Matter for Decision:

To agree the Addendum to the Greater Cambridge Statement of Community Involvement 2019.

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

To respond to restrictions related to Covid-19 and to enable the planning process to continue whilst continue to enable full involvement of people in planning matters. Updating the Statement of Community Involvement also reflects recent government guidance.

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

That the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Open Spaces agreed:

To adopt the Addendum to the Greater Cambridge Statement of Community Involvement 2019.

Reasons for the decision:

Cambridge City Council adopted the Greater Cambridge Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) on 25 June 2019, jointly with South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The SCI for planning sets out how and when we will involve the community and key stakeholders in preparing, altering and reviewing our plans and guidance to guide future development. It also explains how we will involve the community in planning applications.

The Councils are committed to keeping essential services running during the Coronavirus outbreak.  Planning has an important role to play in supporting our economy and our communities. It is important that we find a way to keep the planning process moving forward. There are a number of ways in which the Councils are having to adapt the approach to planning applications and plan making while movement restrictions are in place.

It is therefore proposed to add an Addendum to the SCI, to set out which elements are impacted by current restrictions, and how the Councils will continue to enable full involvement of people in planning matters. Updating the SCI reflects recent government guidance. Each of the changes proposed is explained in the Addendum, included as Appendix 1 to this decision.

When the SCI was adopted it was subject to Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA). A review of this assessment has been undertaken to consider the impacts of the Addendum. It is not considered that any changes to the EQIA are required, no changes to the impact of the policy were identified each of the protected characteristics identified.

Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokesperson of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Report:

Briefing Report, Greater Cambridge Statement of Community Involvement 2019 – Addendum May 2020

and EQIA; These papers can be viewed at the following link.

https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=Planning%20and%20Transport%20Scrutiny%20Committee%2030%20June&ID=1515&RPID=66078009

Conflicts of interest:

None known.

Comments:

No comments made.

Matter for Decision:

In March 2020, at the start of the pandemic, an Urgent Officer decision was taken in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Community Safety to approve a decision to freeze the planned Multi-Storey Car Park price rise planned for April 2020 until further notice, and further to  provide free parking for key workers (as defined by Government at the time) in the light of the covid-19 pandemic. These arrangements were aligned with County plans on street and surface car park enforcement. These further arrangements were put in place until the end of May.

The arrangement now needs urgent review to meet previously agreed timescales. Alongside this, the unprecedented nature  of the pandemic, the need for careful phasing of any easing of the lockdown, and detailed plans for re-opening the City Centre in the relevant way to support Staying Safe in Cambridge, and complying with Government Guidance, results in the need to review the proposals in themselves.

The attached paper addresses the need to ensure the relevant balance to support continued public health requirements whilst supporting businesses in their staged return to work.

Executive Cllr is recommended to agree the new arrangements, which include:

-          Creation of free parking permits for public and voluntary sector key workers until the 31^st August, and

-          the provision of a City Centre Worker permit at a discounted rate for the same period, for city centre businesses returning to work until the 31^st August

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

The previous agreement ends on 31^st May 2020, and it is important to get the new arrangements in place for 1^st June, when the first phase of City Centre reopening is due to start. 

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

To approve the continued car parking arrangements.

Reasons for the decision:

As detailed in the Officers report attached.

Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokesperson of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Comments were made by the Opposition Spokes which were addressed by the Strategic Director (Fiona Bryant)

Report:

Appendix 1 can be viewed at the link below:

https://democracy.cambridge.gov.uk/ecSDDisplay.aspx?NAME=SD1514&ID=1514&RPID=65851634

Conflicts of interest:

None

Comments:

The decision will be reported back to the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee on 30^th June 2020.

Decision(s) taken:

To make a financial contribution of up to £104,000 of additional funds to GLL to support the Cambridge Leisure Contract expenses during the enforced closure of all leisure activities and facilities under the contract.

Decision of:

Strategic Director – Suzanne Hemmingway

Date of decision:  

27^th May 2020

Matter for Decision:

To agree capped additional financial contributions based on open accounting with GLL, in response to the current suspension of all leisure services under the Cambridge Contract as described in the briefing paper for the period 20^th March – 30^th June 2020.

Any alternative options considered and rejected:

Other options rejected are included in the briefing paper.

Reason(s) for the decision including any background papers considered:

An urgent decision under paragraph 2 of section 9, Council Procedure Rules was necessary as there are no meetings of the Council, Environment and Communities Committee or Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee within a reasonable timeframe and taking into account the current national situation it is unclear when this could be possible.  It was important to respond to the Government guidance for support of leisure facilities and operators during the enforced closures of leisure and sports facilities.

Conflicts of interest and dispensations granted by the Chief Executive:

None.

Other Comments:

The Chief Executive and Leader of the Council were consulted prior to the decisions taken.  In addition, the Executive Councillors for (i) Finance and Resources (ii) Community Services were consulted.  The spokes for Community Services was advised.

There will be budgetary implications of these decisions which will fall outside of the current budgetary framework and funding can be met from current revenue budgets for the amount noted and further support past 1^st July 2020 will need to be funded from reserves if approved but are not part of this decision notice.

Reference:

2020/OfficerUrgent/EnC/12

Contact for further information:

Suzanne Hemmingway, Strategic Director 01223 457461 suzanne.hemmingway@cambridge.gov.uk

decision title- Disposal of a housing revenue account property

Decision of:

Cllr Richard Johnson, Executive Councillor for Housing

Reference:

20/URGENCY/HSC/8

Date of decision:             

20/05/20

Recorded on:  20/05/20

Decision Type:

Key Decision

Matter for Decision:

Urgent approval in relation to the sale of a property held in the HRA.

Why the decision had to be made (and any alternative options):

The proposal to dispose of a property from the HRA has arisen due to business needs.

The Executive Councillor’s decision(s):

Approved the decision as per the Officer’s Report

Reasons for the  decision:

As detailed in the Officers confidential report which is considered exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 1,2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Scrutiny consideration:

The Chair and Spokesperson of Housing Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Conflicts of interest:

None

Comments:

The decision will be reported back to Housing Scrutiny Committee at their next meetings in June 2020