Agenda and minutes

To note the names of apologies given and Deputy Members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed Members.

No apologies were received and all members were in attendance.

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, and non disclosable interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.      

If you require advice, please contact the appropriate Democratic Services Officer, prior to the meeting.

Councillor Hiscock declared a personal (but not prejudicial) interest in respect of various agenda items due to his role as a county councillor.

Councillor Scott declared that he was a council tenant in respect of the Housing Revenue Account business plan and budget options item.

RESOLVED:

            That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 22 September 2020 be approved and adopted.

RESOLVED:

That the work programme for 2020/21 be noted.

The Chairperson reported that both of the steering groups for the digital economy and homes for younger people task and finish groups had met.  The work programme had been developed further and scoping surveys would follow.  Participatory events would take place early in 2021 and it had been recognised that the work of these groups might carry forward into the next municipal year.

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on matters which fall within the remit of the Committee

NB members of the public are required to register with Democratic Services three clear working days before the meeting (see below for further details).

No members of the public had registered to make representations.

The Service Lead: Economy and Tourism and the Corporate Head of Housing; Service Lead - Housing Operations and Community Safety; Housing Options Manager and the Strategic Housing Manager gave a presentation on the COVID19 restoration work.

Councillor Ferguson introduced the presentation on economy restoration work.

David Light on behalf of TACT commented that thanks were extended to the officers for the work that had been undertaken in difficult circumstances and that the different opportunities for people to get on the housing ladder, the new build council house programme and shared ownership were hoped to continue.

Members asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and the Cabinet members accordingly.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

The Finance and Resources Manager - Housing gave a presentation on various aspects of the Housing Revenue Account.

Councillor Learney stated that the content of the presentation was supported.

At the invitation of the Chairperson, David Light on behalf of TACT commented that it appeared that the numbers of affordable housing could mean fewer council houses.

Members asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers accordingly.

The Strategic Director: Services stated that a budget options paper would be submitted to Cabinet in December and would feed into the detailed Housing Revenue Account budget in February 2021.  The proposals would also be shared with TACT.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

The virtual meeting commenced at 6:00 pm and concluded at 8:50 pm