Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King's Lynn PE30 5DQ. View directions

Contact: Sam Winter, Democratic Services Manager 01553 616327 

Items
No. Item

CAB107

MINUTES

To approve the Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 February 2020 (previously circulated).

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:           The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 February 2020 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:           The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 February 2020 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

CAB108

URGENT BUSINESS - PAY AWARD 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 148 KB

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.

 

Decision:

In accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair decided that the following matter should be considered following the Government’s advice on public gatherings relating to the Corona Virus,  it was not definite that the meeting in April would go ahead.

 

 

RESOLVED:   1)         That an annual pay award of 2.5% be implemented with effect from 1st April 2020. 

2)         That the Authority continues its practice of matching the bottom point of PG Scales to the lowest point on the National pay scales if these exceed the Borough Council’s lowest pay point when the National Pay Award is agreed.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To implement an annual pay increase for employees which reflects current labour market information and the increasing difficulty experienced in recruiting professional technical and managerial posts throughout the Authority.  To reflect the approach taken by the National Employers in relation to increases in the minimum wage paid to employees.   These recommendations are reflected in the Authority’s Financial Plan.

 

Minutes:

In accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chair decided that the following matter should be considered following the Government’s advice on public gatherings relating to the Corona Virus,  it was not definite that the meeting in April would go ahead.

 

 

RESOLVED:   1)         That an annual pay award of 2.5% be implemented with effect from 1st April 2020. 

 

2)         That the Authority continues its practice of matching the bottom point of PG Scales to the lowest point on the National pay scales if these exceed the Borough Council’s lowest pay point when the National Pay Award is agreed.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To implement an annual pay increase for employees which reflects current labour market information and the increasing difficulty experienced in recruiting professional technical and managerial posts throughout the Authority.  To reflect the approach taken by the National Employers in relation to increases in the minimum wage paid to employees.   These recommendations are reflected in the Authority’s Financial Plan.

 

 

CAB109

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Decision:

None

Minutes:

None

CAB110

CHAIR'S CORRESPONDENCE

To receive any Chair’s correspondence.

Decision:

The Chair reported receipt of emails from Councillors on items where they had been requested to submit them in writing rather than attend in person due to the current restrictions.

Minutes:

The Chair reported receipt of emails from Councillors on items where they had been requested to submit them in writing rather than attend in person due to the current restrictions.

CAB111

MEMBERS PRESENT UNDER STANDING ORDER 34

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.

 

Decision:

Councillor M de Whalley attended under standing order 34.

 

Councillor Ryves had submitted questions on the Capital Strategy report.

Councillor Dickinson submitted her comments to present the Audit working group report.

Councillor Joyce submitted a comment supporting the proposals contained in the Compulsory Purchase Order report.

Minutes:

Councillor M de Whalley attended under standing order 34.

 

Councillor Ryves had submitted questions on the Capital Strategy report.

Councillor Dickinson submitted her comments to present the Audit working group report.

Councillor Joyce submitted a comment supporting the proposals contained in the Compulsory Purchase Order report.

 

CAB112

CALLED IN MATTERS

To report on any Cabinet Decisions called in.

 

Call ins were made on the following items which were unsuccessful following consideration by the Chief Executive:

 

CAB97 – Notice of Motion 5/19 from Cllr de Whalley – Climate Change

CAB98 – Notice of Motion 4/19 from Cllr Kemp – Hardings Way

 

 

CAB103 – King’s Lynn Area Transport Strategy (KLTS) was called in which was permitted by the Chief Executive.  Corporate Performance Panel at its meeting on 2 March 2020 considered the item and did not support the call in, but did support the suggestion of a Task Group to monitor the KLTS.

 

Decision:

It was noted that Call ins were made on the following items which were unsuccessful following consideration by the Chief Executive:

 

CAB97 – Notice of Motion 5/19 from Cllr de Whalley – Climate Change

CAB98 – Notice of Motion 4/19 from Cllr Kemp – Hardings Way

 

 

CAB103 – King’s Lynn Area Transport Strategy (KLTS) was called in which was permitted by the Chief Executive.  Corporate Performance Panel at its meeting on 2 March 2020 considered the item and did not support the call in, but did support the suggestion of a Task Group to monitor the KLTS.

 

Minutes:

It was noted that Call ins were made on the following items which were unsuccessful following consideration by the Chief Executive:

 

CAB97 – Notice of Motion 5/19 from Cllr de Whalley – Climate Change

CAB98 – Notice of Motion 4/19 from Cllr Kemp – Hardings Way

 

 

CAB103 – King’s Lynn Area Transport Strategy (KLTS) was called in which was permitted by the Chief Executive.  Corporate Performance Panel at its meeting on 2 March 2020 considered the item and did not support the call in, but did support the suggestion of a Task Group to monitor the KLTS.

 

CAB113

FORWARD DECISIONS pdf icon PDF 58 KB

A copy of the Forward Decisions List is attached

 

Decision:

The forward decision list was noted.

Minutes:

The forward decision list was noted.

CAB114

MATTERS REFERRED TO CABINET FROM OTHER BODIES

To receive any comments and recommendations from other Council bodies which meet after the dispatch of this agenda. 

 

Decision:

Nothing direct

Minutes:

Nothing direct

CAB115

CAPITAL STRATEGY 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 214 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED:  That the Capital Strategy 2020/21 as attached to the report be approved.

 

Reason for Decision

 

Not to approve these policies would contravene the requirements of both legislation and good practice.  In addition, the external auditors may comment in their report to those charged with governance (ISA260).

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report which set out the Capital Strategy which outlined the principles and framework that shape the Council’s capital decisions.  The principal aim was to deliver a programme of capital investment that contributed to the achievement of the Council’s priorities and objectives as set out in the Corporate Plan.  The Capital Strategy would be updated annually and will be put before Cabinet alongside the Treasury Management Strategy going forward so that it could be approved before the year to which it related began.

 

The Strategy defined at the highest level how the capital programme was to be formulated; it identified the issues and options that influenced capital spending, and set out how the resources and capital programme would be managed.

 

In response to how the Council’s finances would be affected by the Corona Virus, the Chief Executive explained that the Revenue budget would be impacted considerably and investments affected, although the Government had indicated that funding would be made available.  It was noted that balances would be used in the short term to ensure cash flow.

 

The Chair reported receipt of questions from Councillor Ryves on the item.  He thanked Councillor Ryves for the questions, but reminded members that the Cabinet meeting was not a question and answer session.

 

RECOMMENDED:  That the Capital Strategy 2020/21 as attached to the report be approved.

 

Reason for Decision

 

Not to approve these policies would contravene the requirements of both legislation and good practice.  In addition, the external auditors may comment in their report to those charged with governance (ISA260).

 

CAB116

REPORT OF THE AUDIT CROSS PARTY WORKING GROUP ON KLIC pdf icon PDF 63 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:   That the report and its recommendations be noted.

 

Reason for Decision:  To receive the findings of the Working Group.  Councillor Dickinson’s comments to present to the Cabinet in her absence are appended to the minutes.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report which set out the report of the Audit Working Group.  Cabinet was presented with the report of the working group and the minutes of the audit committee on 10 February 2020 when it received the report. 

 

Councillor Dickinson had submitted her presentation of the report electronically, the Chair asked for this to be attached to the minutes for information.

 

RESOLVED:   That the report and its recommendations be noted.

 

Reason for Decision:            In order to receive the report of the Committee.

CAB117

POTENTIAL COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER - WEST LYNN pdf icon PDF 176 KB

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:               1)That officers seek to acquire the property voluntarily from the owners, and if after attempts to voluntarily acquire the property from the owners fail, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the Land and its disposal at auction with appropriate conditions to secure its repair.

 

2) That all aspects of the process be delegated to the Executive Director or Assistant Director for Environment and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Development.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To confirm this is not a recommendation to Council, but a decision within Cabinet’s powers.

 

The building is Grade II Listed and categorised as a building at risk because of its poor condition. It is unoccupied and reasonable steps are not being taken to properly preserve the building. In its current state it is also considered detrimental to the character, appearance and general wellbeing of the village.

 

The Council considers that should voluntary acquisition fail, the compulsory purchase of the Land will facilitate the carrying out of restoration work which will secure the future of the listed building, make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, and promote the social and environmental wellbeing of its area for the reasons explained in this report.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the Borough Council to make use of the powers available to local authorities under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (“the Act”), Section 47 and to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 4 Ferry Square, West Lynn, King’s Lynn, PE34 3JQ (“the Land”) to enable it to be properly preserved and brought back into use.

 

It was noted that future damage to the property had been caused following recent storms.   Advice was given that the financial position of the owners would not affect the proposed action.

 

It was noted that the report was not for Council recommendation as published, but it had been clarified that it was within Cabinet’s powers to do so.

 

The Chair reported receipt of an email from Councillor Joyce, one of the Ward members, in support of the proposed course of action.

 

RESOLVED:               1)That officers seek to acquire the property voluntarily from the owners, and if after attempts to voluntarily acquire the property from the owners fail, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the Land and its disposal at auction with appropriate conditions to secure its repair.

 

2) That all aspects of the process be delegated to the Executive Director or Assistant Director for Environment and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Development.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To confirm this is not a recommendation to Council, but a decision within Cabinet’s powers.

 

The building is Grade II Listed and categorised as a building at risk because of its poor condition. It is unoccupied and reasonable steps are not being taken to properly preserve the building. In its current state it is also considered detrimental to the character, appearance and general wellbeing of the village.

 

The Council considers that should voluntary acquisition fail, the compulsory purchase of the Land will facilitate the carrying out of restoration work which will secure the future of the listed building, make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, and promote the social and environmental wellbeing of its area for the reasons explained in this report.

CAB118

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

 

The Cabinet is asked to consider excluding the public from the meeting under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 for consideration of the items below on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

           

PRIVATE ITEM

Details of any representations received about why the following reports should be considered in public will be reported at the meeting.

 

 

Decision:

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 paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

 

Minutes:

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 paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

 

CAB119

BUSINESS RATES HARDSHIP RELIEF APPEAL - 7336667

Decision:

RESOLVED:           That the decision not to award Hardship Relief be upheld, but the position in the coming year with the Governments recent announcement on assistance to small businesses be welcomed.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To ensure the decision regarding Hardship Relief is reviewed.  The Hardship Relief guidelines state Cabinet can be asked to reconsider any decision regarding Hardship Relief.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered an appeal against the decision not to award Business Rates Hardship Relief to applicant no 7336667.  The applicant attended the meeting and addressed the Cabinet on his case.

 

The Government’s recent advice on assistance to businesses with business rates was reported on.

 

RESOLVED:           That the decision not to award Business Rates Hardship Relief be upheld.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To ensure the decision regarding Hardship Relief is reviewed.  The Hardship Relief guidelines state Cabinet can be asked to reconsider any decision regarding Hardship Relief.