Agenda, decisions and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2022 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

An apology for absence was reported from Councillor Whippy.

Councillor Holt declared a personal interest in agenda item 7 (Corporate performance – quarter 3 – 2021/22) as his employer, Your Eastbourne BID also monitored the data contained in key performance indicator 11. He remained in the room and voted on the item.

Part A - Portfolio Progress and Performance

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

Part B - Financial Performance

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the achievements and progress against Corporate Plan priorities for 2021-22, as set out in Part A of the report.

(2) To note the General Fund, HRA and Collection Fund financial performance for the quarter, as set out in Part B of the report.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer and Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Regeneration of Planning, updating members on the Council’s performance against Corporate Plan priority actions, performance indicators and targets for the third quarter of the year 2021/22.

Commentary on those performance indicators that were currently below target was detailed in the report. The Director of Service Delivery reported that since collection of quarter 3 data, the current average call response time was 49 seconds. The Council had also gone live with its new online chatbot functionality, and that had already received over 3000 enquiries.

Highlights for the quarter included average days to process new claims/change of circumstances for housing/council tax benefits and sign ups to Council social media channels. Thanks were conveyed to staff for their performance during this quarter.

Part B of the report detailed the Council’s financial performance for the same quarter.

Visiting member, Councillor Smart, addressed the Cabinet on this item. In response to comments made, Councillor Holt advised that the Director of Service Delivery had agreed to forward a breakdown of the £1.6 million variance for Service Delivery at the end of December 2021, following the meeting.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To note the achievements and progress against Corporate Plan priorities for 2021-22, as set out in Part A of the report.

(2) To note the General Fund, HRA and Collection Fund financial performance for the quarter, as set out in Part B of the report.

Reason for decisions:

To enable Cabinet members to consider specific aspects of the Council’s progress and performance.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

(Non-key decision):

(1) To authorise the incorporation of a Local Connection Eligibility Test on the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register.

(2) To authorise the start of a re-registering process for all individuals and associations currently on the Register.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, seeking its approval to include Local Connection Eligibility on the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To authorise the incorporation of a Local Connection Eligibility Test on the Self-Build and Custom Housebuilding Register.

(2) To authorise the start of a re-registering process for all individuals and associations currently on the Register.

Reason for decisions:

(1) The proposal to implement a Local Connection Test to the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Register is important in informing the emerging EBC Local Plan.

(2) The proposal would meet the requirements of the Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Act 2015 (as amended by the Housing and Planning Act 2016) and subsequent Self-build and Custom Housebuilding Regulations 2016.