Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Jeannette Thomas.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 13 March 2024 for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 13 March 2024 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 –

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 13 February 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 27 February 2024

Community Select Committee – 29 February 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 6 March 2024

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 19 March 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 27 March 2024

Community Select Committee – 3 April 2024

The Leader thanked the Chairs and members of the three Scrutiny Committees for their work during the past year which had added real value to the operation of the Council and residents of the Town.

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

Overview & Scrutiny Committee 13 February 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee 27 February 2024

Community Select Committee 29 February 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee 6 March 2024

Overview & Scrutiny Committee 19 March 2024

Environment & Economy Select Committee 27 March 2024

Community Select Committee 3 April 2024

To consider the first stage of the Stevenage Local Plan Review, and to highlight the next steps in the planning process with the Local Development Scheme and Statement of Community Involvement.

The Cabinet was presented with a report considering the first stage of the Stevenage Local Plan Review, and which highlighted the next steps in the planning process with the Local Development Scheme and Statement of Community Involvement.

Members were pleased to note that the updated Statement of Community Involvement would highlight the use of technology in consultation and gave consideration to the need to improve the way the Council engaged with communities in the planning process.

Officers advised that due to the announcement of the forthcoming General Election, the consultation on the Local Plan had been delayed and would now run between 5 July and 15 August 2024.

It was RESOLVED:

1.               That the progress with and content of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan – Partial Review and Update be noted.

2.               That the Stevenage Borough Local Plan – Partial Review and Update for public consultation in July 2024, for not less than 6 weeks be approved.

3.               That a revised Local Development Scheme and the timescales for a Local Plan Review be approved.

4.               That a revised Statement of Community Involvement be approved.

5.               That the comments of the Planning & Development Committee and the Environment & Economy Select Committee had been sought and both Committees had given broad agreement to the report.

6.               That it be noted that delegated authority will be given to the Assistant Director: Planning & Regulation in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to make changes to the Stevenage Borough Local Plan – Partial Review and Update, prior to going out to public consultation.

7.               That it be noted that informal engagement with key stakeholders will continue, ahead of and during public consultation on the Stevenage Borough Local Plan – Partial Review and Update.

To consider the Council’s Corporate Performance for Quarter 4 (January – March 2024) of 2023/24.

The Executive considered a report in respect of Corporate Performance for Quarter 4 of 2023/24 providing the final update on delivery of the Future Town, Future Council Corporate Plan using both quantitative and qualitative information to provide a complete picture of how the Council was performing.

It was noted that in July, the Cabinet would be presented with the Annual Report, which sets out the Council’s performance across the entire year.

Members were pleased to note that the regeneration of play spaces would include play equipment for all, including children with additional needs, allowing all families to access the spaces to play together.

In relation to the reduction in flytipping cases, a Member asked if a contributary factor could be the increase in opening hours of the Household Recycling Centre.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            That the service performance against 34 corporate performance measures and delivery of key milestones in Quarter 4 2023/24 through the Future Town Future Council Programme (Appendix A) be noted.

2.            That the performance challenges in relation to voids (section 4.4.3) be noted, and the planned measures to improve performance be endorsed.

3.            That delegated authority for approval of all new and existing Housing policies in response to the RSH Consumer Standards and following consultation with the appropriate Portfolio Holder (section 4.6.1) be given to an Officer (Strategic Director). 

4.            That the Council’s performance as demonstrated through the 12 Community Measures (Appendix B) be noted.

5.            That the strategic risk updates (section 4.8) be noted.

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

None.

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 consider proposals for improvements to access links between the Old and New Town.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of improvement to access links between Old Town and New Town, and leasehold property disposal of land at King George V Playing Field

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

To consider the writing off of Council Tax and Sundry Debts deemed irrecoverable over £10,000.

The Cabinet considered a Part II report in respect of Council Tax and sundry debt write off greater than £10,000.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

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

None.