Agenda, decisions and minutes

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet - Wednesday, 9th February, 2022 6.00 pm

Venue: Court Room at Eastbourne Town Hall, Grove Road, BN21 4UG

Contact: Committee Services on 01323 415021 

Items
No. Item

38.

Minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2021 pdf icon PDF 150 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2021 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

39.

Apologies for absence

Minutes:

An apology for absence was reported from Councillor Whippy.

40.

Declaration of members' interests

Minutes:

Councillor Holt declared a personal interest in agenda item 14 (Eastbourne & Lewes Community Safety Partnership – Annual Report (Eastbourne) due to his role with Your Eastbourne BID (Business Improvement District). He remained in the room and voted on the item.

41.

Questions by members of the public

On matters not already included on the agenda and for which prior notice has been given (total time allowed 15 minutes). 

Minutes:

The Cabinet received a public question from Gaynor Sedgewick, in relation to the repair and restoration of Eastbourne Bandstand. A verbal response was provided by Councillor Tutt at the meeting.

42.

Assurance Review pdf icon PDF 348 KB

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor David Tutt

Decision:

(Key decision):

 

(1) To note and accept the CIPFA assurance review.

 

(2) To note and endorse the CIPFA recommendations subject to the comments and observations set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

 

(3) To incorporate agreed recommended actions arising from the CIPFA assurance review into the overall Recovery and Reset programme’s priority-based budget proposals, and to reflect this in the upcoming 2022/23 refresh of the corporate plan.

 

(4) To continue consideration of priority asset disposals in order to meet the obligations and commitments set out in this report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer, covering the findings and recommendations of the CIPFA assurance review.

 

Visiting members, Councillors Shore and Smart, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

 

Resolved (Key decision):

 

(1) To note and accept the CIPFA assurance review.

 

(2) To note and endorse the CIPFA recommendations subject to the comments and observations set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

 

(3) To incorporate agreed recommended actions arising from the CIPFA assurance review into the overall Recovery and Reset programme’s priority-based budget proposals, and to reflect this in the upcoming 2022/23 refresh of the corporate plan.

 

(4) To continue consideration of priority asset disposals in order to meet the obligations and commitments set out in this report.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

To enable the Recovery and Reset programme to continue in a structured way whilst incorporating the CIPFA assurance review recommendations, and meeting the capitalisation challenges.

43.

Recovery and Reset Programme pdf icon PDF 301 KB

Report of Chief Executive

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor David Tutt

Decision:

(Non-key decision):

 

(1) To note the progress made with the Recovery and Reset Programme

 

(2) To note the Recovery and Reset savings (including the Priority Based Budget savings) at Appendix A to the report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive, updating it on progress of the Recovery and Reset Programme.

 

Visiting member, Councillor Shore, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

 

Thanks were conveyed to Officers and Cabinet members for their work as part of the Recovery and Reset Programme, that had led to an overachievement on the 2021/22 savings target, which had contributed to reducing the gap forecast in 2022/23.

 

Resolved (Non-key decision):

 

(1) To note the progress made with the Recovery and Reset Programme

 

(2) To note the Recovery and Reset savings (including the Priority Based Budget savings) at Appendix A.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

The Recovery and Reset Programme provides a structured and accountable approach for delivering the level of significant organisational change needed to respond to current and future challenges. This work is sufficiently developed for its management and oversight to now form part of the council’s business as usual activity.

44.

General Fund Revenue Budget 2022/23 and Capital Programme pdf icon PDF 708 KB

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

Additional documents:

Decision:

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

 

(1) The General Fund budget for 2021/22 (Revised) and 2022/23 (original).

 

(2) An increase in the Council Tax for Eastbourne Borough Council of 1.99% (per annum) resulting in a Band D charge for general expenses of £261.85 (per annum) for 2022/23.

 

(3) The revised General Fund capital programme 2022/23 as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

 

(4) That Cabinet endorses the continuation of the Flexible use of Capital Receipts and refers on to Council for approval.

 

(5) To note the section 151 Officer’s sign off as outlined in the report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer, asking it to recommend to Full Council, the updated General Fund budget and updated Medium Term Financial Strategy, together with the updated Capital Programme position. The proposed 1.99% rise in council tax would enable the council to continue delivering essential frontline services to residents and businesses in the wake of the huge impact Covid-19 had left on its finances.

 

Visiting member, Councillor Smart, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

 

In presenting the report, Councillor Holt advised of an amendment to the Band D charge, as originally set out in officer recommendation (2) of the report. This was unanimously accepted by Cabinet and detailed below.

 

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

 

(1) The General Fund budget for 2021/22 (Revised) and 2022/23 (original).

 

(2) An increase in the Council Tax for Eastbourne Borough Council of 1.99% (per annum) resulting in a Band D charge for general expenses of £261.85 (per annum) for 2022/23.

 

(3) The revised General Fund capital programme 2022/23 as set out at Appendix 3 to the report.

 

(4) That Cabinet endorses the continuation of the Flexible use of Capital Receipts and refers on to Council for approval.

 

(5) To note the section 151 Officer’s sign off as outlined in the report.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

The Cabinet must recommend to Full Council the setting of a revenue budget and associated Council tax for the forthcoming financial year by law.

45.

Treasury Management and Prudential Indicators 2022/23, Capital Strategy & Investment Strategy pdf icon PDF 380 KB

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

Additional documents:

Decision:

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

 

(1) To approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 as set out at Appendix A to the report;

 

(2) To approve the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement 2022/23 as set out at paragraph 8 in the report.

 

(3) To approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2022/23 to 2024/25, as set out at paragraph 6 in the report.

 

(4) To approve the Capital Strategy set out at Appendix E to the report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Office, asking it to recommend the Council’s Annual Treasury Management Strategy, Capital Strategy and Investment Strategy together with the Treasury and Prudential Indicators to Full Council.

 

Visiting member, Councillor Smart, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

 

Thanks were conveyed to the Deputy Chief Finance Officer and the Finance team for their work as outlined in the report.

 

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

 

(1) To approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 as set out at Appendix A to the report;

 

(2) To approve the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement 2022/23 as set out at paragraph 8 in the report.

 

(3) To approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2022/23 to 2024/25, as set out at paragraph 6 in the report.

 

(4) To approve the Capital Strategy set out at Appendix E to the report.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

It is a requirement within the budget setting process for the Council to review and approve the Prudential and Treasury indicators, Treasury Strategy, Capital Strategy and Investment Strategy.

46.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Revenue Budget and Rent Setting 2022/23 and HRA Capital Programme 2021-25 pdf icon PDF 309 KB

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

Additional documents:

Decision:

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) The HRA budget for 2022/23 and revised 2021/22 budget as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

(2) That social and affordable rents (including Shared Ownership) are increased by 4.1% in line with government policy.

 

(3) That the average General Needs Housing Benefit (HB) Eligible service charge will be £5.04 per week

 

(4) That the average HB Eligible service charge for Retirement Housing will be £35.85 per week

 

(5) That the Support charge for Retirement Housing will be £5.44 per unit.

 

(6) That the average Non-HB Eligible heating charges will be £3.49 per week.

 

(7) That the average non-HB Eligible water charges will be £3.33.

 

(8) That Garage rents are increased by 4.86% (September RPI).

 

(9) To grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio holders for Financial Services and Direct Assistance Service and the Chief Finance Officer to finalise Eastbourne Homes’ Management Fee and Delivery Plan.

 

(10) The HRA Capital Programme as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer, asking it to recommend to Full Council, the detailed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget proposals, rent levels, service charges and heating costs for 2022/23, and the HRA Capital Programme 2021-25.

 

The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning added that the Council would be looking to support those that would be experiencing hardship as a result of the increase in the cost of living.   

 

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) The HRA budget for 2022/23 and revised 2021/22 budget as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

(2) That social and affordable rents (including Shared Ownership) are increased by 4.1% in line with government policy.

 

(3) That the average General Needs Housing Benefit (HB) Eligible service charge will be £5.04 per week

 

(4) That the average HB Eligible service charge for Retirement Housing will be £35.85 per week

 

(5) That the Support charge for Retirement Housing will be £5.44 per unit.

 

(6) That the average Non-HB Eligible heating charges will be £3.49 per week.

 

(7) That the average non-HB Eligible water charges will be £3.33.

 

(8) That Garage rents are increased by 4.86% (September RPI).

 

(9) To grant delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio holders for Financial Services and Direct Assistance Service and the Chief Finance Officer to finalise Eastbourne Homes’ Management Fee and Delivery Plan.

 

(10) The HRA Capital Programme as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

The Cabinet has to recommend to Full Council the setting of the HRA revenue and capital budget and the level of social and affordable housing rents for the forthcoming year.

 

47.

Litter and Fly-tipping Reduction Strategy 2022 - 2027 pdf icon PDF 247 KB

Report of Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

Additional documents:

Decision:

(Key decision):

 

(1) To approve the Litter and Fly-tipping Reduction Strategy 2022-2027set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

(2) To approve the associated Action Plan, set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery, setting out the council’s approach to reducing litter, fly-tipping, graffiti and associated environmental issues. The Strategy detailed the council’s commitment to tackling fly-tipping, littering, graffitiing and dog fouling through education, investigation, and enforcement activity where there is evidence of environmental crimes.

 

Visiting member, Councillor Shore, addressed the Cabinet on this item.

 

Resolved (Key decision):

 

(1) To approve the Litter and Fly-tipping Reduction Strategy 2022-2027set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

(2) To approve the associated Action Plan, set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

 

Reason for decision:

 

To reduce littering in Eastbourne, with the majority of residents viewing it as totally unacceptable. Volunteer litter picking groups feel supported by the council and all residents value the council’s work to tackle litter, dog fouling, fly-tipping and graffiti.

48.

Eastbourne Public Spaces Protection (Anti-social Driving) Order 2022 pdf icon PDF 871 KB

Report of Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Rebecca Whippy

Decision:

(Key decision):

 

(1) To approve, as a draft only, the Public Spaces Protection Order (the Order) as set out at Appendix B to the report.

 

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery:

 

i.               to carry out statutory consultation on the draft Order;

ii.              if necessary, to amend the draft Order in light of consultation responses and seek approval from the Lead Cabinet Member for Disabilities and Community Safety;

iii.             to make and publicise the definitive Order in accordance with relevant legislation;

iv.            to put in place arrangements, including with external parties, to enforce the Order; and

v.              to keep the Order under review; to bring to Cabinet any variation considered necessary to the Order during its three-year term; and at the end of that term extend the period for which it has effect, if considered necessary on statutory grounds.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery, enabling it to consider a proposal to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to address the incidence of anti-social driving in several locations across Eastbourne.

 

The Director of Service Delivery confirmed that Sussex Police had confirmed that they would be able to provide the level of enforcement required, should the Order be implemented.

 

Resolved (Key decision):

 

(1) To approve, as a draft only, the Public Spaces Protection Order (the Order) as set out at Appendix B to the report.

 

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery:

 

i.               to carry out statutory consultation on the draft Order;

ii.              if necessary, to amend the draft Order in light of consultation responses and seek approval from the Lead Cabinet Member for Disabilities and Community Safety;

iii.             to make and publicise the definitive Order in accordance with relevant legislation;

iv.            to put in place arrangements, including with external parties, to enforce the Order; and

v.              to keep the Order under review; to bring to Cabinet any variation considered necessary to the Order during its three-year term; and at the end of that term extend the period for which it has effect, if considered necessary on statutory grounds.

 

Reason for decisions:

 

To address the incidence of anti-social driving in a number of locations across Eastbourne.

49.

Eastbourne & Lewes Community Safety Partnership - Annual Report (Eastbourne) pdf icon PDF 736 KB

Report of Director of Service Delivery
Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Rebecca Whippy

Decision:

(Non-key decision):

 

To note the achievements and activities of the Eastbourne and Lewes Community Safety Partnership in 2021/22.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery, detailing the 2021/22 performance of the Eastbourne and Lewes Community Safety Partnership (E&LCSP). 3.4 of the report detailed that the Borough continued to be a relatively low crime area. With a rate of 82 crimes per 1000 people, the Borough was ranked as the third safest when compared with similar districts and borough.

 

Councillor Holt declared a personal interest in this item. He remained in the room and voted on the item.

 

Resolved (Non-key decision):

 

To note the achievements and activities of the Eastbourne and Lewes Community Safety Partnership in 2021/22.

 

Reason for decision:

 

To consider progress on delivery of the current Community Safety Plan.

50.

A Coastal Concordat for England pdf icon PDF 278 KB

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning and Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

Decision:

(Key decision):

 

(1) To adopt the Coastal Concordat (as December 2019)

 

(2) That authority be given to the Cabinet member for climate change, place services and special projects to sign a letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirming Eastbourne Borough Council’s adoption of the Coastal Concordat.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning and Director of Service Delivery, seeking approval for Eastbourne Borough Council to adopt and be a signatory to the Coastal Concordat.

 

Resolved (Key decision):

 

(1) To adopt the Coastal Concordat (as December 2019)

 

(2) That authority be given to the Cabinet member for climate change, place services and special projects to sign a letter to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs confirming Eastbourne Borough Council’s adoption of the Coastal Concordat.

 

Reason for decision:

 

To enable benefit to be gained from a streamlined planning system in relation to coastal applications.