The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Business, Culture and Tourism Working Party held on 16^th December 2020 concerning the Notices of Motion referred to the Working Party by Cabinet on 3^rd November 2020.

Resolved:

That the recommendations of the Business, Culture and Tourism Working Party concerning the Notices of Motion set out below, be approved:

1. Twenty-One Site Conversion into Cycle Hub and Café

That as part of the procurement process, the potential for the Twenty-One site as a multi-use facility providing a year round cultural space for a range of activities be explored, including the potential to offer bike hire during the day but not to provide bike repairs and sales.

2. Southend Illuminations: Festival of Light

That the provision of illuminations across the Borough continue to be explored as part of the revised Destination Southend Tourism Strategy, including the potential for a public festival of light.

3. Covid-19 Local Recognition Scheme

That the recognition work that has already taken place be acknowledged and that officers explore further in collaboration with partners, the potential for a Covid-19 local recognition event for local people who went above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic.

4. EasyJet Hub Closure

That the work by officers to engage with EasyJet to retain the hub at Southend Airport and the packages of support that the Council has put in place to help affected EasyJet staff, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the recommendations from the Business, Culture and Tourism Working Party in relation to the Notices of Motion.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee / People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the Notice of Motion

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Legal and Democratic Services) presenting the final report of the scrutiny project – ‘The appropriate use of reablement for older people (65 and over) when discharged from hospital, to maximise the number of people at home after a period of 91 days.’

Resolved:

That the submitted report and recommendations arising from the in-depth scrutiny project, detailed at paragraph 4 of the report, be approved.

Other Options

To note the report but not progress any of the recommendations.

Reasons for Recommendations

To respond to the recommendations arising from the in-depth scrutiny project.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Harp

The Cabinet considered the recommendation of the Senior Mangers’ Pay Panel held on 18^th November 2020.

Resolved:

That the recommendation of the Senior Managers Pay Panel held on 18^th November 2020, be approved.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 2^nd December 2020, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 24^th November 2020, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the submitted report be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: As appropriate to the item

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 3^rd November 2020, be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

(a) Councillor Gilbert – Agenda Item 11 (In-depth Scrutiny Report) – Non-pecuniary interest: Council appointee to the SAVS Board; and Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources to Deliver Better Outcomes - 2021/22 to 2025/26) – Non-pecuniary interest: member of the GMB union;

(b) Councillor Harp – Agenda Item 8 (HRA Budget 2021/22 and Rent Setting) – Non-pecuniary interest: Some family members are tenants/residents of South Essex Homes; Agenda Item 11 (In-depth Scrutiny Report) – Non-pecuniary interest: Volunteer with SAVS and wife is an employee of SAVS;

(c) Councillor Jones – Agenda Item 16 (Highway Enforcement Policy) – Non-pecuniary interest: husband works in the motor industry and Agenda Item 23 (School Admission Arrangements) and Agenda Item 24 (School Term Dates) – Non-pecuniary interest: has a child attending school in the Borough;

(d) Councillor Salter – Agenda Item 11 (In-depth Scrutiny Report) – Non-pecuniary interest: Husband is consultant surgeon at Southend Hospital; daughter is a consultant at Basildon Hospital; son-in-law is GP in the Borough;

(e) Councillor Buck – Agenda Item 23 (School Admission Arrangements) and Agenda Item 24 (School Term Dates) – Non-pecuniary interest: children at a school in the Borough and is a Governor of Eastwood Academy;

(f) Councillor Mulroney – Agenda Item 7 ( Council Tax Base) and Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources to Deliver Better Outcomes - 2021/22 to 2025/26) – Non-pecuniary interest: Member of Leigh Town Council;

(g) Councillor K. Evans - Item 7 ( Council Tax Base) and Agenda Item 9 (Draft Prioritising Resources to Deliver Better Outcomes - 2021/22 to 2025/26) – Non-pecuniary interest: Member of Leigh Town Council;

Officer Interests:

All Senior Management Team – Agenda Item 29 (Minutes of the Senior Managers’ Pay Panel held 18^th November 2020).

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) reviewing the Council’s financial performance.

Reasons for Decision

The regular reporting of Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring information provides detailed financial information to Councillors, senior officers and other interested parties on the financial performance of the Council. It also informs decision making to ensure that the Council’s priorities are delivered within the approved budget provision.

Other Options

The Council could choose to monitor its budgetary performance against an alternative timeframe but it is considered that the current reporting schedule provides the appropriate balance to allow strategic oversight of the budget by Councillors and to also formally manage the Council’s exposure to financial risk.

Note: This is Council Function

Eligible for call-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllrs Gilbert and Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out new Highway Enforcement Policies for adoption.

Resolved:-

That the new highway enforcement policies appended to the submitted report, be adopted.

Reason for decision:

The decisions will help the Council to deliver its obligations in respect of managing a safe and efficient road network, and ensure any enforcement action is proportionate and transparent.

Other Options:

To vary any elements within the policies.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet received a Notice of Motion, presented at the Council meeting held on 10^th December 2020, concerning food poverty in the Borough.

Resolved:

That the Notice of Motion be referred to Communities and Housing Working Party 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: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the draft General Fund Revenue Budget for 2021/22.

On consideration of the report The Cabinet endorsed an addition of Seafront Illuminations to the subject to viable business case section of the proposed Capital Investment Programme.

Resolved:

1. That it be noted that a Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2021/22 – 2025/26 will be available for consideration in February 2021 and the draft Medium Term Financial Forecast and estimated Earmarked Reserves Balances up to 2025/26 (Annexes 1 and 2 to Appendix 1 to the submitted report), be endorsed.

2. That the draft Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of the proposed budget, the adequacy of the Council’s reserves and the Council’s Reserves Strategy (Appendix 2 to the report), be noted.

3. That the appropriation of the sums to earmarked reserves totalling £3.625M (Appendix 3 to the report), be endorsed.

4. That the appropriation of the sums from earmarked reserves totalling £6.218M, which includes £2.500M to cover the remaining estimated budget gap for 2021/22. (Appendix 3 to the report), be endorsed.

5. That a General Fund Budget Requirement for 2021/22 of £133.423M and Council Tax Requirement of £87.712M (Appendix 4a) and any required commencement of consultation, statutory or otherwise, be endorsed.

6. That it be noted that the 2021/22 revenue budget has been prepared on the basis of using £1.5 million from accumulated Collection Fund surpluses for the core budget to allow for a smoothing of the budget gap across the next four financial years.

7. That a Council Tax increase of 3.99% for the Southend-on-Sea element of the Council Tax for 2021/22, being 1.99% for general use and 2.0% for Adult Social Care (Paragraph 10.16), be endorsed.

8. That it be noted that the position of the Council’s preceptors is to be determined:

·                         Essex Police – no indication of Council Tax position

·                         Essex Fire & Rescue Services – no indication of Council Tax position

·                         Leigh-on-Sea Town Council – proposed precept increase of 3.02%;

9. That no Special Expenses be charged other than the Leigh-on-Sea Town Council precept for 2021/22, be endorsed.

10. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget investment of £8.122M (Appendix 5 to the report), be endorsed.

11. That the proposed General Fund revenue budget savings and income generation initiatives for 2021/22 of £4.155M (Appendix 6 to the report), be endorsed.

12. That the proposed future outline Budget Transformation Programme 2022/23 – 2025/26 (Appendix 7 to the report), be endorsed.

13. That the proposed range of fees and charges for 2021/22 (Appendix 8 to the report), be endorsed.

14. That the Dedicated Schools Grant budget and its relevant distribution as recommended by the Education Board (Appendix 9 to the report), be endorsed.

15. That the Capital Investment Strategy for 2021/22 to 2025/26 (Appendix 10 to the report) and the Capital Investment Policy (Annex 1 to Appendix 10 to the report), be endorsed.

16. That the new schemes and additions to the Capital Investment Programme for the period 2021/22 to 2025/26 totalling £21M for the General Fund and new schemes subject to viable business cases (Appendix 11 to the report), be endorsed.

17. That the proposed changes to the current Capital Investment Programme that were considered for approval as part of the Resourcing Better Outcomes – Financial Performance Report – Period 8 (Appendix 12 to the report), be noted.

18. That the proposed Capital Investment Programme for 2021/22 to 2025/26 of £168.6M for 2021/22 to 2025/26 (Appendix 13 to the report) of which £25.6M is supported by external funding, be endorsed.

19. That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy for 2021/22 (Appendix 14 to the report) and the prudential indicators (Appendix 15 to the report), be endorsed.

20. That the operational boundary and authorised limits for borrowing for 2021/22 are set at £375M and £385M respectively (Appendix 15 to the report), be endorsed.

Reason for Decision

To comply with statutory requirements and the relevant Local Authority codes of practice. Also, to ensure the budgets align to and enable the delivery of the Council’s ambition and desired outcomes or to enhance the Council’s infrastructure.

Other Options

Billing authorities are required by law to complete and approve their budget and set a council tax before 11 March immediately prior to the start of the financial year on 1 April.

Note: This is an Executive Function save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 16^th February 2020 is a Council Function

Referred direct to all three scrutiny committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the proposed school term and holiday dates for the academic year 2022/23.

Resolved:-

That the school term and holiday dates for 2022/23 as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved for community schools and as a guide to all schools in the Borough.

Reason for Decision:

To approve the school term dates.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children & Public Health) concerning the school admission arrangements for community schools in the Borough.

Resolved:-

1. That the Cabinet determines (i.e formally agrees) the oversubscription criteria (including explanatory notes) and Published Admission Number (PAN) within Admission Arrangements for Community Schools as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

2. That it be noted that the Determined Coordinated Admission Scheme for the academic year 2021/22 was published on 31st December 2019, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

Reason for Decision:

The determination of admission arrangements for community schools and the provision of a coordinated scheme is a statutory requirement.

Other Options:

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

The Cabinet received a Notice of Motion, presented at the Council meeting held on 29^th October 2020, concerning street prostitution in the Borough.

Resolved:

1. That the Notice of Motion be referred to the Community Safety and Customer Contact Working Party for consideration.

Recommendation:

Reasons for Decision:

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

Other Options:

None

Note: The decision in 1 above constitutes an Executive Function.  The decision in 2 above constitutes a Council Function.

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered a joint report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Housing & Growth) setting out the Housing Revenue (HRA) budget for 2021/22, together with the information necessary to set a balanced budget as required by legislation.

Resolved:-

1. That an average rent increase of 1.50% on all tenancies, be endorsed.

2. An average rent increase of 1.50% on shared ownership properties, be endorsed.

3. That an increase of 1.50% for garage rents to £12.20 per week for tenants and £14.64 for non-tenants (being £12.20 plus VAT), a rise consistent with the proposal for the main rent increase (all variants on a standard garage will receive a proportionate increase), be endorsed.

4. That the proposed rent charges in 1-3 above be effective from 5^th April 2021.

5. That the South Essex Homes core management fee at £6,336,000 for 2021/22, be endorsed.

6. That South Essex Homes proposals for average increases of 2.52% in service charges and 10.39% in heating charges to reflect the actual costs incurred be endorsed.

7. That the following appropriations be endorsed:

·       £60,000 to the Repairs Contract Pensions Reserve; 

·       £5,073,000 to the Capital Investment Reserve; and

·       £7,644,000 from the Capital Investment Reserve

8. That subject to resolutions 1 to 7 above, the HRA budget for 2021/22, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

9. That the value of the Council’s capital allowance for 2021/22 be declared as £68,672,000, as determined in accordance with regulation 16 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations.

Reasons for Decision

Part of the process of maintaining a balanced budget for the HRA is to undertake an annual rent review and assessment of other service and facilities charges.  Full Council will need to approve the HRA budget and any changes to rent and other services prior to the start of the financial year.

Other Options

There are other options available to councillors in relation to the proposed rent and other services and facilities increases.

Note: This is an Executive Function save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 16^th February 2021 is a Council Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) on a new policy for the management of temporary roadside memorials, and permanent infrastructure on the highway.

Resolved:-

That the new policy for Highway Memorials appended to the submitted report, be adopted.

Reason for Decision:

This policy will ensure the Council is able to sensitively support those affected by the death of a loved one and ensure their wishes can be facilitated whilst still delivering on statutory duties and powers in respect of the road network.

Other Options:

The Council could decide on an alternative approach, or to prohibit any temporary roadside memorials or permanent tributes.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Green City Action Plan together with an update on the activities and projects currently being undertaken in respect of Climate Change and how Southend -on-Sea becomes a ‘Green City’ and moves towards achieving Net -Zero emissions by 2030.

Resolved:-

1. That the work being undertaken to tackle Climate Change and that is being used to affect this Green City Action Plan, be noted.

2. That the Green City Action Plan, be endorsed.

3. That the Government continues to be lobbied via the Local Government Association (LGA) with other Local Authorities to ensure that funds and resources are made available to increase the work towards carbon neutral status.

4. That support to Adapting to Climate Change be continued to deal with the impacts of embedded emissions required to take equal priority with Climate Change Mitigation such as achieving Net Zero emissions.

Reason for Decision:

1. Major reductions in emissions are required across the world to mitigate climate change and hold global warming to less than 2⁰C, preferably 1.5⁰C.

2. To lead by example and reduce emissions across our own estate, provide opportunity for lowering energy bills, drive economic regeneration and new jobs, improve health and opportunities to tackle social inequalities, increase resilience to climate change and generally improve wellbeing.

3. To introduce circular economy principles into the Council’s decision-making framework and encourage greater collaboration.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive presenting the updated summary Corporate Risk Register.

Resolved:-

That the updated summary Corporate Risk Register and the position at December 2020 outlined in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To ensure compliance with the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015.

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) presenting the empty homes strategy 2021-2026 together with an analysis of the consultation findings.

Resolved:-

1. That the draft Empty Homes Strategy 2021-2026, be approved for implementation.

2. That the incentives to reduce the amount of the empty homes contained within the strategy be approved and the associated capital budget be noted.

Reason for Decision:

The previous Empty Homes Strategy has now come to the end of its lifecycle and given that bringing empty homes back into use continues to be a priority for the Council, a renewed strategy is required to govern the Council’s approach to undertaking this work.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2021/22 and the submission of the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR1) form to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) by 31st January 2021.

Resolved:

In respect ofthe CouncilTaxBase;

In accordancewiththeLocalAuthorities(Calculationof Council TaxBase) Regulations 1992(as amendedbytheLocalAuthorities (Calculationof CouncilTax Base)(Amendment)(England)Regulations 2003)andLocalGovernmentFinanceAct2012(Calculationof billing authority’s council taxbaseSection 15):

1. From 1st April 2021 the premium for properties (empty for 10 years or more) will be increased to 300%.

2. The amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the year 2021/22 shall be 58,630.49.

3. The amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as the Council Tax Base in respect of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for the year 2021/22 shall be 8,762.69.

In respect ofthe National Non-DomesticRates Base (NNDR1Form);

4. That the NNDR1 form for 2021/22 at Appendix C to the submitted report be approved for submission to MHCLG.

Reason for Decision

The setting of the Council Tax Base and National Domestic Rating Base enables the calculation of the core funding derived through local taxation that is used to finance the Council’s proposed budget for 2021/22.

Other Options

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting a range of options with respect to Children’s Centres to enhance the offer for young children and their families.

Resolved:

1. That the findings from the discovery and define stages of service design to date, be noted.

2. That the options for a future delivery model for Southend’s Children Centre offer as set out in paragraph 4.5 of the submitted report, be noted and that option 3, for the reasons set out in paragraph 4.6 of the report, be approved.

Other options:

As set out in the submitted report

Reasons for recommendations:

To improve outcomes for children and maximise Children’s Centre use.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) proposing the adoption of the Public Health Act Funerals Policy.

Resolved:-

1. That the Public Health Act Funeral Policy (November 2020), be adopted.

2. That Regulatory Services review the policy on an annual basis and presents any proposed changes to the policy to Cabinet for adoption.

Reason for Decision:

The arrangements for public health burials/cremations are a statutory responsibility.

Other Options:

Note: This is an Executive Function
Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee
Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) on the work of the Fostering and Adoption services.

Resolved:-

That the report, be noted.

Reason for Decision:

The requirement for the Local Authority Executive to review the annual reports of the Fostering and Adoption Service is contained within statutory regulations.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the current position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 30^th November 2020.

Resolved:-

1. That the current outstanding debt position as at 30th November 2020 and the position of debts written off to 30th November 2020 as set out in Appendices A & B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That it be noted that no write offs greater than £25,000 are requested.

Reason for Decision:

All reasonable steps to recover the debt have been taken, and therefore where write off is recommended it is the only course of action that is left available.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) proposing a new policy in respect of Controlled Parking Zones.

Resolved:-

1. That the new policy for Controlled Parking Zones appended to the submitted report, be adopted.

2. That it be noted that the new criteria will not automatically be applied to existing Controlled Parking Zones, until such time as they are subject to a full, comprehensive review.

3. That it be noted that the financial implications of Controlled Parking Zones will vary depending on wider Council decisions on fees and charges, which will be considered on a case by case basis.

Reason for Decision:

This policy will enable the Council to respond effectively and efficiently to challenges associated with competing demands for parking capacity. It is anticipated that a robust policy will help the Council, elected representatives and all road users understand the criteria which must be met for a scheme to be taken forward.

Other Options:

This policy is a non-statutory document; however, its application is regulated by legislation and regulations. The Council could decide to vary some of the criteria set out in this policy.  However, further legal consideration would be required to understand the impact.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out for consideration an Environment & Regulatory Enforcement Policy.

Resolved:-

1. That the progress with the enforcement review, be noted.

2. That the Environment & Regulatory Enforcement Policy at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:

The Environment & Regulatory Enforcement Policy provides an overarching enforcement policy, identifying the universally shared principles that all enforcement services will adhere to whilst also making clear the unified objective of enforcement across the Borough.

Other Options:

To continue with individual enforcement policies in each service area.  However, this can lead to an inconsistent approach to enforcement.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) concerning the adoption of a new Domestic Vehicle Crossing Policy.

Resolved:-

1. That the new policy for Domestic Vehicle Crossings appended to the submitted report, be adopted.

2. That it be noted that new enforcement activity will begin once the establishment of the new Highway Enforcement Team is completed.

3. That it be noted that this policy will be utilised by the Traffic Regulations Working Party in its considerations of appeals to rejected applications, as set out in the Council’s Constitution.

Reason for Decision:

This policy will ensure the Council acts properly in its consideration of applications, and provide a clear, robust set of criteria for potential applicants to consider before submitting an application which will likely require early investment in design and consents.

Other Options:

To decide on an alternative approach, or to do nothing.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the revised tree policy together with the results of the associated public consultation.

Resolved:-

1. That the Tree Policy set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be adopted.

2. That the development of a planting strategy that will consider the availability of land, its usage, and tree planting opportunities, be approved.

3. That it be noted that the adoption of the Tree Policy will require ongoing funding to manage the Council's tree stock, which will need to be considered as part of future budget setting.

Reason for Decision:

To help maintain the safety of our citizens and visitors and to support the increase in the Borough's canopy cover. Also, to support the 2050 vision which includes several outcomes in which trees play a part and the management of trees contributes to the response to the climate change emergency.

Other Options:

1. Continue managing council trees as per the interim management statement and not adopt a new Tree Policy.

2. Stop managing the Council's tree stock and accept that the trees will decline and the risk to citizens and visitors will increase, resulting in a rise in claims against the Council.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) in respect of the Notice of Motion that had been submitted to the meeting of the Council held on the 27^th February 2020 (Minute 838 refers).  A copy of the motion was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

Having considered the views of the Traffic Regulations Working Party regarding the lack of clarity of the data set out in the report, it was agreed that the matter be deferred to the next meeting.

Resolved:

That consideration of the matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Traffic Regulations Working Party and Cabinet Committee.

Reasons for Decision

As set out in the submitted report

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report

Note:  This is an Executive function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Woodley