Agenda and decisions

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Sharon Taylor announced that she would be declaring an interest in Item 4 – Social Housing Decarbonisation Funding, as her daughter worked for Wates Living who are the recommended contractor for undertaking the works.  She advised that she would leave the meeting for the duration of this item, which would be chaired by the Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Henry.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 14 September 2022 for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 14 September 2022 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

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

Community Select Committee – 5 September 2022

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 20 September 2022

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 21 September 2022

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

Community Select Committee – 5 September 2022

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 20 September 2022

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 21 September 2022

To consider details of the proposed procurement process for a contract to undertake decarbonisation works to 399 Council homes, in conjunction with funding awarded from a bid made by Stevenage Borough Council to the Government for the Social Housing Decarbonisation funding Wave 1.

[Prior to the consideration of this item, Councillor Sharon Taylor declared an interest in the matter as her daughter worked for Wates Living who are the recommended contractor.  She left the meeting for the duration of the item, which was chaired by the Vice-Chair, Councillor Richard Henry]

The Executive considered a report in respect of the proposed procurement process for a contract to undertake decarbonisation works to 399 Council homes, in conjunction with funding awarded from a bid made by SBC to the Government for Social Housing Decarbonisation funding Wave 1.

In response to Members’ questions, the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Housing Development commented:

·         it was not affordable for the Council to undertake decarbonisation works for the whole of the Council’s housing stock as Government funding required match-funding from the Council unless the Government stepped up to provide the appropriate financial level of support and/or considered other flexibilities, such as waiving the cost of SBC’s borrowing to purchase the housing stock.  The Council would be bidding for Wave 2 of  funding, but the Government needed to publish a long-term plan for social housing decarbonisation to provide local authorities with more certainty of funding and delivery, to help households meet their energy costs along with contributing towards meeting climate change targets; and

·         the Housing Department would endeavour to make tenants’ lives as comfortable as possible whilst the decarbonisation works to their homes was being completed.  As far as reasonably possible, individual needs would be taken into account during discussions between officers and tenants prior to work commencing on their properties.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That it be agreed that the Council can call off via direct award from the South East Consortium framework, and that Wates Living be appointed from that framework to carry out works to improve the energy performance of around 399 Stevenage Borough Council social rented homes.

2.          That a contract value for the works, with an anticipated value of around £3 million using JCT measured term contract,for the period from the appointment date of the successful contractor to 30 June 2025, be agreed.

3.          That the option to include further works, within the contract value, should SBC be successful in its bid for funding through Wave 2.1 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, be agreed, and that this option will be built into the agreed contract call off.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the Climate Change annual update, providing an overview of the action that Stevenage Borough Council is taking to address climate change.

The Executive considered a report in respect of the Climate Change annual update 2022, which provided an overview of the actions that SBC was taking to address climate change following a review being undertaken by the new Portfolio Holder.

The following comments were made by Members:

·         members of the public who regularly raised questions on green/climate change issues were recommended to read the report, as it answered a number of the frequently asked questions on such issues;

·         thanks were given to the work of the Green Space Volunteers, the Youth Mayor/Youth Council and various other community groups for their practical initiatives in helping to address green/climate change issues on the ground;

·         it was confirmed that the retrofitting of decarbonisation measures to all SBC-owned properties would cost approximately £240Million.  Officers would continue to bid for Government funding and would endeavour to complete as much work as possible to support the Council’s ambition to be net carbon zero by 2030; and

·         the concept of Neighbourhood Green Plans was supported.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the progress being made to deliver the Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan be noted.

2.          That the proposed approach to engagement, as set out in the report, be endorsed.

3.          That it be noted that a proposal to create a Senior Officer lead role for Climate Change will be included in the Medium Term Financial Strategy report in November 2022.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To inform Members of the amounts of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) secured and projected; to seek agreement to the maintenance of the current CIL Charging Schedule for 2023/24; and to consider a proposed change to the approval process for CIL expenditure and allocation.

The Executive considered a report outlining the amounts of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) secured and projected; seeking agreement to the maintenance of the current CIL Charging Schedule for 2023/24; and seeking agreement to a proposed change to the approval process for CIL expenditure and allocation.

In reply to a Member’s question, the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation) confirmed that there were certain trigger points during the development period that required developers to make CIL payments.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the amounts of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) secured and projected be noted.

2.          That the current CIL Charging Schedule rates be maintained and the rates reviewed in 2023/24.

3.          That Executive approval, rather than Planning & Development Committee approval, be required to allocate and spend more than £75,000 of CIL income.

4.          That the allocation of £15,000 per Co-operative Neighbourhood area, per year from 2023, be approved for local infrastructure (as per CIL Regulations) improvements which support Climate Change improvements and carbon reduction measures.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To update Executive on the steps that Stevenage Borough Council has taken already in responding to the cost of living crisis in this country, and to agree the actions that will be taken to further support local residents, businesses and community groups, and the Council, over the coming months.

The Executive considered a report which provided an update on the steps that SBC had taken already in responding to the cost of living crisis in the country, and seeking agreement to the actions that would be taken to further support local residents, businesses and community groups, and the Council, over the coming months.

Members made the following comments:

·         there was a need to communicate to residents the sources of legitimate household financial support that might be available to them, as well as warning them of the possibility of scams in this area;

·         physical and mental wellbeing of individuals would be affected, and there was a limit to the amount of support that could be given by services such as Citizens Advice and the HCC Money Advice Unit; and

·         there was a strong possibility of increased homelessness due to the cost of living crisis, especially as a number of private landlords were leaving the sector by selling their properties.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the draft Cost of Living Action Plan, attached at Appendix A to the report, be agreed as the basis of an initial town-wide response to the cost of living crisis.

2.          That the Council continues to work with key local partners, including through the Stevenage Together Partnership, to develop a co-ordinated response across agencies to support residents, businesses and community groups.

3.          That the Executive Member Cost of Living Working Group continues to oversee the development and implementation of the action plan, supported by the Officer Working Group, and reports back on progress to the Executive in December 2022.

4.          That it be noted that the potential for reduced income from fee-based services and people struggling to pay council tax and/or rent, coupled with increased demand for services and higher costs, could significantly impact on the Council’s short and medium-term finances.  This will be closely monitored and reported to Executive as part of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and budget setting process.

5.          That the Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise and Transport writes to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to request that the recently announced cap on the cost of energy for businesses for six months is extended to two years, in line with the cap on household energy costs, to provide certainty for local organisations.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider an update on the Future Council 2025 transformation programme,  including proposals for the Council to implement a Five-Star Customer Service programme which responds to the key principles agreed by the Executive in August 2021.

The Executive considered a report which provided an update on the Future Council 2025 Transformation Programme, including proposals for the Council to implement a Five-Star Customer Service programme, which responded to the key principles agreed by the Executive in August 2021.

The Executive supported the multi-channel approach to transformation and noted that it would be challenging to manage residents’ expectations in certain areas of transformation, such as in the work of the Co-operative Neighbourhood Teams.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the Five-Star Customer Service programme, as outlined in Paragraph 4.2 of the report, be agreed.

2.          That progress on the first phase of implementation of the Transformation programme be noted.

3.          That it be noted that further work to develop detailed plans, including structural change, is ongoing and will be taken forward over the autumn of 2022.

4.          That the proposal for resident feedback and engagement, as outlined in Section 4.28 of the report, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider a proposed revised Council Complaints Policy and a proposed new Unacceptable Behaviour Policy.

The Executive considered a report in respect of a proposed revised Council Complaints Policy and a proposed new Unacceptable Behaviour Policy.

Members asked for consideration to be given to the following:

·         when operating the Complaints Policy, could officers look at distinguishing between complaints and service requests;

·         in respect of the Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, it should be made clear that the public may have to deal with a specified officer (especially in small teams), but would have the right for the matter to be escalated to more senior officers if required; and

·         the wording in the Unacceptable Behaviour Policy regarding behaviour on social media should be strengthened.

In reply to a Member’s question, it was confirmed that complaints on the existing system will remain on that system until completed.  Only new complaints will be entered into the new system.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the proposed Complaints Policy, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.          That the proposed Unacceptable Behaviour Policy, as attached at Appendix B to the report, be approved.

3.          That it be acknowledged that future updates to the Complaints Policy may be needed more frequently than in the past, to meet the requirements of two complaints ombudsman.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To  consider a proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2023/24.

The Executive considered a report in respect of the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme for 2023/24.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the existing Council Tax Support scheme of 8.5% council tax liability for those working aged claimants on maximum benefit, (subject to any benefit uplifts) be approved for the financial year 2023/24.

2.          That a review of the caseload and transition to Universal Credit in June 2023 be approved, so that consideration can be given for a banded scheme (as set out in Paragraph 4.7.2 of the report).

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

To consider the Quarters 1 and 2 Capital Monitoring report 2022/23 for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account.

The Executive considered the Capital Monitoring report in respect of Quarters 1 and 2 of 2022/23 for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That Capital budget re-profiling of £28.841Million from 2022/23 to future years be approved.

2.          That in-year virement of £100,000 to re-allocate unspent resources to the provision for current programmes within the Stevenage Direct Services Capital Programme be approved.

3.          That in-year virement of £58,000 to re-allocate unspent resources to the provision for current programmes within the Finance & Estates Capital Programme 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.

Investment Zones

The Leader referred to the Government’s recent announcement to create a series of Investment Zones across the country.  The timescale was very tight, as Government guidance was issued on 2 October 2022, with a deadline for expressions of interest of 14 October 2022.  It would be for Upper Tier authorities (ie, Hertfordshire County Council - HCC) to consider the submission of expressions of interest.

The Leader referred to the great opportunities for Stevenage to expand its thriving STEM city/life sciences sector (which had already created additional apprenticeships, training and jobs in the town), as well as continued support for the Town Centre Regeneration programme.

The Leader commented that the Investment Zone prospectus was high level, and that further detail would be required in the future.  However, she referred to two dimensions that SBC wished to drive to inform the approach for Stevenage, namely:

·         Funding – the opportunity for more Stevenage-raised Business Rates, to be re-invested in the town, was welcomed (with the caveat that the gains were not used to shore up or be in lieu of other public sector finances); and

·         Planning liberalisation – this aspect needed further detail, in terms of the rules that would be invoked.  Although there could be a loosening of Planning rules, she was not convinced that this would be required in Stevenage, as the Council already had a set of clear policies that ensured that the town benefited from sustainable growth and employment.

The Strategic Director (TP) advised that the response/expression of interest to the Government was being co-ordinated by HCC, supported by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).  He outlined some key points of the Government’s policy as follows:

·         it was unclear if the Government had a cap on the number of Investment Zones (IZs) nationally.  However, the Government was looking for a spread of sites across the country (some mixed, some commercial, and some residential); and

·         the known incentives on offer including 100% relief on Business Rates for new businesses in IZs for 25 years; enhanced capital allowances for businesses (National Insurance, Stamp Duty etc.).

The Strategic Director (TP) added that the IZ bid had to be supported by landowner and relevant Borough/District Councils, and had to quite specific (sites rather than broader zones).

The Strategic Director (TP) explained that, across Hertfordshire, HCC and the LEP had been looking for Borough/District Council to respond with sites they would wish to recommend for an expression of interest.  For Stevenage, work had involved looking at the GlaxoSmithKline site, sites around the Gunnels Wood Road area, and the Station Gateway area.

In terms of Planning liberalisation, the Strategic Director (TP) advised that the implications were quite vague.  The use of Local Development Orders was mentioned, as was the ability of local authorities to opt in or opt out of liberalised Planning arrangements.

The Strategic Director (TP) stated that there would be continued discussions amongst Hertfordshire Council Leaders, with the intention for HCC to submit an expression of interest with a strong focus  ...  view the full decision text for item 12.

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.

It was RESOLVED:

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 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.

To seek approval to conduct a procurement exercise to dispose of sites in order to meet the capital receipt requirements set out in the Council’s approved Capital Strategy, and to enable a place shaping scheme to take place in the Bedwell Ward.

The Executive considered a Part II report which sought approval to conduct a procurement exercise to dispose of sites in order to meet the capital receipt requirements set out in the Council’s approved Capital Strategy, and to enable a place shaping scheme to take place in the Bedwell Ward.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations contained in the report 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.

Accommodation for asylum seekers

The Leader, assisted by the Strategic Director (TP), provided an update on accommodation for asylum seekers.