Agenda, decisions and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 November 2022 were submitted and approved and the Chair was authorised to sign them as a correct record.

None were reported.

Councillors Holt declared a personal, non-prejudicial interest in agenda item 10 (Council Tax Base and Non-Domestic Rates income for 2023/24) as his employer (Your Eastbourne BID) had association with business rates collected. He remained in the room and voted on the item.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor David Tutt

(Non-key decision):

To note the progress of measures taken to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, updating them on steps taken to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

Thanks were expressed to all those involved for the measures taken, as set out in the report.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

To note the progress of measures taken to support residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

Reason for decision:

The Council has committed to a range of ongoing measures which are supporting residents and organisations across the Borough.

Part A - Portfolio Progress and Performance

Report of Chief Finance Officer

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 2022-23, as set out in Part A of this 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, updating members on the Council’s performance against Corporate Plan priority actions, performance indicators and targets for the second quarter of the year 2022-23.

Thanks were expressed to the Service Delivery team for their work during the quarter in collecting council tax and business rates, particular given the current economic climate.

Part B of the report detailed the Council’s financial performance for the same quarter. The Council awaited the details of the financial statement from central government, that was expected later this month.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To note the achievements and progress against Corporate Plan priorities for 2022-23, as set out in Part A of this 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 the specific aspects of the Council’s progress and performance.

Report of Director of Service Delivery

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Alan Shuttleworth

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) To recommend to Full Council that the 2022/23 Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme be adopted as the 2023/24 scheme.

(2) Subject to Full Council adoption of the Scheme, Cabinet grants the Director of Service Delivery delegated authority–

(a) to implement the Scheme, such delegated authority to include any measures necessary for or incidental to its management and administration; and

(b) if necessary, and in accordance with paragraph 2.3, to amend the Scheme in consultation with the Lead Member for Direct Assistance Services.

(3) That the Exceptional Hardship Scheme continues in 2023/24 subject to funds being available.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery, seeking their recommendation to Full Council that the 2022/23 Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme is adopted as the 2023/24 scheme.

Thanks were expressed to the Scrutiny Committee for their observations at the meeting on 5 December 2022.

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) To recommend to Full Council that the 2022/23 Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme be adopted as the 2023/24 scheme.

(2) Subject to Full Council adoption of the Scheme, Cabinet grants the Director of Service Delivery delegated authority–

(a) to implement the Scheme, such delegated authority to include any measures necessary for or incidental to its management and administration; and

(b) if necessary, and in accordance with paragraph 2.3, to amend the Scheme in consultation with the Lead Member for Direct Assistance Services.

(3) That the Exceptional Hardship Scheme continues in 2023/24 subject to funds being available.

Reason for decisions:

The Council must review the scheme each year and adopt a scheme for the coming financial year.

Report of Chief Finance Officer

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Stephen Holt

(Key decision):

(1) To agree the provisional Council Tax Base of 35,294.8 for 2023/24.

(2) To agree that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Financial Services, determine the final amounts for the Council Tax Base for 2023/24.

(3) To agree that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, determine net yield from Business Rate income for 2023/24.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer, asking them to approve the Council Tax Base and net yield from Business Rate Income for 2023/24 in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 5 December 2022, supported the officer recommendations to Cabinet, subject the following, additional recommendation being considered.

(iv) That the Cabinet consider a review of the scope of the council tax base, including the parameters for exemptions and discounts that currently apply to Eastbourne Borough, and innovative schemes adopted by other authorities.

The Cabinet advised that this request was already actioned and part of the existing process, therefore was not required to be part of a formal resolution.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To agree the provisional Council Tax Base of 35,294.8 for 2023/24.

(2) To agree that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Financial Services, determine the final amounts for the Council Tax Base for 2023/24.

(3) To agree that the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, determine net yield from Business Rate income for 2023/24.

Reason for decisions:

Cabinet is required to approve the Tax Base which will be used for the purposes of calculating the 2023/24 Council Tax.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the ‘Eastbourne Carbon Neutral 2030’ Annual Update as attached at Appendix 1 to the report for publication on the website.

(2) To note progress to date on the strategy action plan as contained within Appendix 1.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, noting progress to date and seeking approval to publish the Annual Update, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

Partnership working had contributed to the delivery of a variety of regional and local projects, including the Communication Action at the E-Hive and the Sustainable Business and Solar Summit that took place in November.

Thanks were also expressed to Kate Richardson, Sustainability Lead and various partners for the work detailed in the report, and also Councillor Dow for his efforts when he was Cabinet member for Climate Change.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To approve the ‘Eastbourne Carbon Neutral 2030’ Annual Update as attached at Appendix 1 to the report for publication on the website.

(2) To note progress to date on the strategy action plan as contained within Appendix 1.

Reason for decisions:

To progress towards the aims of achieving Eastbourne Carbon Neutral 2030 as resolved in July 2019.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Colin Swansborough

(Key decision):

(1) To agree the publication and use of the Draft Local List of Planning Application Requirements contained at Appendix 1 & 2 to the report.

(2) To provide delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, to make minor or technical amendments to the Planning Local Validation List to its publication or as otherwise required following publication.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning, seeking their approval for the adoption and publication of the Council Local Validation List. The list outlined the supporting and evidential requirements of planning applications.

Resolved (Key decision):

(1) To agree the publication and use of the Draft Local List of Planning Application Requirements contained at Appendix 1 & 2 to the report.

(2) To provide delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, to make minor or technical amendments to the Planning Local Validation List to its publication or as otherwise required following publication.

Reasons for decisions:

(1) To publicise the Council’s expectation for the delivery of a robust planning application validation process.

(2) To make minor amendments to address technical, drafting issues or to take account of changing legislative requirements.