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Decisions

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Decisions published

18/07/2022 - Approval of additional Licensing Fee 2022/23. ref: 895    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 18/07/2022 - Lewes District Council Full Council

Decision published: 04/08/2022

Effective from: 18/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Robinson (as Deputy Chair of the Licensing Committee) moved and Councillor Macleod (as Chair of the Licensing Committee) seconded the recommendation to Full Council made by the Licensing Committee on 7 July 2022 to approve the licensing fee proposed for 6 monthly DBS check of £65, and which would come in effect in September 2022. This was an increase to cover the cost of administration.

 

It was emphasised that the intention over time was to encourage taxi drivers to use the Government online form for the DBS check which would save the taxi drivers money.

 

The matter was put to a vote and carried by 34 votes to 0 with 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED: To approve the Licensing Fee of £65 for the 6 monthly DBS check.

 

 


18/07/2022 - Motion on Cost of Living. ref: 897    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 18/07/2022 - Lewes District Council Full Council

Decision published: 04/08/2022

Effective from: 18/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Banks moved and Councillor Makepeace seconded the motion on the cost of living crisis, as set out on the agenda.

 

The motion was debated across the Council, and there were different views on how to tackle the crisis.  However, no formal amendment was put forward to the meeting

 

The motion was put to a vote and carried by 22 votes to 0, with 13 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED –

 

This Council:

 

1.    Recognises that more can be done and therefore declares a ‘Cost of Living Emergency’.

 

2.    It asks the Leader of the Council to write to Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask for Lewes District residents to get extra help and support by:

 

a)    Immediately reducing the standard rate of VAT from 20% to 17.5% for one year, saving the average family £600.

 

b)    Immediately restoring the Universal Credit supplement of £20 and doubling that uplift, which was cancelled by the Government in 2021; and reverses the cuts to Working Tax Credit.

 

c)    Note the imposition of the ‘Windfall Tax’ on the super profits of oil and gas companies but raise the concern that this needs to be directed at those on the lowest incomes.

 

d)    Extending free school meals to all families.

 

e)    Urging the introduction of a price cap for LPG and heating oil under OFGEN regulation while supporting alternative heating such as air source heat pumps. 

 

f)     Call on the Government to introduce a £25bn fund to enable Councils to insulate council homes and homeowner homes.

 

In addition, this Council will:

 

a)    Arrange a local Cost-of-Living Emergency Summit, with stakeholders, including Citizens Advice, Food Banks, Chambers of Commerce and Trade Unions and invite local MPs to attend this hybrid meeting.

 

b)    Develop a Food and Fuel Action Plan that clarifies and captures all actions tackling the Cost of Living of Crisis.

 

c)    Examine the potential for strengthening any technical advice on the use of renewable heating sources such as air source heat pumps instead of fossil fuels in advance of the Local Plan being developed.

 

d)    Request the Policy and Performance Advisory Committeeto review the support that the Council has available to support those in council tax arrears.

 

 


18/07/2022 - Motion on Ukrainian refugees. ref: 896    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 18/07/2022 - Lewes District Council Full Council

Decision published: 04/08/2022

Effective from: 18/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Brett moved and Councillor O’Brien seconded the motion in support of Ukrainian Refugees as set out on the agenda.

 

The motion was debated by the Council.  There was a difference of opinion over whether the additional funding should be a separate fund which was ringfenced for use for Ukrainian refugees or not, and whether all of the proposals in the proposed motion were required.  However, no formal amendments were submitted at the meeting. There was shared view across the Council on the need to do more to support Ukrainian refugees.

 

The motion was put to a vote and carried by 25 votes to 0, with 10 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED -

The Council resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Home Secretary and local MPs including the following:

1.    A request for urgent clarification on the plan for refugees in our District once the initial six months ends.  

2.    To remind them that a system to support those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine and honour the promise of sanctuary which has been given as well as acknowledge the commitment already made by those who have already opened their homes.

3.    To request that they urgently seek a second tranche of placement hosts in the towns where many are already living, and children are being educated.

4.    To take steps to support refugees looking to move into privately rented accommodation specifically increasing the Homeless Prevention Grant above the current level of £520K.  This will enable the Lewes District Council Housing Needs Team to better address the emerging housing issues of this particular group of residents. 

5.    To increase the Local Housing Allowance to better reflect the costs of rents within Lewes District outside those in the Affordable / Social Rent sector in order to prevent a further deterioration in availability of suitable housing for all those in need of appropriate local accommodation.

 


18/07/2022 - Waste and recycling services - fleet. ref: 893    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 18/07/2022 - Lewes District Council Full Council

Decision published: 04/08/2022

Effective from: 18/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Carr moved and Councillor Bird seconded the recommendation of the report of the Director of Service Delivery, to seek approval for the cost of purchasing a second-hand fleet of recycling vehicles in the current financial year, on the basis that the proposal agreed in principle at Cabinet on 9 June 2022 would incur expenditure outside the budget framework set for 2022/23.

 

In a response to a question, Councillor Carr confirmed that the team was aware of the need for the provision of additional electric charging points and would be working to deliver them.

 

The recommendation was debated and received support from across the Council.  The matter was put to a vote and carried unanimously. 

 

RESOLVED -

That Full Council approves the release of funding (£720,000) within this financial year, 2022/23, in support of the immediate operational priority:

 

To make immediate purchase of second-hand recycling collection vehicles (RCVs), to replace six vehicles currently on hire, thus saving on significant hire costs that are presently being incurred.

 


18/07/2022 - Treasury Management Annual Report 2021/22. ref: 894    Recommendations Approved

To report on the activities and performance of the Treasury Management service during 2021/22.

Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 18/07/2022 - Lewes District Council Full Council

Decision published: 04/08/2022

Effective from: 18/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Nicholson (as Cabinet Member for Finance) moved and Councillor Ross (as Deputy Chair of Audit and Standards Committee) seconded the recommendation made by Cabinet on 13 July 2022 to approve the annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22 and the 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators included in the Cabinet Report.

 

These proposals had received support from the Audit and Standards Committee and Policy and Performance Advisory Committee before being recommended by Cabinet and were debated and received support from all Councillors.

 

The matter was put to a vote and carried unanimously. 

 

RESOLVED:

1.      To approve the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22; and

2.     To approve the 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators included in the Cabinet Report.

 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Ola Owolabi


20/07/2022 - Motion - Support for Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway ref: 892    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 20/07/2022 - Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Decision published: 01/08/2022

Effective from: 20/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Smart moved and Councillor di Cara seconded the following motion as set out in the agenda papers:

 

“Eastbourne Borough Council expresses its support for the proposal by Gatwick Airport to bring the existing Northern Runway into regular use:

-          To deliver employment opportunities and careers now and in the future

-          To energise our visitor economy

-          To support our existing businesses and attract new businesses to our area

 

This Council recognises that:

-          Transport links are vital to our local economy and a major regional driver of economic growth and prosperity.

-          That Gatwick’s plans represent a vitally important financial boost of an estimated additional £1.5 billion p.a. to our regional economy with 18,400 new jobs.

-          That a successful business sector funds our public services including the NHS and schools.

-          As the busiest single runway operation in the world, additional capacity has long been needed.

-          There have been significant developments in the aviation sector on sustainability, including Gatwick becoming the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and the second busiest carbon neutral airport in Europe. “

 

In moving the recommendation, Councillor Smart read out a statement from the Chamber of Commerce in support of the extra runway at Gatwick Airport.

 

Councillor Swansborough moved and Councillor Holt seconded an alternative proposal to the motion as follows:

 

Eastbourne Borough Council notes its previous support for a second runway for Gatwick Airport in 2013. 

 

Since then, Eastbourne Borough Council has pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council further notes the UK Government has committed to increase airplane capacity and a new runway located at either Heathrow or Gatwick. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council understands that Gatwick Airport has claimed to be the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and states on their website that they are committed to net zero direct emissions by 2040 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council asks Scrutiny Committee to consider these claims and the carbon neutrality pledge of Gatwick airport and the impact on this Council's carbon neutrality pledge - before considering further its support for a second runway. This should include both passenger journeys to and from the airport and fuel emissions.“

 

The Council debated the motion and the alternative proposal together.

 

A question was raised as to whether this was a valid amendment, and the Head of Democratic Services confirmed that the constitution allowed for an alternative proposal to be submitted.

 

The alternative proposal was put to a vote by a show of hands and declared carried by 13 votes to 0 with 8 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED (13 votes to 0 with 8 abstentions):

 

Eastbourne Borough Council notes its previous support for a second runway for Gatwick Airport in 2013. Since then, Eastbourne Borough Council has pledged to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council further notes the UK Government has committed to increase airplane capacity and a new runway located at either Heathrow or Gatwick. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council understands that Gatwick Airport has claimed to be the first carbon neutral London airport in 2017 and states on their website that they are committed to net zero direct emissions by 2040. 

 

Eastbourne Borough Council asks the Scrutiny Committee to consider these claims and the carbon neutrality pledge of Gatwick airport and the impact on this Council's carbon neutrality pledge - before considering further its support for a second runway. This should include both passenger journeys to and from the airport and fuel emissions.

 


20/07/2022 - Conservation Area Advisory Group (CAAG) - Proposed changes to Terms of Reference ref: 889    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 20/07/2022 - Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Decision published: 01/08/2022

Effective from: 20/07/2022

Decision:

The Council considered the report of the Head of Democratic Services, recommending an expansion to the remit of the Conservation Area Advisory Group to enable discussion and a broader input into the decision-making process in respect of matters affecting Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings and Heritage Assets, and an increase in its membership to 5 Councillors and for it to be politically balanced. As part of this proposal the name of the Group would change to the Conservation Advisory Group.

 

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Wallis and seconded by Councillor Tutt.

 

Councillor Taylor moved and Councillor Belsey seconded an amendment to the recommendations to retain the current numbers of Councillors on the Group of four Councillors, two from each Political Group.

 

The amendment was put to a vote and declared lost by 8 votes to 12 with 1 abstention.

 

The original recommendations were then put to a vote and declared carried by 12 votes to 6 with 3 abstentions.

 

RESOLVED: (By 12 votes to 6 with 3 abstentions)

1.    To agree the revised Terms of Reference in respect of remit and membership, set out at Appendix 1 to the report;

2.    To authorise the Head of Democratic Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer to make the necessary changes to the Council’s Constitution in order to give effect to these changes; and

3.    To authorise the Head of Democratic Services and Deputy Monitoring Officer to appoint to any outstanding vacancies (including that of Vice-Chair), in consultation with the relevant Group Leader, for the remaining municipal year.

 


20/07/2022 - Approval of additional licensing fees 2022-23 ref: 890    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 20/07/2022 - Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Decision published: 01/08/2022

Effective from: 20/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Vaughan moved and Councillor Tutt seconded the recommendation to Full Council made by the Licensing Committee on 7 July 2022 to approve the additional licensing fee proposed for the English Proficiency Test, Safeguarding and Disability Awareness training, and 6 monthly DBS check.

 

A question was raised as to whether the safeguarding and disability training should be carried out on a regular basis by taxi drivers, at a minimum of every two years, rather than as one of training.  It was confirmed that this could be relayed to licensing officers outside the meeting to consider building into future budgets.

 

RESOLVED (unanimously):

To approve the Licensing Fee, as set out in the report to the Licensing Committee, for the English Proficiency Test, Safeguarding and Disability Awareness training, and 6 monthly DBS check.

 

 


20/07/2022 - Annual treasury management report ref: 891    Recommendations Approved

To report on the activities and performance of the Treasury Management service during 2021/22.

Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Made at meeting: 20/07/2022 - Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Decision published: 01/08/2022

Effective from: 20/07/2022

Decision:

Councillor Holt (as Cabinet Member for Finance) moved and Councillor Tutt seconded the recommendation made by Cabinet on 13 July 2022 to approve the annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22 and the 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators included in the Cabinet Report.

 

A question was raised by the Leader of the Opposition on whether the level of debt reported in paragraph 4.3 of the Cabinet report was correctly listed as £5m, on the rollover of debt, and on the papers available to the meeting.  The Leader responded by confirming that the full list of temporary loans taken out was set out in Appendix 2 to the Cabinet Report. He congratulated the treasury management team that all loans were below 1%.  Councillor Holt offered to go through the debt position with the Leader of the Opposition as part of the recovery and stabilisation programme.  He confirmed that the Council was approving the Cabinet report, and he advised that the Council had a diverse portfolio of debt and he was comfortable with the level of debt held and how it was being managed.  

 

RESOLVED (by 20 votes to 0 with 1 abstention):

1.      To approve the annual Treasury Management Report for 2021/22; and

2.     To approve the 2021/22 prudential and treasury indicators included in the Cabinet Report.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Ola Owolabi