Grays. He
stated that although there had been a mixed response, more
resources were now being used to support
the Public Space Protection Order such as additional Environmental
Enforcement Officers, more town-centre policing teams, and regular
walkthroughs of Grays. He stated that officers were currently
seeking an extension of the Order, and a consultation had been launched online for residents, businesses
and high-street users to have their say. The Leader urged people to
take part in the consultation, as resident feedback was needed. He felt that the Public Space Protection
Order was necessary as lots of future change and investment was
coming to Grays.
The Leader then discussed the recent Keep Britain Tidy (KBT)
awards, during which the Environmental Enforcement team had won
Team of the Year, at this nationally recognised event. He felt
this was testament to the commercial investment
that allowed for additional Environmental Enforcement
Officers. He added that the event had been very productive,
as it allowed for officers and Members to share ideas with other
boroughs, and bring back good ideas to Thurrock. The Leader also
congratulated Redbridge Council and Braintree Council for their
wins.
The Leader then outlined the Clean It, Cut It,
Fill It Update, and stated that since April 2019: 1568 potholes had
been filled (99% within target time); 987 fly-tips had been
cleared; 2996 tonnes of waste had been cleared; 3487 Fixed Penalty
Notices had been issued; 284 £400 fines had been issued; 268
people prosecuted for non-payment of on the spot fines; and 3
illegal encampments had been moved on. The Leader explained
that Thurrock Council would soon be going to court to make the
illegal encampment injunction permanent.
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69. |
Briefings on Policy, Budget and Other Issues
Minutes:
Councillor Watkins thanked the
environment team for their recent hard work dealing with Storm
Ciara, and highlighted that 17 trees had fallen due to the high
winds. He clarified that under the Tree Planting Strategy these
trees would be replaced on a like-for-like
basis, and added that another storm was due, and the team
would again be out working to tackle any fallen trees or debris.
The Leader extended his thanks to the team, and to landowners in
rural communities who had helped to remove trees that had fallen
across the road, as this helped keep the borough moving.
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70. |
Petitions submitted by Members of the Public
Minutes:
There had been no petitions
submitted by members of the public.
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71. |
Questions from Non-Executive Members
Minutes:
There had been no questions
submitted by Non-Executive Members.
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72. |
Matters Referred to the Cabinet for Consideration by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Minutes:
The Leader stated that one
item, Item 13: Fees and Charges Pricing Strategy 2020/21, had been referred from Overview and Scrutiny
Committees, so would be heard first.
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73. |
Fees and Charges Pricing Strategy 2020/21 PDF 151 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that it outlined the services provided by the
Council and the associated costs for 2020/21, as well as the
proposed price changes and removed charges. He stated that the fees
and charges outlined in the report helped the Council to meet its
long-term financial plan, and was an amalgamation of hard work
across every directorate in the Council. He stated that the
proposed fees and charges had been
benchmarked on market prices, and the market would continue
to be analysed throughout the year to ensure balance. He commented
that this report updated the Cabinet on specific fees and charges,
and ensured that no department ran at a loss.
The Leader invited Councillor Rigby to speak on the discussions
held at Cleaner, Greener and Safer (CGS) Overview and Scrutiny, as
she had been the Vice-Chair in the Chair for the meeting that
discussed the proposed fees and charges. Councillor Rigby explained
how officers had outlined the changes that were
proposed to fees and charges under the remit of CGS Overview
and Scrutiny Committee, and all recommendations had been agreed.
She highlighted that some Members of the Committee had felt concern
regarding the increase of charges relating to sport, but that it
had been explained to them as necessary to allow the department to
be cost-neutral, and discounts were available to those that met
certain criteria. She summarised and stated that no other issues
had been raised.
The Leader thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback, and felt that
it was good to see Overview and Scrutiny understand the reasons for
fees and charges increases to ensure cost neutrality. He added that
the Council had a duty to supply services to residents, and this
report would ensure that residents paid a fair price for those
services. Councillor Huelin highlighted the fee increase for hiring
rooms in libraries, and other commercial rents, but assured
residents that community groups and charities would pay a lower
fee. She added that Health and Wellbeing groups and the theatre
would also pay lower fees.
Councillor Watkins thanked Councillor Rigby for her feedback and
stated that he understood the concern of the Committee regarding
the sport fee increase. He commented that this increase would be a
phased approach over a number of years, and the Council would work
with groups and users to monitor the impact. He stated that the
Council had to ensure cost neutrality, but also had to ensure
services could continue to be supplied, and would receive the
necessary upkeep. Councillor Watkins added that a new sport and
leisure policy was currently being
developed which would show the Council’s commitment to
sport across the borough. He also mentioned the new enforcement
charges that were being added in this
report, such as to tackle engine idling, which would improve air
quality across the borough. He stated that the officers tackling
engine idling would use a considered approach, and would focus on
areas where drivers tended to idle, such as ...
view the full minutes text for item 73.
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74. |
Housing Development Options List (Decision: 110524) PDF 238 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson introduced
the report and stated that Site 20 from Appendix B had been
removed. He stated that the report detailed a list of sites, which
would help the Council to meet its target of 500 new council homes,
and clarified that all sites met the 3R’s policy of release,
retain or reuse. He added that some sites fell within his own ward,
but all sites would be going to further consultation and
investigation, and this report did not grant planning application.
Councillor Johnson stated that this policy was open and
transparent, with the process being previously agreed by Housing
Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet. He mentioned that if
the report were agreed it would give consent for investigatory
works, and not planning applications. Councillor Johnson clarified
that any sites identified would meet the previously agreed
criteria, and would go to a full consultation with residents and
Ward Councillors, and objections to specific sites could be made at
that stage. He clarified that no site identified within the report
was closer to development than any other, and some might be further
away from development, as could be dismissed once investigatory
work and consultation had been completed. Councillor Johnson stated
that Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee had discussed the
report last night, and debated every individual site. He stated
that the purpose of the report was not to discuss the merits or
drawbacks of each potential site, but to agree the recommendations
that they should go forward for further investigation. He
summarised and stated that the report was trying to be open and
transparent so residents and Councillors could see the next
stages.
The Leader stated that due to the general election and purdah, this
report had had to go to Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee
last night, rather than at their previous meetings, but felt it
would have been good to see the outcomes from their discussion.
Councillor Coxshall added that the policy of the 3R’s had
been agreed when the Conservatives had first taken power, as it was
important to shine a light on the reasons for decisions,
particularly regarding land. He mentioned that as there would be a
full consultation for each site, the outcomes of these could
present new ideas that may not have been previously considered. He
stated that it was important for members of the public and other
Councillors to see how decisions were being made.
Councillor Little stated that she had a non-pecuniary interest as
one of the proposed sites was in her ward, and echoed the Leaders
comments that it would have been good to see the minutes from
Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Councillor Little then
proposed that Site 19 be removed from the report, as she felt it
did not meet the 3Rs criteria, or the Cabinet agreed process, as
the suggested site contained private houses that were not owned by
the Council. She felt that the proposed Site 19 did not aid
regeneration of the area and would ...
view the full minutes text for item 74.
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75. |
Incorporation of South East Local Enterprise Partnership PDF 84 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader stated that as he
had a pecuniary interest in this item, he would not be voting and
would be removing himself from the room.
Councillor Gledhill left 8.07pm.
Councillor Hebb, as Deputy Leader, introduced the report
and stated that this outlined the governance processes for the
South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), and sought
agreement for it to become a limited company. He stated that SELEP
boosted job growth across the region, and helped to improve the
local economy. Councillor Coxshall highlighted the importance of
SELEP for Thurrock, and felt that Thurrock was already seeing the
results from schemes that had been
bought forward by SELEP.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Noted that the Council will become a
member of South East LEP Limited, with articles of association as
set out in Appendix 1.
2. Noted that the Council will sign the framework agreement as set
out in Appendix 2.
3. Agreed that the Leader will be the Council’s initial
member of the Board, with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and
Strategic Planning as alternate director.
4. Agreed that the Leader will be the Council’s initial
member of the Accountability Board, with the Portfolio Holder for
Regeneration and Strategic Planning as principal substitute.
Councillor Gledhill returned
8.09pm.
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76. |
Procurement of Transport and Highway Contracts PDF 85 KB
Minutes:
Councillor Maney introduced the
report and stated that it was a good news report as it ensured that
money could be spent on delivering the
Council’s priorities, and could procure the necessary works
contracts over the next 5 years, and deliver on the capital works
programme. He highlighted point 2.5 on page 68 of the agenda and
stated that this explained the rationale for the report, as
spending had increased to £60million in year 6, which was
over contract value and therefore needed a new procurement
exercise. He stated that Cabinet had agreed the process for
procurement in 2015.
The Leader stated that he felt glad to see this report come to
Cabinet as it helped deliver schemes such as Kerb It, upgrades to
Stonehouse Lane, and smaller projects
such as the installation of zebra crossings.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Delegated authority to the Director of Place and the Director of
Environment and Highways, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder
for Highways and Transportation, to decide the appropriate
procurement route for the delivery of the Transport and Highways
services and schemes for the next five years, commencing 1 April
2021.
2. Approved the process to commence procurement of Transport and
Highways services and schemes for a five-year period commencing 1
April 2021, which will be compliant with relevant EU Public
Procurement Regulation, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and
the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.
3. Delegated authority to the Director of Environment and Highways,
in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Place and Environment
and Highways, to award any contracts necessary for the delivery of
transportation and highways services for a five-year period
commencing 1 April 2021.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
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77. |
A13 East Facing Access Scheme Update (Decision: 110523) PDF 673 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Coxshall introduced
the report and stated that this scheme had been long awaited by
residents and Members alike, and felt it was good to see the scheme
moving forward. He clarified that approval had been received by the
Minister at the Conservative Party Conference, and could now
progress to the next stage of development. He explained that the
East facing access on A13 would relieve the problem of congestion,
particularly at the Treacle Mine Roundabout, Sainsbury’s
Roundabout and at junction 30/31 of the M25, as the new access
would mean that traffic could go straight from Lakeside onto the
A13. He described that the next stage in the process, if agreed by
Cabinet, would be to send the outline business case to the Minister
for them to make a decision on, and then work could begin quickly.
Councillor Coxshall mentioned that the proposed route of the LTC
also contained similar problems to the current Lakeside access
problems, as there was no local connectivity to the LTC, so
residents would have to travel to Stanford-le-Hope and back on
themselves to gain LTC access. He stated that Highways England were
currently undertaking a second round of consultation, and urged
residents to take part.
Councillor Watkins supported the recommendations as he felt that
the new East facing access would reduce congestion at the Dartford
Crossing, and help residents in Stifford and Chafford
Hundred, as traffic would not be diverted through their residential
areas. He added that this would also improve air quality in the
area, and 3-4 Air Quality Monitoring Stations were currently being
set up near to Lakeside and surrounding residential areas.
Councillor Mayes also supported the recommendations as he felt it
would reduce pollution, as the biggest pollutant in the borough was
traffic. He felt concerned regarding the LTC scheme put forward by
Highways England as he felt it would have a negative effect on
people’s health. He stated that the new East facing A13
access would benefit residents health as it would reduce congestion
on the M25, ensuring more free-flowing traffic and less
pollution.
The Leader highlighted that new traffic modelling projections
showed the new access scheme would reduce congestion in the area,
and at junction 30/31, by 40%. He stated that Thurrock remained
opposed to the LTC, but wanted to ensure that if it was built in
Thurrock, it was built right by design. He stated that the outline
business case would be submitted to government, but every year the
scheme was delayed cost more to the taxpayer, as the scheme
increased in price by £1million per year due to inflation.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Noted and endorsed the work undertaken to develop the A13 East
Facing Access scheme to date.
2. Noted and endorsed the Options Assessment process identifying
the sifting process and prioritisation of schemes for submission to
the Department for Transport.
3. Noted the funding implications associated with the A13 East
Facing Access scheme options, as set out in Section 7.
4. Agreed that the ...
view the full minutes text for item 77.
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78. |
Draft 2020/21 Budget Proposals & Medium Term Financial Strategy Update PDF 292 KB
Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that this was a budget for residents, and would
benefit elderly residents, mental health provision, infrastructure,
leisure provision, air quality, and other Council services. He
stated that the Council provided both statutory and discretionary
services for residents, and due to continued service review, the
budget would be balanced for the next
three years. He stated that Council would have a surplus of
£4.1million in 2020/21, a surplus of £1.4million in
2021/22, and a small surplus in 2022/23. Councillor Hebb compared
this to the budget in 2016/17 when services such as street
cleaning, the environment, and PCSO’s could not be funded, and the Council were running a
deficit. He stated that Thurrock were one of the lowest unitary
authorities in the country in terms of council tax, but were still
able to fund additional services from the General Fund such as new
policing teams, anti-social behaviour enforcement, and mental
health provision for schools. He highlighted that 97% of other
council’s had been unable to raise council tax under
inflation, and the proposed 1.49% council tax increase would be
ring-fenced for areas such as social services, and environmental
enforcement.
Councillor Hebb highlighted that the majority of councils
experienced pressure regarding social care funding, but Thurrock
had been able to continue to fund good quality services for elderly
and vulnerable residents. He stated that the proposed 2% social
care precept increase would go to services that needed it the most,
such as an additional 5% funding for the Adults, Housing and Health
directorate. He explained that Thurrock were also committed to
working with the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and had
promised an additional £700,000 for new police officers, as
well as the additional 20,000 police officers promised nationally
by the Prime Minister. He felt that these new police officers would
make town centres safer and green spaces more accessible for
residents. He added that £600,000 funding was also being given to the Youth Offending team to
reduce reoffending rates and deter crime; and £600,000 was
being given to deter illegal car parking on green spaces. He added
that £400,000 was being spent on
air quality, such as by implementing a new tree planting strategy,
new cycle ways, and new ‘switch-off’ engine zones. He
felt that this would have a positive impact on resident’s
health, as it would improve air quality and reduce the rates of
COPD.
Councillor Hebb added that £500,000 was
also being given to tackle mental health problems across the
borough, by introducing an early intervention mental health
service, which would intercept crises earlier. He mentioned that
regeneration projects were also occurring across the borough, and
improvements would be made to leisure
and sports facilities, to ensure residents remained in the borough
for their sport.
Councillor Hebb moved onto outline the capital plan, as good
infrastructure was needed to ensure that
residents could access services. He highlighted that a number of
infrastructure projects were already underway, such as the
Purfleet-on-Thames regeneration
...
view the full minutes text for item 78.
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79. |
Capital Strategy 2020/21 PDF 78 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that Thurrock Council had received
£31million in investment this year, which would increase to
£35million in the next financial year, and this money
was used to benefit residents and
services. He commented that this report confirmed the guidelines
used by officers, and Cabinet had agreed this process in October
2017, 2018 and 2019, with cross-party agreement. He stated that the
Council’s Spending Review received regular oversight of
investments, as well as Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee,
and all officers had to ensure due diligence when undertaken
investments, to reduce risk and increase security. He added that in
2018 and 2019, Full Council had agreed the limits for borrowing and
investment, and two separate external auditors had agreed on the
strategy and current spending levels. He clarified that 75% of debt
was short-term debt, and 25% was spent
on the capital programme, but that there were mechanisms in place
under the Minimum Revenue Position to pay these back and earn money
on investments.
Councillor Hebb highlighted an additional recommendation that
had been made by the Corporate Overview
and Scrutiny Committee for additional democratic oversight on
investments, and although he felt there was currently a robust
process, the Cabinet would work to review democratic oversight. He
stated that a piece of work would be undertaken by Governance Group
to work out the scope of this oversight, and what it might look
like, and this would be outlined in the next financial outturn
report.
The Leader welcomed the additional recommendation for increased
oversight, and felt pleased to see that a piece of work
would be undertaken regarding this. He
felt it was important for financial decisions to be appropriately
scrutinised, ensuring no confidentiality rules were broken. He also
felt pleased that the external auditors had shown no concern with
the process.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommended that Full Council:
1. Approve the Capital Strategy for 2020/21, including the approval
of the Annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) statement for
2020/21.
2. Approve the adoption of the prudential indicators as set out in
Appendix 1.
3. Notre the revised 2019/20 and 2020/21 Treasury Management
projections as set out in Annex 1, paragraph 2.32.
4. Considers the recommendation from the Corporate Overview and
Scrutiny Committee to further increase the democratic oversight of
investment activity.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to
call-in
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80. |
Housing Revenue Account - Business Plan and Budgets 2020/21 PDF 207 KB
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson introduced
the report and outlined how it considered rent and charges for the
coming financial year, to ensure that HRA stock could be financed
and maintained. He highlighted comments made by the Housing
Overview and Scrutiny Committee in section 7 of the report, and
stated that they had disagreed with the proposed increase in rent
and service charges. He felt that these increases were necessary as
they improved the quality and quantity of HRA stock. Councillor
Johnson then compared current rents, which averaged £87 per
week in 2019, with average rents in 2015/16, which had averaged
£90.18 week. He stated that even with the proposed rent
increase of an extra £2.36 per week for residents, rental
costs would still be less than in 2015/16 and would be the lowest
in Essex. He highlighted that the extra money raised through rent
increases would be used to fund projects such as external
decoration, new door entry systems to increase security, and garage
renovation or regeneration to decrease the amount of anti-social
behaviour. He stated that there had been lots of consultation with
residents regarding the proposed rent and service increases,
including with the Tenants Panel, and eight face-to-face
consultation sessions attended by the finance and housing teams,
which had been visited by 113 residents. He highlighted that these
increases were necessary to ensure a viable HRA budget, and ensure
that all tenants lived in safe and secure accommodation.
The Leader opened discussions and stated that HRA rent had
increased under the Labour administration, even though central
government had mandated year-on-year rent decreases. He highlighted
that if Cabinet agreed Housing Overview and Scrutiny
Committee’s recommendations to not increase rent and service
charges, then the Council would not be able to build as many new
council homes, undertake repairs, or facilitate new housing
projects, as the HRA would lose £2.3million income in
2020/21. He understood that some residents might find it difficult
to pay the extra rent increase, but Thurrock still had the lowest
rents in Essex, and HRA rents were cheaper than in the private
sector. Councillor Maney agreed that the rents should be increased,
as HRA rents were cheaper than private sector renting. He queried
why non-council tenants that paid rent on garages appeared to
receive a cheaper rate than council tenants and the Leader replied
that an answer would be provided in writing. Councillor Watkins
stated that residents depended on Thurrock services and policies,
and the proposed rent increase would help to fund these necessary
housing services.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Agreed the changes included in the base budget for
2020/21.
2. Agreed an increase in domestic rent of 2.7% in line with the
30-year HRA business plan from 6 April 2020.
3. Agreed a 2.7% increase in service charges for 2020/21.
4. Agreed the Leaseholder charges for Homeownership services, as
detailed in paragraph 5.8.
5. Agreed the changes to garage rents, as detailed in paragraph
3.11.
6. Agreed the approval process for specific acquisitions that
affect the HRA, ...
view the full minutes text for item 80.
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