Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence and notification of substitutions.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2025 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2025 were agreed as a correct record.

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

The Chair, or their nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

The Committee is asked to acknowledge the minutes of the Reorganisation and Transformation Board which are for information only.

The Committee resolved to acknowledge the minutes of the Reorganisation and Transformation Board.

Committee is asked to agree and approve the requests for 204/25 Revenue and Capital expenditure to be carried forward to 2025/26 as follows:

a)    The Revenue carry forward requests totalling up to £24,291 as set out in Appendix A attached to the report; and

b)    The Capital carry forward requests totalling £300,000 as set out in Appendix A attached to the report.

The Committee resolved to agree and approve the requests for the 2024/25 Revenue and Capital expenditure to be carried forward to 2025/26 as follows:

a)    The Revenue carry forward requests totalling up to £24,291 as set out in Appendix A to the report; and

b)    The Capital carry forward requests totalling £3000,00 as set out in Appendix A to the report.

Committee is asked to acknowledge the Capital Outturn of £463k projected overspend against the Council’s Estimated Capital Programme for 2024-25, as at 31 March 2025.

The Committee resolved to acknowledge the Capital Outturn of £463k projected overspend against the Council’s Estimated Capital Programme for 2024/25 as at 31 March 2025.

Committee is asked to acknowledge the forecast outturn for 2024/25 as at 31 March 2025 and approve the following recommendations:

1.    The (£3,112k) underspend for the year to 31 March 2025, before the recommendations below, as set out in the Table 2.1 of the report; and

2.    Approve the following transfers to reserves:

a)    £2,300k to Business Rates (National Non Domestic Rates) Equalisation Reserve; and

b)    £812k to the General Fund Reserve

The Committee resolved to acknowledge the forecast outturn for 2024/25 as at 31 March 2025 and approved the following:

1.    The £3,112k underspend for the year to 31 March 2025, before the recommendations below, as set out in table 2.1 of the report.

2.    Approve the following transfers to reserves:

a)    £2,300k to Business Rates (National Non-Domestic Rates) Equalisation Reserve; and

b)    £812k to the General Fund Reserve

Committee is asked to approve the Sundry Debt Write-offs as set out in the report totalling £6,854.52 which relates to irrecoverable Bed and Breakfast and an Independent Living High Needs account.

The Committee resolved to approve the Sundry Debt write off set out totalling £6,854.52 which relates to irrecoverable Bed and Breakfast and Independent Living High Needs accounts.

Committee is asked to:

1.    Approve the proposal for a premium on second homes Council Tax as outlined in Appendix A; and

2.    Recommend to Council to agree the application of a Council Tax premium of 100% in respect of second homes with effect from 01 April 2027.

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Approve the proposal for a premium on second homes Council Tax as in Appendix A of the report; and

2.    Recommend to Council to agree the application of a Council Tax premium of 100% in respect of second homes with effect from 01 April 2027

Committee is asked to:

1.     Consider options within this report for commuted sum usage to provide affordable housing and select a preferred option; and

2.     authorise the Strategic Housing Lead to explore further the preferred option and to prepare a report for this Committee to consider and to recommend a decision to Council.

The Committee considered all the options within the report for the commuted sum usage and resolved to:

1.    agree Options 1 and 2 as outlined in the report as their preferred options; and

2.    authorise the Strategic Housing Lead to explore further the preferred options and to prepare a report for this Committee to consider and make a recommendation to Council.

Committee is asked to:

1.    Agree to the disposal of Ashford Cemetery Lodge to Knowle Green Estates (KGE) for the provision of affordable housing at a sale price of £273,611; and

2.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to complete any necessary documentation in connection with the disposal on the terms set out in this report.

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Agree to the disposal of Ashford Cemetery Lodge to Knowle Green Estates for the provision of affordable housing at a sale price of £273,611.00; and

2.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to complete any necessary documentation in connection with the disposal on the terms set out in the report.

Report to follow

The Committee resolved to note the significant strategic risks and issues highlighted in the report.

To consider the Forward Plan for committee business.

The Committee resolved to note the contents of the Forward Plan.

Committee is asked to approve the Asset Investment Strategy which sets out the priorities and key focuses for proactive management of the Council’s Investment and Regeneration Portfolio during 2025/26.

The Committee resolved to approve the Asset Investment Strategy which set out the priorities and key focuses for proactive management of the Council’s Investment and Regeneration Portfolio during 2025/26.

To note those urgent actions which have been taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader since the last Corporate Policy and Resources meeting on 24 April 2025.

To move the exclusion of the Press/Public for the following items, in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

Committee is asked to approve the actions outlined in the confidential report.

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Approve the acquisition of the 4 properties as outlined in the confidential report,

2.    Agree that the net cost would be financed by the application of capital receipts,

3.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to complete any necessary documentation in connection with the acquisition of the 4 properties,

4.    Approve the subsequent transfer of the properties to Knowle Green Estates (KGE) at the purchase prices stated in the report, net of the Local Authority Housing Fund (subject to KGE Board approval); and

5.    Delegate authority to the Group Head of Corporate Governance to complete any necessary documentation to complete the transfer of the properties set out in the report to KGE.