Agenda for Executive on Tuesday, 6 October 2020, 2.00pm

Agenda and decisions

Venue: Virtual (via Zoom)

Contact: Ian Gourlay (01438) 242703  Email: committees@stevenage.gov.uk

Note: You can view this meeting via the live stream from the Council’s YouTube channel by following this link - https://www.youtube.com/user/SBCComms 

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Decision:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lloyd Briscoe and for lateness from Councillor John Gardner.

 

There were no declarations of interest.

2.

MINUTES - 16 SEPTEMBER 2020 pdf icon PDF 129 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 16 September 2020 for signature by the Chair.

Decision:

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 16 September 2020 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

3.

COVID-19 UPDATE

To consider a verbal update / presentation on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Decision:

The Executive considered a verbal update/presentation from the Strategic Director (RP) on the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The following issues were raised by Members during the presentation:

 

·            Officers were requested to improve communications with residents across the Borough and businesses in the Old Town area regarding the reasons behind the Covid-19 related restrictions introduced in the High Street, including the key messages behind the footway/highway width changes and the loss of some parking spaces, offset by the use of 120 spaces (free for 3 hours) in the Former Waitrose Car Park.  On this latter point, the Leader asked that clear signage be provided in the High Street directing car users to the Former Waitrose Car Park;

·            The Strategic Director (RP) was asked to contact the Hertfordshire Director of Public Health to ascertain the latest position with regard to the availability/supply of the flu vaccine and to inform Executive Members of the response;

·            It was confirmed that it would be the responsibility of the Local resilience Forum to authorise any re-introduction of Operation Shield/Sustain activities in the case of a Local Outbreak or increased lockdown;

·            It was clarified that, at present, the majority of contact tracing was carried out by NHS Test and Trace based on those testing positive for Covid-19 and providing contact lists, rather than via those individuals using the NHS Covid-19 app.;

·            The Council was continuing to work with Stevenage Leisure Limited (SLL) on service delivery, although it was acknowledged that the existing difficult financial position could be exacerbated should SLL’s bid for Culture Recovery Fund monies be unsuccessful;

·            As a contribution to Black History Month, Officers were requested to give consideration to the publication of material recording the contribution of black people to the life and growth of Stevenage;

·            It was confirmed that the £500 isolation payments would be paid by the Revenues and Benefits Team to qualifying individuals (subject to the relevant Government Department confirming their eligibility);

·            The Strategic Director (RP) informed the Executive that he would be producing a weekly Covid-19 update/bulletin to be sent to all Members. 

 

It was RESOLVED that the Covid-19 update be noted.

4.

WORKFORCE STRATEGY 2020-2023 pdf icon PDF 166 KB

To present to Executive and seek approval of the new Workforce Strategy for 2020-2023.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Executive considered a report seeking approval of the Workforce Strategy 2020-2023.

 

The following issues were raised during the debate:

 

·            The Leader’s recommended addition of the word “inclusive” between the words “Build an” and “empowered and engaged workforce…” in the “People vision” box on Page 5 of the Strategy was supported;

·            At an appropriate time in the future, Officers were requested to provide Members with the longer term impacts/effects of homeworking amongst staff; and

·            It was confirmed that if major changes occurred regarding Covid-19, such as an effective vaccine, officers would react immediately and would not wait until the annual review of actions and targets.

 

The Executive accepted two additional recommendations proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Resources, namely that a key action from the Workforce Strategy would be the development of a workforce Equality and Diversity Policy; and that the Workforce Strategy would be an enabler of workforce productivity and the methodology and measurement would be included in the action plan and would be done in consultation with the trade unions.  

 

It was RESOLVED:

 

1.          That the Workforce Strategy for 2020-2023, as attached at Appendix A to the report, and as amended, be approved.

 

2.          That it be noted that the implementation plan may be revised due to changing circumstances and workforce requirements, and that approval for such changes be delegated to the Senior Human Resources Manager, after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources.

 

3.          That a key action from the Workforce Strategy will be the development of a workforce Equality and Diversity Policy.

 

4.          That the Workforce Strategy will be an enabler of workforce productivity and the methodology and measurement will be included in the action plan and will be done in consultation with the trade unions.

 

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; 3. and 4. To widen the scope of the Workforce Strategy and supporting documentation.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

5.

CORPORATE PERFORMANCE - QUARTER ONE 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 373 KB

To consider the Quarter One 2020/21 Corporate Performance monitoring report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Executive considered the Quarter One Corporate Performance report 2020/21.

 

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 One 2020/21, together with the latest achievements, be noted.

 

2.          That the impacts of the Government directive on housing rough sleepers during Covid-19 be noted, and that future Housing First plans be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.80 to 3.86 of the report).

 

3.          That the impacts on the Council’s Housing Options Service from the Government directive on evictions and the Covid-19 pandemic be noted, and that future Housing First Plans be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.74 to 3.79 of the report).

 

4.          That the impacts of Universal Credit and Covid-19 on the rent collection rate be noted and action plans endorsed (Paragraphs 3.87 to 3.95 of the report).

 

5.          That the impacts of Covid-19 on the following area be noted and plans endorsed:

 

·        Community Safety issues (Paragraphs 3.99 to 3.105 of the report);

·        Job Creation through the Business Technology Centre (Paragraphs 3.107 to 3.111 of the report);

·        Ability to inspect food establishments (Paragraphs 3.112 to 3.113 of the report);

·        Issues with the letting of Council garages (Paragraphs 3.114 to 3.120 of the report);

·        Collection of Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates (Paragraphs 3.152 to 3.154 of the report);

·        Ability to identify and remove Housing Revenue Account/General Fund savings (Paragraphs 3.155 to 3.157 of the report).

 

6.          That the level of void loss be noted and the improvements be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.95 to 3.98 of the report).

 

7.          That the changes in the process to recruitment be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.144 to 3.145 of the report).

 

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

6.

HERTFORDSHIRE HOME IMPROVEMENT AGENCY - 24 MONTH REVIEW pdf icon PDF 180 KB

To provide information on the Council’s second year of participation in the Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA), and to propose that the Council remains a member of the HHIA.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Executive considered a report on the Council’s second year of participation in the Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA).

 

The Executive requested the Communications and Marketing Team to draw up an easy to follow guide for residents on the processes to go through in applying for aids and adaptations/Disabled Facilities Grants for their properties, including an article in the Council’s Chronicle magazine; an infographics sheet; an item on the SBC website; and social media coverage.

 

It was RESOLVED:

 

1.          That the performance of the Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA) over the last 12 months be noted.

 

2.          That the Council’s continued participation in the HHIA be endorsed.

 

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

7.

COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT SCHEME 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 184 KB

To consider the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22.

Decision:

The Executive considered the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22.

 

It was RESOLVED that Council be recommended to approve the 2021/22 Council Tax Support Scheme proposed within the report.

 

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

8.

URGENT PART I BUSINESS

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

Decision:

None.

9.

EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

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.

Decision:

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 Paragraphs1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

 

2.          That the reasons for the following reports being in Part II were accepted, and that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

10.

PART II MINUTES - EXECUTIVE - 16 SEPTEMBER 2020

To approve as a correct record the Part II Minutes of the Executive held on 16 September 2020 for signature by the Chair.

Decision:

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 16 September 2020 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

11.

URGENT PART II BUSINESS

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

Decision:

None.