Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 27 January 2016.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 27 January 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

To note the minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2016.

Cabinet noted the minutes of the Leader’s decision meeting held on 18 January 2016.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were none.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered a report on the Capital Programme for 2016-17 to 2019-20.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that Council:

·         Considers and approves the Capital programme for 2016-17 to 2019-20.

·         Considers and approves the Prudential Indicators for 2016-17 to 2019-20.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that there were sufficient resources to fund the programme up to the end of 2019-20. Cabinet also noted that the Laleham Park upgrade (para 1.6a page 8) will go ahead in the 2016-17 year.

Councillor Attewell

Cabinet considered a report on a review of parking orders.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

·         Authorises the Head of Sustainability and Leisure to proceed with proposals made in this report.

·         Authorises the Head of Corporate Governance to publish a notice of proposal to advertise the proposed changes.

·         Delegates authority to the Head of Corporate Governance, in consultation with the Head of Sustainability and Leisure and the Cabinet Member for parking services to deal with any responses to the proposed changes.

·         Delegates authority to the Head of Sustainability and Leisure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for parking services, to amend the proposals following consultation.

·         Authorises the Head of Corporate Governance to publish a notice of making once the final decision is made.

·         Agrees the changes to the operational policy.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that there is a cost to maintaining and operating car parks, and striking the balance between covering costs and the provision of a good service is important.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered a report on the schedule of the proposed fees and charges to be levied from 1 April 2016 for 2016-17.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approves the fees and charges for 2016-17 as set out in Appendix A of the report, subject to consideration and approval of the Caravan Site Fee policy in relation to the fees proposed under the Mobile Homes Act 2013.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that, in the current challenging economic climate, the Council has to perform a balancing act between trying to maximise the additional income that can be generated through fees and charges, but at the same time be careful in setting fee levels which are sustainable and will not adversely impact on its overall income levels. It also needs to be mindful of the impact on residents and the local business community.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Finance Officer on the detailed Revenue Budget for 2016-17. 

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that Council approves:

1. The growth and savings items as set out in the report’s appendices.

2. The Council tax Base for the whole council area for 2016-17.[Item T in the formula in Section 31b(3) of the local government Finance Act 1992, as amended (the “act”)] should be 38,308.40 band D equivalent dwellings and,

2.1 Calculate that the Council tax requirement for the Council’s own purpose for 2016-2017 is £187.44 Per Band D equivalent dwelling.

3. To approve a 2.7% increase in the Spelthorne Borough Council element of the Council tax for 2016-17. Moreover:

a)         The revenue estimates as set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

b)         No Money, as set out in this report is appropriated from General Reserves in support of Spelthorne’s local Council tax for 2016/17.

c)         To agree that the council tax base for the year 2016/17 is 38,308.40 band D equivalent dwellings calculated in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council tax base) Regulations 1992, as amended, made under Section 35(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

That the following sums be now calculated by the Council for the year 2016/17 in accordance with Section 31 to 36 of the Local Government Act 1992.

All newly built commercial property completed between 1^st October 2013 and 30 Sept 2016 will be exempted from empty property rates for the first 18 months, up to the state aid limit.

A 50 per cent business rates relief for 18 months between 1^st April 2014 and 31^st March 2017 for businesses that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2245.

Councillor Leighton

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed grants awards for 2016-17.

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

·         Agrees the grants awards for 2016-17.

·         Notes all other support to the voluntary, charity sector.

·         Notes the performance of our key partners (over £10k per annum).

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted the essential role played by the voluntary sector in the provision of services for local people.

Councillor Attewell

Cabinet considered a report on the updated Spelthorne Sustainability Strategy for 2016-2019 and action plans.

RESOLVED that Cabinet endorses the updated Spelthorne Sustainability Strategy for 2016-19 as a whole along with the action plans.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that sustainability needs to be incorporated into all aspects of work and business so that we can prepare ourselves, our communities, local businesses and residents from volatile economic conditions whilst also protecting our environment and social resources. This is of significant importance in the current economic climate.

Councillor Attewell

Cabinet considered a report on grazing in Sunbury Park.

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed to the grazing of Sunbury Park in 2016 between April and June with an increased period of grazing in subsequent years. 

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that grazing of the park was suggested by Surrey Wildlife Trust as far back as 2008 under their conservation management plan which reviews possible ways to improve biodiversity in the park.  

Councillor Pinkerton OBE

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed food and health and safety service plans for 2016-17.

RESOLVED to adopt the proposed food and health and safety service plans for 2016-17.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that Local Authorities are required by the Food Standards Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to produce annual service plans for their food safety and health and safety services.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The following are the latest service updates from various Council departments.

Spelthorne Council has secured the conviction of an Ashford man for fraudulently claiming benefits. Abdur Rahman, of St Margarets Avenue in Ashford, appeared at Guildford Crown Court on 29 January after pleading guilty to fraudulently claiming Housing Benefit between April 2007 and October 2014 and Council Tax benefit between January 2005 and October 2008. Mr Rahman was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence, and was ordered to repay £24,511.17 and the Council’s costs of £1,916.

A planning application (Ref 15/01718/FULand 15/01718/LBC) has been submitted by Bellway Homes for the redevelopment of the Bridge Street car park site. The application is for 205 residential units (a mix of 1, 2, and 3 beds) plus 358 square metres of restaurant/retail space, a residents’ gym, 140 parking spaces and open space/landscaping through the site and down to the River Thames. The building heights vary from 4 stories to a 12 storey tower on the corner closest to the bridge. Consultation letters have been sent to local residents and the application will be considered by the Planning Committee in due course.

Over 30 people attended a welding workshop at the Greeno Shed in Shepperton on 27 January. The Shed opened last July with the aim of providing a regular social activity for people who enjoy making and mending things. Thanks to a grant from The Rotary Club of Shepperton Aurora and training from Supercraft in Byfleet, the group have been able to add MIG welding equipment to their list of kit.

In the run up to Valentine’s Day residents were reminded to check the food hygiene ratings before choosing where to eat. Food businesses should display a sticker showing their rating but residents can also check this information online. Currently in Spelthorne, 52% of food businesses are rated as very good and 82% are rated as satisfactory, good or very good.

A natural play area has been installed in Orchard Meadow in Sunbury-on-Thames. Designed for children aged under 11, it includes climbing logs, play boulders and a balance structure, all made from robinia wood. The Council received external funding for the project from Surrey County Council's Community Improvement Fund and Fields in Trust.

Work is well underway on the Bulletin magazine which is due to be delivered to residents from Saturday 19 March. It includes articles on the Surrey Youth Games, Staines Moor and the development of Bridge Street car park in Staines-upon-Thames.

Communications are working with Independent Living to produce an A-Z guide of services for older people.

Spelnet, the Council’s intranet, has undergone a redesign and will go live next week.

The Environmental Health and Licensing teams have started a hot desking trial which will help with planning the Council’s office relocation. 

Environmental Health are preparing for the introduction of new laws which will require all dogs to be microchipped from April. The team will also take on new responsibilities regarding the licensing of park homes. 

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2250.

Councillors are requested to identify any issues to be considered at future meetings.

There were none.

To consider any items which the Chairman considers as urgent.

There were none.