Decisions

RESOLVED:            That the recommendations from the Corporate Performance Panel, as set out below be approved:

In terms of preparation for the next taxi testing contract:

To approve the recommendations from the Corporate Performance Panel, as set out below.

In terms of preparation for the next taxi testing contract:

a.    The new tender to be advertised on Delta E-Sourcing and Find-A-Tender, and the Council’s own website.  Any contractor wishing to apply shall be advised to register on Delta.  Direct invitations from the Delta tender box shall not be sent.

b.    All correspondence after the competition is opened to be sent through the Delta portal.  All enquiries received outside the portal are to be redirected through Delta.

c.    To consider and discuss with the legal team, including in the Contract Standing Orders, the ability to invite bidders to tender.

d.    In line with the new Procurement Act 2023 for under threshold procurements, checks would be put in place to ensure that businesses were bona fide businesses.  Financial information could be requested, but businesses showing a loss in accounts would not be excluded from then being awarded a contract.  The reason for requiring financial information was purely to evidence that the business was legitimate. 

e.    Questions and criteria to be included in the tender process would need to be agreed with officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing.

f.     It would not be left to the discretion of one officer if additional stations were brought forward to become testing stations after the initial contract was awarded.  Consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing would be required.

Whilst not strictly falling within the terms of reference of the IWG, this additional recommendation was made for CPP’s consideration and supported by the Panel:

g.    Should an external review of Council processes be required, it should be instructed in writing by an officer independent of the originating matter and not involved in any previous internal review.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that lessons learned from the 2021 taxi testing contract process are considered during the letting of the next contract.

RECOMMENDED:  1) That the Code of Corporate Governance at Appendix 1 to the report be adopted.

2)             That authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader to make non-material amendments to the Code of Corporate Governance to reflect decisions which impact on the Council’s governance framework.

Reason for Decision

To support the Council’s governance framework and its system of internal control and assurance.

RECOMMENDED:  That Council approves the adoption of the revised Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the Council continues to meet it statutory duties in relation to equality matters and that the policy and associated procedures/practices continue to be in line with recommended best practice

The forward decisions list was noted.

RESOLVED:   1)          That the movement of four capital projects from Tier 3 to Tier 2 of the Capital Programme, as detailed in section 1 of the report be approved.

2)That the addition of a capital purchase for £15k to Tier 2 of the Capital Programme as detailed in section 1 of the report be approved.

Reason for Decision

To ensure Cabinet are informed of the Council’s financial position and can take corrective action where needed if necessary.

RECOMMENDED:  1)       That the Draft Guidance to Councillors serving on Outside Bodies, attached at Appendix 1 to the report be adopted.

2)             That the Scheme of Delegation be amended to Delegate Authority to the Monitoring Officer/Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holder to add/remove Outside Bodies from the list of Outside Body Appointments made by Cabinet and Council as appropriate.

Reason for Decision

To ensure continued and effective involvement by the Council with external organisations, promoting the Corporate Priorities of the Council.

RECOMMENDED:     That the updated Enforcement Policy be adopted..

Reason for Decision

To ensure the Council’s policies are kept up-to-date and consistent with current regulation and best practice.

RESOLVED: That the current position for the loan facility for West Norfolk Housing Ltd be noted.  

Reason for Decision

To note the arrangements being progressed for West Norfolk Housing Ltd to drawdown on the loan facility from the Council.

RESOLVED: The Shareholder Committee noted the successful completion of the transfer and acknowledge that AWN were now formally part of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the appointment of Brian Nearney and Graham Woodcock as Directors of West Norfolk Property Limited be approved.

Reason for Decision

To increase the number of Directors for the company to add capacity and skills to Board.

RESOLVED: That the closure of Alive Management be ratified, and consent given to carry out the closure actions as set out in the report.

Reason for Decision

To formally wind-up Alive Management as it is no longer trading and there is no business plan to utilise this as a council company going forward.

19th May 2025 at 10:30am

4th August 2025 at 10am

RESOLVED:  The Forward Plan was noted and an Overview of West Norfolk Housing Company and West Norfolk Property to be reported at the May 2025 meeting.

None.

None.

None.

None.

None.

RESOLVED: The Minutes of the meeting held on 18^th February 2025 were approved as a correct record.