Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Phil Bibby CC (observer) and Robin Parker CC (observer).

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 19 January 2022 for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 19 January 2022 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

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

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 10 January 2022

It was RESOLVED that the following Minutes of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees be noted:

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 10 January 2022

To consider an update on the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Executive considered an overarching verbal update report from the Strategic Director (RP), together with a short presentation from the Corporate Policy & Research Officer, providing information concerning the Omicron variant and the latest epidemiology statistics relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The following issues were raised by Members:

·        officers were asked to ensure that, as well as digital, non-digital forms of communication be used (such as posters displayed at the Bedwell and Monkswood Shopping Parades) to advertise the pop-up vaccination clinics to be held in the Bedwell Ward in early March;

·        the Strategic Director (RP) agreed to request information from the Lister Hospital to confirm their position in relation to the backlog for elective surgery, along with any associated proposals for tackling the matter;

·        if statistics became available at national level regarding the 39% of those hospitalised who had received a first, second and/or booster vaccination, then officers would report this information to Members; and

·        the Chair stated that the Hertfordshire Director of Public Health had advised that there were no plans at present for second booster vaccinations, although it was likely that there would be a future need for at least an annual booster.

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

To consider the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Gambling Act Statement of Principles 2022-2025, and to recommend the Statement to Council for adoption.

The Executive considered a report in respect of the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Gambling Act Statement of Principles 2022-2025, for onward recommendation to Council for adoption.

The Executive supported an additional recommendation proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Communities, Community Safety & Equalities that the Council would, through the General Purposes Committee, engage with local partners and stakeholders, including Hertfordshire County Council Public Health and addiction support organisations, to further develop the Local Area Profile by establishing an evidence base that identified local harms from gambling activities and make representations to the Secretary of State to tackle harms from services such as online gambling.  The Council would also seek the assistance of Hertfordshire’s Public Health team to carry out a local health impact assessment.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Gambling Act Statement of Principles 2022-2025, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be agreed.

2.          That the Stevenage Borough Council Gambling Act Statement of Principles 2022-2025 be recommended to Council for adoption.

3.          That the Council will, through the General Purposes Committee, engage with local partners and stakeholders, including Hertfordshire County Council Public Health and addiction support organisations, to further develop the Local Area Profile by establishing an evidence base that identifies local harms from gambling activities and make representations to the Secretary of State to tackle harms from services such as online gambling.  It will also seek the assistance of Hertfordshire’s Public Health team to carry out a local health impact assessment.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; and 3. To identify and endeavour to address local harms caused by gambling activities.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider and recommend to Council the approval of the final General Fund Budget and Council Tax Setting for 2022/23.

The Executive considered a report in respect of the final General Fund Budget and Council Tax Setting for 2022/23, for onward recommendation to Council.

In response to a Member’s question, the Strategic Director (CF) stated that the issue of a potential gap in the Government’s methodology regarding the application of the £150 energy costs relief for Houses in Multiple Occupation had been raised with the Government, although the Regulations for administering this relief were still awaited.  There would be further challenges in applying this relief to those that did not pay their Council Tax by direct debit.

It was RESOLVED that the following proposals be recommended to Council:

1.          That the 2021/22 revised net expenditure on the General Fund of £11,688,050 be approved.

2.          That the inclusion of the 2022/23 Fees and Charges of £341,780 (Appendix B to the report) in the draft 2022/23 budget be noted.

3.          That the draft General Fund Budget for 2022/23 of £11,206,660, with a contribution from balances of £1,112,817 and a Band D Council Tax of £225.57 (assuming a 2.26% increase) be approved.

4.          That the updated position on the General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), as summarised in Section 4.3 of the report, be noted.

5.          That the minimum level of General Fund reserves of £3,471,038 in line with the 2022/23 risk assessment of balances, as shown at Appendix C to the report, be approved.

6.          That the contingency sum of £400,000 within which the Executive can approve supplementary estimates be approved for 2022/23 (reflecting the level of balances available above the minimum amount).

7.          That the Making Your Money Count (MYMC) options, as set out in Section 4.2 and Appendix A of the report, totalling £780,945 and £39,370 for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) respectively for 2022/23 be approved.

8.          That the Growth options included in Section 4.3 of the report be approved for inclusion in the 2022/23 General Fund (3120,078) and HRA (£63,360) budgets.

9.          That the General Fund pressures, as set out in Section 4.3 of the report, be approved.

10.      That a further £300,000 be approved to pump prime Transformation, to be included in the Council’s 2022/23 budget setting processes in order to significantly contribute to the savings targets set out in Section 4.11 of the report.

11.      That the identification of a further £500,000 of MYMC options for the June 2022 MTFS report, as set out in Paragraph 4.11.4 of the report, be approved.

12.      That the use of business rate gains only once realised be ring fenced for firstly the financial resilience of the Council and, if required, transferred to the Income Equalisation Reserve, and thereafter are used for Regeneration or Co-operative Neighbourhood one-off spend.

13.      That the 2022/23 Council Tax Support Scheme, as set out in Section 4.6 of the report, be approved.

14.      That the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as set out in Section 4.19 of the report, be noted.

15.      That the Equalities Impact Assessments,  ...  view the full decision text for item 6.

To consider a Business Case in respect of the proposed Railway Station Multi-Storey Car Park.

[REPORT TO FOLLOW]

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed Business Case for the Railway Station Multi-Storey Car Park.

In reply to a Member’s question, the Assistant Director (Regeneration) stated that the discussions with Network Rail regarding the project had not thus far included the possibility of passengers using nearby stations for their rail journeys whilst the MSCP construction work was taking place.  Although the existing parking capacity at nearby stations was limited, he agreed to raise this matter with Network Rail.

The Chair asked that officers arrange for a leafletting campaign to take place at the Railway Station in the run up to the start of the MSCP construction contract to advise passengers of the reduced car parking at the station for the duration of the contract and their options for parking in the other town centre car parks or travelling to the station by other means.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That it be noted that the discussions with Huber (proposed Contractor), as well as with Officers in the Council’s Finance and Parking Departments, have continued since the December 2021 Executive meeting to progress the project.

2.          That the successful outcome of the planning application process, with the new MSCP and cycle hub being approved on 11 January 2022, be noted.

3.          That borrowing of up to £2.05M be approved to fund the costs of the MSCP not funded through Towns Fund and identified capital receipts.

4.          That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director (TP) to enter into a construction contract with Huber up to £9.5M, and to agree any value increases to the existing Pre-Construction Services Agreement in order to protect the overall contract price.

5.          That the following mitigation strategy principles be agreed:

·     Customers to be encouraged, using an improved communications strategy, to use St George’s Multi-Storey Car Park as the preferred option for long term parking when using the station and other car parks within the town centre;

·     Customers have a further choice to use Primett Road car park and walk to the station - a “park and stride” option;

·     Utilisation of the Income Equalisation Reserve in the event that car parking income losses during construction of the MSCP are higher than included in the 2022/23 budget.

6.          That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation) to procure an operator(s) and operational plan for the new MSCP electric vehicle charging points and cycle hub, following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Resources, Environment and Regeneration, and Economy and Transport.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To seek approval to draft the next version of the Stevenage Connection Area Action Plan: Preferred Options report, to be reported back to the Executive prior to commencing public consultation.

The Executive considered a report seeking approval to the drafting of the Stevenage Connection Area Action Plan: Preferred Options report.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the content of the draft Stevenage Connection Area Action Plan: Issues and Options Report Consultation Statement (the Consultation Statement) be noted.

2.          That it be agreed to progress to the next stage of the Area Action Plan progress, namely the production of the “Stevenage Connection Area Action Plan: Preferred Options Report”, (the Preferred Options Report), this report being based on the outcomes of the “Issues and Options” consultation.

3.          That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director: Planning and Regulation, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to prepare the Preferred Options Report.

4.          That it be noted that the final draft of the Preferred Options Report will be presented to Executive for approval to go out to public consultation in Summer 2022 (formal consultation, if approved, will take place once approved).

5.          That the comments of the Planning & Development Committee on the report and Consultation Statement be noted.

6.          That it be noted that informal engagement with key stakeholders will continue, to test the Preferred Options ahead of preparation of the Area Action Plan Preferred Options Report.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the feedback from consultation on the draft Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 2021, and to approve the amended SPD prior to a second round of consultation.

The Executive considered a report regarding feedback from consultation on the draft Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 2021, and seeking approval to the amended SPD prior to a second round of public consultation.

The Chair encouraged Members to provide officers with any suggestions for the addition of appropriate buildings to the Stevenage Heritage Assets list.

The following points were made by officers regarding issues raised by Members:

·        the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation) was requested to provide details in the next report on the SPD in respect of the refining of the design guidance for non-residential development;

·        officers were requested to consider what action could be taken to direct telecommunications companies away from siting their apparatus in green leisure/community spaces, and instead locating them in more appropriate areas;

·        officers were asked to include Liquid Amber trees in the list of tree species that should be considered set out in the “Movement” section of the SPD; and

·        officers agreed to engage further as part of the next consultation phase in respect of the most appropriate signage to be used in the Borough’s Conservation Areas.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the content of the Stevenage Design Guidance SPD 2021 Consultation Statement (Appendix B) be noted.

2.          That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director: Planning and Regulation, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to make minor amendments as are necessary in the final preparation of the second draft SPD prior to its consultation.

3.          That the second draft Design Guidance SPD be published for consultation in September 2022 for a minimum of six weeks (speculatively 5 September to 17 October 2022).

4.          That the Local List of Heritage Assets be published on the Stevenage Borough Council Webpage.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the development of a formalised filming offer for Stevenage, designed to attract film, television and documentary makers into the Borough and to create an additional sustainable revenue stream for the Council and to support the local economy.

The Executive considered a report in respect of the development of a formalised filming offer for Stevenage, designed to attract film, television and documentary makers into the Borough, help promote the town and to create an additional sustainable revenue stream for the Council whilst also supporting the local economy.

The Chair requested the Strategic Director (TP) to liaise with Hertfordshire County Council colleagues to ascertain details of the process and cost for the fast-tracking of road closures in association with filming productions.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the need to formalise the arrangements for filming within the Borough, in order that the Council will be in a better position to generate interest as a destination creative town and ensure that income is appropriately generated from the use of Council assets, be noted.

2.          That the plan outlined in Section 4 of the report be approved as the Council’s “filming offer”.

3.          That the implementation of the Council’s scale of charges for filming, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in the report.

To consider a report seeking revisions to the 2021/22 General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, and approval of the final Capital Programme for 2022/23 for onward recommendation to Council.

The Executive considered a report seeking revisions to the 2021/22 General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme, and approval of the final Capital Programme for 2022/23 for onward recommendation to Council.

In reply to a question from the Chair in respect of progress on the Locality Reviews, the Strategic Director (CF) stated that the Strategic Leadership Team was in the process of considering community assets, following which there would be consultation with Executive Portfolio Holders.

In response to a further question from the Chair regarding the use of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)/Section 106 monies, the Strategic Director (CF) confirmed that these were essentially limited to the provision of capital funding for specific projects, but officers would investigate the extent of which the ongoing maintenance and revenue costs associated with such projects could be paid for from CIL/Section 106.

A Member requested that consideration should be given in the future to the use of funding for a more regular upgrading and maintenance programme for the Borough’s Shopping Parades.

It was RESOLVED that the following proposals be recommended to Council:

1.          That the final General Fund Capital Growth Bids for 2022/23, as detailed in Appendix A (and incorporated into Appendix C) to the report, be approved.

2.          That the revisions to the 2021/22 General Fund budget, as incorporated into Appendix C to the report, be approved.

3.          That the final 2022/23 General Fund Capital Programme, as detailed in Appendix C to the report, together with the recommended resourcing, be approved.

4.          That the Chief Financial Officer brings a report forward during the 2022/23 financial year setting out the Council’s key capital regeneration and community asset ambitions and key land and asset disposals not currently in the capital strategy, to determine a funding strategy to meet these Corporate priorities.

5.          That the final Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget requests for 2022/23, as detailed in Appendix B (and incorporated into Appendix D) to the report, and as approved at the 26 January 2022 Council meeting, be noted.

6.          That the final HRA Capital Programme, as detailed in Appendix D to the report, be approved.

7.          That the updated forecast of resources 2022/23, as detailed in Appendix C (General Fund) and Appendix D (HRA) to the report, be approved.

8.          That the Council’s investment strategy for non-treasury assets, as detailed in Appendix E to the report, be approved for consideration by the Executive.

9.          That the funding increase requested for the Bus Interchange scheme, as set out in Paragraph 4.1.2 of the report, be approved.

10.      That the Executive be given delegated authority to approved all of the on-hold schemes, so that they can go ahead depending on the outcome of the work identified in Paragraph 4.3.1 of the report.

11.      That the 2022/23 de-minimis expenditure limit, as set out in Section 4.11 of the report, be approved.

12.      That the 2022/23 contingency allowances for the General Fund and HRA, set out in Paragraphs 4.12.1 and 4.12.2 of the report respectively, be approved.  ...  view the full decision text for item 11.

To recommend to Council the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy.

The Executive considered a report seeking the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy 2022/23, including its Annual Investment Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, for onward recommendation to Council.

It was RESOLVED that the following proposals be recommended to Council:

1.          That the Treasury Management Strategy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.          That the Prudential Indicators for 2022/23, as set out at Appendix C to the report, be approved.

3.          That the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy, as set out at Appendix B to the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in the report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

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

Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund

The Chair was pleased to announce that the Council had been awarded £1,836,546 for the project to improve the energy efficiency of 400 Council homes.  This funding would be provided through the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF), which was administered by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).  The SHDF funding would be supported by a 33% contribution from the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, making the total project value £2.75M.

The Chair advised that the funding would see social homes with an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D or lower receive upgrades to improve their energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.  This included, where required, fitting wall and loft insulation, double glazing, and solar panels.  The scheme would help us to make these homes warmer and cheaper to run and was also expected to create a great number of jobs in the green energy sector, some of which it was hoped would be local within Stevenage.

The Chair commented that, given the well-publicised increase in energy costs and the other factors which were believed to be fuelling a broader cost of living crisis, this funding was greatly welcomed and the Council would work to ensure that its tenants benefitted as soon as possible, with planned works expected to take place between April 2022 and March 2023.  The work being delivered formed part of the Council’s commitment to making Council housing more energy efficient and would also contribute towards the achievement of its wider ambition to be net carbon zero by 2030.

The Chair recorded her thanks to the Council’s Housing & Investment Team and Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Older People for the significant efforts made to submit the bid, which had secured this important and timely funding award.

To consider the following motions –

1.          That under Section 100A 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 – 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.

Not required.

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

None.