Agenda and decisions

There were no apologies for absence and no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 July 2024 for signature by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 July 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:

Environment and Economy Select Committee – 16 July 2024

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 30 July 2024

The Cabinet thanked the Scrutiny Members for their work particularly with their contribution in the run up to the RSH Housing Inspection currently underway.  Members were also informed that the Chief Executive of the CAB had been pleased to contribute to the work of the Environment and Economy Select Committee which highlighted strong partnership working.

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

Environment and Economy Select Committee 16 July 2024

Overview & Scrutiny Committee 30 July 2024

To present to Cabinet and seek approval of the new Workforce Strategy, People, Even Better, for 2024-2027.

Cabinet received a report seeking approval of the new Workforce Strategy, People, Even Better, for 2024-2027.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            That the Workforce Strategy for 2024-2027 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 changes be delegated to the Heads of HR&OD, after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation which reflect this dynamic environment.

3.         That it be noted that the Heads of HR&OD following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Transformation will have delegated authority for the production and implementation of an annual action plan for each of the key themes within the strategy.

To highlight the progress made in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across the council since the introduction of the EDI Action Plan for 2023-24, whilst also looking to the council’s proposed EDI actions for next year as part of the EDI Action Plan for 2024-25.

Cabinet received a report highlighting the progress made in advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) across the council since the introduction of the EDI Action Plan for 2023-24, whilst also looking to the Council’s proposed EDI actions for next year as part of the EDI Action Plan for 2024-25.

In presenting the report, the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities thanked the officers involved in producing the Action Plan.  He was also pleased to inform Members that the first Stevenage Equalities Commission Conference would be held on 15 October at the Gordon Craig Theatre where Leaders, Organisations and Advocates would be coming together to tackle the critical issues of race and equality.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the proposed approach particularly in the work that would be undertaken linking with communities.  Members looked forward to the October Conference but were keen to ensure that other protected characteristics such as disabilities, gender and sexual orientation would all be looked at in the same detail in due course.

It was RESOLVED:

1.               That the progress in the delivery of the EDI Action Plan in 2023-2024 (Appendix A), be noted and agreed.

2.               That the revised EDI Action Plan for 2024-25 (Appendix B) be noted and agreed, and that the Strategic Director (RP) be given delegated authority to agree a final version of the action plan in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities and the Leader of the Council.

To highlight the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2024/25 and provide an update on progress against Cost-of-Living support for residents and current strategic risks. 

Cabinet were presented with a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2024/25 and received an update on progress against Cost-of-Living support for residents and current strategic risks. 

A number of questions were asked in relation to the report and in particular the Rent Collection Rate which was a key area of focus for the Council.  Officers responded as follows:

·         95.4% of Council Homes met the Government’s decency standards which represented an improvement against quarter one last year.  A rolling decent homes capital works programme was in place that would move the Council closer to 100% decency over the next 12 months.  When compared to other stock holding authorities, SBC was performing well;

·         In relation to rent collection, at the end of Quarter One, 737 tenants were registered to pay their rents by direct payment with 570 of those tenants in arrears.  Officers were in contact with those tenants to try and get alternative payment arrangements in place.  This issue was also being closely looked at by the Housing Executive Working Group;

·         Officers agreed to look at the way performance figures were reported including confirmation of cumulative figures and whether the data provided represented whole numbers or percentages to ensure the indicators were clear;

·         In relation to tenant Satisfaction Measure T11 relating to the contribution to neighbourhood, officers explained that this related to how residents perceived that the Council was looking after the areas immediately outside of residential properties.

Members were pleased to note the progress on the delivery of the Making Stevenage Even Better Corporate Plan including the highlights of Transforming Our Town, More Social and Good Quality Housing, Thriving Neighbourhoods, Balancing the Budget and Tackling Climate Change.  Members were particularly pleased to see the increasing artwork around the Town including the Multi Storey Car Park mural, the underpasses and media cabinets.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            That the service performance against 49 corporate performance measures and delivery of key milestones in Quarter 1 2024/25 through the Making Stevenage Even Better Programme (Appendix A) be noted.

2.            That the performance challenges in relation to rent collection (section 4.3.2) be noted, and the planned measures to improve performance be endorsed and that it be noted that the challenges related to rent collection are not just specific to Stevenage.

3.            That improvements to voids works management (4.3.9) be noted.

4.            That the strategic risk updates (section 4.7) be noted.

To update Members on the General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

Cabinet received a report giving an update on the General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

Members agreed that the potential for a 3 year budget settlement following the Government’s October Budget Statement would be welcomed which would allow the Budget to be managed on a longer term basis. 

Cabinet also agreed the importance and good work of the Commercial and Investment Working Group in contributing to alleviating Budget pressures.

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That the change to the MTFS principles, as outlined in paragraph 3.11 to the report and as amended in paragraph 4.9.7 be approved.

2.    That for modelling purposes, Council Tax increases be set at the maximum threshold allowed by the Government in order to help achieve a balanced budget as set out in paragraph 4.6.10.  The MTFS has modelled a 1.99%, but the CFO recommends that if the threshold is set higher by the Government this should be applied.

3.    That the updated inflation assumptions used in the MTFS as set out in Section 4 of the report be approved.

4.    That the approach to the ‘Balancing the Budget’ options as set out in section 4.8 be approved.

5.    That a Balancing the Budget Target of £2.985million, (of which £1.285million relates to 2025/26), be approved for the period 2025/26 – 2027/28, as set out in section 4.9 of the report.

6.    That General Fund growth is only approved for the Council’s FTFC priorities and that any growth would need to be funded from increased savings in addition to the £2.985million target identified.

7.    That a minimum level of balances for the General Fund of £3.45million be approved for 2025/26 as set out in paragraph 4.10.7.

8.    That the MTFS be regularly reviewed and revised to reflect any material financial pressures so forecasts are updated and re-presented to the Cabinet for approval.

9.    That the Trade Unions and staff be consulted on the key messages contained within the MTFS and more specifically when drawing up any proposals where there is a risk of redundancy.

To update Members on the projected General Fund (GF), Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Capital 2024/25 net expenditure and seek approval to amend the General Fund, HRA and Capital budgets as part of the quarterly revenue monitoring review.

Cabinet received a report on the projected General Fund (GF), Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Capital 2024/25 net expenditure which sought approval to amend the General Fund, HRA and Capital budgets as part of the quarterly revenue monitoring review.  The report also gave an update on the reserves and balances available to support revenue expenditure and sought approval for revisions to the allocated reserves.

It was RESOLVED:

1.            That the 2024/25 first quarter projected net decrease in General Fund expenditure of £617,420 be approved.

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

3.            That the proposed movement on reserves as detailed in paragraph 4.2.1 be noted.

4.            That the use of additional income from garages of £75,000 to fund responsive garage works within the Capital Garage Improvement Programmer (paragraph 4.1.7) be approved.

To review the operation of the 2023/24 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy.

Cabinet received a report reviewing the operation of the 2023/24 Treasury Management and Investment Strategy.

It was RESOLVED that the 2023/24 Annual Treasury Management Review be approved.

To consider any Part 1 business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

The Leader firstly reminded Cabinet that the then Executive in July 2023 had agreed to extend the conditional phase of the SG1 Development and start the process of forming a Joint Venture to bring forward the ‘Plot A’ site of the former Swingate House. 

The Leader was then pleased to report to Cabinet the positive news that the negotiations had completed and both organisations had signed legal documents to allow works to begin on the site in early October 2024. 

Members were advised that the build would take approximately two and a half to three years to complete with residents moving into the homes from 2026. 

It was noted that the Swingate Car park would be closed from 7th October for the duration of construction.  In response to a question, it was advised that the Council would be working with season ticket holders and Everyone Active to highlight alternative parking facilties nearby.  Officers would also be asked to ensure there was a clearly signposted disabled access through to the Gordon Craig Theatre.

It was RESOLVED that the update be noted.

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 involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by SI 2006 No. 88.

2.  That having considered the reasons for the following item 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 approve the Part II Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 24 July 2024.

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 July 2024 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

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

None.