Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 February 2015 (which have been laid on the table for half-an-hour before the meeting).

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 3 February 2015 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Carole King and Stewart Stennett.

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.

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 sets out a new Economic Strategy for Waverley drawing on latest economic data and views of key stakeholders. Once formally adopted, Waverley’s Economic Strategy will form a key source document for the development of the new Local Plan.  In particular it will help inform the Employment Land Review and the scale of housing development necessary to meet business needs and sustain the on-going development of Waverley’s economy.  

Waverley Borough Council has long recognised the importance of Waverley’s economy and the key part played by local businesses in the wider success of the borough.  There is also a well established link between rates of employment and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.  As a result the Council has invested in a range of initiatives to support new and existing businesses which are detailed in this report.

Overall the Strategy highlights the considerable strengths of Waverley’s economy including very high skill levels in the local working population, very high employment levels, and the number and diversity of small businesses in the borough. 

Given the relatively high cost of housing in the borough, the strategy also highlights the importance of the Council’s continued commitment to affordable housing as a way of securing key workers into essential roles within the borough such as nurses, teachers and care workers.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves the Economic Strategy.

The Executive has agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL that the Economic Strategy be approved.

[This item is recommended to the Council for approval and is not subject to the call-in procedure].

[Reason: to formally adopt an economic strategy for the Borough].

149.1  The Economic Strategy will contribute to the evidence base for the new Local Plan, by clarifying the vision and objectives for the local economy. The previous Economic Strategy was in place from 2007-2012 - the economic climate and regional structures have changed considerably over the last few years and new objectives now need to be considered. Whilst the IED (Institute of Economic Development) advise there is no statutory requirement to have a formal Economic Strategy, they recommend it is important to display good governance and a clear direction. The new Economic Strategy will therefore provide a positive steer for the local economy over the next five years.

149.2  Atkins, who have been involved with the preparation of the Local Plan and the Employment Land Review, were recently asked to review the latest economic data for Waverley. They used the data alongside other developments in the local and regional economy to inform the development of a new Economic Strategy, attached as Annexe 1.

149.3  The Council is proud of its track record as a business friendly organisation and the steps taken by the organisation to support the local economy and businesses.  Key examples include:

• Support to local businesses through the supply of delivery of a wide range of employment related training and the supply of apprentices through Waverley Training Services.  Support is also provided to residents who are long-term unemployed to help them get back into employment.
• The Council offers free business advice and support to anyone wishing to start or expand a business in the borough, through a service level agreement.
• Rate relief provided to 916 local businesses including rural businesses such as general stores and post offices
• A commitment to pay all invoices to local businesses within 10 working days and actively encourage the use of local suppliers, and the use of local labour in the Council’s main contracts.
• Removed unnecessary burdens on local businesses through the development last year of a new Council policy for Regulatory Services which promotes more efficient approaches to regulatory inspection and enforcement
• Free advice and guidance to local businesses from Waverley’s Environmental Health Service regarding food hygiene, health & Safety, licensing etc
• Provides local businesses with 16 hectares of land for industrial use, 17 hectares for commercial leisure use, 246 square metres of commercial office accommodation, and 740 square meters of retail space through various lease arrangements.
• The provision of business support alongside Council run workshops and events for local businesses such as the recent Digital Skills Workshops, Compete on the Streets initiative, and Meet the Buyer Event and relevant information and opportunities through a quarterly e-bulletin to local businesses
• The Council helped secure £30,000 for the Portas Town Team Bids last year.
• Offer free parking initiatives at different times of the year to benefit local retailers
• Support the Maltings to provide incubator space for micro business working in arts and craft sector
• Meeting national and local targets for turning around planning applications including applications relating to business premises and providing pre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.

The purpose of the report is to ask the Executive to recommend the re-employment Policy to the Council for adoption.

Recommendation

It is recommended to the Council that the Re-employment Policy be agreed and adopted.

The Executive has agreed to RECOMMEND to the COUNCIL that the re-employment policy be adopted.

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

[Reason: to adopt a re-employment policy].

150.1  The Re-employment Policy is attached as Annexe 2.  It states that:

‘Any employee who leaves Waverley on the basis of redundancy or early retirement or for some other reason and receives compensation will not normally be re-engaged in any capacity, including as consultants or agency staff, for a period of two years from their leaving date. Any re-employment within the two year period will be determined by the Executive Director, in partnership with the Strategic HR Manager, on an exceptional basis.’

150.2  Any re-employment agreed by the Executive Director  within a two year period on an exceptional basis will be subject to an agreed procedure included in the policy document.  This has been custom and practice at Waverley for some years and it is timely to formalise this in a policy document.

150.3  Members will be aware of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill which if passed, will require recovery of exit payments if someone re-joins the same part of the public sector within one year.

150.4  The Executive

RECOMMENDS that

67.       the re-employment policy, attached as Annexe 2, be adopted.

[Reason: to adopt a re-employment policy].

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

To adopt the Executive Forward Programme for the period March 2015 onwards.

The Executive has agreed to adopt the forward programme for the period March 2015 onwards.

RESOLVED  that the forward programme of key decisions for the period March 2015 onwards be adopted.

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 gives approval to

1.         a virement of £50,000 from additional Planning Income to cover temporary Staff required to assist with planning applications (detailed in paragraph 2.4);

2.         £15,000 additional expenditure on Tree Safety Works to be met from the overall revenue underspend (detailed in paragraph 2.5);

3.         £15,000 expenditure on replacement ovens at day centres to be met from the overall capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.5);

4.         £5,000 expenditure on the Address Resolution Project to be met from the underspend on the Contaminated Land revenue project (detailed in paragraph 3.6); and

5.         £20,000 extra expenditure on the Signage Project to be met from the capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.7); and

6.         rescheduling of capital works within the HRA from 2014/15 to 2015/16, as detailed at paragraph 4.7.

7.         approval of works exceeding £5,000 to void properties within the HRA capital programme as listed at (Exempt) Annexe 9.

The Executive noted the report and has given approval to

1.         a virement of £50,000 from additional Planning Income to cover temporary Staff required to assist with planning applications (detailed in paragraph 2.4);

2.         £15,000 additional expenditure on Tree Safety Works to be met from the overall revenue underspend (detailed in paragraph 2.5);

3.         £15,000 expenditure on replacement ovens at day centres to be met from the overall capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.5);

4.         £5,000 expenditure on the Address Resolution Project to be met from the underspend on the Contaminated Land revenue project (detailed in paragraph 3.6); and

5.         £20,000 extra expenditure on the Signage Project to be met from the capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.7);

6.         rescheduling of capital works within the HRA from 2014/15 to 2015/16, as detailed at paragraph 4.7.

7.         approval of works exceeding £5,000 to void properties within the HRA capital programme as listed at (Exempt) Annexe 9.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: To consider a projection of the expenditure and income position for the 2014/15 budget compared with the approved budget]

RESOLVED that the report be noted and approval given to

1.         a virement of £50,000 from additional Planning Income to cover temporary Staff required to assist with planning applications (detailed in paragraph 2.4);

2.         £15,000 additional expenditure on Tree Safety Works to be met from the overall revenue underspend (detailed in paragraph 2.5);

3.         £15,000 expenditure on replacement ovens at day centres to be met from the overall capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.5);

4.         £5,000 expenditure on the Address Resolution Project to be met from the underspend on the Contaminated Land revenue project (detailed in paragraph 3.6); and

5.         £20,000 extra expenditure on the Signage Project to be met from the capital underspend (detailed in paragraph 3.7);

6.         rescheduling of capital works within the HRA from 2014/15 to 2015/16, as detailed at paragraph 4.7; and

7.         works exceeding £5,000 to void properties within the HRA capital programme as listed at (Exempt) Annexe 9.

[Reason: To consider a projection of the expenditure and income position for the 2014/15 budget compared with the approved budget]

Following the withdrawal from Examination of the Core Strategy, the Council has  been carrying out a detailed programme of work to address the matters raised by the Examination Inspector in order to prepare an updated Local Plan for re-submission for Examination.  The broad scope of that work and the timetable were endorsed by the Executive on 3^rd December 2013.  The purpose of the report is to bring members up to date on the work carried out to date, including a summary of the key issues coming out of the recent consultation on housing scenarios and other issues, and to seek support in principle from the Executive and Council to an emerging preferred strategy for the distribution of new homes, subject to further testing.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive

1.            notes the outcome from the consultation and supports in principle the way forward as set out in the report; and

2.            endorses the Statement of Principles attached as Annexe 2.

The Executive has

1.            noted the outcome from the consultation and supports in principle the way forward as set out in the report; and

2.            endorses the Statement of Principles attached as Annexe 2.

[COMMUNITY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: to seek support in principle to an emerging preferred strategy for the distribution of new homes, subject to further testing].

RESOLVED  that

1.            the outcome from the consultation be noted and the Executive supports in principle the way forward as set out in the report; and

2.            the Statement of Principles attached as Annexe 2 be endorsed.

[Reason: to seek support in principle to an emerging preferred strategy for the distribution of new homes, subject to further testing].

The purpose of the report is to gain authorisation to undertake a formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) for the Conservation Area (CA) of Ockford Road (this document also includes changes to the Conservation Area boundary).  The long term objective is that the appraisal will be adopted as a material consideration and used in the determination of any application for planning permission and listed building consent.

In addition, the report seeks to gain authorisation to undertake a formal public consultation to amend the Milford Conservation Area boundary.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Executive approves the draft CAA for Ockford Road  and the proposed amendments to the Milford CA for the purposes of public consultation.

The Executive has approved the draft CAA for Ockford Road  and the proposed amendments to the Milford CA for the purposes of public consultation.

[COMMUNITY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

[Reason: to gain authorisation to undertake formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal].

RESOLVED  that the draft Conservation Area Appraisal for Ockford Road  and the proposed amendments to the Milford Conservation Area be approved for the purposes of public consultation.

[Reason: to gain authorisation to undertake formal public consultation on the draft Conservation Area Appraisal].

The report presents the draft Service Plans for all of the Council’s services for 2015/16.  The Plans set out strategic actions for each service, delivering the Council’s corporate priorities for 2015/16.  A special joint meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees took place on 19 January 2015 to allow Members to receive short presentations from each Head of Service regarding the main elements of their plan and to make any observations on the plans to the Executive.  The observations are set out at the end of the report.

Recommendation

It is recommended that

1.         the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its observations; and

2.         the Service Plan Action Plans for 2015-16 be endorsed.

The Executive thanked the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committees for their observations and endorsed the Service Plan Action Plans for 2015-16.

[This item has already been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees but could be called-in]

[Reason: to set out the strategic actions for each service, delivering the Council’s corporate priorities].

RESOLVED  that the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committees be thanked for their observations and the Service Plan Action Plans for 2015-16 be endorsed.

[Reason: to set out the strategic actions for each service, delivering the Council’s corporate priorities].

In order to allow more time from the elections to the first meetings of the Council year a few slightly amendments have been made to the calendar of meetings in May and June. Members are asked to consider the amended Calendar of Meetings for the Council year 2015/16.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Calendar of Meetings for 2015/16 be approved.

RESOLVED  that the revised Calendar of Meetings for 2015/16 be approved.

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.          Council Offices Urgent Works

            As a result of heightened national security threat for all public buildings, to authorise urgent security works carried out to the Council’s Central Offices to provide protection for the building and building users by the installation of protective barrier posts.  The cost of these works being £18,300 to be met by a virement from savings in the overall General Fund Capital Programme for 2014/15.

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.          Council Offices Urgent Works

            As a result of heightened national security threat for all public buildings, to authorise urgent security works carried out to the Council’s Central Offices to provide protection for the building and building users by the installation of protective barrier posts.  The cost of these works being £18,300 to be met by a virement from savings in the overall General Fund Capital Programme for 2014/15.

To consider the following recommendation on the motion of the Chairman:-

Recommendation

That, pursuant to Procedure Rule 20, and in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item(s) on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during these items, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information (as defined by Section 100I of the Act) of the description specified at the meeting in the revised Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

At 7.12 p.m. it was

RESOLVED  that, pursuant to Procedure Rule 20, and in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during this item, there would be disclosure to them of exempt information (as defined by Section 100I of the Act) of the description specified in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 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).

To consider the (Exempt) report attached.

The Executive has agreed the recommendation set out in the (Exempt) report.

[CORPORATE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE]

RESOLVED  that the recommendation set out in the (Exempt) Annexe to these minutes be agreed.