Agenda item

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendations to Council:

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CAB36: Staff Cost of Living Pay Award

Councillor Beales proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Ring.  Councillor Beales spoke in support of the proposal to link in with the national pay settlement and felt it was a pragmatic way forward.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Staff Cost of Living Pay Award.

CAB37: Changes to Social Housing Allocations Policy

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Councillor Rust proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Moriarty.  Councillor Rust spoke in support of the proposal and provided an overview of the review of the Policy.

Councillor Long commented that he welcomed the necessary review and was pleased to see military connections retaining local connection status.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the proposals and raised concerns relating to families in first floor accommodation and asked that the Cabinet Member keep this Policy under review.

Councillor Bone welcomed the updated Policy and praised officers for their work and the consultation exercise carried out.

Councillor Joyce referred to the Choice Based Letting Policy which had been previously approved and commented that he could not support this Policy.  He referred to the White Ribbon Campaign and stated that more needed to be done to tackle domestic violence and encourage those affected to speak out.

Councillor Rust summed up and referred to the local connection criteria relating to the military and children in care, which was important.  She also referred to overcrowding, which took priority, although she acknowledged that children on the first floor was not ideal.  Councillor Rust explained that good quality housing was important and explained that there was a legal requirement to appropriately house those that were fleeing domestic violence.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Social Housing Allocations Policy.

CAB39: Council Tax Discounts and Premiums Resolution

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Councillors Bhondi, Colwell, Dark, Kemp, Kirk, Kunes, Lintern, Long, Moriarty, Sayers and Storey all left the room during consideration of the above item.

Councillor Beales proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Squire.  Councillor Beales spoke in support of the recommendations, highlighting the taxation on second home owners, the income projections and the agreement with Norfolk County Council.

Councillor de Winton commented that the Borough relied on second homes and tourism and the benefits they had on the economy.  He commented that there was a need to evaluate the impact and the money raised through this scheme and suggested that the Audit Committee or a Scrutiny Panel review this scheme in twelve months time.

Councillor Joyce commented that the Council would only get a small proportion of the income generated through the levies and negotiation with Norfolk County Council was important.

Councillor Dickinson commented that the 12 month discount for properties was not that long for a property to be on the market for.

Councillor Beales summed up and commented that he encouraged scrutiny to review the scheme if required. He also commented that the income generated through the scheme was worthwhile.  Councillor Beales commented that there was an exceptions policy available and each case was considered on its own merits to account for exceptional circumstances.

RESOLVED: The recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Council Tax Discounts and Premiums Resolution.

CAB41: Leisure Facilities Feasibility Study

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Councillor Ring proposed the recommendations with Councillor Beales seconding.  Councillor Ring spoke in support of the proposals to amend the Capital Programme to progress the project and the ambition to make Lynnsport an exemplar site for disabled sport.

Councillor Dark spoke in support of the proposals but sought reassurance that all age ranges were catered for at Lynnsport and the Oasis. 

Councillor Devulapalli raised concerns relating to flood risk and mitigation.

Councillor Kemp spoke in support of the proposals and the need to go further to provide additional provision in other parts of the Borough.

Councillor Long hoped that a modern facility would be more economical and it was critical that a top class facility was available as it was important that people learned to swim.

Councillor Ring summed up stating that all ages and demographics would be considered.  He also highlighted the importance of activity through play and the recent successful activities held at the Kasset facility.  With regard to flood risk it was explained that surveys and flood risk assessments would be carried out and the proposals to be considered today would bring the project ready to planning application stage.  Councillor Ring reminded Council of the statutory provision to provide swimming facilities, as well as the wider benefits to health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED: The above recommendations from the 21^st July Cabinet Meeting were approved in relation to the Leisure Facilities Feasibility Study.