Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

None received.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 17 January 2022 as a correct record.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 17 January 2022 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 17 January 2022 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

None.

To discuss any petitions from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

5.1   Environmental and Public Realm improvements and enforcement Tokyngton Ward

Cabinet NOTED the comments made by Sonia Francis, speaking on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding Oakington Manor Drive, Grand Avenue, Vivian Avenue & Gardens and Neeld Parade within Tokyngton ward , highlighting concerns relating to the local street scene (public refuse and recycling bins, street lighting, anti-littering) and anti-social behaviour in the area.  Members were advised that the request to speak and action being sought in response was supported by a petition, co-ordinated by Marion Barton (as a local resident), which contained 320 signatures.

In addressing Cabinet, Sonia Francis began by thanking those Lead Members and officers for the site visit held on 2 February 2022 and outlined the key concerns highlighted by local residents in relation to:

·             the need identified for more substantial litter bins in the area that were regularly emptied, cleaned and maintained as opposed to provision of plastic refuse bags;

·             the need for additional anti-littering signage of the type approved by Keep Britain Tidy and wider promotion of anti-littering.  Reference was made to the example of measures introduced by Quintain around Wembley Park with the suggested pilot of new bins in strategic areas across the ward;

·             the need for additional enforcement activity and action to address street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour with particular reference to the area surrounding Oakington Manor Drive and the junction with Harrow Road.  Concerns were expressed at the impact this was having in terms of local residents feeling intimidated, threatened and unsafe with specific concerns raised about the safety of women and children living in the surrounding area and need to enforce the Public Space Protection Zone prohibiting such behaviour.

·             The need for more proactive street lighting audits to be undertaken in order to identify and enhance areas of substandard lighting, particularly as a way of assisting to design out crime and anti-social behaviour;

·             The need for paving in the area adjacent to the public toilets located at the junction of Oakington Manor Drive and Harrow Road.

Taken together local residents felt these initiatives and interventions would help to not only improve the street scene but also civic pride and safety along with the local communities health and wellbeing.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Lead Member for Environment), began by thanking local residents for their comments and proactive engagement with the Council in order to address the issues recognised as needing to be tackled in the area.  Whilst highlighting the need to work within the existing budgetary constraints on the service, work was being undertaken to develop an action plan aimed at improving the street scene, cleaning up and enhancing the level of local enforcement activity in the area.  The commitment to tackle the issues raised and continue working and engaging with local residents was highlighted by both Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) and Councillor Krupa Sheth as part of the Council’s ongoing objective to making Brent a safer, cleaner and greener borough for  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

5.1    Environmental and Public Realm improvements and enforcement Tokyngton Ward

Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) welcomed Sonia Francis to the meeting, who had been invited to speak on behalf of local residents living in the area surrounding Oakington Manor Drive, Grand Avenue, Vivian Avenue & Gardens and Neeld Parade within Tokyngton ward in order to highlight concerns relating to the local street scene (public refuse and recycling bins, street lighting, anti-littering) and anti-social behaviour in the area.  Members were advised that the request to speak and action being sought in response was supported by a petition, co-ordinated by Marion Barton (as a local resident), which contained 320 signatures.

In addressing Cabinet, Sonia Francis began by thanking those Lead Members and officers who had attended the site visit held on 2 February 2022 and outlined the key concerns highlighted by local residents in relation to:

·                the need identified for more substantial litter bins in the area that were regularly emptied, cleaned and maintained as opposed to provision of plastic refuse bags;

·                the need for additional anti-littering signage of the type approved by Keep Britain Tidy and wider promotion of anti-littering.  Reference was made to the measures introduced by Quintain around Wembley Park, with the suggested pilot of new bins in strategic areas across the ward;

·                the need for additional enforcement activity and action to address street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour with particular reference to the area surrounding Oakington Manor Drive and the junction with Harrow Road.  Concerns were expressed at the impact this was having in terms of local residents feeling intimidated, threatened and unsafe with specific concerns raised about the safety of women and children living in the surrounding area and need to enforce the Public Space Protection Zone prohibiting such behaviour;

·                The need for more proactive street lighting audits to be undertaken in order to identify and enhance areas of substandard lighting, particularly as a way of assisting to design out crime and anti-social behaviour;

·                The need for paving in the area adjacent to the public toilets located at the junction of Oakington Manor Drive and Harrow Road;

Taken together local residents felt these initiatives and interventions would help to not only improve the street scene but also civic pride and safety along with the health and wellbeing of the local community.

In responding, Councillor Krupa Sheth (as Lead Member for Environment), began by thanking local residents for their comments and proactive engagement with the Council in order to address the issues recognised as needing to be tackled in the area.  Whilst highlighting the need to work within existing budgetary constraints, work was being undertaken to develop an action plan aimed at improving the street scene, cleaning up and enhancing the level of local enforcement activity in the area.  The commitment to tackle the issues raised and continue working and engaging with local residents was highlighted by both Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) and Councillor Krupa Sheth as part of the Council’s ongoing objective  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider any reference reports from the Council’s two Scrutiny Committees.

There were no references from Scrutiny submitted for consideration at the meeting.

There were no references from Scrutiny submitted for consideration at the meeting.

This report sets out the Council’s budget proposals for 2022/23.  It also sets out the results of the consultation, scrutiny and equalities processes.  Subject to approval by Cabinet, these will form the basis of the budget to be agreed at the Full Council meeting of 24 February 2022.

The report also sets out the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium term and highlights the significant risks, issues and uncertainties.

NOTED the comments made by Councillor Ketan Sheth in summarising the key themes from the Budget Scrutiny Task Group report.  In introducing the report, Councillor Ketan Sheth highlighted that the Task Group in undertaking their review had recognised the challenging financial environment in which the Council was operating given the long term reduction in Government funding, level of savings already achieved, social and economic impact of the pandemic and increasing complexity of demand for Council services along with similar pressures on other statutory and voluntary and community sector support. 

In considering the second year of a two year budget phase, Councillor Ketan Sheth advised that the Task Group had undertaken extension consultation and engagement in order to seek evidence from a wide range of stakeholders with a number of areas scrutinised in depth.  These had includes the pressure within the Dedicated Schools Grant; the Covid Recovery programme; the impact of the pandemic on Adult Social Care, particularly in relation to mental health; the impact on health inequalities work once the Government grant had ended; the impact of the pandemic on business rates, Council Tax and HRA rent collection.  As a result the Task Group had made a number of recommendations, as detailed within section 2 of their report, which were commended to Cabinet for consideration and approval as part of the final budget decision making process.

Having noted the comments provided, and welcomed and supported the approach taken and recommendations made by the Budget Scrutiny Task Group, CabinetRESOLVED:

(1)        To recommend to full Council an overall 2.99% increase in the Council’s element of Council Tax for 2022/23, with 1% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 1.99% general increase.

(2)        To recommend to full Council the General Fund revenue budget for 2022/23, as summarised in Appendices A & B of the report.

(3)        To recommend to full Council the savings proposals for 2022/23 as detailed in Appendix C of the report.

(4)        To note the report from the Budget Scrutiny Panel, as set out in Appendix D of the report.

(5)        To recommend to full Council the HRA budget for 2022/23, as set out in section 7 of the report.

(6)        To agree the HRA rents for council dwellings, tenant service charges and garages, as set out in section 7 of the report.

(7)        To agree the rents set under the Housing General Fund for Brent Housing PFI and traveller’s site pitches and to note the rents for Hillside dwellings as set out in section 7 of the report.

(8)        To note the Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in section 8 of the report.

(9)        To agree to recommend to full Council the changes to the existing Capital Programme in relation to additions of new schemes and reprofiling, as set out in section 10 and Appendix E of the report and to note the Capital Pipeline Schemes in Appendix F of the report

(10)    To agree to recommend to full Council the Capital Strategy, the Investment Strategy,  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.

Prior to consideration of the main report Councillor Muhammed Butt (Leader of the Council) invited Councillor Ketan Sheth to introduce the key themes within the Budget Scrutiny Task Group report, which had been included as an appendix to the Budget and Council Tax 2022/23 report.  In introducing the report, Councillor Ketan Sheth highlighted that the Task Group in undertaking their review had recognised the challenging financial environment in which the Council was operating given the long term reduction in Government funding, level of savings already achieved by the Council, social and economic impact of the pandemic and increasing complexity of demand for Council services along with similar pressures on other statutory and voluntary and community sector support.

In considering the second year of a two year budget phase, Councillor Ketan Sheth advised that the Task Group had undertaken extension consultation and engagement in order to seek evidence from a wide range of stakeholders with a number of areas scrutinised in depth.  These had includes the pressure within the Dedicated Schools Grant; the Covid Recovery programme; the impact of the pandemic on Adult Social Care, particularly in relation to mental health; the impact on health inequalities work once Government grant funding had ceased; the impact of the pandemic on business rates, Council Tax and HRA rent collection.  As a result the Task Group had made a number of recommendations, as detailed within section 2 of their report, which were commended to Cabinet for consideration and approval as part of the final budget decision making process.

In summing up, Councillor Ketan Sheth thanked the members and officers who had been engaged in the review process. In response, Councillor McLennan expressed her own gratitude for the hard work of members and officers in producing the report and highlighted its importance to the overall budget setting process, especially given the detailed analysis undertaken in respect of the wider budget and funding implications on services.

Councillor McLennan, as Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources then introduced the report which set out the Council’s budget proposals for 2022/23. The report also set out the results of the budget consultation, scrutiny and equality processes and the overall financial position facing the Council for the medium-term.

Councillor McLennan began by taking the opportunity to thank all officers and members who had been involved in the budget setting process and reminded Cabinet that the proposals represented the final year in a two year budget phase based on a savings programme (agreed in February 2021) profiled over 2021/22 and 2022/23.  In focussing on the detail proposals, Councillor McLennan highlighted that aside from the usual updating and adjustments to various technical assumptions the key features within the budget for 2022/23 included:

·                a proposed Council Tax rise of 2.99% for the Brent element, which included a 1% ring fenced for Adult Social Care.  The proposed increase had been designed to reflect rising inflationary pressures on the Council, alongside the wider financial, funding and economic position and outcome of the budget consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The report provides an update on progress towards delivering against the Council’s housing target of 5,000 new affordable homes over the five year period 2019-2024.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To note the contents of the report and progress to date on delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects to deliver 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

(2)    To note the demand forecasts and that the current programme would continue to reduce the demand for permanent Council homes.

(3)    To note and support approval of a capital investment of £135.1m to progress the delivery of the New Council Homes Programme as referred to in within the Financial Implications in sections 11.3 and 11.6 of the report.

(4)    To delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to award a construction contract in respect of the Watling Garden site for the reasons set out in in section 7.8 - 7.10 of the report.

Councillor Southwood (Lead Member for Housing & Welfare Reform) introduced the report providing a six monthly update on progress towards delivery of the Council’s housing target for new affordable homes over the five year period 2019-2024.

Members noted the updated housing demand analysis and forecasts, as detailed within section 6 of the report, along with the progress in delivery of the New Council Homes Programme, pipeline of developments and delivery of other large scale development schemes.  As a result of the ambitious nature of the programme Cabinet noted that by 31 March 2022 it was anticipated 660 new affordable rented homes would have been delivered with 332 homes also having been given planning consent and in the process of procuring a contractor (with associated risks recognised in terms of current construction costs) and a further 198 submitted for planning permission.  In addition, since the previous update Cabinet was advised of the award of a further allocation of £111m under the Greater London Authority (GLA) Affordable Housing Programme grant scheme for 2021-26.  This had been awarded following a successful bidding process with the objective of delivering an additional 701 homes in addition to the existing programme by 2028, with details on the initial key activity areas set out in section 5 of the report.  In considering the report, members were also advised of the way in which the approach towards the programme had been developed to ensure that it was not only delivering affordable homes but was also seeking to widen other sources of supply, including maximising use of existing stock.

In commending all teams involved in the design and development of the programme for the progress being made, members felt it was important to recognise the ambitious nature of future targets being set and the Council’s ongoing commitment towards meeting the housing needs and improving the quality of life for Brent’s residents through the provision of affordable, safe and secure high quality housing.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To note the contents of the report and progress to date on delivering both the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and other programmes and projects to deliver 5,000 new affordable homes in the borough by 2024.

(2)     To note the demand forecasts and that the current programme would continue to reduce the demand for permanent Council homes.

(3)     To note and support approval of a capital investment of £135.1m to progress the delivery of the New Council Homes Programme as referred to in within the Financial Implications in sections 11.3 and 11.6 of the report.

(4)     To delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Community Wellbeing, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, to award a construction contract in respect of the Watling Garden site for the reasons set out in in section 7.8 - 7.10 of the report.

This report seeks Cabinet approval for Brent Council to withdraw from the London Housing Consortium (LHC) Joint Committee and in the case of its disbandment, to note that members of the LHC agree to consider at a future meeting options for the Council’s continued participation in a new LHC corporate entity which is likely to involve other members of the LHC.

Cabinet is asked to note that the LHC has asked for notification of the Council’s decision to withdraw from the LHC Joint Committee by 25 February 2022.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To agree that Brent Council, as one of the ten Constituent Authorities of the London Housing Consortium Joint Committee (“LHC Joint Committee”), withdraw from the LHC Joint Committee and notify the London Housing Consortium of this decision by 25 February 2022.

(2)     To note that the current plan was for the LHC Joint Committee to be disbanded in December 2022 at the earliest and for a new London Housing Corporation corporate entity to take its place.

(3)     To note that participation in a new London Housing Consortium corporate entity would be considered and discussed in meetings of the LHC Joint Committee before its disbandment and any decisions regarding Brent Council participating in such a new London Housing Consortium corporate entity would be submitted to Brent Council’s Cabinet for consideration and approval.

Councillor Southwood (Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform) introduced a report seeking approval for Brent to withdraw from the London Housing Consortium (LHC) Joint Committee.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the background to the establishment and role of the LHC and review of its governance arrangements designed to provide what was felt to be a more appropriate approach to both the current and future operations of the organisation.  Having considered the report it was RESOLVED:

(1)     To agree that Brent Council, as one of the ten Constituent Authorities of the London Housing Consortium Joint Committee (“LHC Joint Committee”), withdraw from the LHC Joint Committee and notify the London Housing Consortium of this decision by 25 February 2022.

(2)     To note that the current plan was for the LHC Joint Committee to be disbanded in December 2022 at the earliest and for a new London Housing Corporation corporate entity to take its place.

(3)     To note that participation in a new London Housing Consortium corporate entity would be considered and discussed in meetings of the LHC Joint Committee before its disbandment and any decisions regarding Brent Council participating in such a new London Housing Consortium corporate entity would be submitted to Brent’s Cabinet for consideration and approval.

This report provides an update on the work to review the Brent Long Term Transport Strategy 2015-2035 (LTTS) and seeks approval of the draft strategy for public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the approach contained within the Draft Brent Long Term Transport Strategy (as set out in Appendix A of the report) for delivering improvements to the transport system in the borough to 2041.

(2)    That the draft strategy undergo a period of public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement during Spring 2022. The consultation to be for a minimum six week period.

(3)    That following comments received during public consultation a revised, final Brent Long Term Transport Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for approval to adopt in Summer 2022.

Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning) introduced a report providing an update on the review and development of Brent’s Long Term Transport Strategy (LTTS) 2015-2035 and seeking approval to the updated draft strategy proceeding to wider public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the background to development of the LTTS in terms of providing a strategic focus for investment in transport within Brent aimed at not only improving transport options but also reducing the negative impact of travel on the borough.  In recognising the progress made since publication of the original strategy in 2015, particularly in relation to increasing levels of sustainable travel, reducing the level of casualties on the road network, delivery of the school streets initiative and increased installation of on-street electric vehicle charging points, the need had also been identified for further review, particularly in relation to encouraging more active modes of travel.  Members were advised that this further review had been focussed around an aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of traffic in the borough as well as making the transport system safer and more inclusive and reflecting the ongoing impacts of the pandemic and emergence of new national, regional and local policies and priorities, with the revised draft strategy having been detailed in Appendix A of the report.

In terms of comments, members welcomed the approach outlined and way in which development of the strategy had been aligned to not only the London Plan and Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy but also the Borough Plan, emerging Local Plan, Inclusive Growth Strategy along with the Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan.  The approach towards encouraging more active forms of travel was also supported along with the particular focus identified within town centres and outside schools and wider lobbying to secure transport improvements, particularly in relation to local rail services such as Chiltern Rail and delivery of the West London Orbital Rail scheme.  Whilst noting the challenges identified in relation to future funding of TfL and securing improvements in the provision and operation of public transport services not directly within the control of the Council, members were keen to recognise the ambition within the strategy and to highlight the importance of the community and stakeholder engagement process in seeking to secure and deliver the improvements identified in terms of access to the borough and it’s transport systems.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the approach contained within the Draft Brent Long Term Transport Strategy (as set out in Appendix A of the report) for delivering improvements to the transport system in the borough to 2041.

(2)     That the draft strategy undergo a period of public consultation and wider stakeholder engagement during spring 2022. The consultation to be for a minimum six week period.

(3)     That following comments received during public consultation a revised, final Brent Long Term Transport Strategy be brought back to Cabinet for approval to adopt in summer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This report sets out the final proposed level of insourcing within the Redefining Local Services (RLS) Delivery Model with respect to the last outstanding matter - the level of insourcing of the highways reactive maintenance function - and presents the detailed procurement strategy and timetable for the Highways Maintenance Services contracts (‘Highways Maintenance Contracts’).

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the “Specialist Contracts with Low Level Insourcing” model as the final delivery model for RLS, with the full highways reactive maintenance service continuing to be outsourced.

(2)    To approve Inviting tenders for Highways Maintenance Contracts consisting of one tender for Works, separated into two Lots, and one tender for Consultancy Services as detailed at sections 4.3 – 4.8 of the report.

(3)    To approve Inviting tenders for the Highways Maintenance Contracts on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in section 4.17 of the report.

(4)    To approve officers evaluating the tenders for the Highways Maintenance Contracts on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section 4.17 of the report.

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Lead Member for Environment) introduced a report setting out the final proposed level of insourcing within the Redefined Local Services (RLS) Delivery Model relating to the Highways Reactive Maintenance function and presenting the detailed procurement strategy and timetable for the Highways Maintenance Services contracts (Highways Services).

In considering the report Cabinet noted the scope, aims, objectives and improvement priorities of the RLS programme along with the Highway Services procurement strategy, which for the reasons outlined in section 3 of the report, would also include the Highways Reactive Maintenance arrangements.  Cabinet was advised this would include one tender with two separate Lots and the highways consultancy service to be tendered separately.  The scope of the two Lots would cover reactive highways maintenance; cyclical and reactive gully cleansing; planned highways maintenance and highway schemes. The intention would be to appoint different contractors to the two work Lots for planned maintenance and scheme work, with the borough split geographically into two areas allowing one contractor to take on each area.

In welcoming the approach outlined, Cabinet noted this had been designed to provide greater flexibility in terms of service delivery along with a “back up” contractor facility from one area to another in order to enhance service outcomes and the responsive nature of the service.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED, having also noted the information contained within the exempt appendix of the report:

(1)     To approve the “Specialist Contracts with Low Level Insourcing” model as the final delivery model for RLS, with the full highways reactive maintenance service continuing to be outsourced.

(2)     To approve Inviting tenders for Highways Maintenance Contracts consisting of one tender for Works, separated into two Lots, and one tender for Consultancy Services as detailed at sections 4.3 – 4.8 of the report.

(3)     To approve Inviting tenders for the Highways Maintenance Contracts on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in section 4.17 of the report.

(4)     To approve officers evaluating the tenders for the Highways Maintenance Contracts on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section 4.17 of the report.

This report presents the procurement strategy and timetable for the Parking and Traffic Civil Enforcement (PCE) Services Contract and the Cashless Parking Contract (the “Parking Services Contracts”).

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the invitation of tenders for the Parking Services contracts on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in sections 4.17 and 4.18 of the report.

(2)    To approve officer evaluation of the tenders for the Parking Services contracts on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section 4.17 (vi) and 4.18 (vi) of the report.

Councillor Krupa Sheth (Lead Member for Environment) introduced a report setting out the procurement strategy and timetable for the Parking and Traffic Civil Enforcement (PCE) Services contract and the Cashless Parking Contract (the Parking Services Contracts).

In considering the report Cabinet noted the aims and objectives of the RLS programme along with the service improvement priorities and intention to procure the PCE services as a standalone service contract giving specialist parking providers the opportunity to bid directly for the separate services on the basis of the benefits, improvements and opportunities identified within section 4 of the report.

In supporting the approach outlined within the report, Cabinet recognised the links identified in relation to Brent’s Long Term Transport Strategy and Climate Emergency Strategy and as part of the Council’s overall objective and vision to be able to manage in a balanced way parking and traffic flows for the benefit and safety of residents, businesses and visitors across the borough.

Having considered the report, Cabinet RESOLVED having also noted the exempt information contained in the appendix to the report:

(1)     To approve the invitation of tenders for the Parking Services contracts on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in sections 4.17 and 4.18 of the report.

(2)     To approve officer evaluation of the tenders for the Parking Services contracts on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in section 4.17 (vi) and 4.18 (vi) of the report.

This report sets out a discretionary scheme for 2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme and the 2022/23 Extension of Transitional Relief and Supporting Small Business Relief for small and medium properties.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)    To approve the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme: 2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)    To approve the 2022/23 Extension of Transitional Relief and Supporting Small Business Relief Scheme as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(3)    To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services to implement the schemes as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader, Lead Member for Resources and Interim Lead on Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care) introduced a report detailing a discretionary scheme for 2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief and the 2022/23 Extension of Transitional Relief and Supporting Small Business Relief for small and medium properties.

In considering the report Cabinet noted that the proposals relating to the 2022/23 scheme for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure had been based on guidance issued by the government in December 2021 who had indicated this would be a temporary measure to cover the 2022/23 financial year.  The scheme had been designed to provide eligible, occupied retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a 50% relief up to a cash limit of £110k per business.  The proposals relating to the extension of the transitional rate relief scheme had also followed guidance issued by government as another temporary measure in response to the ongoing impact of the pandemic, with details on its operation set out in section 3.5 – 3.6 of the report.

Whilst noting the limited number of eligible properties that would be covered under the extension of the transitional rate relief scheme, Cabinet welcomed the measures which had been introduced as a means of providing further support for those businesses and residents who were continuing to be impacted as a result of the pandemic.

Having considered the report Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)     To approve the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) Discretionary Scheme: 2022/23 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Relief Scheme as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(2)     To approve the 2022/23 Extension of Transitional Relief and Supporting Small Business Relief Scheme as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 as amended.

(3)     To delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Strategic Director of Customer and Digital Services to implement the schemes as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report.

The following items are not for publication as they relate to the category of exempt information set out below, as specified under Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Agenda Item 11:       Final Redefining Local Services Delivery Model and Authority to Tender Contract for Highways Maintenance Services – Appendix 1 (Risk Register)

This appendix 1 is classified as exempt from under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)"

Agenda Item 12:       Authority to Tender Contracts for Parking and Traffic Civil Enforcement Services – Appendix 1 (Contract Risks and Mitigations)

This appendix 1 is classified as exempt from under Paragraph 3 of Part 1 Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely: “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)"

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press or public.

There were no items that required the exclusion of the press and public at the meeting.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or her representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 60.  Any decisions taken urgently under this heading must comply with the provisions outlined in paragraphs 12 and 39 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules (Part 2 – Constitution).

None.

None.