Agenda item

To consider the following Part I Decisions of the Cabinet taken on the 9^th October 2024:

Notice of Decisions to be tabled.

The Committee considered the following Part 1 Decisions of the Cabinet taken on 9 October 2024.

2. MINUTES - CABINET - 18 SEPTEMBER 2024

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 September were noted.

3. MINUTES OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY AND SELECT COMMITTEES

The minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committee were noted: 9th September and 24th September.

4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON REVISED SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND PROPOSED REVOCATION OF THE IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT ON BIODIVERSITY SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT

The Assistant Director for Planning and Regulation explained that this report was intended to align relevant policies alongside the SBC Local Plan as it goes through a review and update, and confirm that all supplementary planning documents (SPDs) are current. Revisions were proposed to three SPDs, specifically updating the Parking SPD, the Developer Contributions SPD, and the Design SPD. Officers noted that these proposed revisions align with central government guidance. Notably, sustainable travel components have now been incorporated into the developer contributions SPD, and the parking SPD has been revised accordingly.

In relation to the Biodiversity SPD, the Council is committed to the theme of biodiversity and had adopted an SPD owing to limited national guidance or requirements and to achieve benefit for the local area.  However, as of April this year, more comprehensive central government guidance has been established, which takes precedence. Therefore, the SPD is no longer required.

5. COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE LEVY (CIL): PRELIMINARY DRAFT CHARGING SCHEDULE - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

The Assistant Director for Planning and Regulation explained that CIL is an infrastructure tariff that councils can choose to implement, and SBC had been charging CIL since 2020. It was stated that there was a delicate balance between setting a rate that doesn’t hinder viable development while also securing enough funding for necessary infrastructure. The Council is proposing an updated scheme and currently is in the first of two rounds of consultation to increase the charges. The proposed adjustments were based on viability evidence to ensure that development remains feasible, and the scope has now been expanded to include offices and industrial areas that previously were not subject to any charges.

Councillors queried whether CIL viability was based on lower land values than surrounding areas, and why Stevenage CIL rates are lower than surrounding areas.  Officers explained that when considering costs and profitability, land in Stevenage offers lower margins related to the sales prices of the finished properties that influence profitability, rather than the purchase price of the land itself. Members asked how much was currently in our CIL fund and whether it is being utilized effectively. It was explained one of the advantages of the CIL is that all smaller contributions were automatically consolidated, without the time constraints that apply to Section 106 agreements or limitations on specific types of infrastructure. There were two key components: local CIL, which is about 15% and is currently allocated to community climate change projects, and strategic CIL, which focuses on major infrastructure. Currently, significant contributions were coming from developments north of Stevenage, in the town centre, and the former Icon building project and figures would be published on the Council  website by December.

6. CLIMATE CHANGE - ANNUAL UPDATE - OCTOBER 2024

The Assistant Director for Planning and Regulation explained that a detailed update was presented to the Cabinet and would also be taken to the Environment and Economy committee in November. The report included an overview of nine levels of climate change interactions, along with examples and case studies showcasing SBC efforts and support for community initiatives. SBC were on a promising path to reduce their carbon emissions, as highlighted in sections 4.14 and 4.15 of the Cabinet report, demonstrating the effective interventions. Officers noted substantial progress in the aim to achieve net zero by 2030, with some offsetting.  Additionally, there were several appendices with updates, including an approval request for the biodiversity action plan.

Councillors queried what the key changes had been. The Officer stated that one of the  most significant achievements had been the agreement made earlier this year, which begins this month, to switch from diesel to a low emission sustainable fuel.  This transition should improve both air quality and carbon emissions for  residents. There was a cost associated with this change, which Members had agreed to cover when the Council’s general fund budget was agreed in February 2024. The biodiversity action plan was another positive initiative, showcasing SBCs commitment to protecting biodiversity by planting over 4,000 trees by 2030 and implementing various physical improvements.

Moreover, the efforts by the Portfolio Holders and Members to promote climate action at the local level have led to grants that support community climate improvement projects.

Members were also informed that there is a £70,000 climate change grant available for small businesses to invest in carbon reduction projects related to their core business activities.

Members queried what progress the Council was making regarding retrofitting the housing stock. The Assistant Director for Planning and Regulation informed Members that the Council had secured funding, were working with others in Hertfordshire,  but acknowledged that the overall cost of retrofitting the housing stock would be over £200 million and would require central government funding to be achieved.

7. FEES AND CHARGES 2025/26

The Head of Commercial stated that the report discussed the proposed approval of fees and charges for the 2025/26 year, which relates to both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account. It was noted that fees and charges are established annually and play a crucial role in the council's financial stability, as the Council aims to achieve a savings target of £1.285 million for the general fund in 2025/26. The Housing Revenue Account also requires savings to cover service costs. In this period, the Council will face rising operational and resource expenses, and will review fees and charges on a detailed, case-by-case basis.

The Council adheres to principles regarding fees and charges, which included a commitment to covering taxpayer costs and striving for full cost recovery when feasible. In September, the Council's financial security group, comprised of Members from various parties, convened to assess the proposals for fees and charges for both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account. Both the financial security group and the Cabinet supported the recommendations, and the report includes equality impact assessments as appendices.

The Committee noted the decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 October 2024.