Decisions

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 February 2019 are approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Future High Street Fund: Expression of Interest

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive. It was reported that unfortunately the Old Stevenage High Street did not meet the criteria for the submission of an expression of interest.  However, it was hoped that other funding sources could be identified for investment in the Old Town High Street area. Officers confirmed that the submission of expression of interest will not jeopardise the town centre regeneration projects. Projects for the Future High Street Fund will be identified if Stevenage was successful in the first phase of the bidding process.

Minutes of the Executive – 13 February 2019

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive.

Minutes of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive.

Third Quarter Revenue Monitoring Report 2019/20 – General Fund and Housing Revenue Account

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive. Members raised questions regarding rent loss from increased voids for the Indoor Market and Liaison Officers for the Kenilworth Close development.

Third Quarter Capital Monitoring Report 2019/20 – General Fund and Housing Revenue Account

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive. Members sought clarification on underspend for works to the Timebridge boiler and indoor market.

Housing Revenue Account Asset Management Strategy

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive.

Corporate Performance for Quarter Three 2018/19

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive. Members raised the following issues:

•           Handling of customer documents

•           New website features

•           IT resources

•           Customer complaints

•           Third-party absence management provider (FirstCare)

Co-operative Neighbourhood Management Programme Delivery 2018/19

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive. The Committee raised questions regarding boundaries, neighbourhood wardens and community development officers. Members commended the work of neighbourhood wardens particularly those based in St Nicholas, Martins Wood and Shephall. The Committee assured officers that Members want to be more involved in community engagement matters.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Indoor Market Review report be circulated to the Committee

2.         That Cooperative Neighbourhoods Manager sets up meetings to introduce Members to their respective neighbourhood wardens

The Committee considered the draft report and recommendations for the Sickness Management Scrutiny Review. Members sought clarification on arrangements for the proposed wellbeing policy staff survey, formal and informal sickness management interviews and the Absence Management service provider (FirstCare).

Officers reported that they were currently reviewing several wellbeing policy staff survey templates. Members were re-assured that the starting point for officers when assessing sickness/absence cases was that they are genuine. There was a trigger point for initiating informal sickness absence interviews. However, the trigger points were not just statistically based and managers were encouraged to exercise discretion. The Council offered a suite of support initiatives including referral to occupational health specialists. Employees had a right of appeal to a third party independent manager after any informal absence interview.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the draft report is noted

2.         That Recommendation 2.1.8 be amended to reflect the fact that the HR team and not Councillor John Mead will be providing an update on the suitability of a monthly wellbeing staff survey template

3.         That the following recommendations be added to the report:

a.         That officers consider amending the existing policy to address the issues raised by officers from Customer Service Centre and Housing Investment detailed at 4.1.14 to 4.1.26 to address the following issues:

(i) Providing flexibility to Managers to use discretion when managing sickness and inconsistencies across the organisation

(ii) That planned medical operations/procedures and accidents be treated differently from other sickness reporting

(iii) That the offer from CSC and Housing Investment be tied in with the option of a wider staff questionnaire/survey at Recommendation 8

(iv) That managers have access to past Return to Work Interviews, sickness data and reasons for informal/formal meetings all in one place

(v) That officers consider clarifying the trigger points between formal and informal interviews

The Committee considered the Scrutiny Work Programme for the Municipal Year 2019-20. The Assistant Director (Corporate Services and Transformation) informed the Committee that refreshments for Members could be included in the scope of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) review. Members were advised that a Portfolio Holder Advisory Group meeting involving the O & S Committee will be scheduled to consider the (Information and Communications Technology) ICT Strategy and Investment Programme. 

The Committee discussed reviews on planning consultations and complaints handling. Members also highlighted Scrutiny training requirements.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2019-20 is noted

2.         That Complaints Handling be the main review subject for the Overview & Scrutiny Committee for the 2019-20 Municipal Year

A Member sought clarification on the reason for not including the Leader’s New Homes Bonus Funding Initiatives for 2019/20 on the agenda. Officers informed the Committee the funds for the Leader’s Initiative had been accounted for in the 2019/20 Budget and the amount was below the threshold for Key Decisions. It was indicated that officers were preparing briefing note for all Members.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18 February 2019 are approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The meeting opened with a one minute silence in memory of the victims of the shootings that took place at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on 15 March 2019.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Hanafin and S-J Potter.

There were no declarations of interest.

None.

None.

None.

The Committee noted the comments of the Executive.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That, under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by SI 2006 No. 88

2.         That having considered the reasons for the following items being in Part II, it be determined that maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighed the public interest in disclosure

In response to Members’ questions, the Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager commented as follows:

·      the staffing levels of the Service had increased following Luton Borough Council joining the partnership in 2017 – this had provided greater flexibility in the deployment of staff to support all of the partner authorities;

·      National level of fraud – there were figures to support a level of known fraud, but the various figures produced by various institutions, such as CIPFA or the National Audit Office, also included estimated risks of unknown fraud;

·      New activities to be undertaken by SAFS in 2019/20 included enhanced anti-fraud work on procurement matters; Right to Buy housing fraud (money laundering etc.); and joint work with the Cabinet Office on a new national fraud initiative;

·      The £2,000 increase in fees payable by SBC to SAFS for 2019/20 had been the first such increase since the partnership was established in 2015 (increased costs in previous years had been absorbed by SAFS);

·      SBC’s contribution towards the Herts Fraud Hub would be £4,000, although it was hoped that this would be recouped over time through improved and swifter data sharing methods to assist in the prevention/detection of fraud;

·      The new 2019/20 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) target relating to the number of social homes secured from sub-letting or other unlawful tenancy breaches had been set at 12 for the year, as these cases were often complex and took time to resolve.  However, it was hoped that this target would be exceeded; and

·      The “other” types of fraud set out in the Annual Fraud Indicator (AFI) statistics 2017 of the cost of fraud to the UK economy, included Business Rates fraud, Insurance fraud, etc.

The SAFS Anti-Fraud Manager undertook to provide Members of the Committee with the full CIPFA Counter Fraud and Corruption Tracker report, which was an annual survey of fraud activity in councils and measured detection rates across local government and across different types of fraud.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the SAFS / SBC Anti-Fraud Plan 2019/20, as attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved.

2.         That the Local Government Association Councillors Workbook on Fraud and Bribery Prevention 2017 be noted.

None.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held on 4 February 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor David Cullen.

There were no declarations of interest.

None.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.        Under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1-7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.         Members considered the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determined that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

In respect of the Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA) audit, the SIAS Client Audit Manager explained that this audit had received a “Limited” assurance level at draft report stage.  Once finalised, the audit report would be submitted to the Committee.

A number of Members had experienced communication problems when dealing with HHIA-related enquiries from residents, in respect of the taking of responsibility to deal with issues between officers of Hertfordshire County Council and SBC.  The Assistant Director (Corporate Services & Transformation) undertook to provide clarity between the respective responsibilities of HCC and SBC under the HHIA Agreement, and circulate this to Members of the Committee.

The Client Audit Manager was requested to give consideration to a possible amendment to the Client Satisfaction Performance Indicator included in the Audit Plan, so that the target was for 100% of survey questionnaires to be returned, with a satisfaction rate of 95%.

It was RESOLVED that the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Internal Audit Plan for 2019/20, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

In reply to Members’ queries, the SIAS Client Audit Manager commented:

·      As referred to earlier in the meeting, the High Priority Recommendations relating to the CCTV Partnership were scheduled to be addressed by the Joint CCTV Partnership Committee at its meeting to be held on 10 April 2019;

·      The Client Satisfaction Performance Indicator had met the 100% target, although it was noted that only 11 of 29 questionnaires had been completed and returned to SIAS, despite regular reminders.  The Assistant Director (Corporate Services & Transformation) undertook to raise this issue with Senior Leadership Team colleagues; and

·      Joint Reviews – only 2 out of 4 billable audit days had been delivered during 2018/19 (relating to the CCTV Partnership review).  There had been no appetite during the year for any further Joint Review audit work.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Internal Audit progress report 2018/19 be noted.

2.         That the amendments to the Internal Audit Plan, as at 1 March 2019, be approved.

3.         That the status of Critical and High Priority Recommendations be noted.

Officers responded to the following questions raised by Members:

·      Annual Governance Statement (AGS) 2017/18 Action 3 – new arrangements for the delivery of repairs and voids had resulted in improvements to service delivery during Quarter 3 of the 2018/19 financial year;

·      AGS 2017/18 Action 4 – about a third of the Fourth Tier Management reviews had been completed.  The remaining two-thirds, mainly comprising staff in the Housing & investment Team and Stevenage Direct Services, were scheduled for completion during Quarter 1 of 2019/20;

·      AGS 2017/18 Action 5 – a draft ICT Strategy (including investment proposals) and roadmap was being developed to enhance improvement activity throughout 2019/20;

·      AGS 2018/19 Action 1 – the Assistant Director (Corporate Services & Transformation) undertook to provide Members of the Committee with further detail as to the resourcing of the Aids & Adaptations Policy, and the review of the ability and financial viability to take on sub-contracted works in-house;

·      AGS 2018/19 Action 7 – the SIAS Client Audit Manager confirmed that the governance framework and business plan for the CCTV Partnership was due to be reviewed at the meeting of the Joint CCTV Partnership Committee at its meeting to be held on 10 April 2019; and

·      SBC’s Corporate Governance Group was chaired by the Assistant Director (Finance & Estates), with the Assistant Director (Corporate Services & Transformation) as Vice-Chair, and comprised other senior officers, as well as the SIAS Client Audit Manager.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That progress on significant corporate governance enhancement activity during 2018/19 be noted.

2.         That corporate governance enhancement activity identified for 2019/20, for inclusion in the Council’s 2018/19 Annual Governance Statement, be noted.

The Committee considered a report by the Council’s Scrutiny Officer, which invited the Committee to agree its Scrutiny Work Programme for the 2019/2020 Municipal Year. The report highlighted Members responses to a Scrutiny survey, suggestion by Members and residents for future Scrutiny Reviews, Monitoring Reviews of Recommendations and Policy Development Scrutiny work to be undertaken by Portfolio Holder Advisory Groups. With regard to suggestions by residents, Members were informed that responses had been provided to the respective residents.

Members discussed the suitability of the topics proposed and whether the Committee was of the view that the scrutiny process could add value to their consideration.

It was RESOLVED:

1.           That Scrutiny Members’ feedback on ideas for improving Scrutiny as set out in section 4 of the report be noted.

2.           That having considered ideas put forward by individual Members, the following matters be added to the list for consideration, prioritisation and scoping as possible Environment and Economy Select Committee Scrutiny Work Programme items for 2019/2020:

·         Post Office Provision across the Town: The review should include coverage across the Town, ownership, the relationship between post offices and the shop operators, consideration of where the Post Office would be in five years time. Members also agreed it would be useful to speak to affected staff about how terms/conditions and training had changed.

·         Fairlands Valley Park: it was agreed that this item should be taken in conjunction with the review of leisure facilities and parks detailed at paragraph 5.1.2 of the officer’s report. The Assistant Director (Direct Services) suggested that the broader, strategic scrutiny could be undertaken by the Environment and Economy Select Committee with the more detailed Fairlands Valley Park scrutiny being undertaken by the Community Select Committee. The link with other Council strategies such as the Healthy Stevenage Strategy should also be considered.

·         Impact on Brexit on the Local Economy: It was noted that the Senior Leadership Team was monitoring this on a daily basis and that the Council was actively tracking the developments on a Business Continuity basis so it would not be suitable to include the issue in the Committee’s Work Programme.

·         Town Centre Regeneration/SG1 Project: Agreed that this was in the remit of the Planning and Development Committee.

·         Emerging Transport Strategy: The Planning Policy Manager advised that the consultation on the Strategy had been extended until the end of March. Responses would then be evaluated and a report would be submitted to the Executive and then on to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the Summer. An update on the Strategy could be provided to the Committee at a later date.

·         Outcome of the Local Plan: Agreed that this was in the remit of the Planning and Development Committee.

·         Climate Change: The Planning Policy Manager agreed to circulate to Members the Climate Change Strategy that was produced by the Council in 2009. The Assistant Director (Direct Services) suggested that this issue could be aligned with the Corporate Asset Management Strategy.

·         Non-Domestic Rate Income: it was agreed that this should be suggested as a scrutiny item for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·         Impact on Schools of the Academisation Programme: it was agreed that this should be suggested as a scrutiny item for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·         Local Neighbourhood Centres: It was agreed that this be the Committee’s main review item for the year commencing in the Autumn 2019.

·         Fly-tipping of Bulky Goods: officers agreed to ask the Assistant Director (Housing and Investment) to circulate the relevant policy to Members.

·         Offer from Govia Thameslink Railways: agreed that this should be an ongoing issue for the Committee including the involvement of London North Eastern Railway (LNER).

·         Play Areas: An update will be provided to the Committee on the unsupervised Area Play Equipment Programme which was currently underway.

·         Cycling: officers confirmed that this would be linked to the Transport Strategy along with other relevant plans and strategies.

3.           That the following items which were the subject of previous studies be included in the work programme for an update on the issues:

·         Maintenance of trees, hedges and shrub beds linked to fly tipping;

·         Business Technology Centre Review;

·         In relation to the review of open spaces, it was noted that this would be included in the review referred to in recommendation 2 above.

4.           That the following issues be included in the work programme for the Portfolio Holder Advisory Group (PHAG) meetings to carry out policy development work for 2019/2020 (Paragraph 7.1 to the report referred):

·         Review of Bring Back Recycling Sites scheduled for Executive in July 2019, PHAG meeting in June 2019

·         Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to be scheduled for Executive in 2019/20, PHAG meeting to be scheduled in 2019/20

·         Parking Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to be scheduled for Executive in 2019/20, PHAG meeting to be scheduled in 2019/20

·         Economic Development Strategy to be scheduled for Executive in 2019/20, PHAG meeting to be scheduled in 2019/20

·         Town Centre Parking Strategy to be scheduled for Executive in 2019/20, PHAG meeting to be scheduled in 2019/20.

None.

Not Required.

None.

Apologies for Absence were received from Councillors Sarah-Jane Potter and Simon Speller.

Councillor Michael Downing declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 2 – Environment and Economy Select Committee – Work Programme – Paragraph 5.1.6 relating to the Transport Strategy as Chairman of the Bus User Group (BUGS).

None.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That, under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in Paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by SI 2006 No. 88.

2.         That, having considered the reasons for the following items being in Part II, it be determined that maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

In relation to the Minutes of the Community Select Committee meeting held on 12 February 2019, the Leader commended the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People and officers who had worked on the production of the Healthy Stevenage Strategy.

In respect of the Minutes of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 18 February 2019, the Community Development Team was requested to liaise with the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Community Safety & Equalities regarding any initiatives looking to undertake any work around resident involvement for the Council in building diversity in groups and services.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the following meetings of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees are noted –

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 31 January 2019

Community Select Committee – 12 February 2019

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 18 February 2019

The following matters were discussed:

·      Timescale for Combined Teams – much of the background work had been completed leading up to the introduction of combined teams of Community/Neighbourhood and Housing officers to drive forward the CNM Programme, but progression was awaiting the appointment of a new Housing Project Manager, who it was hoped, would progress this to completion in the summer of 2019.

·      Involvement of Ward Members – officers were instructed to ensure that schedules of works completed and works to be carried out in each ward were provided to Ward Members.

·      The Executive was of the view that it should be made clear in all future communications regarding the CNM Programme that all Councillors were in full support of the programme; also that accuracy was essential when identifying locations where improvements had taken place or were scheduled to take place.

The Executive supported an additional recommendation requesting officers to prepare a document setting out the purpose and aims of the CNM Programme, and to devote a whole edition of the Council’s Chronicle Magazine based around the work taking place in connection with the CNM Programme, including details of the rationale of the timetable for the work in various wards.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the delivery of activity undertaken through the Co-operative Neighbourhood Management (CNM) Programme to date is noted.

2.         That the proposed Forward Plan for the CNM Programme over the coming year is noted.

3.         That officers be requested to prepare a document setting out the purpose and aims of the CNM Programme, and to devote a whole edition of the Council’s Chronicle Magazine based around the work taking place in connection with the CNM Programme.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report; and 3. To better publicise the the CNM Programme.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.

The following points were raised during the debate:

·      Customer Feedback – in order to tackle areas where feedback to customers was not meeting performance targets, officers were requested to investigate methods (such as a small additional administrative resource) to improve communication and response times to customer enquiries.

·      Garage Business Plan – officers were requested to report back to the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holders on the reasons why a petition had been submitted regarding the proposals for the Nash Court Garage complex when the overall proposals for the Garage Business Plan had yet to be made public.

·      Use of Agency staff – officers were requested to provide the Leader with a breakdown of agency staff and an action plan aimed at reducing the numbers of agency staff in the future.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the delivery of priorities which form the Future Town, Future Council Programme and performance of the Council across the key themes for Quarter 3 2018/19, together with the latest achievements, is noted.

2.         That the review of contractual arrangements for the management of health and safety compliance and measures implemented to ensure regulations continue to be met are noted and endorsed (Paragraphs 3.90 to 3.91 of the report).

3.         That arrangements to meet new regulations (introduced in October 2018) relating to the Licensing of Houses of Multiple Occupation are noted and endorsed (Paragraphs 3.102 to 3.105 of the report).

4.         That the resource planning implemented to provide a sustainable solution to meeting the level of customer contacts through the Customer Service Centre and provide a more consistent level of service to customers is noted and endorsed (Paragraphs 3.115 to 3.121 of the report).

5.         That the improvements in sickness management practice is noted and future plans are endorsed (Paragraphs 3.131 to 3.135 of the report).

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.

The Leader requested officers to ensure that the Asset Management Strategy included measures to be undertaken to ensure that when works were taking place, appropriate steps would be taken to protect the safety and security of residents and their properties.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Asset Management Strategy, as set out in Appendix D to the report, is approved.

2.         That delegated authority is given to the Assistant Director (Housing & Investment), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People, to finalise the Strategy and related Action Plan.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.

The following matters were raised:

·      Paragraph 4.1.10 – ICT expenditure – in response to a question regarding the anticipated 2018/19 underspend of £552,000, it was confirmed that slippage had occurred due to the time taken to appoint a new ICT Strategic Partnerships Manager and the scaling up of revenue resources to support the delivery of the required ICT capital projects.  It was expected that this capital expenditure would take place in Quarter 1 of 2019/20.

·      Paragraph 4.1.21 – Boilers in community centres – officers were requested to provide an answer to Executive Members in respect of a suggested management programme of boiler replacements in community centres.

·      Paragraph 4.1.23 – Pedaloes at Fairlands Valley Park – SLL be asked to ensure that the new pedaloes were made available for public use on a more regular basis than was currently the case.

·      Commercial investments – officers undertook to consult with the Estates Team and report back to Executive Members on progress with the Acquisition Strategy (ie. proposals to acquire commercial property inside and outside of the Borough).

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the 2018/19 General Fund capital programme net decrease in expenditure of £3.870Million is approved, as summarised in Section 4.1 of the report.

2.         That the 2018/19 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme net decrease in expenditure of £0.911Million is approved, as summarised in Section 4.2 of the report.

3.         That the 2019/20 General Fund increase in capital expenditure of £3.015Million (slippage from 2018/19) is approved, as summarised in Paragraph 4.1.3 of the report.

4.         That the 2019/20 HRA increase in capital expenditure of £1.036Million (£911,000 slippage from 2018/19 and £125,000 vehicles) is approved.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.

The following matters were discussed:

·      Paragraph 4.9.9 - Council Tax on Empty Property – in the light of the budget for council tax on void properties likely to be overspent by £75,750 for the year, officers were requested to investigate steps to be taken to mitigate against this in the future by returning as many void properties as possible back into the housing stock for re-letting.

·      Paragraph 4.9.12 – Communal Area Maintenance – officers were requested to provide the Leader with details of and reasons for the underspend of £40,000, and an indicative date for when the review of caretaking/maintenance services would be taking place.

It was RESOLVED:

General Fund

1.         That the 2018/19 3rd Quarter General Fund projected net decrease in expenditure of £80,890 is approved.

2.         That it is noted that the cumulative changes made to the General Fund net budget remain within the £400,000 (increase) variation limit delegated to Executive.

3.         That the progress of the 2018/19 approved savings, growth bids and carry forwards is noted.

4.         That the 2019/20 pressure of £118,420 is approved.  The ongoing pressure is £51,800 with £66,620 being for one year only.

5.         That the new carry forward requests of £80,000 are approved.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

6.         That the 2018/19 3rd Quarter decrease in the net HRA deficit of £966,030 is approved.

7.         That the progress of the 2018/19 approved savings, growth bids and carry forward requests is noted.

8.         That the 2019/20 ongoing pressure of £17,000 is approved.

9.         That the new carry forward requests of £507,470 are approved.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.

Future High Street Fund: Expression of Interest

The Leader had accepted that this urgent item could be considered at the meeting, and could not wait until the following meeting of the Executive, because ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­the deadline for expressions of interest regarding the Future High Street Fund to be submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) was by 22 March 2019.

The Leader asked officers to ensure that the expression of interest was accompanied by details of the type of projects that the Council would be hoping to implement should it be allowed to progress to the second stage of the process.

It was noted that the Old Stevenage High Street did not meet the criteria for the submission of an expression of interest.  However, it was hoped that the possible use of heritage-related external funding could be obtained for investment in the High Street area.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the bid process and guidance issued by the MCHLG is noted.

2.         That the submission of an Expression of Interest based on the Stevenage Central Framework and its associated evidence base is endorsed.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (TP), following consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Regeneration, to agree a letter of support on behalf of Executive, to be submitted with the Expression of Interest

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other options considered: As contained in report.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 13 February 2019 is approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

No apologies for absence were received.

There were no declarations of interest.