Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Civic Suite, North Warehouse, The Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2EP. View directions

Contact: Democratic and Electoral Services 

Items
No. Item

94.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council announced that the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy had stood down.  He reminded Members of his many achievements since joining Cabinet, particularly regarding the regeneration of the city.

 

95.

Declarations of Interest

To receive from Members, declarations of the existence of any disclosable pecuniary, or non-pecuniary, interests and the nature of those interests in relation to any agenda item. Please see Agenda Notes.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest.

 

96.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 164 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2020.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2020 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the following correction:

 

Minute 82 Public Question Time

That `a resident of Gloucester and former employee of MGL asked why the consultancy engaged to investigate allegations they had made about the former Chief Executive and financial irregularities was not in their opinion independent.’ be replaced with `a resident of Gloucester and former employee of MGL asked why a Human Resources company (which in their opinion was not an independent company) was engaged to investigate allegations they had made about the former Chief Executive and financial irregularities.’

 

97.

Public Question Time (15 minutes)

The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:

 

·         Matters which are the subject of current or pending legal proceedings, or

·         Matters relating to employees or former employees of the Council or comments in respect of individual Council Officers

Minutes:

There were no public questions.

 

98.

Petitions and Deputations (15 minutes)

To receive any petitions or deputations provided that no such petition or deputation is in relation to:

 

·         Matters relating to individual Council Officers, or

·         Matters relating to current or pending legal proceedings

Minutes:

There were no petitions or deputations.

 

99.

Leader and Cabinet Members' Question Time (15 minutes)

Any Member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question without prior notice, upon:

       

·       Any matter relating to the Council’s administration

·       Any matter relating to any report of the Cabinet appearing on the summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

 

Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.

Minutes:

Councillor Hilton referred to the call by Council for the former Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy to provide a written apology concerning Marketing Gloucester Limited (30 January Minute 66.24).  He sought reassurance that it would still be forthcoming.  The Leader of the Council replied that he believed it would and had seen a draft.  Councillor Hilton further noted the Council resolution that the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy report on plans to tackle empty commercial buildings (30 January Minute 66.19) and asked who would now be responsible.  The Leader of the Council stated that he would.

 

In relation to the estimate contained in the response to written question 19 at Council (30 January 2020) that 400,000 objects in the care of the Museum of Gloucester remain uncatalogued, Councillor Hilton asked what plans and funding were in place for cataloguing in the next financial year.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure responded that the collections of the former Gloucester Life Museum were being catalogued as they were decanted, which had to be done correctly, and that further cataloguing would be undertaken as opportunity and resources allowed.  Councillor Hilton advised Members that he would take up the offer to visit the museum stores made in the answer to written question 20 and asked that he be provided with a copy of the Museum Collections Care and Conservation Plan in advance.  The Leader of the Council reassured him that if it was available it would be supplied.

 

Councillor Wilson sought an update on the investigation into the UK Digital Retail Innovation Centre (UK:DRIC) subsidiary company of Marketing Gloucester Limited (MGL) referred to at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting of 19 December 2019 (Minute 6.14).  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources stated that requests to undertake an audit had gone out and that the review would commence at the end of February or beginning of March.  Councillor Wilson sought confirmation that it would be undertaken by an external body.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources confirmed that it would, reporting to the Head of Place as senior officer and herself as Cabinet Member.

 

100.

Events and Festivals Plan 2020-21 pdf icon PDF 125 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure seeking review of the City Events Programme and delivery model for 2019 and to set out the recommended delivery model and programme for 2020.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  approval is given to the outline Civic Events Programme for 2020 set out in the table 1 Appendix A of the report to be managed by the City Council Cultural Services team

 

(2)  approval is given to support key city festivals and events programme 2020 as set out in table 2 Appendix A of the report

 

(3)  approval is given to allocate a proportion of the budget to create an innovation fund that supports the development of new and emerging events and festivals and talent in the city.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that sought review of the City Events Programme and delivery model for 2019 and set out the recommended delivery model and programme for 2020.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure reminded Members of the discussion of the report at the recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting (3 February 2020) and that the report was a high level document to which detail would be added in due course.  He outlined key elements such as an innovation fund (4.8), consideration of environmental impact (7.1-2) and social value (6.1) as well as the proposed increase in budget (11.1).  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure further emphasised the importance of improving coordination and communication so that different events across the city become as cohesive as those of the `Earth to Moon’ season had been in 2019.  To that end he advised Members that a date had been set for the first meeting of the city-wide events group (3.6).

 

The Cabinet Member for Environment looked forward to the variety of events and festivals proposed in appendix A and reiterated that coordination was essential to be as inclusive of as many groups as possible.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources commented that the detailed nature of the Evaluation Framework (Appendix B) was encouraging.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods noted that environmental impact was being taken seriously and drew Members’ attention to the funding to be made available for people coming forward with their own events.  She welcomed the opportunity for the range of events to evolve in a positive direction increasing diversity and access for all.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure echoed the importance of empowering communities to hold their own events.  He particularly highlighted the funds set aside to commemorate the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Days for which they could bid (5.6).  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy commented that residents had to be encouraged to apply for grants.  He further stressed that cultural events should encompass more than the city centre and were for everyone to participate in.  The Cabinet Member for Environment expressed pleasure that environmental concerns were being addressed with benefits such as the reduction in fumes emitted by heavy vehicles at Gloucester Carnival.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  approval is given to the outline Civic Events Programme for 2020 set out in the table 1 Appendix A of the report to be managed by the City Council Cultural Services team

 

(2)  approval is given to support key city festivals and events programme 2020 as set out in table 2 Appendix A of the report

 

(3)  approval is given to allocate a proportion of the budget to create an innovation fund that supports the development of new and emerging events and festivals and talent in the city.

 

101.

Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 pdf icon PDF 106 KB

To consider the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy seeking approval from Members for the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 to be adopted.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1) the result of the public consultation be noted

 

(2) it is RECOMMENDED that the Housing, Homelessness and Rough  Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 be adopted.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy that sought approval from Members for the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 to be adopted.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods expressed gratitude to the officers, Ark Consultancy and elected members of all political parties who had contributed to devising a strategy to work for everyone.  She noted that all of the respondents to the consultation had endorsed its aims (Appendix 2) and advised that the next stage would be to form an action plan and ensure a budget was in place.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy reminded Members of the difference housing issues made to people’s lives and emphasised that it was essential to involve and listen to everyone in order to achieve the best outcome for everyone regardless of whether they rent or own homes in the social or private sector.  He referred to the recent advances made with the City Plan and regeneration of Podsmead and Matson estates as an example of what can be achieved through actively building relationships and genuine dialogue.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources drew Members’ attention to the Budget Consultation Survey (Agenda Item 11 Appendix 6) where the respondents had identified homelessness and housing as the third most important Council Service.  She stated that it was fundamental to the administration to make progress in this area.  The Cabinet Member for Environment noted the review process was built into the strategy so that it could be refreshed thus demonstrating the Council’s dedication to driving improvement forward.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1) the result of the public consultation be noted

 

(2) it is RECOMMENDED that the Housing, Homelessness and Rough  Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025 be adopted.

 

102.

Gloucestershire Resource and Waste Partnership pdf icon PDF 107 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment advising Members of the formation of a Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership, whose membership shall be comprised of Gloucestershire County Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that Gloucester City Council join the new Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership and delegate authority to the Waste, Recycling and Streetscene Manager in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Council Solicitor to finalise and approve the Terms of Reference of the new Partnership.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment that advised Members of the formation of a Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership, whose membership shall be comprised of Gloucestershire County Council, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

 

The Cabinet Member for Environment advised Members of the background to and benefits of the Partnership.  He stated that it was in line with the Council’s environmental agenda and stressed the importance of communication so that all residents may understand how they can contribute to reducing waste and increasing recycling.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure informed Members of his experience as holder of the Environment Portfolio when he found working in partnership to be key to unlocking central government funding. 

 

RESOLVED that Gloucester City Council join the new Gloucestershire Resources and Waste Partnership and delegate authority to the Waste, Recycling and Streetscene Manager in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and the Council Solicitor to finalise and approve the Terms of Reference of the new Partnership.

103.

Digital Strategy pdf icon PDF 107 KB

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council seeking adoption of  a Digital Strategy for Gloucester and to put this out for consultation and public engagement.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the Managing Director, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, is authorised to consider comments from Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the attached draft Digital Strategy for Gloucester (appendix 1 of the report) and to finalise the strategy for adoption

 

(2)  this draft Digital Strategy be put out for public consultation, and as part of this engagement, proposals for delivery of elements of this strategy are sought and considered

 

(3)  the Managing Director is authorised to sign the Local Digital Declaration (appendix 2 of the report) on behalf of the City Council.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council that sought adoption of a Digital Strategy for Gloucester and for this to be put out for consultation and public engagement.

 

The Leader of the Council summarised the report.  He advised Members that the proposed strategy was intended to continue to evolve so that no enterprises or residents get left behind.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources reminded Members that progress towards Priority 4 (Transferring Council Service Delivery) had already begun with innovations such as the streamlined contact centre already having had a positive impact as had been represented in the recent Budget Consultation.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods advised that the consultation would be an opportunity for everyone to bring their expertise so that social value can be obtained and the best ways can be found to support all people, especially the most vulnerable.  She reminded Members that Gloucester had been the first Council to implement free Wi-Fi.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy drew Members’ attention to Digital Priority 2 (Promoting Skills, Access and Inclusion) and urged that no one should be left behind, especially older people for whom digital technology can transform lives.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure commented that it was excellent that the draft Digital Strategy sought social value.  He asked if this was generally included in such strategies.  The Managing Director replied that it was not widely included, but it was right to include given the focus on pursuing social value within this authority.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reminded Members that a proposal to commence a consultation on the adoption of a Social Value Strategy to inform commissioning and procurement activities would be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the Managing Director, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, is authorised to consider comments from Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the attached draft Digital Strategy for Gloucester (appendix 1 of the report) and to finalise the strategy for adoption

 

(2)  this draft Digital Strategy be put out for public consultation, and as part of this engagement, proposals for delivery of elements of this strategy are sought and considered

 

(3)  the Managing Director is authorised to sign the Local Digital Declaration (appendix 2 of the report) on behalf of the City Council.

 

104.

Money Plan 2020-25 and Budget Proposals 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 243 KB

To consider the report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking review of the Council’s Draft Money Plan for recommendation to Council.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

 

(1) the proposals for the 2020/21 budget included in the report be approved

 

(2) it be noted that consultation has been undertaken on budget proposals.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought review of the Council’s Draft Money Plan for recommendation to Council.

 

The Leader of the Council highlighted key features of the report including that there were to be no proposed savings in the year 2020/21 and outlined some of the achievements, such as the acquisition of Potters Place for temporary and supported housing accomplished against a difficult financial climate.  He commented that prudence ensured that the Council remained robust.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources advised Members that although the delay of the government Spending Review had impacted the long-term positions, a Spending Review was expected in 2020 which it was hoped would be there for the 2020-21 financial cycle.  She reassured Members that central government was being lobbied by the Member of Parliament and others regarding the impact on City Council finances.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources drew Members’ attention to the results of the Budget Consultation (Appendix 6), which she stated had exceeded the expected number of responses, and especially the views around priorities, value for money and Council Tax.  The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure commented that the responses helped keep the Council focussed.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods informed Members that, because of decisions taken in the past, this was her first Cabinet meeting for the Budget in which difficult choices did not have to be made.  She placed this achievement in the context of advances made towards eliminating the need for placements in bed and breakfast accommodation and raising housing standards.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy reiterated the thanks expressed by Members to the Head of Policy and Resources, officers and partners for their work and support. 

 

RECOMMENDED to Council that:

 

(1) the proposals for the 2020/21 budget included in the report be approved

 

(2) it be noted that consultation has been undertaken on budget proposals.

 

105.

Business Rates- Request for Write-off Approval Over £100K pdf icon PDF 240 KB

To consider the report of the Chief Financial Officer seeking the approval of Members to recommend the write off a non-domestic rates debt in excess of £100K.

Decision:

RESOLVED that the non-domestic rates amount in paragraph 4 of the report be written off.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Financial Officer that sought the approval of Members to recommend the write off a non-domestic rates debt in excess of £100K.

 

The Head of Policy and Resources advised Members that they had authority to write off the debt without the recommended resolution by Council (2.2).  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the report.

 

RESOLVED that the non-domestic rates amount in paragraph 4 of the report be written off.

106.

Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy 2020-2023 pdf icon PDF 117 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance and Chief Internal Auditor proposing an updated Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy to be effective from 1st April 2020.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy 2020-2023 be adopted and endorsed; and

 

(2)  following endorsement, the Strategy be disseminated to Members and officers in accordance with a communications plan to reaffirm the council’s risk management objectives.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance and Chief Internal Auditor that proposed an updated Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy to be effective from 1st April 2020.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  the Risk Management Policy Statement and Strategy 2020-2023 be adopted and endorsed; and

 

(2)  following endorsement, the Strategy be disseminated to Members and officers in accordance with a communications plan to reaffirm the council’s risk management objectives.

 

107.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Update and Proposed Review pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy providing an update on the operation of the CIL after one year of operation, including income to date and invoiced, changes to legislation, actions required and to be taken in the year ahead and proposals for future governance.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED it be noted that:

 

(1)  5% of income received to date will be transferred to the JCS budget as a contribution towards administrative costs

 

(2)  the remaining 95% of income received during the financial year 2019/20 will be rolled forward into 2020/21

 

(3)  a review of the CIL Charging Schedules is being undertaken

 

(4)  proposals for the governance arrangements for funding the infrastructure schemes identified in the JCS Infrastructure Delivery Plan, will be brought to Cabinet as a recommendation of the CIL Leader Board during the next financial year

 

(5)  proposals for governance arrangements for local (i.e. Gloucester) infrastructure schemes will be brought to Cabinet early in the next financial year.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy that provided an update on the operation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) after one year of operation, including income to date and invoiced, changes to legislation, actions required and to be taken in the year ahead and proposals for future governance.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy highlighted the key features of the report and informed Members that a presentation on the matter had been made to the Planning Policy Working Group.  He commented on the importance of getting in place the right governance arrangements for the CIL.

 

RESOLVED it be noted that:

 

(1)  5% of income received to date will be transferred to the JCS budget as a contribution towards administrative costs

 

(2)  the remaining 95% of income received during the financial year 2019/20 will be rolled forward into 2020/21

 

(3)  a review of the CIL Charging Schedules is being undertaken

 

(4)  proposals for the governance arrangements for funding the infrastructure schemes identified in the JCS Infrastructure Delivery Plan, will be brought to Cabinet as a recommendation of the CIL Leader Board during the next financial year

 

(5)  proposals for governance arrangements for local (i.e. Gloucester) infrastructure schemes will be brought to Cabinet early in the next financial year.