Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Beales.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Beales.

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 23^rd September 2025 (attached).

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 23^rd September were approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED: The minutes from the meeting held on 23^rd September were approved as a correct record.

To consider any business, which by reason of special circumstances, the Chair proposes to accept, under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was none.

There was none.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all Members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting from the public seating area.

None.

None.

To receive any Chair’s correspondence.

None.

None.

To note the names of any Councillors who wish to address the meeting under Standing Order 34.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chair of their intention to do so and on what items they wish to be heard before a decision on that item is taken.

None.

None.

To report on any Cabinet Decisions called in.

None.

None.

A copy of the Forward Decisions List is attached

RESOLVED: The Forward Decisions List was noted.

RESOLVED: The Forward Decisions List was noted.

To receive any comments and recommendations from other Council bodies:

Recommendations from Corporate Performance Panel

Council Tax Support – Final Scheme for Working Age People 2026-2027.

Recommendations from Environment and Community Panel

Adoption of Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Pride in Place Programme

Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

Recommendations from Joint Panel Meeting

Scrutiny Governance Review

Cabinet notes the recommendations put forward by the Panels in relation to the following items:

Recommendations from Corporate Performance Panel

Council Tax Support – Final Scheme for Working Age People

Recommendations from Environment and Community Panel

Adoption of Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Pride in Place Programme

Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

Recommendations from Joint Panel Meeting

Scrutiny Governance Review

Cabinet noted the recommendations put forward by the Panels in relation to the following items:

Recommendations from Corporate Performance Panel

Council Tax Support – Final Scheme for Working Age People

Recommendations from Environment and Community Panel

Adoption of Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Pride in Place Programme

Review of Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy

Recommendations from Joint Panel Meeting

Scrutiny Governance Review

RECOMMENDED: That the Council be invited to adopt the revised Statement of Licensing Policy in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

REASON FOR DECISION: A new statement of licensing policy must be in place by 14^th January 2026 to enable the licensing authority to carry out statutory functions under the Licensing Act 2003.

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Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

Councillor Moriarty presented the report and outlined the proposed amendments and consultation process which had been followed.

RECOMMENDED: That the Council be invited to adopt the revised Statement of Licensing Policy in accordance with the requirements of the Licensing Act 2003.

REASON FOR DECISION: A new statement of licensing policy must be in place by 14^th January 2026 to enable the licensing authority to carry out statutory functions under the Licensing Act 2003.

RECOMMENDED: Cabinet noted the consultation responses and recommends to Council that the draft CTS scheme for 2026/2027 is implemented as the final working age CTS Scheme for2026/2027. This must be agreed by full Council by 31 January 2026 ready for the start of the financial year on 1 April 2026.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure a CTS scheme for working age people for 2026/2027 is agreed by full Council by the deadline of 31 January 2026.

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Cabinet noted that the Corporate Performance Panel had considered the report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

Councillor Morley and the Revenues and Benefits Manager presented the report, providing detail of proposals and the outcome of the consultation.

Councillor Rust noted the raft of other benefits and support measures available to residents to help them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Councillor Lintern highlighted those residents that fell just outside the brackets of this scheme and the Revenues and Benefits Manager informed Cabinet of the discretionary and hardship schemes available to support residents.

In response to a question from the Chair it was confirmed that along with Norwich City Council, the Borough Council’s scheme was the most generous in the County.

RECOMMENDED: Cabinet noted the consultation responses and recommends to Council that the draft CTS scheme for 2026/2027 is implemented as the final working age CTS Scheme for 2026/2027. This must be agreed by full Council by 31 January 2026 ready for the start of the financial year on 1 April 2026.

REASON FOR DECISION: To ensure a CTS scheme for working age people for 2026/2027 is agreed by full Council by the deadline of 31 January 2026.

RECOMMENDED: That Council adopt the Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by the Council.

REASON FOR DECISION: To formally endorse and adopt the Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and fulfil the Borough Council’s statutory obligations, in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 (part 6).

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Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

Councillor de Whalley introduced the Strategy with officers providing an overview of its statutory basis, implementation and benefits.

In response to a question from Councillor Lintern it was confirmed that the document was designed to help people understand how they could best manage their land and was not about blocking development.

Councillor Squire spoke in support of the strategy.

Councillor de Whalley provided detail of the launch event.

Councillor Moriarty reminded Cabinet that the Environment and Community Panel had considered this item raised concerns that the final Local Nature Recovery Strategy Document was not available at the time, but supported the Cabinet recommendations.  Councillor Ring asked the Chair of the Environment and Community Panel, Councillor Collop, who had joined the meeting remotely if she had any further questions, to which she did not.

RECOMMENDED: That Council adopt the Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) by the Council.

REASON FOR DECISION: To formally endorse and adopt the Norfolk Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) and fulfil the Borough Council’s statutory obligations, in accordance with the Environment Act 2021 (part 6).

RESOLVED: Cabinet:

1. Endorsed the Regeneration Plan comprising the Ten Year Vision as detailed in Appendix 1 and the Four Year Investment Plan as detailed in Appendix 2.

2. Delegate authority to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Neighbourhood Board to sign off the final submission of the Regeneration Plan by the deadline on 28 November 2025.

3. Endorse inclusion of the Council led projects which have been proposed as priority projects by the KLNB as outlined in 7.2

4. Endorse council officer support in administering, overseeing and monitoring delivery of the PiPP programme including recruitment for additional officer support if required during the development of the programme, to be met from the PiPP funding, as set out in section 11.

5. Delegate Authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer in consultation with Finance Portfolio Holder to approve the Local Assurance Framework for Pride in Place with eh King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board by April 2026.

REASON FOR DECISION: To support deliver of the Council’s strategic objective through submission of the King’s Lynn Regeneration Plan to UK Government within the published deadlines to unlock Pride in Place Programme Funding from 2026-2036, and to endorse Council support for King’s Lynn PiPP programme delivery as led by the Neighbourhood Board.

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Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered the report and supported the Cabinet Recommendations.

Councillor Ring presented the report and thanked officers for all their hard work in bringing this forward.

The Regeneration Programmes Manager provided further detail on the proposals.

Councillor Rust noted that social isolation for the elderly was being addressed through the Marmot initiative and lily projects and supported links between Marmot and the Pride in Place Programme.

Councillor Squire referred to the differences in life expectancies in different areas within the Borough and that work needed to be carried out to bridge the gap.

Councillor Morley referred to the funding available and noted that addressing the needs of local communities was just as important as the larger projects.  The Assistant Director confirmed that other sources of funding would be looked at to reinforce and continue projects and noted that the Town Deal Board were keen to work with communities to fund the best kinds of interventions to tackle issues and change lives for the better.

Councillor Ring was pleased to see restrictions lifted in this project such as focussing on spending money appropriately rather than quickly and that it could be used to support Town Deal Projects and smaller, more impactful projects.

Cabinet discussed the importance of addressing health inequalities, social isolation and improving access to opportunities and culture for all ages, including cultural initiatives and support for deprived areas.

RESOLVED: Cabinet:

1. Endorsed the Regeneration Plan comprising the Ten Year Vision as detailed in Appendix 1 and the Four Year Investment Plan as detailed in Appendix 2.

2. Delegate authority to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Neighbourhood Board to sign off the final submission of the Regeneration Plan by the deadline on 28 November 2025.

3. Endorse inclusion of the Council led projects which have been proposed as priority projects by the KLNB as outlined in 7.2

4. Endorse council officer support in administering, overseeing and monitoring delivery of the PiPP programme including recruitment for additional officer support if required during the development of the programme, to be met from the PiPP funding, as set out in section 11.

5. Delegate Authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and S151 Officer in consultation with Finance Portfolio Holder to approve the Local Assurance Framework for Pride in Place with eh King’s Lynn Neighbourhood Board by April 2026.

REASON FOR DECISION: To support deliver of the Council’s strategic objective through submission of the King’s Lynn Regeneration Plan to UK Government within the published deadlines to unlock Pride in Place Programme Funding from 2026-2036, and to endorse Council support for King’s Lynn PiPP programme delivery as led by the Neighbourhood Board.

RESOLVED:

1. The Gap Analysis identified within the Scrutiny Governance Review attached as Appendix 1 is endorsed.

2. Approval of the delivery of a programme of training and facilitated workshops on effective Scrutiny for all Members, Cabinet Members and relevant officers following agreement of the budget with the section 151 officer.

3. Following completion of the training and the workshops, a further report is to be presented outlining any options for the future structure and operation of the Scrutiny function along with a revised Scrutiny and Executive Protocol, which are to be considered as part of the workshop sessions.

REASON FOR DECISION: To recognise the development gaps in the Council’s Scrutiny function and to provide the opportunity for all Members and relevant officers to develop a shared understanding of what effective Scrutiny looks like before considering structural change options.

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Cabinet noted that the Joint Panel had considered Scrutiny Governance Arrangements had recommended that the status quo be maintained, with additional training and workshops to aide work programming be arranged.

The Monitoring Officer presented the findings of the scrutiny governance review and the recommendations to enhance training and workshops for members and addressing the gap analysis.

Councillor Morley referred to recommendation two and asked that the training be available to all Members, not just Scrutiny Members.  Cabinet agreed to this amendment.

Councillor Moriarty acknowledged that training had been provided and was glad to see more training planned. 

Councillor Squire and Rust commented on the importance of scrutiny being Member-led and encouraging Councillors to put forward policy ideas to influence the direction of the Council.

Councillor Ring supported strengthening the role of scrutiny in holding the executive to account and collaborative working. 

RESOLVED:

1. The Gap Analysis identified within the Scrutiny Governance Review attached as Appendix 1 is endorsed.

2. Approval of the delivery of a programme of training and facilitated workshops on effective Scrutiny for all Members, Cabinet Members and relevant officers following agreement of the budget with the section 151 officer.

3. Following completion of the training and the workshops, a further report is to be presented outlining any options for the future structure and operation of the Scrutiny function along with a revised Scrutiny and Executive Protocol, which are to be considered as part of the workshop sessions.

REASON FOR DECISION: To recognise the development gaps in the Council’s Scrutiny function and to provide the opportunity for all Members and relevant officers to develop a shared understanding of what effective Scrutiny looks like before considering structural change options.

Appendix A - Revenue

Appendix B - Capital

Appendix C - Mintlyn Drain Appraisal Form

Appendix Ca – Mintlyn Drain Proceed Form

Appendix D – Van appraisal Form

Appendix Da – Van Proceed Form

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the forecast outturn for Revenue and Capital monitoring position as at 30^th September 2025 for 2025/2026.

RECOMMENDED: Revision to the Capital Programme 2025/2026 for an additional £30k towards Mintlyn Crematorium Memorial Gardens drainage and related works; £35k for replacement electric vehicle in Property and Projects Team.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Cabinet informed of performance against budget for Capital and Revenue 2025/2026 based on Quarter 2 data.

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Councillor Morley and the Deputy Section 151 Officer presented the Council’s financial position, highlighting a positive revenue forecast, capital programme challenges and specific budget adjustments.

Councillor Rust congratulated all those involved in returning a favourable position and asked what could be done to improve the Capital position.  Councillor Morley highlighted pressures relating to the Capital Programme including project delays, cash flow pressures and increased borrowing requirements.

In response to questions from Councillor Lintern, officers agreed to review cost centre allocations, event coding errors, and the need for clearer budget notations.

Councillor Ring informed Cabinet that the Property Services Team were currently conducting an Asset Management Review which could result in further capital receipts.

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the forecast outturn for Revenue and Capital monitoring position as at 30^th September 2025 for 2025/2026.

RECOMMENDED: Revision to the Capital Programme 2025/2026 for an additional £30k towards Mintlyn Crematorium Memorial Gardens drainage and related works; £35k for replacement electric vehicle in Property and Projects Team.

REASON FOR DECISION: To keep Cabinet informed of performance against budget for Capital and Revenue 2025/2026 based on Quarter 2 data.

To consider passing the following resolution:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act”.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

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RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

RESOLVED:

1. To sell the property/land identified in the report for the best value offer.

2. The Council to sign an unconditional sale contract with completion being before the end of the current financial year.  (actual date to be agreed).

3. That delegated authority is given to the Assistant Director Property and Projects to finalise all terms of the proposed disposal.

4. To authorise Legal Services Manager to complete all necessary sale documentation in respect of the site.

REASON FOR DECISION: The property has been offered on the open market by Brown & Co on a to let or may sell basis since August this year.  Since that time, there has been a total of 5 viewings, reflecting the current economic market scenario and condition of the property.

The Assistant Director presented the report and responded to questions and comments from the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

1. To sell the property/land identified in the report for the best value offer.

2. The Council to sign an unconditional sale contract with completion being before the end of the current financial year.  (actual date to be agreed).

3. That delegated authority is given to the Assistant Director Property and Projects to finalise all terms of the proposed disposal.

4. To authorise Legal Services Manager to complete all necessary sale documentation in respect of the site.

REASON FOR DECISION: The property has been offered on the open market by Brown & Co on a to let or may sell basis since August this year.  Since that time, there has been a total of 5 viewings, reflecting the current economic market scenario and condition of the property.