Agenda and draft minutes

The Constitution allows for Council Procedure Rules to be suspended for fifteen minutes to allow questions from the public; however, there were no questions from the public.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors: S. Fielding and J.G. Slater.

There were no Declarations of Interest by Members.

Alison Craig, Head of Housing, declared a Pecuniary Interest in:

Item 17(a) – Housing Service Management Resources

for being Head of the Service under discussion. Ms Craig left the meeting prior to discussion/determination of this item and duration of the meeting remaining.

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th November 2024 be approved.

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 07^th January 2025 be approved.

Resolved that:

The Outstanding Minutes List be received.

In discussion of this item, Councillor S. Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity & Place, informed Cabinet that the following report and Key Decision will be included in the Forward Plan, for consideration at the meeting of Cabinet on 11^th March 2025:

·         Local Development Scheme (LDS) (Key Decision No. 519)

Resolved that:

The Forward Plan 2025 be approved.

Members received a report, on the spending position for the period 01^st April to 31^st December 2024, for the Council’s General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and update on any significant variances from the approved budgets.

In discussion of this item, Cabinet requested that their thanks to the Financial Services Team be recorded, for their work towards the professional financial management of the Council.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

There is a risk that the actual outturn may be materially different from that projected at quarter three, due to volatility in costs that are subject to inflationary rises, higher than expected shortfalls in income and unbudgeted cost pressures. This risk is mitigated by regular monitoring, prudent financial assumptions and maintaining an appropriate level of reserves to manage unforeseen costs. 

The Council has responsibility for delivering its Capital Programme on time and not doing so could undermine the achievement of its objectives. This will be addressed through the regular capital budget review meetings.

Resolved that:

1.    Members noted the projected position on the 2024/25 General Fund and HRA revenue and capital budgets, as at 31^st December 2024.

2.    Members approved the planned use of reserves as set out in paragraph 3.20 and necessary budget virements to service budgets as required. 

3.    Members approved the ‘other variations’ to the 2024/25 Capital Programme as discussed in paragraphs 3.27 – 3.28 and Appendix 3 of this report.

4.    Members approved the carry forward of any unspent budgets into 2024/25, subject to the following (see table 9 and paragraphs 3.29 – 3.31 for further details):

·         Confirmation from the relevant budget manager that the budgets are still required.

·         The budgets aren’t required to support overspends against other projects.

·         For projects supported by external grants or contributions, there are no time restrictions on the associated funding preventing such carry forward.

5.    Members noted the proposed resourcing of the Capital Programme is noted (paragraphs 3.32 – 3.33).

6.    Members noted the quarterly update on performance against the approved Treasury Management Prudential Indicators for the period ending 30^th December 2024. (Para. 3.43 - 3.44).

Members received a report, seeking determination for the level of fees and charges from 01^st April 2025, in accordance with the Corporate Charging Policy.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

To accept the recommendations and adopt the fees and charges set out in accordance with the revised Corporate Charging Policy and its underlying principles, as detailed in the Fees & Charges schedule 2025/26 appended to this report.

Not to adopt the fees and charges set out in accordance with the revised Corporate Charging Policy and its underlying principles.

When setting fees and charges, attention needs to be paid to the level those fees are set at. They need to support the underlying principles of the Corporate Charging Policy, but with an aim to secure maximum income levels for the Council. Pitching the fee and charge at the correct level is vital. Too high and it may encourage people to find an alternative service provider meaning the Council could lose income, too low and the Council would not be recovering its costs.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved the individual fees and charges as set out in the Fees & Charges schedule 2025/26 appended to the report, subject to the ratification of the licensing fees by the Licensing Committee (which has the constitutional responsibility for setting licensing fees).

2.    Members noted the new fees applicable from 1^st April 2025, as detailed in Fees & Charges schedule 2025/26 appended to this report.

3.    The level of concessions and discounts to be applied to any relevant area and any in-year new or amended charges be delegated to the relevant Head of Service and the Head of Finance & Property to agree.

At 6:49pm, Councillor D. Bamford arrived at the meeting during discussion of this item.

Members received for approval, the 2025/26 annual update to the Council’s Asset Management Plan.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The Asset Management Plan is a key document that sets out how assets are managed effectively to support the efficient delivery of its priorities.

Resolved that:

Cabinet recommended approval of the Asset Management Plan 2025/26 update to Council on 27^th February 2025.

Members received a report, seeking approval to set the Council’s scheme for Council Tax Reduction (CTR) for 2025/26; this must be in place by 11^th March 2025 to come into effect from 01^st April 2025.

Section 10 of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 includes the requirement for each billing authority to set a local scheme, by the 11^th March each year, for Council Tax Reduction, by way of discounts for residents in “financial need”.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

Retain the existing scheme but make the annual uprating amendments and the CPI percentage uprate to the levels of income within each income band, described in paragraph 3.7.1. The principles of the Income-banded scheme would remain the same. This would ensure continuity of the existing scheme at this difficult time and minimise risk of further hardship.

There is the option to not make any changes to the scheme. This could result in some households moving from one band to a lower band because of the annual increase in their benefits. This could happen where their current income is on the cusp of the band and could for example drop from the 65% scheme in band 3 to the 45% scheme in band 4, a loss of 17%. This would put a higher risk on the costs of collection and force people into potential hardship.

Each year the estimated cost of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme is reviewed together with the funds available to ensure that the scheme is affordable, fair and supports the most vulnerable residents. The prescribed scheme for Pensioners must be funded and can increase year on year. 

Officers propose the option at paragraph 5.1 above, to retain the Income-banded scheme and uprate the band levels in line with CPI by 1.7 %. The bands could be uprated this way in future years according to the increases applied to the DWP benefits (usually CPI) to ensure that those on DWP benefits get the maximum support.

For all options it is proposed to keep the restriction of the Council Tax liability used in the CTR calculation, to that of the equivalent of a band C property.

For all options, it is proposed that any changes to the income disregards proposed by DWP in the Housing Benefit scheme uprating are reflected within this scheme.

All relevant changes notified to the council by MHCLG, within the prescribed scheme before 1^st April 2025 are also incorporated within the scheme.

There is no requirement to provide individual notification letters as Council Tax Reduction Scheme is a discount, and these create an administrative burden and financial cost for the authority.  Appropriate wording will be added to the rear of the Council Tax bill, informing the customer of their rights and obligations.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved the Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2025/26 as set out in section 3.7 of this report and that this is subject to any further prescribed legislation changes and annual up-ratings notified by the Government  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76d

Members received the Treasury Management Strategy, which incorporates the Borrowing Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Prudential Indicators, updated in accordance with latest guidance.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The only option is to accept the recommendations and adopt the Treasury Management Strategy, Borrowing Strategy, Annual Investment Strategy and MRP Statement and to approve the Prudential Indicators.

Not to approve these policies would contravene the requirements of both legislation and good practice. In addition, the Council’s appointed External Auditors, Mazars LLP may pass comment.

Resolved that:

Cabinet recommends approval of the following key elements to full Council on:

·         The Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26 to 2029/30, incorporating the Borrowing Strategy and the Annual Investment Strategy (Appendix 1).

·         The Capital Prudential Indicators and Limits for 2025/26 to 2029/30, contained within Section 2.1.

·         The Capital Financing Requirement as detailed in Section 2.2

·         The Affordability prudential indicator’s as set out in Section 2.3

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy Statement as contained within Section 2.5 which sets out the Council’s policy on MRP.

·         The Authorised Limit Prudential Indicator contained within Section 3.2.

·         The maturity structure of borrowing as set out in Section 3.3.

Members received the Capital Investment Strategy and General Fund Capital Programme for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The Capital Investment Strategy is a key document that sets out how capital resources will be used to meet the priorities of the Council.

Resolved that:

1.    Cabinet recommends approval of the Capital Investment Strategy and General Fund Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2029/30 to full Council.

2.    Authority is delegated to the Section 151 Officer to determine the final capital programme, following submission of a detailed business case where required.

Members received a report, providing details for the General Fund Budget proposals for 2025/26, making recommendation for budget setting at full Council.

Since publication of this report, Michael Wildman, Director of Corporate Resources, informed Cabinet that the 2025/26 Local Government Finance Settlement had now been confirmed.

In discussion of this item, Councillor H.M. Brand requested that her thanks be recorded, for Members receiving provision from the General Fund Budget for the Community Grant Scheme.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The Council is exposed to a significant number of risks and uncertainties, which could affect its financial position, and the deliverability of the proposed budget. These risks include:

·         The financial impact of the recovery from the cost-of-living crisis in future years.

·         Savings plans may not deliver projected savings to expected timescales.

·         Assumptions and estimates, such as inflation and interest rates, may prove inaccurate.

·         Funding from central government (Settlement Funding Assessment and other grants) may fall below projections.

·         The actual impact and timing of local growth on the demand for some services may not reflect projections used.

·         Increases in council tax and business rates receipts due to local growth may not meet expectations.

·         Business rates appeals may exceed the provision set aside for this purpose.

·         The local and national economic climate may change, impacting on some of the Council’s income streams such as car parking income, commercial rents, and planning fee income and

·         New legislation or changes to existing legislation may have budgetary impacts.

5.2       The Council is required to set a balanced budget but may otherwise vary its spending and taxation proposals below the excessive capping referendum trigger. For the 2025/26 revenue budget, the following decisions are available to Members:

i)              Change the level of service spending or income projections.

ii)             Revise the level of any reserves to support the revenue Budget.

iii)           Change the planned level of increase in Council Tax for 2025/26.

Resolved that:

Cabinet recommends the following to full Council:

1.    Members considered the budget for 2025/26, including the budget savings proposals as summarised in Appendix 3, and future years and recommend their approval.

2.    Members recommended a council tax increase of 2.99% for Band D equivalent properties for 2025/26.

3.    Members noted the declaration of a £1.640m deficit on the Collection Fund for 2024/25 as summarised in para 3.46 of this report.

4.    Members noted that the NNDR1 form (see Appendix 5) has been submitted by 31^st January 2025 and includes figures on:

·         the net yield from local business rates.

·         the cost of collection allowance.

·         the amounts retained in respect of renewable energy schemes; and

·         the declared surplus at the end of 2025/26.

5.    Members noted the consultation process and the results from the Budget Conversation survey (Appendix 2) and the response from Overview and Scrutiny Committee which was received following their meeting on 21^st January 2025 (Appendix 4).

6.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources and Cabinet Member for Corporate and Financial Services, for addressing any issues arising from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77c

Members received a report, seeking approval for the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2025/26 (and provide indicative figures for 2026/27 to 2029/30), making recommendation to Council on the 27^th February 2025 to set the budget and rent levels for 2025/26.

In discussion of this item, Cabinet requested that their thanks to the Financial Services Team be recorded, for their work towards preparation of this report.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The Council needs to set a balanced budget for its HRA services with income equalling expenditure, and ensure that the Housing Revenue Account remains solvent, with the adequate reserves of a “going concern”. 

The Budget assumptions are based on the HRA Business Plan.  The associated risks include any variances in estimates for inflation, interest rates, volume of voids, and the number of Right-to-buy sales.

The viability of the Business Plan is based on the management of debt levels coupled with investment in the Council’s existing and new stock.  In reality the Business Plan needs to be flexible enough to cope with changes to this strategy over time.

In order to deliver the consumer standards and basic service provision to a high standard, additional staffing resources are required, or the Service is at risk of unlimited fines from the Regulator of Social Housing.  This is significant because prior to this there was a cap of £5,000 for non-compliance. The new powers and requirements expose social housing providers to new pressures which are intended to ensure that the reformed standards of social housing are met. This means that housing providers need to ensure that they are meeting these standards, that their buildings remain defect and damage free, and by dealing with any issues quickly and effectively - the more proactive, the better.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved the Housing Revenue Account budget set out in Appendix 1 of the report for 2025/26.

2.    Members approved the indicative Housing Revenue Account budgets set out in Appendix 1 of the report for 2026/27 to 2029/30.

3.    Members noted the approved rent charges for 2025/26 shown in paragraph 3.10.

4.    Members approved the additional posts in respect of repairs and maintenance, as set out in paragraph 3.12.

5.    Members approved the minimum level of HRA reserves at £3.06m in recognition of the overall funding value of the HRA.

6.    Cabinet recommends this report to the Extraordinary Council meeting for approval on 27^th February 2025.

Members received for consideration and approval, the Housing Capital Programme for 2025/26 to 2029/30.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

Members can decide what schemes to include or exclude, and the timing of those commitments. In coming to a view on what priorities Members want to establish, consideration must be given to the impact that long term borrowing has on the affordability within the Housing Revenue Account.

The Council will always need some room for manoeuvre and for this reason only full approval for the 2025/26 proposed programme is being sought at this stage. Following years’ capital programmes are therefore only being approved on an indicative basis and will be confirmed in succeeding financial years.

Given the current rates of inflation seen particularly within the construction and repairs sector and the potential changes to the Decent Homes Standard, following the consultation in 2025, it will be necessary to review expenditure within the Housing Capital Programme on an ongoing basis throughout the year and where necessary take appropriate remedial action to ensure the focus on priority areas of expenditure remains. These actions will take place in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved the 2025/26 proposed Housing Capital Programme set out in Appendix 1 of the report and its procurement, as necessary, be authorised.

2.    The Head of Housing, in conjunction with the Council Solicitor and Director of Corporate Services be delegated authority, to negotiate the purchase of 9 units of affordable housing from Gleesons on the development at Firbeck Fields, Langold.

3.    Members approved the indicative programmes for 2026/27 to 2029/30 in Appendix 1 of the report.

4.    The Head of Housing be authorised to vire between programme heads and budgets to manage the Capital Programme as set out in the report.

5.    Cabinet recommends the report to the Council meeting for approval on 27^th February 2025.

Members received a report, providing a ‘position statement’ in respect of the Council’s delivery of its Landlord Compliance, for the ‘Big Six’ Landlord Compliance areas.

Bassetlaw District Council, as a landlord, has statutory obligations in respect of the following ‘Big Six’ areas:

·         Gas Safety (including solid fuel)

·         Fire Safety

·         Asbestos Management

·         Electrical Safety

·         Water Safety

·         Lifts

Since publication of this report, Alison Craig, Head of Housing, informed Cabinet that the number of overdue actions (from the Compliance Review) needing resolution prior to 31^st March 2025 is down to 500.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

To ensure that the Council, as a landlord, is adopting and implementing an appropriate approach to compliance that first and foremost manages risk to residents and secondly meets its statutory and regulatory obligations.

This report and future annual reports to Members is part of a positive and pro-active programme of improvement for the Housing Service following the transfer back of the service from A1 Housing in October 2018.

As a result of the focussed work in the last four years, the Council, as a landlord, is in a significantly improved position in respect of its compliance obligations than at the time of the Compliance Review in October 2019 with all of the outstanding actions contained in the Action Plan having been fully implemented, and with performance data being measured and reported in accordance with the Compliance Strategy.

Resolved that:

1.    Members noted the work that has been carried out to address the issues and recommendations contained in the Housing Services Compliance Review Action Plan.

2.    A Housing Services Compliance Report continues to be brought to Cabinet on an annual basis.

Members received a report, seeking approval for the adoption of a ‘Bassetlaw Design Code Supplementary Planning Document’ and a ‘Bassetlaw Design Review Panel’ (two design initiatives) to influence design quality outcomes in the District.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) has put increased emphasis on ensuring development comprises high-quality design. As a result, local planning authorities and the Planning Inspectorate can give greater weight to good design and place-making in determining planning applications and in deciding planning appeals.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

National policy asks that LPAs have a design code for their area. Should the Council choose not to progress the design code as the framework to guide the design of new development it would have to rely on the Local Plan and neighbourhood plan design codes. This provides an ad-hoc, inconsistent and incoherent approach. The design code by integrating neighbourhood design codes will provide the required level of detail in a single, consistent, accessible format to promote the highest standards of design in development across the district.

Introducing a design review panel would be consistent with national policy and would strengthen the Council’s position in relation to seeking and securing high quality design and would help embed the use of design coding within the decision-making process.

Officers have reviewed the potential issues associated with a Panel and consider these can be overcome through detailed consideration in a terms of reference to be agreed with the Council’s Solicitor:

• Any conflict of interest would be identified at an early stage of the process and all members would be governed by their own professional standards
• Members of the Panel would be fully inducted and understand the Council’s key priorities and issues
• Appointing a Council officer as Chair would maintain a strong connection between the Council and the Panel
• The advice given is a tool for the assessment of the proposal, but does not replace the Council’s own planning advice, or the opinions of members of the Planning Committee
• The Panel would be fully briefed on the key issues of proposals that are to be considered
• The running of the Panel would be at nil cost to the Council and Panel members.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved the Bassetlaw Design Code: Design Principles for stakeholder and public consultation.

2.    Members approved the creation of the Bassetlaw Design Review Panel and for expressions of interest to be sought for Panel members.

3.    Members delegated authority to the Portfolio Holder for Identity & Place and the Head of Planning and Place, to agree the Chair of the Bassetlaw Design Review Panel and its members.

4.    Members approved the Design Review Panel charges and for those to be added to the Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule.

Members received a report, seeking approval to implement the High Street Rental Auctions Programme (HSRA) as an ‘Early Adopter.’

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) provide a new power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups. HSRA was introduced as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Action 2023 - Part 10 of the Act sets out the framework for the power, and further details are defined in the Local Authorities (Rental Auctions) and Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) Regulations 2024.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

Members not supporting the Council being an Early Adopter will result in the Council not being able to feed into MHCLG on the effectiveness of the scheme and where adaptations might be needed to improve the effectiveness of delivery to reduce the number of vacant units on our high streets. The town centres will not benefit from bringing vacant premises back into use.

Members support the proposal for the Council to be an Early Adopter of HSRA scheme to feedback to MHCLG on the effectiveness of the programme and working in collaboration with wider authorities. The scheme will deliver positive outcomes for district town centres by reducing the number of vacant units, supporting new business start-up and community uses, and increased footfall.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved implementation of the Early Adopter HSRA scheme.

2.    Members approved Officer authority to identify a designated area, where HSRA can be implemented, in Retford, Worksop, and Harworth and Bircotes to carry out community engagement for a minimum of 28-days. Then take the outcome of the community engagement to Planning Committee to adopt the designated areas in line with the process implemented for a conservation area.

3.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources, to accept the funding and enter into the necessary funding agreements and Memorandum of Understanding, in conjunction with the Monitoring Officer and Head of Growth and Economic Prosperity.

4.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources to add the Refurbishment Fund allocation to the capital programme upon confirmation.

Members received a report informing on the Warm Homes: Local Grant, seeking approval for the Bassetlaw Climate Change team to deliver the project allocation for both Bassetlaw and Bolsover District Councils.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has launched the next phase of domestic retrofit schemes Warm Homes: Local Grant, which aims to reduce poverty and aid in reaching the UK’s Net Zero target. This would be achieved by installing energy efficiency measures and low-carbon heating systems in resident’s homes across the districts. The Midlands Net Zero Hub (MNZH) will be operating a consortium to administer this funding, which has proved successful and lucrative for Bassetlaw’s schemes over the last four years of delivery.

In discussion of this item, Councillor D. Pulk, Cabinet Member for Environment & Energy, requested that his thanks to the Climate Change Team be recorded, for their work on the Climate Change Retrofit Programme.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

Only accept Bassetlaw’s WH: LG allocation, delivering the retrofit measures for the benefit of local residents only:

a)    Reduced risk profile to the Council

b)    Maintains necessary Bassetlaw Climate Change Team staff budget.

c)    Continued delivery with well-known and experienced projects

Accept Bassetlaw’s WH: LG allocation and agree in principle to deliver Bolsover’s allocation within their district as well, expanding the retrofit programme’s geographic reach:

a)    Increased risk to the Council through more residential retrofit delivery

b)    Potential to increase the Bassetlaw Climate Change Team staff budget, subject to funding award.

c)    Expands the green impact the Council makes for the good of the wider region.

Resolved that:

1.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources, to accept the funding if successful, and subsequently inject the funding (and associated spend) into the Council’s capital programme and revenue budgets as appropriate.

2.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources, to initiate and enter into necessary agreements in conjunction with the monitoring officer relating to inter authority collaboration with Bolsover District Council.

3.    Members delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Resources, to scrutinise and approve the resource requests necessary to expand the administrative capacity of the Climate Change Team, subject to confirmation of the grant allocation and internal departmental revenue reviews.

Members received a report, providing summary overview on the Devolution White Paper, seeking delegated authority to the Leader and Chief Executive, to progress discussions on future options for Local Government Reorganisation that affect Bassetlaw District and Nottinghamshire.

The English Devolution White Paper sets out an agenda to reshape local government in England through:

·         Broadening devolution so that all areas of England have a devolution settlement.

·         Deepening devolution, through development of a stronger set of powers and resources available to local areas through the new Devolution Framework published in the White Paper.

·         Progressing local government reorganisation in two-tier areas to support a move to simpler structures, unlock further devolution and deliver sustainable public services.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

The Government have advised that reorganisation will be progressed. No proposals have yet been developed and this report seeks approval to engage in discussions to help shape future options that would then be considered by the Council.

Resolved that:

Members delegated authority to the Leader and Chief Executive, to work with all interested parties to develop proposals that best reflect the needs of Bassetlaw’s residents, businesses, partners and voluntary organisations.

Members received an update report on the ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’ (STEP) fusion programme and providing a wider update on collaborative work with stakeholder partners.

The STEP programme has been led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) from its inception with stakeholder input through the STEP Strategic Collaboration Group (SCG). On the 06^th February 2023, the Science and Innovation Minister, George Freeman, announced the creation of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS). The new body was established as a programme delivery organisation, driving performance and pace and engaging industry in this endeavour. The delivery of STEP will be led by UKIFS, as a wholly owned subsidiary of the UKAEA.

In discussion of this item, Cabinet requested that their thanks to Officers be recorded, for their involvement in provision of the STEP fusion programme.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

There are no risks associated with this report. It is to provide an update to cabinet on the positive work that has taken place since March 2023 and how the £150k allocation has enabled the Council to be a procurement partner on the development of the EIA and Trent Clean Energy Supercluster Vision draft and to make two appointments related to STEP which are enhancing economic, social and infrastructure benefits related to STEP. 

Resolved that:

1.    Members noted the progress in delivering the STEP Programme and the positive outcomes that have been delivered to form the baseline for delivery, enhancing strategic collaborations and levering additional investment for the district and wider region.

2.    Cabinet receive a further report on progress of the STEP programme in around twelve months’ time.

None

None

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the meeting of the Health & Safety Committee held on 09^th October 2024 be received.

Resolved that:

The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Employee Council held on 09^th October 2024 be received.

In accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and after considering the public interest test as set out by the Officer in the body of the report, Members agreed that the following item of business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 2 and therefore, in accordance with Section 100A of the Act, the press and public be excluded from the meeting:

Agenda Item No. 17(a) (Paragraph 2)

- Housing Service Management Resources

Members received a report, on the ongoing strategic pressures evident within the Housing Service, seeking approval to increase senior management resources, to enable the Council to meet its legislative requirements.

Options, Risks and Reasons for Recommendations

Cabinet could decide not to increase the senior management resource within the Housing Service; however, this is not recommended as it presents a risk of service failure for the reasons outlined in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.6.

Cabinet could decide to increase senior management capacity by either of the 2 models outlined in paragraphs 3.13 to 3.16 and fund this by re-profiling budgets across the 40-year housing revenue account business plan.

Resolved that:

1.    Members approved formal consultation on Option 2 to increase in senior management resource in the housing service as outlined in paragraph 3.16.

2.    Authority be delegated to the Leader and Deputy Leader, to approve the outcome of consultation, or refer back to Cabinet if significant changes are proposed.

As there was no other urgent business, the Chair closed the meeting.