Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - Civic Suite. View directions

Contact: Colin Gamble 

Media

Items
No. Item

50.

Apologies for Absence

Additional documents:

Decision:

There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

51.

Declarations of Interest

Additional documents:

Decision:

The following declarations of interest were made:

 

(a)       Councillor C Mulroney – Agenda item 8 (Levelling Up Fund Applications) – Director of Leigh Port Partnership and previous chair of North Thames Fisheries Local Action Group - Non-pecuniary interests.

 

(b)       Councillor A Jones – Agenda item 7 (Culture-Lead Regeneration and the Town Centre) –- Son employed by c-2-c Rail - Non-pecuniary interest and Agenda item 12 (ASELA Governance) – Husband employed by one of the ASELA partners - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

(c)        Councillor M Terry – Agenda item 8 (Levelling Up Fund Applications) – Board member of Southend BID - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

(d)       Councillor P Collins – Agenda item 11 (Electric Vehicle Charging Policy) – Son holds blue badge for disabled parking bays - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

Officer Interests:

 

J Williams, J Ruffle and C Gamble – Agenda Items 13 and 22 (Management Arrangements) – Pecuniary Interest (withdrew).

Minutes:

The following declarations of interest were made:

 

(a)      Councillor C Mulroney – Agenda item 8 (Levelling Up Fund Applications) – Director of Leigh Port Partnership and previous chair of North Thames Fisheries Local Action Group - Non-pecuniary interests.

 

(b)      Councillor A Jones – Agenda item 7 (Culture-Lead Regeneration and the Town Centre) –- Son employed by c-2-c Rail - Non-pecuniary interest and Agenda item 12 (ASELA Governance) – Husband employed by one of the ASELA partners - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

(c)       Councillor M Terry – Agenda item 8 (Levelling Up Fund Applications) – Board member of Southend BID - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

(d)      Councillor P Collins – Agenda item 11 (Electric Vehicle Charging Policy) – Son holds blue badge for disabled parking bays - Non-pecuniary interest.

 

Officer Interests:

 

J Williams, J Ruffle and C Gamble – Agenda Items 13 and 22 (Management Arrangements) – Pecuniary Interest (withdrew).

52.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 23rd February 2021 pdf icon PDF 263 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 23rd February 2021, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 23rd February 2021, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

53.

COVID Update pdf icon PDF 730 KB

Report of Executive Director (Transformation) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the action taken by the Council in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its approach to protect and support residents, local businesses, staff and the Borough in general.

 

Resolved:

 

That the action taken to date in response to the Covid-19 crisis, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To ensure the Council has an opportunity to review action taken to date to tackle the Covid-19 crisis and to consider the appropriate approach to be taken to enable the Borough and Council to recover.

 

Other options:

 

The Council could choose not to outline its response to Covid-19.  However, that would mean failing to recognise the huge impact the crisis has had on the Borough, its people and the Council along with the Council’s approach to recovery.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: All three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on the action taken by the Council in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and its approach to protect and support residents, local businesses, staff and the Borough in general.

 

Resolved:

 

That the action taken to date in response to the Covid-19 crisis, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To ensure the Council has an opportunity to review action taken to date to tackle the Covid-19 crisis and to consider the appropriate approach to be taken to enable the Borough and Council to recover.

 

Other options:

 

The Council could choose not to outline its response to Covid-19.  However, that would mean failing to recognise the huge impact the crisis has had on the Borough, its people and the Council along with the Council’s approach to recovery.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to all three Scrutiny Committees

54.

Delivery of Southend 2050 Outcomes and Priorities - Annual Report and Provisional Resources Outturn 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 856 KB

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Directors (Finance and Resources and Transformation) presenting the Southend 2050 Outcomes and Priorities Annual Report for 2020/21 and the provisional resources outturn for 2020/21.

 

Resolved:

 

1.             That the achievements, successes and challenges brought to life within the Annual Report 2020/21 (Section 4 and Appendix 1 to the submitted report), be noted.

 

Recommended:

 

2.             That the provisional 2020/21 revenue outturn position for both the General Fund (Section 5 of the report) and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (Section 6 of the report), be noted and that  the agreement of any final adjustments and the transfer of the actual final General Fund outturn position to the Business Transformation Reserve (Section 5.4 of the report) following the completion and audit of the Statement of Accounts be delegated to the Executive Director (Finance and Resources).

 

3.             That the appropriation of revenue funds to and (from) earmarked reserves, as set out in Section 5.17 to 5.23 (General Fund) and Section 6.7 of the report (HRA), be approved.

 

4.             That the potential revenue impact of the 2020/21 outturn on the 2021/22 General Fund budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (Section 5.24 – 5.38 of the report), be noted.

 

5.             That it be noted that the expenditure on the capital investment programme for 2020/21 totalled £66.085m against a revised budget of £71.936m (Sections 7.4 and 7.7 of the report).

 

6.             That the relevant budget carry forwards and accelerated delivery requests totalling a net £6.160m moving into 2021/22 and future years, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

 

7.             That the virements, reprofiles, additions, deletions, transfers and new external funding for schemes, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report be approved and that it be noted that this will result in an amended Capital Investment Programme deliverable by the Council of £151.529m for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

8.             That it be noted that the requested changes, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, will result in an amended Capital Investment Programme deliverable by South Essex Homes Limited and Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP of £64.509m, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

9.             That the content of the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2020/21 (included in Appendix 4 to the report), be noted and that the Main Fund receipts from reported year 2020/21 and previous reported years be carried forward, until the CIL Governance Framework and spending plans are reviewed later this year.

 

10.          That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Growth and Housing (in consultation with Ward Members and the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning) to agree how the Ward Neighbourhood Allocations received up until 31 March 2021 (excluding allocation to Leigh Town Council) are to be spent.

 

11.          That the procurement for Parking Enforcement and Operations for 2021/22 as set out in Section 9 of the report (£1m+ contract value), be approved.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To provide  ...  view the full decision text for item 54.

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Directors (Finance and Resources and Transformation) presenting the Southend 2050 Outcomes and Priorities Annual Report for 2020/21 and the provisional resources outturn for 2020/21.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the achievements, successes and challenges brought to life within the Annual Report 2020/21 (Section 4 and Appendix 1 to the submitted report), be noted.

 

Recommended:

 

2. That the provisional 2020/21 revenue outturn position for both the General Fund (Section 5 of the report) and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (Section 6 of the report), be noted and that the agreement of any final adjustments and the transfer of the actual final General Fund outturn position to the Business Transformation Reserve (Section 5.4 of the report) following the completion and audit of the Statement of Accounts be delegated to the Executive Director (Finance and Resources).

 

3. That the appropriation of revenue funds to and (from) earmarked reserves, as set out in Section 5.17 to 5.23 (General Fund) and Section 6.7 of the report (HRA), be approved.

 

4. That the potential revenue impact of the 2020/21 outturn on the 2021/22 General Fund budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (Section 5.24 – 5.38 of the report), be noted.

 

5. That it be noted that the expenditure on the capital investment programme for 2020/21 totalled £66.085m against a revised budget of £71.936m (Sections 7.4 and 7.7 of the report).

 

6. That the relevant budget carry forwards and accelerated delivery requests totalling a net £6.160m moving into 2021/22 and future years, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

 

7. That the virements, reprofiles, additions, deletions, transfers and new external funding for schemes, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report be approved and that it be noted that this will result in an amended Capital Investment Programme deliverable by the Council of £151.529m for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

8. That it be noted that the requested changes, as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report, will result in an amended Capital Investment Programme deliverable by South Essex Homes Limited and Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP of £64.509m, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

9. That the content of the Infrastructure Funding Statement 2020/21 (included in Appendix 4 to the report), be noted and that the Main Fund receipts from reported year 2020/21 and previous reported years be carried forward, until the CIL Governance Framework and spending plans are reviewed later this year.

 

10. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director for Growth and Housing (in consultation with Ward Members and the Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning) to agree how the Ward Neighbourhood Allocations received up until 31 March 2021 (excluding allocation to Leigh Town Council) are to be spent.

 

11. That the procurement for Parking Enforcement and Operations for 2021/22 as set out in Section 9 of the report (£1m+ contract value), be approved.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To provide Cabinet  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54.

55.

Southend New Local Plan pdf icon PDF 532 KB

Report off Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) seeking approval to publish the ‘Refining the Plan Options’ for public consultation as part of the next stage in preparing the Southend New Local Plan.

 

The Minutes of the Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning Working Party held on 8th June 2021 were considered in conjunction with this matter.

 

On consideration of the report, members of the Cabinet requested that officers redouble their efforts to investigate any potential available land for housing development outwith the green belt.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the ‘Refining the Plan Options’ document set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved as the second stage of the preparation of the Southend New Local Plan to be published for public consultation under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

2. That the feedback received during the previous stage of consultation, the Southend New Local Plan Issues and Options Document 2019, as set out in the accompanying Consultation Statement set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.

 

3. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning to:

 

·       Make minor amendments to the Southend New Local Plan prior to consultation; and

·       Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory processes and procedures to undertake the consultation.

 

4. That, in view of the constraints within the Borough and given the potential effects on the Green Belt of meeting our housing needs in full, being consulted upon in Options 2 and 3 of the Local Plan Consultation Document, that the Council seek the assistance of the local Members of Parliament to effect a meeting with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in order to lay before him the difficulties which the Council finds itself in meeting the housing figures imposed by the Government without impinging on substantial green belt land or over-densification of the urban area and the consequent detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of residents of the Borough.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To expedite production of a new Local Plan for Southend.

 

Other options:

 

The failure to prepare a new Local Plan for Southend would result in its current plans becoming progressively out of date and the Council becoming increasingly unable to positively influence the scale, nature and location of development within the Borough.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) seeking approval to publish the ‘Refining the Plan Options’ for public consultation as part of the next stage in preparing the Southend New Local Plan.

 

The Minutes of the Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning Working Party held on 8th June 2021 were considered in conjunction with this matter.

 

On consideration of the report, members of the Cabinet requested that officers redouble their efforts to investigate any potential available land for housing development outwith the green belt.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the ‘Refining the Plan Options’ document set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report be approved as the second stage of the preparation of the Southend New Local Plan to be published for public consultation under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

2. That the feedback received during the previous stage of consultation, the Southend New Local Plan Issues and Options Document 2019, as set out in the accompanying Consultation Statement set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be noted.

 

3. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning to:

 

·       Make minor amendments to the Southend New Local Plan prior to consultation; and

·       Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory processes and procedures to undertake the consultation.

 

4. That, in view of the constraints within the Borough and given the potential effects on the Green Belt of meeting our housing needs in full, being consulted upon in Options 2 and 3 of the Local Plan Consultation Document, that the Council seek the assistance of the local Members of Parliament to effect a meeting with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in order to lay before him the difficulties which the Council finds itself in meeting the housing figures imposed by the Government without impinging on substantial green belt land or over-densification of the urban area and the consequent detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of residents of the Borough.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To expedite production of a new Local Plan for Southend.

 

Other options:

 

The failure to prepare a new Local Plan for Southend would result in its current plans becoming progressively out of date and the Council becoming increasingly unable to positively influence the scale, nature and location of development within the Borough.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

*Called-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

 

56.

Culture-led Regeneration and the Town Centre pdf icon PDF 583 KB

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the planned next steps towards a reimagined and thriving town centre and the transformational role of culture led regeneration in delivering this and other outcomes across the Borough.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the principles of the Culture Visions as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report to shape and inform culture-led regeneration, be adopted.

 

2. That the progress of outcomes contributing towards a reimagined and thriving town centre, be noted.

 

3. That the design plans for the LGF funded public realm external works at the Forum (Elmer Square), be approved.

 

4. That the development of a visual ‘masterplan lite’ for the town centre be progressed with a culture-led regeneration focus and that £125,000 be set aside to support this work to be funded from the Covid Recovery Reserve.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

1. The masterplan lite will set out an ambition and principles for growth and investment in the town centre.  This provides a framework for funding bids and a tool for securing commercial investment in areas which resonate with Southend and help to deliver agreed outcomes.

 

2. To place the Council in a position to take advantage of new funding as it becomes available to support recovery and economic growth.

 

Other options:

 

Not to progress with the masterplan lite work and embedding of culture-led regeneration in the town centre and more widely across the Borough.  This would reduce the likelihood of the benefits set out in the report being realised, a lack of focus for investment and development in the town centre and the absence of a framework for the corresponding Levelling-Up Fund bid and any subsequent funding applications.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Mulroney

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive, Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the planned next steps towards a reimagined and thriving town centre and the transformational role of culture led regeneration in delivering this and other outcomes across the Borough.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the principles of the Culture Visions as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report to shape and inform culture-led regeneration, be adopted.

 

2. That the progress of outcomes contributing towards a reimagined and thriving town centre, be noted.

 

3. That the design plans for the LGF funded public realm external works at the Forum (Elmer Square), be approved.

 

4. That the development of a visual ‘masterplan lite’ for the town centre be progressed with a culture-led regeneration focus and that £125,000 be set aside to support this work to be funded from the Covid Recovery Reserve.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

1. The masterplan lite will set out an ambition and principles for growth and investment in the town centre.  This provides a framework for funding bids and a tool for securing commercial investment in areas which resonate with Southend and help to deliver agreed outcomes.

 

2. To place the Council in a position to take advantage of new funding as it becomes available to support recovery and economic growth.

 

Other options:

 

Not to progress with the masterplan lite work and embedding of culture-led regeneration in the town centre and more widely across the Borough.  This would reduce the likelihood of the benefits set out in the report being realised, a lack of focus for investment and development in the town centre and the absence of a framework for the corresponding Levelling-Up Fund bid and any subsequent funding applications.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Members: Cllr Gilbert and Cllr Mulroney

*Called-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

57.

Levelling Up Fund Applications pdf icon PDF 823 KB

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out the proposed approach to applications to the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund (LUF) and the outcomes that would be achieved by successful bids.

 

Recommended:

 

1. That a bid to the Levelling-Up Fund (LUF) for highways in the first round, noting the associated additional capital and revenue costs, be approved.

 

2. That a bid to the LUF for the visitor economy in the first round, noting the associated additional capital and revenue costs, be approved.

 

3. That a further bid for culture-led town centre regeneration be developed in the second round as a lead authority for a potential joint bid with Rochford District Council, noting the need for associated additional capital and revenue costs for the Council and that Cabinet consider this bid further once the business case has been developed.

 

4. That if these bids are successful the relevant legal agreements be entered into to draw down the funding.

 

5. That the addition of £880,000 to the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Capital Investment Programme funded from  borrowing to enable preliminary works associated with this bid to commence for the Leigh Port element of the visitor economy bid, be approved.

 

6. That the required additions (including additional resources for match funding) to the Capital Investment Programme, as set out in section 7.2 of the submitted report once the final outcome of the bids are known, be approved.

 

7. That the additional revenue implications to the Council of proceeding with these schemes be noted and if the bids are successful that these additional revenue costs will need to be considered as part of the Annual Budget Setting process in February 2022.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The outcomes and benefits to be gained from these three bids cut across a significant number of the Southend 2050 outcomes. If successful, the LUF funded projects themselves will support some of Southend’s key sectors, driving up footfall and spend, thereby safeguarding and potentially creating jobs.  They will also enhance the visitor offer, deliver improvements to traffic flows, environmental impact and community cohesion.

 

Other options:

 

1. It could be decided not to pursue any LUF bids and focus on existing projects in the capital programme.  This would be to the detriment of Southend both in terms of the funding which could be attracted to deliver existing 2050 priorities while supporting economic recovery, and in terms of reputation and actively pursuing levelling-up and growth ambitions.

 

2. Alternatively the Council could decide to pursue other projects for the three bids.  As the proposed bids are rooted in consultation and delivery of 2050 outcomes, this could risk disenfranchisement and reputational damage amongst stakeholders and delay economic recovery.

 

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to Special Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out the proposed approach to applications to the Government’s Levelling-Up Fund (LUF) and the outcomes that would be achieved by successful bids.

 

Recommended:

 

1. That a bid to the Levelling-Up Fund (LUF) for highways in the first round, noting the associated additional capital and revenue costs, be approved.

 

2. That a bid to the LUF for the visitor economy in the first round, noting the associated additional capital and revenue costs, be approved.

 

3. That a further bid for culture-led town centre regeneration be developed in the second round as a lead authority for a potential joint bid with Rochford District Council, noting the need for associated additional capital and revenue costs for the Council and that Cabinet consider this bid further once the business case has been developed.

 

4. That if these bids are successful the relevant legal agreements be entered into to draw down the funding.

 

5. That the addition of £880,000 to the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Capital Investment Programme funded from  borrowing to enable preliminary works associated with this bid to commence for the Leigh Port element of the visitor economy bid, be approved.

 

6. That the required additions (including additional resources for match funding) to the Capital Investment Programme, as set out in section 7.2 of the submitted report once the final outcome of the bids are known, be approved.

 

7. That the additional revenue implications to the Council of proceeding with these schemes be noted and if the bids are successful that these additional revenue costs will need to be considered as part of the Annual Budget Setting process in February 2022.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The outcomes and benefits to be gained from these three bids cut across a significant number of the Southend 2050 outcomes. If successful, the LUF funded projects themselves will support some of Southend’s key sectors, driving up footfall and spend, thereby safeguarding and potentially creating jobs.  They will also enhance the visitor offer, deliver improvements to traffic flows, environmental impact and community cohesion.

 

Other options:

 

1. It could be decided not to pursue any LUF bids and focus on existing projects in the capital programme.  This would be to the detriment of Southend both in terms of the funding which could be attracted to deliver existing 2050 priorities while supporting economic recovery, and in terms of reputation and actively pursuing levelling-up and growth ambitions.

 

2. Alternatively the Council could decide to pursue other projects for the three bids.  As the proposed bids are rooted in consultation and delivery of 2050 outcomes, this could risk disenfranchisement and reputational damage amongst stakeholders and delay economic recovery.

 

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to Special Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

 

58.

Disabled Grants Policy pdf icon PDF 293 KB

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) seeking approval of the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the removal of a means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a  curved stairlift) to speed up prevention process for applicants, be approved.

 

2. That the circumstances where a discretionary disabled facilities grant can be considered, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants, be approved.

 

3. That the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy document be adopted with immediate effect.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To adopt the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) Policy and remove the means test for adaptations under £6,000 and stair lifts (average cost of which is £6,500).

 

Other options:

 

1.  Not to introduce a discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant policy, continuing to only provide the mandatory elements of the DFG.

 

2. To continue to means test for all grants as per the mandatory requirements.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) seeking approval of the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the removal of a means test for grants under £6,000 (£6,500 for a  curved stairlift) to speed up prevention process for applicants, be approved.

 

2. That the circumstances where a discretionary disabled facilities grant can be considered, including relocation grants, special assistance grants and top-up grants, be approved.

 

3. That the Disabled Facilities Grants Policy document be adopted with immediate effect.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To adopt the Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) Policy and remove the mean’s test for adaptations under £6,000 and stair lifts (average cost of which is £6,500).

 

Other options:

 

1.  Not to introduce a discretionary Disabled Facilities Grant policy, continuing to only provide the mandatory elements of the DFG.

 

2. To continue to means test for all grants as per the mandatory requirements.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to People Scrutiny Committee

59.

Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Updated Policy pdf icon PDF 129 KB

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) setting out changes and updates to the Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Policy, including changes to the financial support provided by the Council when a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is made by the Family Court.  The updated policy also sets out how the Council will respond to requests for financial support throughout the term of an SGO.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the revised SGO Policy set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

 

2. That the need to revise the Policy following the recommendation from the Local Government Ombudsman, be noted.

 

3. That the financial implications of the new policy for previous years and also for new cases going forward, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

1. To comply with a recommendation made by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) following a finding from the LGO that the Council’s Special Guardianship allowance practice was not fully in line with legislation, statutory practice and case law.

 

2. The revised SGO Policy will ensure that special guardians receive the correct financial payment and following a review of all special guardians who did not receive the correct payments, for the 2-year transitional period, under the previous SGO policy, backdated payments are currently being arranged.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) setting out changes and updates to the Special Guardianship Order (SGO) Policy, including changes to the financial support provided by the Council when a Special Guardianship Order (SGO) is made by the Family Court.  The updated policy also sets out how the Council will respond to requests for financial support throughout the term of an SGO.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the revised SGO Policy set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

 

2. That the need to revise the Policy following the recommendation from the Local Government Ombudsman, be noted.

 

3. That the financial implications of the new policy for previous years and also for new cases going forward, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

1. To comply with a recommendation made by the Local Government Ombudsman (LGO) following a finding from the LGO that the Council’s Special Guardianship allowance practice was not fully in line with legislation, statutory practice and case law.

 

2. The revised SGO Policy will ensure that special guardians receive the correct financial payment and following a review of all special guardians who did not receive the correct payments, for the 2-year transitional period, under the previous SGO policy, backdated payments are currently being arranged.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

*Called-in to People Scrutiny Committee

60.

Electric Vehicle Charging Policy pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) concerning the preparation of new local planning policy for developers on the provision of electric vehicle charging points in new residential and commercial schemes, to support the Council’s Green City Action Plan, and assist in delivering on relevant Southend 2050 outcomes.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the Interim Policy Guidance for Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Requirements to guide new developments in developing management decisions set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

 

2. That the Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Requirements in the New Developments draft Supplementary Planning Document set out in Appendix 2 to the report being subject to a 4 week period of public consultation, be approved.

 

3. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning to:

 

·         Make minor amendments to the draft Supplementary Planning Document prior to consultation; and

·         Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory processes and procedures to undertake the consultation.

 

Reason for decision:

 

To ensure the timely roll out of EV charging infrastructure to keep pace with new developments in the Borough.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) concerning the preparation of new local planning policy for developers on the provision of electric vehicle charging points in new residential and commercial schemes, to support the Council’s Green City Action Plan, and assist in delivering on relevant Southend 2050 outcomes.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the Interim Policy Guidance for Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Requirements to guide new developments in developing management decisions set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

 

2. That the Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Requirements in the New Developments draft Supplementary Planning Document set out in Appendix 2 to the report being subject to a 4 week period of public consultation, be approved.

 

3. That authority be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning to:

 

  Make minor amendments to the draft Supplementary Planning Document prior to consultation; and

  Take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the relevant statutory processes and procedures to undertake the consultation.

 

Reason for decision:

 

To ensure the timely roll out of EV charging infrastructure to keep pace with new developments in the Borough.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

*Called-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

61.

ASELA Governance pdf icon PDF 418 KB

Report of Chief Executive (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on developments in relation to ASELA and proposed that the Council becomes a member of a Joint Committee of constituent members to oversee ASELA and provide enhanced transparency and accountability in the new delivery stage of its work programme.

 

The Minutes of the ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party held on 7th June 2021 were considered in conjunction with this matter.

 

Recommended:

 

1. That the updates provided in the submitted report, be noted.

 

2.That the Council formally becomes a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) Joint Committee in accordance with Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972, to oversee ASELA and provide enhanced transparency and accountability in the new delivery stage of its work programmes.

 

3. That the governance arrangements of the Joint Committee set out in Appendix 1 to the report and the related Joint Committee Agreement and Terms of Reference, be approved.

 

4. That the Leader of the Council be appointed to represent the Council on the Joint Committee.

 

5. That Councillor Woodley be appointed as the deputy representative to substitute for the Leader, in line with Part 7 of the Constitution.

 

Reason for Decision:

 

To provide ASELA with the governance arrangements required to enable delivery of the Growth and Recovery Prospectus and ten delivery programmes and for Southend and its residents to be a direct and indirect beneficiary of the work.

 

Other options:

 

Do nothing.  Continuing with the existing informal arrangements does not support ASELA’s ability to secure large scale investment from Government and the private sector.  Nor does it provide transparency of decision making or accountability for delivery.

 

Note: This is a Council Function.

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive providing an update on developments in relation to ASELA and proposed that the Council becomes a member of a Joint Committee of constituent members to oversee ASELA and provide enhanced transparency and accountability in the new delivery stage of its work programme.

 

The Minutes of the ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party held on 7th June 2021 were considered in conjunction with this matter.

 

Recommended:

 

1. That the updates provided in the submitted report, be noted.

 

2.That the Council formally becomes a member of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) Joint Committee in accordance with Section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972, to oversee ASELA and provide enhanced transparency and accountability in the new delivery stage of its work programmes.

 

3. That the governance arrangements of the Joint Committee set out in Appendix 1 to the report and the related Joint Committee Agreement and Terms of Reference, be approved.

 

4. That the Leader of the Council be appointed to represent the Council on the Joint Committee.

 

5. That Councillor Woodley be appointed as the deputy representative to substitute for the Leader, in line with Part 7 of the Constitution.

 

Reason for Decision:

 

To provide ASELA with the governance arrangements required to enable delivery of the Growth and Recovery Prospectus and ten delivery programmes and for Southend and its residents to be a direct and indirect beneficiary of the work.

 

Other options:

 

Do nothing.  Continuing with the existing informal arrangements does not support ASELA’s ability to secure large scale investment from Government and the private sector.  Nor does it provide transparency of decision making or accountability for delivery.

 

Note: This is a Council Function.

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

62.

Management Arrangements pdf icon PDF 363 KB

Report of Chief Executive attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out proposals for a reconfigured corporate management team structure.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the reconfigured corporate management structure to reduce by one Executive Director from September 2021 and the associated annual saving from April 2022, be noted.

 

2.That the current Executive Director roles for Legal and Democratic Services and Transformation be deleted and one new Executive Director role (Strategy, Change and Governance) be created.

 

3. That the outcome of the HR procedures for individual officers be noted and approved as detailed in the confidential Appendix C to the submitted report.

 

4. That the funding of the one-off payments detailed in the confidential Appendix C, be noted.

 

5. That the services currently underneath the Executive Director roles for Legal and Democratic Services, Transformation and Finance and Resources be realigned to the new post of Executive Director (Strategy, Change and Governance) and Executive Director (Finance and Resources), as set out in Appendix B to the report.

 

6. That external recruitment be arranged for the vacant Executive Director (Strategy, Change and Governance) post and interim arrangements be put in place whilst the recruitment process is undertaken.

 

7. That the revised Senior Leadership team posts, be noted.

 

8. That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, be authorised to make further adjustments to the corporate management structure following relevant HR processes.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The decision enables the proposals and rationale for the proposals set out in the report to be implemented and will ensure, provided the Council is successful in recruitment, to deliver Councillors’ priorities and manage corporate services more effectively and efficiently.

 

Other options:

 

To make no changes to the current management arrangements.  The risk is that the two Executive Director roles identified continue as currently aligned and do not allow for flexibility to effectively deliver the ambition and meet the changing demands and opportunities that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.  The opportunity to make efficiencies and savings will be lost. 

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out proposals for a reconfigured corporate management team structure.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the reconfigured corporate management structure to reduce by one Executive Director from September 2021 and the associated annual saving from April 2022, be noted.

 

2.That the current Executive Director roles for Legal and Democratic Services and Transformation be deleted and one new Executive Director role (Strategy, Change and Governance) be created.

 

3. That the outcome of the HR procedures for individual officers be noted and approved as detailed in the confidential Appendix C to the submitted report.

 

4. That the funding of the one-off payments detailed in the confidential Appendix C, be noted.

 

5. That the services currently underneath the Executive Director roles for Legal and Democratic Services, Transformation and Finance and Resources be realigned to the new post of Executive Director (Strategy, Change and Governance) and Executive Director (Finance and Resources), as set out in Appendix B to the report.

 

6. That external recruitment be arranged for the vacant Executive Director (Strategy, Change and Governance) post and interim arrangements be put in place whilst the recruitment process is undertaken.

 

7. That the revised Senior Leadership team posts, be noted.

 

8. That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, be authorised to make further adjustments to the corporate management structure following relevant HR processes.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The decision enables the proposals and rationale for the proposals set out in the report to be implemented and will ensure, provided the Council is successful in recruitment, to deliver Councillors’ priorities and manage corporate services more effectively and efficiently.

 

Other options:

 

To make no changes to the current management arrangements.  The risk is that the two Executive Director roles identified continue as currently aligned and do not allow for flexibility to effectively deliver the ambition and meet the changing demands and opportunities that have arisen as a result of the pandemic.  The opportunity to make efficiencies and savings will be lost. 

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

63.

Treasury Management Report 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 499 KB

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) covering the treasury activity for the period April 2020 to March 2021 and reviewed performance against the Prudential Indicators for 2020/21.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2020/21 and the outturn Prudential Indicators for 2020/21, be approved.

 

2. That it be noted that the financing of 2020/21 capital expenditure of £66.085m has been funded in accordance with the schedule set out in Table 1 of section 4 of the submitted report.

 

3. That it be noted that Capital Financing and Treasury Management were carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, good practice and in compliance with the CIPFA (The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Prudential Code during 2020/21.

 

4. That the following in respect of the return on investment and borrowing, be noted:

 

·        The loan and investment portfolios were actively managed to minimise cost and maximise interest earned, whilst maintaining a low level of risk.

·        £1.606m of interest and income distributions for all investments were earned during 2020/21 at an average rate of 1.06%. This is 1.13% over the average 7 day LIBID rate (London Interbank Bid Rate) and 0.96% over the average bank base rate. Also the value of the externally managed funds decreased by a net of £0.353m due to the changes in the unit price, giving a combined return of 0.83%. (Section 7).

·        The level of borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) (excluding debt relating to services transferred from Essex County Council on 1st April 1998) remained at £310.3m (Housing Revenue Account (HRA): £75.0m, General Fund (GF): £235.3m) throughout 2020/21.

·        The level of financing for ‘invest to save’ schemes decreased from £8.64m to £8.53m by the end of 2020/21.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management recommends that local authorities should submit reports regularly.  The Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2020/21 sets out that reports would be submitted to Cabinet quarterly on the activities of the treasury management operation.

 

Other options:

 

There are many options available for the operation of the Treasury Management function, with varying degrees of risk associated with them.  The Treasury Management Policy aims to effectively control risk to within a prudent level, whilst providing optimum performance consistent with that level of risk.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) covering the treasury activity for the period April 2020 to March 2021 and reviewed performance against the Prudential Indicators for 2020/21.

 

Resolved:

 

1. That the Annual Treasury Management Report for 2020/21 and the outturn Prudential Indicators for 2020/21, be approved.

 

2. That it be noted that the financing of 2020/21 capital expenditure of £66.085m has been funded in accordance with the schedule set out in Table 1 of section 4 of the submitted report.

 

3. That it be noted that Capital Financing and Treasury Management were carried out in accordance with statutory requirements, good practice and in compliance with the CIPFA (The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Prudential Code during 2020/21.

 

4. That the following in respect of the return on investment and borrowing, be noted:

 

  The loan and investment portfolios were actively managed to minimise cost and maximise interest earned, whilst maintaining a low level of risk.

  £1.606m of interest and income distributions for all investments were earned during 2020/21 at an average rate of 1.06%. This is 1.13% over the average 7 day LIBID rate (London Interbank Bid Rate) and 0.96% over the average bank base rate. Also the value of the externally managed funds decreased by a net of £0.353m due to the changes in the unit price, giving a combined return of 0.83%. (Section 7).

  The level of borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) (excluding debt relating to services transferred from Essex County Council on 1st April 1998) remained at £310.3m (Housing Revenue Account (HRA): £75.0m, General Fund (GF): £235.3m) throughout 2020/21.

  The level of financing for ‘invest to save’ schemes decreased from £8.64m to £8.53m by the end of 2020/21.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

The CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management recommends that local authorities should submit reports regularly.  The Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2020/21 sets out that reports would be submitted to Cabinet quarterly on the activities of the treasury management operation.

 

Other options:

 

There are many options available for the operation of the Treasury Management function, with varying degrees of risk associated with them.  The Treasury Management Policy aims to effectively control risk to within a prudent level, whilst providing optimum performance consistent with that level of risk.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

64.

Council Debt Management - Position to 31st March 2021 pdf icon PDF 660 KB

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 31st March 2021 and debts that have been written off, or are recommended for write off, in the current financial year as at 31st March 2021.

 

Resolved:

 

That the current outstanding debt position as at 31st March 2021 and the position of debts written off to 31st March 2021, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

All reasonable steps to recover all outstanding debt have been explored and undertaken before any consideration for write-off is recommended.  If the Council wishes to pursue debts for bankruptcy proceedings, it will follow the agreed and published recovery policy that outlines the approach to this.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 31st March 2021 and debts that have been written off, or are recommended for write off, in the current financial year as at 31st March 2021.

 

Resolved:

 

That the current outstanding debt position as at 31st March 2021 and the position of debts written off to 31st March 2021, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

All reasonable steps to recover all outstanding debt have been explored and undertaken before any consideration for write-off is recommended.  If the Council wishes to pursue debts for bankruptcy proceedings, it will follow the agreed and published recovery policy that outlines the approach to this.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

65.

Minutes of the Housing & Communities Working Party held 22nd April 2021 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

Minutes attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Housing and Communities Working Party held on 22nd April 2021 relating to Notices of Motion referred by the Council at its meeting on 4th March 2021 to the Working Party.

 

Resolved:

 

Notice of Motion – Fuel Poverty

 

1. That the notice of motion concerning action to reduce fuel poverty in Southend, be noted.

 

2. That the existing work to support local residents to improve fuel poor homes through the Local Energy Advice Programme and REMeDY consortium, be maintained, and that the factors that contribute to fuel poverty be included within ongoing wider work to tackle poverty related issues.

 

Notice of Motion – Local Welfare Assistance

 

1. That the Notice of Motion concerning the establishment and maintenance of a Local Welfare Assistance Scheme, be noted.

 

2. That the current Essential Living Fund (ELF) programme be maintained as the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance Scheme and that ongoing demand for the fund continue to be tracked and monitored in order to determine the extent to which additional funding for the ELF programme may be required going forward.

 

3. That the Council continue to provide the Government with detailed data on the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the services that it provides, in order to highlight areas of financial need.

 

4. That the Council continue to lobby the Government to provide appropriate additional financial assistance to support the future delivery of the ELF programme.

 

Notice of Motion – Membership of Development Control Committee

 

1. That the Notice of Motion concerning current requirements for the appointment of members of the Development Control Committee, be noted.

 

2. That the requirements for the appointment of members of the Development Control Committee be considered as part of the review of the Constitution that was currently being undertaken.

 

Reasons for decisions:

 

To respond to the Notices of Motion.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to:

Place Scrutiny Committee (Notice of Motion: Fuel Poverty and Membership of Development Control Committee)

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee (Notice of Motion: Local Welfare Assistance).

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Housing and Communities Working Party held on 22nd April 2021 relating to Notices of Motion referred by the Council at its meeting on 4th March 2021 to the Working Party.

 

Resolved:

 

Notice of Motion – Fuel Poverty

 

1. That the notice of motion concerning action to reduce fuel poverty in Southend, be noted.

 

2. That the existing work to support local residents to improve fuel poor homes through the Local Energy Advice Programme and REMeDY consortium, be maintained, and that the factors that contribute to fuel poverty be included within ongoing wider work to tackle poverty related issues.

 

Notice of Motion – Local Welfare Assistance

 

1. That the Notice of Motion concerning the establishment and maintenance of a Local Welfare Assistance Scheme, be noted.

 

2. That the current Essential Living Fund (ELF) programme be maintained as the Council’s Local Welfare Assistance Scheme and that ongoing demand for the fund continue to be tracked and monitored in order to determine the extent to which additional funding for the ELF programme may be required going forward.

 

3. That the Council continue to provide the Government with detailed data on the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the services that it provides, in order to highlight areas of financial need.

 

4. That the Council continue to lobby the Government to provide appropriate additional financial assistance to support the future delivery of the ELF programme.

 

Notice of Motion – Membership of Development Control Committee

 

1. That the Notice of Motion concerning current requirements for the appointment of members of the Development Control Committee, be noted.

 

2. That the requirements for the appointment of members of the Development Control Committee be considered as part of the review of the Constitution that was currently being undertaken.

 

Reasons for decisions:

 

To respond to the Notices of Motion.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to:

Place Scrutiny Committee (Notice of Motion: Fuel Poverty and Membership of Development Control Committee)

Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee (Notice of Motion: Local Welfare Assistance).

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

66.

Minutes of the ASELA and Local Government Reform Working Party held 7th June 2021 pdf icon PDF 92 KB

Minutes (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Minutes of the above-mentioned Working Party were considered under Item 12 (ASELA Governance) above.

 

Minutes:

The Minutes of the above-mentioned Working Party were considered under Item 12 (ASELA Governance) above.

67.

Minutes of the Public Protection Working Party held 8th June 2021 pdf icon PDF 187 KB

Minutes (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Public Protection Working Party held on 8th June 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion referred by the Council at its meeting on 4th March 2021 to the Working Party.

 

Resolved:

 

Notice of Motion – Death Certificate Compassionate Fund

 

1. That the Notice of Motion seeking the establishment of a Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, be noted.

 

2. That the establishment of an appropriate Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, be initiated.

 

3. That support arising from the proposed Death Certificate Compassionate Fund only be available to applicants in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, or otherwise at the discretion of the Council’s Registrars on a case-by-case basis.

 

4. That, in considering the detail and application criteria of the proposed Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, full details of the estimated cost and financial implications of the operation of the Fund be brought to Cabinet for consideration.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

 

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Public Protection Working Party held on 8th June 2021 relating to the Notice of Motion referred by the Council at its meeting on 4th March 2021 to the Working Party.

 

Resolved:

 

Notice of Motion – Death Certificate Compassionate Fund

 

1. That the Notice of Motion seeking the establishment of a Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, be noted.

 

2. That the establishment of an appropriate Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, be initiated.

 

3. That support arising from the proposed Death Certificate Compassionate Fund only be available to applicants in receipt of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, or otherwise at the discretion of the Council’s Registrars on a case-by-case basis.

 

4. That, in considering the detail and application criteria of the proposed Death Certificate Compassionate Fund, full details of the estimated cost and financial implications of the operation of the Fund be brought to Cabinet for consideration.

 

Reasons for decision:

 

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

 

Other options:

 

None.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

68.

Minutes of the Environment, Culture, Tourism and Planning Working Party held 8th June 2021 pdf icon PDF 183 KB

Minutes (to follow)

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Minutes of the above-mentioned Working Party were considered in conjunction with Item 6 (New Southend Local Plan) above.

 

Minutes:

The Minutes of the above-mentioned Working Party were considered in conjunction with Item 6 (New Southend Local Plan) above.

 

*Called-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

69.

SO46 Report pdf icon PDF 113 KB

Report attached

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

That the submitted report, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item.

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That the submitted report, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item.

70.

Exclusion of the Public

 

To agree that, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

Resolved:

 

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Minutes:

Resolved:-

 

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below, on the grounds that they would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

71.

Confidential Appendix - Management Arrangements

Confidential appendix attached

Decision:

Resolved:

 

That the confidential Appendix C to the Management Arrangements, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That the confidential Appendix C to the Management Arrangements, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

*Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

72.

SO46 Confidential Sheet

Confidential sheet attached

Decision:

Resolved:

 

That the confidential SO46 sheet, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: relevant Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item

Minutes:

Resolved:

 

That the confidential SO46 sheet, be noted.

 

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: relevant Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item

 

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