Agenda, decisions and minutes

To give consideration to the approval of alternative arrangements for appointments to bodies set up by Cabinet or external bodies, or the making or terminating of such appointments.

a)    Kings Barton Forum – proposal to appoint Councillor Weir for the remainder of the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

Full Winchester City Council membership would be: Councillors Rutter (Chairperson), Godfrey, Horrill, Learney, Porter, Prince, Scott and Weir

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons outlined on the agenda.

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Weir be appointed to the Kings Barton Forum for the remainder of the 2020/21 Municipal Year.

Full Winchester City Council membership would be: Councillors Rutter (Chairperson), Godfrey, Horrill, Learney, Porter, Prince, Scott and Weir

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note: Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.

Councillors Porter and Tod declared personal (but not prejudicial) interests in respect of various reports on the agenda due to their role as a County Councillor.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 October 2020 and the previous additional meeting held 10 November 2020, be agreed as a correct record.

– to note the names of members of the public wishing to speak on general matters affecting the District or on agenda items

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services three clear working days before the meeting (contact: democracy@winchester.gov.uk or 01962 848 264). 

There were no questions asked or statements made.

There were no Leader or Cabinet Member announcements.

1.    That the projections set out in Appendix A to report CAB3276 be noted and the assumption that budget projections be based on the potential reduction in income, fees and charges for services of 20% of the 2020/21 original budget be supported.

2.    That the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved as set out in sections 20-24 of report CAB3276.

3.    That the proposal to reduce net operating costs by £3m in 2021/22 be approved, with additional shortfalls (projected at £0.6m for 2021/22) being met from the Transitional Reserve.

4.    That in the event of deficits being higher than the projected £3.7m for 2021/22, it be approved that the Transitional Reserve be used to maintain a balanced budget.

5.    That a detailed budget be prepared for consideration by Council in February 2021 based on the above assumptions and:

a. A Council tax increase of 3%

b. The implementation of “cashless parking”, phased over 2 years, as set out in section 18.

c. That fees and charges are increased by an average of 3% and that a report be brought to Cabinet in January 2021 setting out all fees for services

d. That Building Control fees increase by 10%

e. That the budget for “small grants” is reduced by £15,000

f. That a one year grant agreement based on a maximum grant of £147,200 be approved for “Play to the Crowd”.

g. That the Council no longer directly delivers a programme of sports and physical activity but remains an active partner in the Winchester Sports and Physical Activity Alliance and continue to work with partners across the district to support programmes aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of residents.

h. That financial support for the annual Criterium event is not continued in 2021.

6.    That the proposed additional revenue provision of £990,000 required to fund project work on 2021/22 and 2022/23 be noted and the proposal that this be funded from the Major Investment Reserve be supported, subject to the final budget to be agreed by Council in February 2021.

7.    That charges for off street parking are not increased in April 2021, but that the impact of recent increases be assessed and a strategy developed to further encourage use of car parks outside of Winchester city centre (the air quality management area) and Park and Ride facilities.

8.    That a supplementary budget estimate and expenditure of £400,000 for the redevelopment of Bishop’s Waltham Depot, as detailed in paragraph 19.6 of report CAB3276, be approved.

9.    That a supplementary budget estimate and expenditure of £140,000 for the works to the Guildhall Café, as detailed in paragraph 19.7 of report CAB3276, be approved.

10.That the requirement for additional funding for staff implications associated with implementing the Movement Strategy be noted and determine whether an additional £60,000 should be included within the detailed budget for February 2021.

11.  That the proposal to write off the outstanding debt of £65,114 associated with the Barfield Depot be approved.

12.  That the proposal to  ...  view the full decision text for item 6.

Councillor Cutler introduced the report, emphasising the difficulties caused by the ongoing Covid pandemic in making predictions, particularly regarding future income levels and emphasised that the continued uncertainty might require further review of the budget during the year. 

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At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Godfrey addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Considered that the budget focussed too much on the short term and should consider more the medium term.  It was not appropriate to suggest the sale of assets to maximise income or to use the transitional reserve to bolster the revenue budget.  Highlighted the significant funding received from Government so far with the prospect of additional funds being available.  In general, considered the proposed budget was not sufficiently strategic to ensure the proper use of assets in the longer term.

Councillor Cutler and other Cabinet Members responded to the comments made, including emphasising that the proposed budget maintained the commitment to the Council Plan outcomes whilst seeking to minimise the use of reserves.

Cabinet Members confirmed that they had fully considered the contents of the exempt appendix and did not wish to ask any questions or have any debate thereon.  Consequently, there was no need to move into exempt session prior to consideration of the report’s recommendations.

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

RESOLVED:

1.         That the projections set out in Appendix A to the report be noted and the assumption that budget projections be based on the potential reduction in income, fees and charges for services of 20% of the 2020/21 original budget be supported.

2.         That the Medium Term Financial Strategy be approved as set out in sections 20-24 of the report.

3.         That the proposal to reduce net operating costs by £3m in 2021/22 be approved, with additional shortfalls (projected at £0.6m for 2021/22) being met from the Transitional Reserve.

4.         That in the event of deficits being higher than the projected £3.7m for 2021/22, it be approved that the Transitional Reserve be used to maintain a balanced budget.

5.         That a detailed budget be prepared for consideration by Council in February 2021 based on the above assumptions and:

a. A Council tax increase of 3%

b. The implementation of “cashless parking”, phased over 2 years, as set out in section 18.

c. That fees and charges are increased by an average of 3% and that a report be brought to Cabinet in January 2021 setting out all fees for services

d. That Building Control fees increase by 10%

e. That the budget for “small grants” is reduced by £15,000

f. That a one year grant agreement based on a maximum grant of £147,200 be approved for “Play to the Crowd”.

g. That the Council no longer directly delivers a programme of sports and physical activity but remains an active partner in the Winchester Sports and Physical Activity Alliance and continue to work with partners across the district to support programmes aimed at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

1.     That the HRA Business 30 year Plan for 2020-21 to 2049-50 be approved as summarised in the Operating Account included as Appendix 4 of report CAB3275.

2.     That an increase in the projected capital programme of £173m be supported subject to the approval of individual items below, and the proposed long term funding strategy that will see borrowing increase to £407m subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

3.     That it be noted that the business plan is viable and sustainable and will support the council’s ambitious delivery of 1,000 new affordable homes over the next ten years.

4.     That the changes proposed to refresh and simplify the current financial viability hurdles to recognise the residual value of housing within the HRA and take full advantage of historically low borrowing rates be approved.

5.     That it be noted that the calculation of the minimum HRA reserves will in future take account of both the scale of new build as well as the net operating expenditure within the HRA.

6.     That the creation of an Energy Officer post to facilitate the council’s carbon reduction agenda and embed it within the current and future housing stock be approved, subject to the final detailed HRA budget being approved by Council in February 2021.

7.     That the proposed increase in capital funding of £2.5m in retro fitting capital funding which will increase the funding from £10.7m to £13.2m be supported, subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

8.     That the proposal for a £10m investment in the purchase of a potential site for new housing development be supported, as well as £0.5m for nitrate mitigation offset measures subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

9.     That the allocation of an additional £0.2m of investment as described at paragraph 17.2 of report CAB3275 for sewage treatment works be supported, subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

10.  That the increase in budgetary provision of £0.064m to support the increase in costs of the current 1 year Orchard contract and enable officers to procure a longer term 3 year contract be approved, subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

Councillor Learney introduced the report, emphasising the new homes building programme together with the commitment to maintain existing homes and to retrofit properties in line with the Council’s carbon reduction commitments.

At the invitation of the Leader; Monica Gill and David Light (TACT) addressed Cabinet together with Councillor Horrill, as summarised briefly below.

Monica Gill

Stated that she was speaking in a personal capacity because the report had not been taken to a TACT meeting prior to its consideration at Cabinet.  The Housing Finance Manager had attended a TACT meeting but did not have the full information available.  She believed that consultation with TACT members was not adequate at the current time.

David Light

Concurred with the points raised by Mrs Gill.

Councillor Horrill

Also believed that engagement with TACT had fallen short in recent times.  In addition, did not consider adequate time or information made available to enable proper consideration of forward planning of the HRA budget at the meeting of the Business and Housing Policy Committee on 1 December 2020.  Emphasised the importance of social rents in addition to affordable rents.  In general supported the proposals but had concerns about the decision-making processes.

The Corporate Head of Housing advised that ongoing discussions were taking place with TACT representatives to ensure they remained engaged.  She highlighted that some difficulties were because of the current requirement for meetings to take place virtually and further consideration was being given to try and address this.

Councillor Learney and other Cabinet Members responded to the report and comments made and confirmed that the potential for social rents would be considered further as appropriate.

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Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

RESOLVED:

1.         That the HRA Business 30 year Plan for 2020-21 to 2049-50 be approved as summarised in the Operating Account included as Appendix 4 of the report.

2.         That an increase in the projected capital programme of £173m be supported subject to the approval of individual items below, and the proposed long term funding strategy that will see borrowing increase to £407m subject to the final detailed HRA budget and the Capital Strategy being approved by Council in February 2021.

3.         That it be noted that the business plan is viable and sustainable and will support the council’s ambitious delivery of 1,000 new affordable homes over the next ten years.

4.         That the changes proposed to refresh and simplify the current financial viability hurdles to recognise the residual value of housing within the HRA and take full advantage of historically low borrowing rates be approved.

5.         That it be noted that the calculation of the minimum HRA reserves will in future take account of both the scale of new build as well as the net operating expenditure within the HRA.

6.         That the creation of an Energy Officer post to facilitate the council’s carbon reduction agenda and embed it within the current and future housing stock be approved, subject to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

That the progress achieved during Q2 of 2020/21 be noted and the contents of the report CAB3273 be endorsed.

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Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the progress achieved during Q2 of 2020/21 be noted and the contents of the report be endorsed.

That the new income banded Council Tax Reduction scheme for working age applicants with effect from 1^st April 2021 be recommended for agreement at Council as set out in report CAB3255.

Councillor Cutler introduced the report which set out a proposed response to the consultation on the scheme.  The consultation responses had been broadly supportive of the majority of the recommendations with the exception of the changes to the savings limit and it was therefore proposed that this be retained.  He emphasised that the scheme would be reviewed annually.

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Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RECOMMENDED (TO COUNCIL):

THAT THE NEW INCOME BANDED COUNCIL TAX REDUCTION SCHEME FOR WORKING AGE APPLICANTS WITH EFFECT FROM 1^ST APRIL 2021 BE RECOMMENDED FOR AGREEMENT AT COUNCIL AS SET OUT IN REPORT CAB3255.

1.  That the Local Plan Action Plan be approved and that officers undertake the work programme as set out at Appendix A of report CAB3274 of the Local Plan Action Plan which will be published on the council’s website as soon as practicable.

2.  That officers continue work on the Local Plan and that a further report be brought to cabinet in early 2021 for approval to undertake consultation on Strategic Issues & Priorities in spring of 2021.

3.  That it be noted that central government have yet to confirm the housing supply numbers relevant to the council.

4.  That it be noted that additional funding will be required to implement the Local Plan Action Plan and that such implementation is a council priority.

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Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the Local Plan Action Plan be approved and that officers undertake the work programme as set out at Appendix A of the report of the Local Plan Action Plan which will be published on the council’s website as soon as practicable.

2.            That officers continue work on the Local Plan and that a further report be brought to cabinet in early 2021 for approval to undertake consultation on Strategic Issues & Priorities in spring of 2021.

3.            That it be noted that central government have yet to confirm the housing supply numbers relevant to the council.

4.            That it be noted that additional funding will be required to implement the Local Plan Action Plan and that such implementation is a council priority.

1.    That the 150 year long leasehold disposal of the Upper Brook Street car park to the preferred purchaser be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director – Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, final negotiation and sale based on the draft heads of terms in exempt appendix 3 of report CAB3277 and for the Service Lead Legal to prepare, agree and enter in to all the relevant and necessary agreements.

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Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

RESOLVED:

1.                That the 150 year long leasehold disposal of the Upper Brook Street car park to the preferred purchaser be approved.

2.                That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director – Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management, to conclude final negotiations and sale based on the draft heads of terms in exempt appendix 3 of the report and for the Service Lead Legal to prepare, agree and enter in to all the relevant and necessary agreements.

resolved:

That the list of future items, as set out in the Forward Plan for January 2021, be noted.

To consider whether in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

(i)            To pass a resolution that the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business because it is likely that, if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of ‘exempt information’ as defined by Section 100 (I) and Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

1.         That in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

2.         That the public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the following items of business because it is likely that, if members of the public were present, there would be disclosure to them of ‘exempt information’ as defined by Section 100I and Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the exempt appendix be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the exempt appendix be noted.