Agenda and decisions

Disclosure by councillors of personal interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the councillor regards the interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.

To deal with any questions received from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11 (if any).

The Cabinet is asked to formally approve the following appointment:

- Councillor Emily O’Brien to be appointed as the Council’s Water Champion

The appointment was approved under delegated authority by the Head of Democratic Services, in accordance with Council Procedure Rules, pending formal Cabinet approval.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Christine Robinson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the initiatives undertaken to date in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

(2) To agree that the coordination of cost-of-living responses and dedicated role continue for a further year.

(3) To agree a one-off grant of £20,000 for Lewes District Citizens Advice to support the continuation of specialist UC advice.

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the forecast outturn position for 2023-24 and associated risks.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Performance and the portfolio holder for finance to apply any budget virements required to effectively manage the overall budget.

(3) To note appendices 1 and 2 to the report.

Report of Director of Finance and Performance

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Chris Collier

(Non-key decision):

To note progress and performance for quarter 1 2023/24.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To note the progress made in delivering Community Wealth Building and to agree the new Delivery Plan set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) To note Lewes District Council’s application to join the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(Non-key decision):

(1) To continue to fund a business start-up programme to support local pre-start and early-stage enterprises with specialist provision built-in to a) help entrepreneurs understand what a socially productive business is, and b) support those wanting to pursue a social enterprise model.

(2) To approve a new budget of up to £105,000 for a 3-year period from April 2024, and invite suppliers to tender for the contract. The award will be subject to adoption of the final 24/25 budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(3) To approve the renaming of the ‘LEAP business start-up programme’ to ‘Lewes District start-up programme’.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(This report contains an exempt appendix. Any discussion of this must take place at item 17 following exclusion of the public.)

(Key decision):

(1) To approve the content of the Council’s Investment Plan (copy attached to the report) and authorise submission of the document to DLUHC by 15th September deadline.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Performance (S151 Officer) and the Lead Member for Finance, Assets and Community Wealth Building to take all necessary actions to progress the Pathfinder Pilot and to implement the Investment Plan, including determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Zoe Nicholson

(This report contains an exempt appendix. Any discussion of this must take place at item 18 following exclusion of the public.)

(Key decision):

(1) To note the progress of the Robinson Road waste and recycling depot capital development project, including the proposed Preferred Option showing at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Performance (S151 Officer), Lead Member for Finance, Assets and Community Wealth Building, and Lead Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, to carry out all necessary actions to facilitate the project within the capacity of the existing General Fund capital budget allocation of £5m including finalising the Preferred Option, financing, feasibility, planning, development, award of contract(s), and determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.

(3) To approve the lease of land at Lewes Road, Newhaven as part of the project proposals in line with the key terms outlined at Appendix 2 (Exempt),subject to such variations that may be agreed in the course of negotiations and to delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Performance (S151 Officer) and Lead Member for Finance, Assets and Community Wealth Building, to carry out all necessary actions to conclude that lease and any ancillary documentation including determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.