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To exercise the City Council’s voting entitlement in the forthcoming Cambridge BID third term ballot.
To support, in principle, Cambridge BID in the third term ballot, in view of their performance in the successful delivery of services against the term two proposal; and the value for money Cambridge BID provides the City Council, balancing our levy contribution against expenditure the Council might otherwise be expected to commit to.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Community Wealth Building and Community Safety
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
Cambridge BID’s (Business
Improvement District) second consecutive five-year term concludes on 31st
March 2023. Cambridge BID is seeking a
third five-year term, to run from 1st April 2023 to 31st March
2028, which will be determined by a legally required ballot of non-domestic
rate payers within the BID area, to take place between 14th October
and 10th November 2022.
Decision of the Leader of the Council (as the Executive
Councillor for Recovery, Employment and Community Safety was attending
virtually)
To exercise the Council’s voting
entitlement in the forthcoming Cambridge BID third term ballot.
To support Cambridge BID’s third term
ballot.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Head of Environmental Services introduced the report and
Ian Sandison, CEO of the BID attended the meeting to answer questions.
Councillor Payne proposed that the decision be deferred
until the next meeting (and after the business plan launch) which was still
before the ballot commenced. The
Committee rejected the amendment by 5 against 3 in favour and 1 abstention with
the Chair casting their vote against the amendment. The Committee endorsed the recommendation by
5 votes to 3.
Cllr Gilderdale would meet with Cllr Payne and the Head of
Service for an update on this item if it was considered appropriate taking
account of Members’ comments during the debate.
Cllr Gilderdale also requested a report on the Purple Flag scheme in due
course.
The Leader of the Council approved the recommendation.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive
Councillor.
Lead officer: Joel Carré
Request for funding allocation for purchase of a new development site.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The
scrutiny committee considered a joint report from the Head of Housing
Development and the Head of Finance (s151 Officer) concerning a potential site
acquisition to enable further development toward the new city council housing
programme target for 1,000 net additional Council rented homes over the next 10
years.
Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
To
recommend to Council to provide a budget of £33.94 million for a loan to the
Cambridge Investment Partnership to cover land acquisition for the scheme
explained in the confidential appendix to this recommendation.
To delegate
authority to the Section 151 officer in consultation with the Executive
Councillor to agree the final terms of the loan including the interest rate.
To note the risk
that, due to revised MRP rules and PWLB funding rates at the time of the
transaction, alternative funding arrangements may be more advantageous for CIP
and the proposed scheme. In this case, CIP would make the decision on the
choice of funding route from available options.
To note that
the current scheme is an estimate and will require further detailed
development. A final scheme and costs will be brought to the Housing Scrutiny
Committee to consider the purchase of the affordable housing on this site.
To Delegate
to the S151 officer to build the necessary funding requirement into the Medium
Term Financial Strategy and to negotiate and agree terms for development
finance to support this project in consultation with the Executive Councillor.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee unanimously agreed to exclude the public after
considering that the public interest was outweighed by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of
schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 to enable committee debate of the
officer report.
The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive
Councillor.
Lead officer: Claire Flowers
i) Recommend to Council to approve carry forward requests for revenue funding from 2022/22 to 2022/23 as detailed in report appendix.
(ii) Recommend to Council to approve capital funding rephasing from 2021/22 to 2022/23 as detailed in report appendix.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The outturn report considered and attached reflects
the Executive Portfolios for which budgets were originally approved (which may
have changed since, for example for any changes in Portfolio responsibilities).
Decisions of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
To
recommend to the Council carry forward requests totalling £2,132,920 of revenue
funding from 2021/22 to 2022/23, as detailed in Appendix C of the attached
report ; to approve additional budget in 2022/23 of £22k for Arboriculture and
£12k for Project Delivery funded from reserves, as detailed in Paragraphs 3.6
and 3.7 in the attached report and ; to carry forward requests of £71,909,000
of capital resources from 2021/22 to 2022/23 to fund rephased net capital
spending, as detailed in Appendix D of the attached report
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee resolved
by 6 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive
Councillor.
Lead officer: Caroline Ryba
Recommend the report to Council, which includes the Council's actual Prudential and Treasury Indicators for 2021/22.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The Council was required by regulations issued under
the Local Government Act 2003, to produce an annual treasury report reviewing
treasury management activities and the actual prudential and treasury
indicators for each financial year.
The report considered and attached meets the
requirements of both the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code
of Practice 2021 (the Code) and the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance
in Local Authorities 2021 (the Prudential Code) in respect of 2021/22.
During the 2020/21 the minimum requirements were that
Council should receive:
- An annual strategy in advance of the year
- A mid-year treasury update report and;
- An annual review following the end of the year
describing the activity compared to the strategy.
In line with the Code of Practice on Treasury Management
all treasury management reports have been presented to the Strategy and
Resources Scrutiny Committee and to Council.
Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
To
recommend to Council the report with the Council’s actual Prudential and
Treasury Indicators for 2021/22 [and; a loan of £50,000 to Cherry Hinton
Community Benefit Society for their contribution to the building costs of the
Cherry Hinton Hub].Postscript to the meeting, the Strategic Project
Manager, Community Services advised that the loan was not being progressed, the
same postscript is minuted in Council 21 July 2020.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.
Lead officer: Caroline Ryba
To consider recommendations on changes to the budget policy framework and budget process following an independent review commissioned by the Council of current arrangements. To also reflect, consider and prioritise the wider governance issues recommended by both the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny and Independent Remuneration Panel earlier this year.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The review makes ten wide-ranging recommendations, covering political
management arrangements, member training and development, as well as specific
recommendations relating to the budget process and timetable. Whilst some
recommendations can be implemented immediately, others require changes to the
council’s constitution and further consideration of their wider impacts.
Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
Note the recommendations in Section 10 of
the review report attached at Appendix 1.
Agree to transition to the new budget
process this year, with further changes being brought in next year, both
subject to constitutional change.
Ask officers to draft proposals for changes
to the council’s constitution arising from the review of the budget setting
process, to be brought forward for approval by Civic Affairs and Full Council.
Ask officers to work with the
Leader/Executive to develop a broader consultative process, with input from opposition
Group Leaders, to consider how to take forward the recommendations of the
Independent Renumeration Panel and Council-commissioned analysis of its
decision making, and democratic processes undertaken by Centre for Governance
and Scrutiny (CfGS).
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee considered a report from the Head of Finance.
The Independent Consultant, Chris West was also present to answer questions.
The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.
Lead officer: Caroline Ryba
The report will present an update on feasibility work undertaken, identify next steps and make recommendations as appropriate.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The report presents the findings from a project carried out between
Cambridge City Council (CCC), Cambridge City Housing Company Ltd (CCHC) and
Social Finance (a not for profit organisation who seek to tackle social
problems in the UK and abroad).
The project has
explored the potential for CCHC to expand its property portfolio by up to 250
homes over a 5 year period, offering affordable homes to lower income
residents, living or working in Cambridge City, in an operationally efficient,
cost effective and carbon neutral manner.
An initial
feasibility study was carried out in the summer of 2021, with the positive
findings from this early work prompting a more in depth project to be
conducted. This project has however noted significant changes in the market
assumptions since last summer, culminating in more cautious recommendations
than initially hoped.
Decisions of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
To recognise that the proposed expansion of the CCHC portfolio by 250
new homes over the next 5 years, is not financially feasible at this time, in
the current market conditions.
To agree that CCHC keep the expansion metrics under review on a
quarterly basis, reporting back to the Council, as shareholder, on an annual
basis as part of the business plan update, unless a quarterly review results in
a recommendation for moving forward with the expansion. If this is the case, a
report will be presented to the Council for an expansion decision at the
earliest opportunity.
To authorise officers to explore in detail the potential for equity
injection of an estimated £25 million, or a contribution towards the operating
costs of the business, from partner organisations employing essential workers,
in return for nomination rights to the homes acquired, presenting any proposals
to the Council for consideration as shareholder.
To agree that CCHC continues to explore expansion opportunities on a
smaller scale, presenting independent funding requests for Council
consideration and approval.
To note that the Council, following a recent decision at Housing
Scrutiny Committee, can now deliver some new affordable homes to be let at 80%
of market rent, subject to award of Homes England Grant, to be managed within
the Housing Revenue Account.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor
(and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.
Lead officer: Caroline Ryba
To approve proposed changes to the current Council Tax Reduction (CTR) Local Scheme for consultation.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
Councils are required to review their Council Tax Reduction scheme
annually and determine whether to revise it or not.
In October 2019 it was agreed for an annual, light touch review, to be
delegated to Head of Service followed by consultation with preceptors and for a
full review and comprehensive consultation in 2022 for the 2023-2026 Council
Tax Reduction Schemes.
Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
outline
proposals and consultation process for the review of the Council Tax Reduction
Scheme for Universal Credit households;
retain
the Non-Universal Credit scheme and approve annual uprating based on September
CPI figures.
approved delegation of the Council Tax
Reduction schemes and annual
review to the Head of Finance, and subject to the final recommendations post
consultation being adopted, that these schemes continue (subject to uprating)
until 31 March 2026.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee unanimously endorsed the recommendations.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor
(and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive
Councillor.
Lead officer: Naomi Armstrong
To note and discuss progress to date and the proposed principles and next steps set out in the report.
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Transformation
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The committee noted a paper providing an
update on the following areas:
·
The progress made on preparing the council for transformation
since the inception of the Our Cambridge Programme (OCP) in October 2021
·
The programme’s scheduled activity during the next 3 months
that will establish the strategic design of future council services
·
The current investment made in by the council in the OCP and
an explanation of any variance against pre-programme forecast
Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources
and Transformation
Noted the approach and progress of the Our Cambridge Transformation
Programme outlined in the report; and noted the proposals for the development
of the organisation design for presentation to S&R in October 2022.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee noted that the descriptions in the revenue
improvement section (page 163 of the agenda) will be adapted to reflect the
work on transformation and Our Cambridge which has taken place since October
2021.
The Committee and Executive Councillor noted the update
report.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.
Lead officer: Nick Kemp
To note the annual report on progress against the Corporate Plan, the annual complaints and compliments report, and an analysis of the state of the city.
Decision Maker: Leader of the Council
Decision published: 28/10/2022
Effective from: 11/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision
The report
covers the Annual Report against the Corporate Plan 2021/22 and associated key performance
indicators; the Annual Complaints and Customer Feedback Report 2021/22; and a
State of the City profile.
The
Corporate Plan 2019-22 set out the objectives the Council has been planning to
achieve over the past three years, grouped under three key themes. The Annual Report provides a summary of
progress against those objectives during 2021/22. Appendix B provides the latest available
figures for the key performance indicators in the Corporate Plan 2019-22. The Annual Complaints and Customer Feedback
Report 2021/22 at Appendix C provides an overview and summary of complaints,
compliments and feedback received during 2021/22.
The State
of the City profile at Appendix D provides a brief analysis of how Cambridge
measures up on a range of social, economic and environmental factors. This provides a broad overview of the context
in which the council and its partners operate.
It is intended that a fuller analysis will be developed over the coming
year to provide a richer “City Portrait”, which would then be replicated,
developed and reported each year.
Decision of the Leader of the Council
Noted the contents of the Annual Report against the
Corporate Plan 2021/22, the Annual Complaints and Customer Feedback Report
2021/22, and the State of the City profile.
Reason for the Decision
As set out in the Officer’s report.
Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Scrutiny Considerations
The Committee considered a report from the Assistant Chief
Executive.
The following points/clarifications were made:
Further information on the reduction of Crematoria market
share volume (page 64 of the agenda) would be provided.
Clarification on how missed bins are defined (page 78)
Explanation of increased share of total waste going to landfill
Performance of complaints arising from planning enforcement
Clarification on the increase on complaints about
Councillors (page 108).
The Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and
Transformation proposed that the thanks for councillors was conveyed to
officers for their continued impressive work and to the Head of Human Resources
for retaining the Investors in People accreditation.
The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the
recommendation.
The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.
Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive
Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)
No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.
Lead officer: Andrew Limb
i. Notes the results of the public consultation on the South
Newnham application to redesignate the South Newnham neighbourhood forum
ii. To approve the re-designation of
the South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum as the appropriate body for the continued
preparation of a neighbourhood plan for the South Newnham Neighbourhood Area
Decision Maker: Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control, and Infrastructure
Decision published: 21/07/2022
Effective from: 21/07/2022
Decision:
Matter for Decision:
|
The Executive Councillor is recommended to approve the
re-designation of the South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum as the appropriate
body for the continued preparation of a neighbourhood plan for the South
Newnham Neighbourhood Area |
Why the decision had
to be made (and any alternative options): |
The South
Newnham Neighbourhood Forum was designated five years ago by Cambridge City
Council and since March 2017 has been preparing a neighbourhood plan for the
South Newnham Neighbourhood Area. According to the national regulations a
forum ceases to have effect after five years when the group must reapply for
designation. The group has reapplied and their redesignation as a
neighbourhood forum can be approved. The
alternative option is to not redesignate the forum in which case the group
cannot continue to prepare a plan as they will no longer be the qualifying
body formally designated to produce the neighbourhood plan for their
area. |
The Executive
Councillor’s decision(s): |
That the Executive
Councillor for Planning Policy and Infrastructure: a)
Noted
the results of the public consultation on the South Newnham application to
redesignate the South Newnham neighbourhood forum (Set out in Appendix B) b)
Agreed
to approve the redesignation of the South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum as the
appropriate body for the preparation of a neighbourhood plan for the South
Newnham Neighbourhood Area. |
Reasons for the
decision: |
The South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum was designated five
years ago to prepare a neighbourhood plan for their area. According to
national legislation the designation of a neighbourhood forum only lasts for
five years when a forum must reapply to the local planning authority for
redesignation. The group wishes to continue to prepare their plan and has
submitted an application to Cambridge City Council. A six-week consultation
has taken place on this application. The national regulations require the
Council to determine an application for designating a neighbourhood forum
within 13 weeks of the start the publicity of the application. The group meets the requirements for
redesignation as a neighbourhood forum for South Newnham for the purpose of
preparing a neighbourhood plan. |
Scrutiny consideration: |
The Chair and Spokespersons of Planning and Transport
Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised. |
Report: |
The report on the application to redesignate the South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum can be viewed at the link below: Report
on the application to redesignate the South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum -
Cambridge Council |
Conflicts of
interest: |
None known. |
Comments: |
No comments were received from the Chair or Opposition
Spokes. |