Decisions

(Key decision):

(1) To note the progress of the Reimagining Newhaven Programme.

(2) To recommend a new budget of up to £2.5m to develop the proposals for 5-8 Newhaven Square as set out at Appendix 1 to the report (Exempt), subject to Full Council approval.

(3) To recommend a new budget of up to £4m, additional to the existing co-funding, to develop the extended proposals for 10 Newhaven Square as set out at Appendix 1 to the report (Exempt), subject to Full Council approval.

(4) To delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration and Planning, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance & Assets, Lead Member for Regeneration & Prosperity, and the Chief Finance Officer, to further the programme as follows including determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all related documentation:

• to make allocations within the General Fund Capital Programme, subject to agreed terms, leases, and business cases;

• to acquire vacant / under-utilised commercial property up to £1m within Newhaven town centre using existing approved budgets, including negotiating terms, subject to a business case;

• to progress programme delivery including feasibility, procurement, professional appointments, development, and award of contracts;

• to make investment(s) of up to £250k in new renewable energy solutions, within existing approved sustainability budgets, to support the programme, also the wider objectives of the Council, including any opportunities for the acquisition of third party company shares, subject to a business case, further legal advice, and full due diligence;

• to take all necessary steps to conclude leases, including financing and negotiation.

(5) To waive compliance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules in the event that the agreed rent for those leases exceeds £25,000 per annum for the reasons set out in this report.

(Key decision):

(1) That Cabinet approves the strategic approach presented and agrees as follows:

a. To purchase the Land at Landport Brooks to put Lewes District Council in a position to deliver a range of environmental, ecological, flood mitigation and health and wellbeing outcomes subject to valuation, legal advice and the usual due diligence.

b. To develop the business case to reflect that this is a long-term investment with environmental and potential commercial opportunities for LDC.

(2) That officers work with stakeholders and the community to deliver the best outcomes for the site, to achieve biodiversity gains, improving floodplain storage capacity and other environmental benefits.

(3) To authorise the Director of Service Delivery, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainability to carry out all necessary actions to facilitate the project including negotiating the purchase of the land and determining the terms of, and authorising the execution of, all necessary documentation.

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) The Housing Revenue Account budget for 2023/24 and revised 2022/23 budget as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) That social and affordable rents (including Shared Ownership) are increased by 7% in line with government policy issued in December 2022.

(3) That private sector leased property rents are increased by 7% (mirroring the approach to social and affordable rents).

(4) That the revised service charges are implemented.

(5) That garage rents are increased by 7%.

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

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) To approve the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2023/24 as set out at Appendix A to the report.

(2) To approve the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement 2023/24 as set out at paragraph 8 in the report.

(3) To approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators 2023/24 to 2025/26, as set out at paragraph 6 in the report.

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

Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):

(1) The General Fund Budget 2023/24 (original) and projected MTFS as set out at Appendix 1 to the report.

(2) The General Fund Budget 2022/23 (revised) as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.

(3) An increase in the Council Tax for Lewes District Council of 1% (per annum) resulting in a Band D charge for general expenses of £204.10 (per annum) for 2023/24.

(4). The revised General Fund Capital Programme 2023/24 as set out at Appendix 6 to the report.

(5) The rates of Fees and Charges proposed at Appendix 5 to the report to apply from 1 April 2023 and to implement changes to statutory fees and charges for services shown within Appendix 5 as and when notified by

Government.

(6) The Council introduce from 1 April 2024 a new discretionary council tax premium on second homes of up to 100% and apply a premium of up to 100% on homes which have been empty for longer than 1 year following the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill becoming law.

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

(Key decision):

(8) To give delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet member for finance and assets to make any late adjustments necessary following the announcement of final financial settlement, prior to Full Council submission.

(Non-key decision):

To note progress and performance for Quarter 3 2022/23.