Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 November 2014.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4 November 2014 were confirmed as a correct record and signed.

To advise the Executive of any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Stefan Reynolds and Keith Webster.

To receive from members, declarations of interest in relation to any items included on the agenda for this meeting, in accordance with the Waverley Code of Local Government Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest raised under this heading.

The Chairman to respond to the following question received from Mr Jerry Hyman for which notice has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 10:-

            “The Council has made various claims regarding funding of the East Street scheme over the past decade, though the terms of possible funding and the design of the scheme have never been finalised. 

We hear that another such claim is being made, and if the Due Diligence process has been completed and a firm agreement has indeed been reached then as a public project, there should be no honest reason not to publicise the funding institution concerned and the terms of the funding.  

If there is a firm, signed commitment of funding, who is supplying that funding?”

The Executive received a question from Mr Jerry Hyman in accordance with Procedure Rule 10:-

“The Council has made various claims regarding funding of the East Street scheme over the past decade, though the terms of possible funding and the design of the scheme have never been finalised.

We hear that another such claim is being made, and if the Due Diligence process has been completed and a firm agreement has indeed been reached then as a public project, there should be no honest reason not to publicise the funding institution concerned and the terms of the funding.

If there is a firm, signed commitment of funding, who is supplying that funding?”

The Leader of the Council responded as follows:-

            “There is not a signed commitment of funding but Crest Nicholson are in discussions with a funder, the details of which are commercially sensitive”.

Background Papers

Unless specified under an individual item, there are no background papers (as defined by Section 100D(5) of the Local Government Act 1972) relating to the reports in Part I of these minutes.

The report provides a projection of the expenditure and income position for the 2014/15 Budget compared with the approved budget for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account.  The projection is based on the position to date.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive notes the report and:

1.         approves the virement requests from the additional planning income to cover additional legal fees of £20,000 and consultants costs of £10,000 within Development Control appeal costs, as detailed in paragraph 2.4;

2.         approves the employment of consultants at an estimated cost of £15,000 to be met from the identified WTS surplus to carry out a review of the service as detailed in paragraph 2.12;

3.         agrees to the request to slip the £35,000 capital provision for the Farnham Maltings from 2014-15 to 2015-16 as detailed in paragraph 3.2;

4.         recommends to the Council that the addition of £63,000 within the 2014-15 General Fund Capital Programme be approved for the refurbishment of Broadwater Toilets, as detailed in paragraph 3.3;

5.         approves the work for the properties in (Exempt ) Annexes 6 and 7;

6.         approves the change in accountant post BD04 from 15 to 37 hours within existing budgets, as described in 2.8 and recommends to the Council that the staffing establishment be amended accordingly; and

7.         approves the expenditure of £14,200 to be met from the HRA required to separate the two areas of ex-Rowland House/Rowleys accommodation as detailed in paragraph 4.10.

The Executive noted the report and agreed to

1.         approve the virement requests from the additional planning income to cover additional legal fees of £20,000 and consultants costs of £10,000 within Development Control appeal costs, as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the agenda report;

2.         approve the employment of consultants at an estimated cost of £15,000 to be met from the identified WTS surplus to carry out a review of the service as detailed in paragraph 2.12 of the agenda report;

3.         the request to slip the £35,000 capital provision for the Farnham Maltings from 2014-15 to 2015-16 as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the agenda report;

4.         approve the work for the properties in (Exempt ) Annexes 6 and 7 attached to the agenda report; and

5.         approve the expenditure of £14,200 to be met from the HRA required to separate the two areas of ex-Rowland House/Rowleys accommodation as detailed in paragraph 4.10 of the agenda report.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

The Executive also agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL that

6.         the addition of £63,000 within the 2014-15 General Fund Capital Programme be approved for the refurbishment of Broadwater Toilets, as detailed in paragraph 3.3;

7.         the change in accountant post BD04 from 15 to 37 hours within existing budgets, as described in paragraph 2.8, be approved and the staffing establishment be amended accordingly; and

8.         the post of Temporary Elections Assistant (Post AI13) be made permanent because of the likely ongoing increase in workload resulting from the implementation of Individual Elector Registration and the combined elections to be held in May 2015, with the additional cost of £9,000 being met from government grant for Individual Elector Registration.

[This item is recommended to the Council for decision and is not subject to the Call-in Procedure]

[Reason: To provide an indication of the expenditure and income position for the 2014/15 budget compared with the approved budget for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account]

[This item contains exempt information by virtue of which the public is likely to be excluded during the item to which the report relates, as specified in Paragraph 1 of the revised Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, namely:-

            Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)]

98.1    The Executive considered and noted the budget management report which provided a projection of the expenditure and income position for the 2014/15 budget compared with the approved budget for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account.  The Executive

RESOLVED  that

1.         the virement requests from the additional planning income be approved to cover additional legal fees of £20,000 and consultants costs of £10,000 within Development Control appeal costs, as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the agenda report;

2.         the employment of consultants be approved at an estimated cost of £15,000, to be met from the identified WTS surplus, to carry out a review of the service as detailed in paragraph 2.12 of the agenda report;

3.         approval be given to slip the £35,000 capital provision for the Farnham Maltings from 2014-15 to 2015-16 as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the agenda report;

4.         the work for the properties in (Exempt ) Annexes 6 and 7 attached to the agenda report be approved; and

5.         the expenditure of £14,200 to be met from the HRA required to separate the two areas of ex-Rowland House/Rowleys accommodation be approved, as detailed in paragraph 4.10 of the agenda report.

98.2    Throughout this financial year the toilets at Broadwater have been vandalised on several occasions taking the facilities out of use for the users of Broadwater Park.  This park is one of Waverley’s most prominent and well visited sites and it is felt that these facilities are needed to serve those visitors.  To this end capital needs to be made available from this year’s budget to allow for the toilets to be refurbished with vandal proof fittings in time for users of the park next spring, the budget sum identified for these works is £63,000.

98.3    The finance team has been under review to ensure that the service is resilient. It has a succession risk around key posts due to a number of staff approaching retirement. The recent retirement of a long-serving member of staff (post BD04) on part-time (15 hours) at band 5 has presented an opportunity to recruit a full-time accounting technician on band 8 at 37 hours. Post BD04 will provide technical accounting capacity to complete reconciliation and systems support work currently being covered by more senior accountants. The post can be funded from the existing budget. However, as there is an increase in establishment from 15 to 37 hours the Council is asked to approve this increase.

98.4    The Executive therefore also

RECOMMENDS that

47.       the addition of £63,000 within the 2014-15 General Fund Capital Programme be approved for the refurbishment of Broadwater Toilets, as detailed in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

The report explains that following the background work carried out on the viability of a Local Authority company and the Council’s decision in July 2009 to incorporate Waverley Initiatives as a wholly-owned local authority company, the advantages that the Company appeared to offer are no longer relevant and the Company has been dormant since soon after its creation.  The Board of the Company has now reviewed the situation and agreed that it is now appropriate to wind the Company up and request Companies House to strike-off the Company as it no longer offers any advantages for the further provision of affordable housing in the Borough.

Recommendation

The Executive is recommended to

1.         recommend to the Council that Waverley Initiatives Limited be wound up; and

2.         ask officers to make the arrangements to achieve this and apply to Companies House for striking off the Company.

The Executive agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL that

1.         Waverley Initiatives Limited be wound up; and

2.         officers be asked to make the arrangements to achieve this and apply to Companies House for striking off the Company.

[This item is recommended to the Council for decision and is not subject to the Call-in Procedure]

[Reason: To seek approval to strike-off the Company as it has been dormant since soon after its creation.]

99.1    Following the background work carried out on the viability of a Local Authority company and the Council’s decision in July 2009 to incorporate Waverley Initiatives as a wholly-owned local authority company, the advantages that the Company appeared to offer are no longer relevant and the Company has been dormant since soon after its creation. The Board of the Company has now reviewed the situation and agreed that it is now appropriate to wind the Company up and request Companies House to strike-off the Company as it no longer offers any advantages for the further provision of affordable housing in the Borough.

99.2    Soon after the establishment of Waverley Initiatives, the apparent advantages it gave to helping the Council provide social housing failed to materialise as a result of Government changes to regulations on void transfers. The HRA self-financing framework has also enabled Waverley to develop and deliver its own new affordable house building programme.

99.3    Since then the Company has been maintained as a dormant company and the appropriate returns made to Companies House.  There has been no activity or spending under the Company’s umbrella.  The Board consists of three Councillors; the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the former Portfolio holder for Finance.  The Monitoring and Returning Officer is the Company Secretary.

99.4    The Companies Act provides for processes to wind-up the Company through asking Companies House to strike it off.  There will be some small amount of staff time spent on the process and a fee of £20.  After that the Company is removed from the Companies House Register.

99.5    In conclusion, the benefits that setting up Waverley Initiatives seemed to offer have not materialised and it is appropriate now to wind up the Company so that the Council is no longer responsible for maintaining it.  Officers have researched whether setting up a similar company in the future could offer some benefits to the Council, and by using the existing company documents as a base, a new company could be established within a few months and at a cost of around £5,000 for external legal advice.  The Executive now

RECOMMENDS that

            50.       Waverley Initiatives Limited be wound up; and

51.       officers be asked to make the arrangements to achieve this and apply to Companies House for striking off the Company.

[Reason: To seek approval to strike-off the Company as it has been dormant since soon after its creation.]

The report informs the Executive of the progress on the introduction of the proposed Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services following the consultation process.

The updated Enforcement Policy reflects current legislation, guidance and best practice.  It helps to promote efficient and effective approaches to regulatory inspection and enforcement, which improve regulatory outcomes without imposing unnecessary burdens on business and others subject to regulation.  The policy sets out the approach to regulation across a wide range of functions and service areas and explains the principles aimed at securing compliance.  The emphasis is on advice and guidance, with escalation to formal enforcement sanctions dependant on each individual situation.  The policy identifies and explains the sanctions that may be used by the Council.

Recommendation

That the Executive recommends to the Council that the draft Waverley Borough Council Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services, attached at Annexe 1, be approved to come into effect at the earliest opportunity.

The Executive agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL thatthe draft Waverley Borough Council Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services, attached at Annexe 1 to the agenda report, be approved to come into effect at the earliest opportunity.

[This item is recommended to the Council for decision and is not subject to the Call-in Procedure]

[Reason: To seek approval for the draft Waverley Borough Council Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services)

100.1  This report informs councillors about the progress on the introduction of the proposed Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services following the consultation process.

100.2  The updated Enforcement Policy reflects current legislation, guidance and best practice.  It helps to promote efficient and effective approaches to regulatory inspection and enforcement, which improve regulatory outcomes without imposing unnecessary burdens on business and others subject to regulation.  The policy sets out the approach to regulation across a wide range of functions and service areas and explains the principles aimed at securing compliance.  The emphasis is on advice and guidance, with escalation to formal enforcement sanctions dependant on each individual situation.  The policy identifies and explains the sanctions that may be used by the Council.

100.3  To comply with the law and set out how we will enforce legislation, the Council must publish an enforcement policy.  A new Regulators’ Code came into effect on 6 April 2014 which replaces the previous Regulatory Compliance Code.  Regulators whose functions are specified under the Act must have regard to the Code when developing policies and operational procedures that guide their regulatory activities.  Regulators must equally have regard to the Code when setting standards or giving guidance which will guide the regulatory activities of other regulators.

100.4  The areas of the Council’s work in which regard must be had to the new Code are:

·        Environmental Protection

·        Food Safety

·        Public Health

·        Licensing

·        Health and Safety

·        Environmental Services (Fly Tipping, Littering, etc.)

·        Private Sector Housing

100.5  The proposed enforcement policy sets out how the services responsible for ensuring compliance and its officers will conduct themselves and how other parties can expect to be treated as we discharge our key duties.  An enforcement policy is required in order to guide those responsible for enforcement, and those who are regulated.  Unjustified departure from an enforcement policy’s provisions could be the subject of legal challenge.

100.6  The draft policy was taken to the Executive on 2 September and the Licensing and Regulatory Committee on 18 September.  It received the support of both Committees.  The formal public consultation on the policy opened on 3 September and closed on 15 October 2014.  The consultation documents were made available on the Council website, on the homepage under ‘Have your say/Consultations’ with a link to the draft policy inviting response.  No responses were received from the public as a result of the consultation.

100.7  The Licensing and Regulatory Committee requested clarification regarding some wording in respect of the cost of compliance.  This has been incorporated into the revised policy document attached at Annexe 1.  Waverley Legal Services suggested the addition of financial penalties as an enforcement action.  This action is included in the current Environmental Health Enforcement Policy.  The suggestion has been incorporated into the revised policy document and the wording reflects the template enforcement policy included within the Toolkit produced by Better Regulation Delivery Office to accompany the Regulators Code. 

100.8  The Executive now

RECOMMENDS that

52.       the Waverley Borough Council Enforcement Policy for Regulatory Services,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

The Council’s existing Street Trading Policy was introduced in 2009.  It should be reviewed if major changes occur or after 5 years, whichever is sooner.  There have been no major legislative changes affecting this Policy since it came into effect and requests for only minor changes have been received.

The draft revised and amended Policy was considered by the Licensing & Regulatory Committee at its meeting on 18 September 2014 and is attached to this report for approval.  A public consultation process has taken place which concluded on Friday 12 September 2014.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Street Trading Policy be recommended to the Council for adoption prior to implementation.

The Executive agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL thatthe revised Street Trading Policy be adopted.

[This item is recommended to the Council for decision and is not subject to the Call-in Procedure]

[Reason: To seek approval for the revised Street Trading Policy following a public consultation process.]

101.1  Street Trading is defined as the selling or exposing or offering for sale of any article (or living thing) in a street.  Such activity may cause nuisance and may be controlled by local authorities.  In 1991, Waverley Borough Council adopted powers under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, to control Street Trading by the designation of ‘prohibited’, ‘licensed’ and ‘consent’ streets.

101.2  In September 2009 the Council published the current “Street Trading In Waverley Policy” which covers general guidelines, applications, decision-making, appeals, fees and conditions.  It should be reviewed if there are major changes to the street trading regime or after 5 years, whichever is sooner.

101.3  A ‘Prohibited’ street means a street in which street trading is prohibited. A ‘Licensed’ street means a street in which street trading is prohibited unless a licence has been granted by the Council.  A ‘Consent’ street means a street in which street trading is prohibited unless the Council has given consent.  A licensed street designation is appropriate for the more formalised, market type of trading in a street where the strict control of a limited amount of space is required.  Currently there are no licensed street designations in Waverley; only Prohibited Streets and Consent Streets.

101.4  Designation of a street as a consent street covers a more infrequent type of trading.  The Council is under no duty to grant consent to trade on a street which has been designated as a consent street.  Neither is the Council required to specify grounds for refusal.  Similarly, there is no right of appeal against the refusal of consent or the application of conditions attached to a consent.  However, current good practice is for Street Trading Policies to include a hearing mechanism and for reasons to be given for any refusal.

101.5  The ‘Consent’ designation of a street is appropriate where it is necessary to limit the numbers and types of traders, their location along a street, their hours of operation and the measures they employ to remove their waste.  These can all be specified as conditions to the Consent in a location.

101.6  A number of community-led locally organised events benefit from the existing regime – there are no proposals to alter this.  For example, since 2009, Consents have been granted for events in Castle Street, Farnham, in High Street and Church Street, Godalming, in High Street and West Street, Haslemere and on The Common, Cranleigh.  Individuals may also apply for Consents, either for specific occasions or on an annual basis.  There is currently one consent granted in Waverley to a sole-trader.

101.7  The main changes proposed in the draft policy document attached as Annexe 2 are:

-       To introduce a procedure for varying Consents during their life

-       To clarify the Council’s approach to ensuring transparency in dealing with applications

101.8  Public Consultation took place for a six-week period ending on 12 September 2014.  Consultees specifically included agencies and partners already involved in the Street Trading regime (for example, Police, Fire and Rescue,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

The report addresses outstanding enquiries relating to the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places 2014.  The Council at its meeting on 14 October 2014 agreed a small number of changes and the report puts forward further late requests for changes.

Recommendation

It is recommended that

1.            the venue set out in the table at paragraph 4 of the report be agreed as a polling station venue.

2.            St. Peter’s School be advised that it has not been possible to find a suitable alternative polling station and that accordingly the school will have to be used as a polling station.

The Executive agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL that

1.            Grayswood Village Hall, Haslemere be approved as a polling station venue as an alternative to Grayswood C of E Infant School; and

2.            St. Peter’s School be advised that it had not been possible to find a suitable alternative polling station and that accordingly the school would have to be used as a polling station.

[This item is recommended to the Council for approval and is not subject to the Call-In Procedure]

[Reason: To seek approval for some outstanding enquiries relating to the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places 2014]

102.1  This item addresses outstanding enquiries relating to the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places 2014.  The Council at its meeting on 14 October 2014 agreed a small number of changes and this report puts forward further late requests for changes.

102.2  The Headteacher of Grayswood C of E Infant School, Lower Road has advised that the School is undergoing expansion and building work in 2015 which will reduce the school hall in size by half.  Officers have made enquiries as to the availability and suitability of any other suitable venues.

102.3  Grayswood Village Hall, Grayswood Road, Grayswood has been visited and the ground floor hall has been assessed as a suitable polling station.  The hall is situated on the village green, adjacent to Grayswood Road.  The venue has 22 parking spaces and the lower floor of the hall is completely accessible to wheelchair users.  There are good facilities and the venue is in a good accessible location within the polling district.  The Hall is however used by a nursery on weekdays. The nursery has been approached and has agreed to vacate the premises on polling day by having an away day.  There is a longstanding booking each Thursday evening by a bridge club – the booking is made years in advance.  The Village Hall’s Committee has been asked if the bridge club could vacate the premises for polling day or use the upstairs room only and the Committee has agreed.

102.4  Representations have also been receivedregarding St. Peter’s Primary School, Little Green Lane, Farnham and the school has asked if Waverley could find an alternative polling station. St. Peter’s Primary School is currently used as a triple polling station.  Wrecclesham Community Centre, Greenfield Lane, Farnham is situated just round the corner from St Peter’s Primary School and is already a designated polling station.  This venue already has 2192 BP Wrecclesham electors allocated to it and it would not be possible for the venue to accommodate the additional 1132 BK Boundstone and 2137 Shortheath electors from St. Peter’s Primary School in addition. 

102.5  The Leverton Hall is situated behind the Church in Beales Lane, Wrecclesham but is unsuitable.  The hall provides a small room with disabled access through double doors and kitchen facilities.  Parking is limited.  This venue does not provide sufficient space to accommodate either a triple or a double polling station.  Officers have been unable to identify any other suitable venues in the area.

102.6  The Executive therefore

RECOMMENDS that

54.       Grayswood Village Hall, Haslemere be approved as a polling station venue as an alternative to Grayswood C of E Infant School; and

55.       St. Peter’s School be advised that it had not been possible to find a suitable alternative polling station and that accordingly the school would have to be used as a polling station.

[Reason: To seek approval for some outstanding enquiries relating to the Review of Parliamentary Polling Districts and Polling Places 2014]

The report seeks approval to introduce substitute members onto the Joint Planning Committee with effect from January 2015.

Recommendation

It is recommended to the Council that substitute members be introduced for the Joint Planning Committee with effect from January 2015, to be arranged as set out in paragraph 6 of the report.

The Executive agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL thatsubstitute members be introduced for the Joint Planning Committee with effect from January 2015, to be arranged as set out in paragraph 6 of the agenda report.

[This item is recommended to the Council for decision and is not subject to the Call-in Procedure]

[Reason: to seek approval to introduce substitute members onto the Joint Planning Committee with effect from January 2015]

103.1  In December 2007 the Council reviewed the structure of its Planning Committees and introduced the current arrangements of a Joint Planning Committee and four Area Planning Committees. 

103.2  When the new structure was implemented in January 2008, the membership of the Joint Planning Committee consisted of the combined membership of the four Area Planning Committees, creating a total of 48 members.  After a period of operation, and in the interest of improved efficiency in decision-making, the size of the Committee was subsequently reviewed in March 2011 when it was agreed to halve the representation from each Area Planning Committee to create a Joint Planning Committee of 23 members.

103.3  The Joint Planning Committee historically met on an ad hoc basis, but more recently has been scheduled into the calendar of meetings.  However, following an amendment to the Council’s constitution in February 2014 requiring planning applications that propose housing schemes with a net increase of more than 25 dwellings to be determined by the Joint Planning Committee and not the Area Planning Committee, the Joint Planning Committee has now been required to meet much more frequently.

103.4  Since the beginning of the current Council year, the Joint Planning Committee has met on 7 occasions, with further dates in the diary before the end of the calendar year.  This is having an impact on the attendance levels at meetings, as set out below:-

103.5  It is therefore proposed that substitute members are introduced onto the Joint Planning Committee to ensure that the Committee is well represented by members from across the Borough when dealing with large-scale planning applications, particularly when a number of apologies have been received.  It is envisaged that the arrangements will maintain the political balance and the geographical spread on the Joint Planning Committee.

103.6  The suggested arrangements to be followed for the appointment of substitutes is set out below:-

1.         all members of the Area Planning Committees who are not already members will be listed as substitutes of the Joint Planning Committee;

2.         upon receipt of any apology from a member of the Joint Planning Committee by 12 noon on the day of the meeting, substitute members will continue to be arranged by the Democratic Services Team;

3.         a substitute will be called from the same Area Planning Committee as the member giving their apology from the Joint Planning Committee; and

4.         the substitute member must be from the same political group as the member giving the apology and in the event that no substitute is available, no substitution will be made for that member.

103.7  The Executive accordingly

RECOMMENDS that

56.       substitute members be introduced for the Joint Planning Committee with effect from January 2015, to be arranged as set out in paragraph 103.6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

The background papers relating to the following items are as set out in the reports included in the original agenda papers.

To adopt the forward programme of key decisions for Waverley Borough Council for December onwards.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the forward programme of key decisions for Waverley Borough Council be adopted.

The Executive agreed to adopt the forward programme of key decisions for Waverley Borough Council.

RESOLVED that the forward programme of key decisions for Waverley Borough Council be adopted.

The purpose of the report is to summarise Waverley’s investment performance for the for the period 1^st April 2014 to date, in accordance with Waverley’s Treasury Management Policy and the Code of Practice on Treasury Management in Local Authorities.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive:

1.         notes the Treasury Management Performance for 2014/15 to date; and

2.         endorses the approach to Treasury Management activity.

The Executive agreed to

1.         note the Treasury Management Performance for 2014/15 to date; and

2.         endorse the approach to Treasury Management activity.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: To summarise Waverley’s investment performance for the period 1 April 2014 to date]

RESOLVED that  

1.         the Treasury Management Performance for 2014/15 to date be noted; and

2.         the approach to Treasury Management activity be endorsed.

[Reason: To summarise Waverley’s investment performance for the period 1 April 2014 to date]

The purpose of the report is to seek approval for:

1.         the 2015/16 council tax base which, under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the Council is required to determine prior to approval of the Council’s budget for 2015/16; and

2.         the business rate forecast for 2015/16 which, under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 2012, forms a major element of Waverley’s estimated core funding for its General Fund Budget.

Recommendation

It is recommended that

1.         the council tax base for Waverley be approved for the year 2015/16, as shown in Annexe 1; and

2.         the business rate estimates for 2015/16 be approved, as set out in Annexe 2, and that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources, in conjunction with the Finance Portfolio Holder, to make any final changes necessary before the return is submitted to the Government on the 31 January 2015.

The Executive agreed to

1.         approve the council tax base for Waverley for the year 2015/16, as shown in Annexe 1; and

2.         approve the business rate estimates for 2015/16, as set out in Annexe 2 to the agenda report, and agreed that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources, in conjunction with the Finance Portfolio Holder, to make any final changes necessary before the return is submitted to the Government on the 31 January 2015.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: To seek approval for the 2015/16 Council Tax base and Business Rate forecast]

RESOLVED that

1.         the council tax base for Waverley for the year 2015/16 be approved, as shown in Annexe 1; and

2.         the business rate estimates for 2015/16 be approved, as set out in Annexe 2 to the agenda report, and authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources, in conjunction with the Finance Portfolio Holder, to make any final changes necessary before the return is submitted to the Government on the 31 January 2015.

[Reason: To seek approval for the 2015/16 Council Tax base and Business Rate forecast]

On 10 December 2013, Council agreed the restructuring and streamlining of the Senior Management Team and in agreeing to the new structure, asked for a review to be conducted one year on.

This report reviews the effectiveness of the new Senior Management Structure since its implementation on 1 January 2014.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the report be noted.

The Executive agreed to note the report.

[This item was for noting only and is not subject to the call-in procedure]

RESOLVED  that the report be noted.

The purpose of the report is to gain authorisation to undertake a formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals (CAA) for the Conservation Areas (CA) of Witley (this document also includes changes to the Conservation Area boundary) and Godalming Crownpits.  The long term objective is that the appraisals will be adopted as material considerations and used in the determination of any application for planning permission and listed building consent within the CAs.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves the draft CAAs for Witley and Godalming Crownpits for the purposes of public consultation.

The Executive agreed to approve the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for Witley and Godalming Crownpits for the purposes of public consultation.

[COMMUNITY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: to gain authorisation to undertake a formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for the Conservation Areas of Witley and Godalming Crownpits]

RESOLVED  that the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for Witley and Godalming Crownpits be approved for the purposes of public consultation.

[Reason: to gain authorisation to undertake a formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for the Conservation Areas of Witley and Godalming Crownpits]

At its meeting on 23 September 2014, the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to submit a request to the Executive seeking approval to establish a Sub-Committee to look into how the issue of PV Panels on Council houses could be moved forward.  The proposed membership of the Sub-Committee is to include Cllrs Pat Frost, Richard Gates, Patricia Ellis and Jane Thomson.

Recommendation

It is recommended that consideration be given to the establishment of a Sub-Committee of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee to look into the issue of PV Panels on Council Houses, with the membership as set out above.

The Executive recognised that a Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee would be useful to investigate further the issue of PV Panels on Council Houses but agreed that, because of the time involved in conducting the work, it should be formed in the next administration after May 2015.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: to seek approval to establish a Sub-Committee to look into how the issue of PV Panels on Council houses could be progressed]

The Executive recognised that a Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee would be useful to investigate further the issue of PV Panels on Council Houses but

RESOLVED  that, because of the time involved in conducting the work to investigate further the issues of PV Panels on Council Houses, the Sub-Committee should be formed in the next administration, after May 2015.

[Reason: to seek approval to establish a Sub-Committee to look into how the issue of PV Panels on Council houses could be progressed]

To note the following action taken by the Executive Director after consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman since the last meeting.  The Register of Decisions will be laid on the table half an hour before the meeting:

i.          Service of Notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 in Cases of Urgency

            Until amendment of the Scheme of Delegation to include authorisation to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009, to authorise Environmental Health Officers to exercise the power to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 on relevant persons in relation to private water supplies.

ii.         Joint Investment Project: Dairy Crest Site, Weydon Lane, Farnham

            To authorise officers to progress the proposal, as per the Council decision of 14 October 2014, resulting from detailed negotiations.

The Executive noted the following actions taken by the Executive Director after consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman since its last meeting:-

i.          Service of Notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 in Cases of Urgency

            Until amendment of the Scheme of Delegation to include authorisation to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009, to authorise Environmental Health Officers to exercise the power to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 on relevant persons in relation to private water supplies.

ii.         Joint Investment Project: Dairy Crest Site, Weydon Lane, Farnham

            To authorise officers to progress the proposal, as per the Council decision of 14 October 2014, resulting from detailed negotiations.

The Executive noted the following actions taken by the Executive Director after consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman since its last meeting:-

i.          Service of Notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 in Cases of Urgency

            Until amendment of the Scheme of Delegation to include authorisation to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009, to authorise Environmental Health Officers to exercise the power to serve notices under Regulation 18 Private Water Supplies Regulations 2009 on relevant persons in relation to private water supplies.

ii.         Joint Investment Project: Dairy Crest Site, Weydon Lane, Farnham

            To authorise officers to progress the proposal, as per the Council decision of 14 October 2014, resulting from detailed negotiations.