Agenda and decisions

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

On behalf of the Council, the Chair conveyed congratulations to Lewis Hamilton for winning the Formula 1 Championship for the sixth time.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 9 October 2019 for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 9 October 2019 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

To note the following minutes of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees –

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 15 October 2019

In respect of the Future Town, Future Transport Strategy, and with particular reference to cycling in the Town Centre, the meeting was informed that there was already in place a by-law prohibiting this activity.  Members felt that any enforcement or extending of this by-law should be publicised.  Officers were asked to ensure that the Town Centre Neighbourhood Warden was made aware of the by-law, and Members felt that increased signage was necessary in the Town Centre (possibly funded through Members’ Local Community Budgets).  Officers were further requested to investigate the possibility of the introduction of a cycling education programme, in association with the Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Members were supportive of the concept of a property MoT as part of the new Domestic Gas Contract.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee held on 15 October 2019 be noted.

To consider the proposed Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy.

In response to issues raised by the Chair, officers agreed to investigate the way in which Section 184 decision letters were worded by the Housing Options Service, however, the legal definitions such as “intentionally homeless” cannot be changed as this was a legal requirement.  Officers also clarified that Section 184 of Part 7 of the Housing Act 1996 (as amended) related to a legal decision on each Homelessness application, and was a duty of the Council to meet its obligations under the Act.  Officers were requested to tidy up the wording of the Prevention Duty definition included on Page 15 of the Strategy.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2019-2024, attached as Appendix A to the report, be adopted.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (RP) to make minor revisions to the draft Strategy, having consulted the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider and recommend to Council the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21.

It was RESOLVED that Council be recommended to approve the 2020/21 Council Tax Support Scheme, as proposed within the report.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider and recommend to Council the Mid Year review of the 2019/20 Treasury Management Strategy.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That Council be recommended to approve the 2019/20 Treasury Management Mid Year Review.

2.         That Council be recommended to approve the latest approved Countries for investments list (Appendix D to the report).

3.         That the updated authorised and operational borrowing limits be approved (Paragraph 4.4.7 of the report).

4.         That the updated MRP Policy be approved (Paragraph 4.4.10 and Appendix E to the report).

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the Second Quarter Revenue Monitoring report 2019/20 - General Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

In relation to Paragraph 4.2.2 of the report, Officers were requested to amend the title of the “Gresley Way” development to “Blackwell Close” development, in order to avoid confusion with the nearby scheme in East Hertfordshire District Council also known as the “Gresley Way” development.

Members expressed strong concerns about the Government’s continued reduction in the Supporting People Grant, particularly as it most affected the Borough’s older and more vulnerable residents.

It was RESOLVED:

General Fund

1.         That the 2019/20 2^nd Quarter projected net increase in General Fund expenditure of £25,010 be approved.

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

3.         That it be noted that the 2020/21 ongoing net pressure of £5,180 will be incorporated into the Budget setting process.

Housing Revenue Account

1.         That the 2019/20 2^nd Quarter projected net decrease in HRA net deficit of £88,760 be approved.

2.         That it be noted that the cumulative increases made to the HRA net budget remains within the £250,000 increase variation limit delegated to the Executive.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the Second Quarter Capital Monitoring Report 2019/20 – General Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the 2019/20 General Fund Capital Programme net decrease in expenditure of £1.5M be approved, as summarised in Table One, Paragraph 4.1.1 of the report.

2.         That the General Fund net increase of capital expenditure of £2.1M in 2020/21, also as summarised in Table One, Paragraph 4.1.1 of the report, be approved.

3.         That the net increase of £130,000 in the capital expenditure for the 2019/20 Housing Revenue Account, as summarised in Table Three, Paragraph 4.3.4 of the report, be approved.

4.         That the net increase of £262,000 in the capital expenditure for the 2020/21 Housing Revenue Account, also as summarised in Table Three, Paragraph 4.3.4 of the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

Town Deals Fund

The Strategic Director (TP) updated the Executive on progress with the Council benefitting from the Town Deals Fund, with regard to the development of a Town Deals Board and Investment Plan.

To consider the following motions –

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 paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.         That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

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.

To consider Financial Security Options for 2020/21 - 2022/23.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained in the report, including an amendment to Recommendation 2.1, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

None.