Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

There were no declarations of interest made.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 were agreed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

To answer questions submitted by citizens on the Council or its services.

There were no citizens’ questions.

To answer questions submitted by Opposition Group Leaders on items on the agenda.

Question from Councillor Jen Walker to Councillor Upton.

“What ideas does Cabinet have for the £0.763m carry forward support for Registered Housing Providers?”

Councillor Upton thanked Councillor Walker for her question and stated that the affordable housing capital budget was predominantly made of Section 106 payments, paid in lieu of on-site provision. Discussions were ongoing with Registered Housing Providers (RPs),developers and Homes England to explore opportunities to commit this money, which would hopefully deliver a mix of general needs affordable housing. Should those options progress, it was likely that they would absorb a significant amount of the remaining capital budget. The £0.763m had been carried forward to future years (2025/26) in addition to the £2.5m already allocated in the 2024/25 Capital Programme. There was an existing commitment to give a contribution of £24k to deliver three affordable units on garage sites (phase 2) and £36k for one additional affordable unit. 

Councillor Upton advised that a number of options continued to be looked at by the Housing Team including grant funding of RPs, funding affordable development in partnership with public sector landowners, such as extra care for the elderly population, acquiring land for affordable housing and developing bespoke units, including in the past the Metropolitan Garage Development Programme. As those come to fruition they would be reported upon and the Medium Term Financial Statement (MTFS) updated as the money was spent. The bulk of the outstanding amount needed to be spent by April 2032, and the timeline in itself demonstrated that this was not a quick fix.

Councillor Walker asked a supplementary question to Councillor Upton.

“Why was this money not spent, as it was unclear why it had been carried forward?”

Councillor Upton stated that as with many capital projects, timelines were put in place and inevitably slippages occurred for various reasons as had happened with this sum and a more detailed written response would be provided. 

Question from Councillor Thomas to Councillor Virdi.  Councillor Thomas was unable to attend the meeting, so her question was read out by the Leader, Councillor Clarke.

“As the Business Rates relief offered to businesses on the Freeport will be subsidised by tax payers (through central government) what democratic involvement has there been in drawing up the policy to encourage particular types of businesses, for example companies with green and ethical track records, evidence of creation of jobs and exemplary employment practice, or in terms of the Ratcliffe LDO site, alignment with the principles of the Local Development Order?”

Councillor Virdi thanked Councillor Thomas for her question and referred to the Cabinet report considered in February 2022, which all Members were sighted on, that had stated in the environmental implications that “the transformation of Ratcliffe on Soar Power Station from the production of coal-fired energy to other more sustainable forms of energy including Research and Development into clean energy will help the region’s plans to become carbon neutral and then net zero”.  The same report had also stated “the development of Ratcliffe on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the Council’s East Midlands Freeport Business Rates Relief Policy at Appendix A to the report be approved; and

b)               the Director of Finance and Corporate Services be delegated authority to either finalise any changes or make future amendments to the Policy, particularly if there are no changes in legislation, in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation and Governance, Councillor Virdi presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, which detailed the Freeport Business Rates Relief Policy.

Councillor Virdi stated that the Freeport provided a great opportunity for the Borough in respect of economic growth and job creation and it was noted that councils could authorise 100% discretionary rate relief, providing businesses met the criteria as per the Policy, which was detailed in Appendix A to the report.  To ensure consistency, this Policy had been agreed by the three councils concerned, Rushcliffe, North-West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire.  Councillor Virdi referred to the hard work undertaken by officers to ensure that any risks associated with Subsidy Control were mitigated and reduced in relation to the Borough’s exposure of breaching such measures, with details highlighted in paragraphs 4.4 to 4.8 of the report.    

Councillor Virdi referred to paragraphs 4.9 to 4.12 of the report, which detailed the eligibility principles, and in particular he referred to the five year extension to the deadline to claim Business Rates Relief up to 29 September 2036. 

In seconding the recommendation, the Leader, Councillor Clarke reiterated that the Freeport was supporting local businesses and economic growth in the Borough, which was absolutely vital and he welcomed this process.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the Council’s East Midlands Freeport Business Rates Relief Policy at Appendix A to the report be approved; and

b)               the Director of Finance and Corporate Services be delegated authority to either finalise any changes or make future amendments to the Policy (particularly if there are no changes in legislation) in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder.

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that the adoption of the new Housing Enforcement Policy 2024-29 be approved.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, Councillor Upton presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, which detailed the new Housing Enforcement Policy for 2024-2029.

Councillor Upton advised that the Policy outlined how the Council intended to secure effective compliance with relevant housing legislation, with the main objective being to ensure that all properties let as residential properties were safe, well managed and to appropriate standards. The Policy included at Appendix 1 to the report detailed information on a wide range of issues and legislation, as did the 10 appendices in the Policy.  Cabinet noted that the fundamental aim of the Policy was to manage how enforcement was undertaken, especially for those in rented, multi-occupation and mobile homes. Councillor Upton stated that housing was a fundamental human need, and the quality of housing did effect quality of life and the environment, both of which were key priorities for Rushcliffe, as stated in its Corporate Strategy.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis thanked officers for their hard work in producing this excellent Policy and concurred with Councillor Upton’s comments.  Councillor Inglis felt that the Policy provided clear, easy to understand principles, actions and procedures that would be invaluable to all parties, and it would also be an excellent reference document for Councillors.  All too often there were examples of poor quality, unsafe housing and a Policy that could consolidate enforcement rules and regulations should be embraced.  Councillor Inglis stated that it was vital that the Council met its statutory obligations to ensure that residential properties were properly maintained and managed to ensure quality of life, healthy and safe conditions for tenants, and he felt that this Policy would do this.

Councillor J Wheeler stated that it was important for all tenants to know that standards were in place and that action could be taken, as everyone had the right to live in safe, good quality accommodation.

The Leader, Councillor Clarke advised that this was a statutory obligation and he stated that the purpose of the Policy was summed up in the introduction, when it stated that all properties should be safe, of good quality, free from major dis-repair and well managed, and it was essential that those standards were maintained by the Council.

Councillor Upton reminded Cabinet that the Policy also covered private, freehold owner occupiers, as they were not immune from enforcement, when there were potential risks to the public.    

It was RESOLVED that the adoption of the new Housing Enforcement Policy 2024-29 be approved.

The report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services is attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

a)               the 2023/24 revenue position and efficiencies identified in Table 1, the variances in Table 2, and Appendix A to the report be noted;

b)               changes to the earmarked reserves as set out at Appendix B along with the carry forwards and appropriations to reserves in Appendix E to the report be approved;

c)               the re-profiled position on capital be noted and the capital carry forwards outlined in Appendix C and summarised in Appendix F to the report be approved; and

d)               the update on the Special Expenses outturn at paragraph 4.20 and in Appendix D to the report be noted.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Transformation and Governance, Councillor Virdi presented the report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services, which outlined the year-end financial outturn position for 2023/24, linked to the closure of the accounts process and previous financial update reports.

In introducing the report, Councillor Virdi referred to the sharp increase nationally in the number of councils facing financial pressures and stated that he was pleased to report that Rushcliffe had maintained a positive outcome, despite the challenging economic environment, as detailed in paragraph 4.4 of the report. Councillor Virdi referred to ongoing cost of living pressures, which impacted both on residents and the Council’s budget, and Cabinet noted that service efficiencies had continued to be identified to balance those pressures. The revenue budget had an overall revenue efficiency of £1,663m and the Capital Programme overall had an underspend of £5.710m and Councillor Virdi confirmed that the report recommended carrying forward those budget efficiencies to help meet 2024/25 service pressures and risks.  

In respect of revenue, Councillor Virdi referred to paragraph 4.5 and Appendix A to the report, which detailed the main variances, with paragraph 4.6 highlighting additional savings from Business Rates and Government Grants, giving the Council an additional resource of £1.379m. Overall the Council’s robust financial position enabled it to fund service demands or cost pressures not originally identified in the budget, details of which were highlighted in paragraphs 4.18, 6.3 and 6.4 and Appendix E.  Cabinet was reminded that there would continue to be further pressures on the budget going forward. 

In respect of capital, Councillor Virdi advised that paragraph 4.19 and Appendix D highlighted the key variances and explanations for those, including the underspend on the Crematorium and Bingham Arena. Councillor Virdi emphasised the success of both projects and the benefits brought to residents.  Reference was made to paragraph 4.20, which covered Special Expenses, with an overall deficit for the year of £8k, which in the context of overall finances Councillor Virdi considered to be manageable. 

In conclusion, despite the financial challenges referred to, Councillor Virdi stated that the Council had always been prudent, which had negated the need to draw on reserves or borrow externally. Inflation had begun to fall; however, pressures would remain as household income continued to contract.  Cabinet was reminded that with the new government, there could be a change in funding, and the ongoing economic uncertainties and risks made planning challenging.  There were warning signs for the budget going forward, with pressures on areas including Planning Services and Streetwise and the impact of inflation on contracts and therefore it was vital that the Council was even more productive, and although the Council was in a good position, it could not be complacent.  Councillor Virdi thanked Councillors and officers, in particular the Director – Finance and Corporate Services and the Finance Team for their dedication and diligence. 

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor J Wheeler referred to the difficulties of setting a budget during such challenging times and welcomed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.