1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
2. MINUTES - COUNCIL - WEDNESDAY 31 JULY 2012
To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual Council meeting held on Wednesday 31 July 2012.
Minutes attached
4. MAYOR'S COMMUNICATIONS
To receive any communications that the Mayor may wish to put before Council. To include a performance from the 'Just Sing!' Community Choir.
5. MAIN DEBATE - WELFARE REFORMS - WHAT WILL IT MEAN TO STEVENAGE RESIDENTS?
To receive a presentation from Katie Lane, Head of Welfare Policy, of the Citizen's Advice Bureau.
6. PETITIONS AND DEPUTATIONS
None received.
7. QUESTIONS FROM THE YOUTH COUNCIL
None received.
8. QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC
None received.
9. LEADER OF THE COUNCIL'S UPDATE
In accordance with the Council's Standing Orders, the Leader of the Opposition shall be given the opportunity to raise one matter relevant to the Borough that has arisen since the last meeting of the Council.
The Leader of the Council shall then have the opportunity to advise the Council of matters relevant to the Borough that have arisen since the last meeting.
10. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
To consider the following Motion to be moved by Councillor John Gardner -
'That Stevenage Borough Council values Luton Airport in terms of the direct and indirect economic benefits it brings to the local economies of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. This Council considers the current proposals to expand this airport more reasonable than earlier proposals brought forward by the operators and is supportive of them on the grounds that they will further boost the local economy and enhance the travelling experience for passengers. However this Council remains very concerned about the potential impact of any increase in noise levels arising from the proposed expansion and will be strongly presenting the case to both the applicant and the Local Authority Planning Authority (Luton Borough Council) to minimise any increase in aircraft noise over Stevenage. This Council will also seek to require the development to mitigate any adverse effects of increased passenger traffic on the A1(M) between junctions 6 & 8 and on the A505 between Hitchin and the Airport.'
11. QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS TO COMMITTEE CHAIRS / PORTFOLIO HOLDERS
None received.
12. MATTER REFERRED FROM THE AUDIT COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE - TREASURY MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2011/2012
At their meetings dated 10 September and 11 September 2012 respectively, the Audit Committee and the Executive both considered the report attached as item 12.
The Audit Committee and the Executive agreed that Council be recommended to approve the 2011/2012 prudential and treasury indicators as set out in the report.
Report attached
Appendix attached
13. MATTER REFERRED FROM THE EXECUTIVE - 'FIRST STEP' - COUNCIL MORTGAGE SCHEME
At its meeting on 11 September 2012 the Executive considered the report attached as item 13 concerning the Council's participation in the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS). The Executive approved the recommendations set out in the report and accordingly the following recommendations are submitted to Council -
1. That the Council be recommended to agree in principle to adopt the Local Authority Mortgage Scheme (LAMS) in accordance with the outline provided within the report, and that the following be approved:
(a) A total indemnity value of £500,000 for Stevenage Borough Council;
(b) To note that Hertfordshire County Council is proposing to provide a total indemnity value of £1,000,000 which will be 'pass ported' from the County Council to the district. A funding Service Level Agreement between the County Council and the District Council setting out the relationship and the relevant share of risk/return in respect of the £1,000,000 from the County Council will be agreed;
(c) A total indemnity of £1,500,000 will be placed with the selected lenders.
(d) A maximum loan size for the Stevenage scheme of £180,500 (based on a 95% loan on a house valued at £190,000 and an individual with a 5% deposit);(e) The Scheme to apply to all post code areas within Stevenage, to be provided to the lender(s) in a schedule to the indemnity deed;
(f) Subject to satisfactory resolution of the wording of the Opinion Letter referred to in the legal implications that the Council will confirm the Provision of appropriate indemnities to the Council's Chief Legal Officer (Monitoring Officer) and Strategic Director (Resources) (Chief Financial Officer), in accordance with the relevant legislation and lenders' requirements;
(g) Delegate authority to the Strategic Director (Resources), in consultation with the Borough Solicitor and Executive Members for Resources and Housing, to agree the detailed financial and contractual arrangements and sign the necessary contracts, agreements and indemnities.
2. That Council be recommended that a capital scheme to a maximum value of £500,000 be included in the Council's Capital Programme for 2012/13, funded from the New Homes Bonus Reserve (£250,000); and sale of General Fund maisonettes (£250,000)
3. That Council be recommended that the Treasury Management Strategy be amended as required to accommodate the accounting treatment required for the LAMS.
Report and Appendix attached
Appendix B
14. MATTER REFERRED FROM THE EXECUTIVE - RENT AND ANNUAL SERVICE CHARGE SETTING POLICY
At its meeting on 11 September 2012 the Executive considered the report attached as item 14 that recommended the levels by which rents and service charges be increased on an annual basis.
The Executive agreed that Council be recommended to approve the Annual Rent & Service Charge Setting Policy, as attached to the report as Appendix 1.
Report attached
Appendix attached
15. STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE - MINUTES - 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Statement of Accounts Committee held 24 September 2012.
These Minutes are before Council as this Committee is not scheduled to meet again in this Municipal Year.
Minutes attached
16. AUDIT COMMITTEE - DRAFT MINUTES - 10 SEPTEMBER AND 24 SEPTEMBER 2012
To note the draft Minutes of the meetings of the Audit Committee held 10 September 2012 and 24 September 2012.
The Minutes of the Audit Committee are submitted for information as it is an advisory Committee of the Council.
Minutes attached - 10 September
Minutes attached - 24 September