Decisions

Exempt report

Reason for Urgency: The item wasn’t included on the work programme as it hadn’t been anticipated previously but a decision is needed to ensure progress and referral to the 17 December Council meeting for decision. The decision is key due to the value and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman has been notified accordingly. Due to the report containing information relating to the financial affairs of the council, it is restricted. Having regard to the financial sensitivity and urgency of the matter, the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed that the report can be considered in private.

Resolved

(1)           That the expenditure of £1 to secure the transfer of The Mill Arts Centre from Oxfordshire County Council to Cherwell District Council in line with the Executive decision of July 2018 be approved.

(2)           That the establishment of a revenue budget of £50,000 to cover costs of transition funding and arrangements in 2018/19 to be funded from general reserves be agreed and it be noted future funding would be considered when setting the budget and medium term financial plan in February 2019.

(3)           That it be noted that immediate remedial works (expected early in 2019/20) in the region of £250,000 may be required, with further phases of works due later in 2019/20 or the 2020/21 to ensure that the building is fit for purpose and will be subject to detailed capital proposals as part of the budget setting process and medium term financial plan for 2019/20 to 2023/24.

(4)           That it be noted that an officer working group would be established to establish the options and Business case for any further investment into the site to ensure that the Trust is financially more sustainable in the medium to long term.

(5)           That it be noted that the offer to acquire the asset is subject to a restrictive covenant from Oxfordshire County Council to ensure that at least 80% of the site is used for cultural purposes otherwise state aid applies.

(6)           That the final agreement for the legal agreement to transfer the asset be delegated to the Monitoring officer for Cherwell District Council in consultation with the Interim Executive Director of Finance and Governance.

Resolved

(1)           That a Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for the year 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 as set out in the annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book) be approved and implemented with effect from 1 April 2019.

(2)           That delegated authority be granted to the Section 151 Officer to make further amendments to the CTRS Regulations up to and including 31 January 2019 in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management and Governance.

(3)           That, having given due consideration, the following Council Tax discounts for 2019-2020 be approved:

·       Retain the discount for second homes at zero

·       Retain the discount for empty homes (unoccupied and substantially unfurnished) at 25% for 6 months and thereafter at zero.

·       Retain the discount for empty homes undergoing major repair at 25% for 12 months and thereafter at zero.

·       Retain the empty homes premium of an additional 100% for properties that have remained empty for more than 2 years.

Resolved

(1)           That the calendar of meetings for Cherwell District Council (CDC) for the municipal year 2019/20 (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

Resolved

(1)          That the revised Cherwell District Council Statement of Licensing Principles (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be adopted.

Resolved

(1)          That the following motion, as amended, be adopted:

Maternity and Paternity Leave for Parents to Premature Babies

This Council supports extending paternity and maternity leave for any of its staff whose babies have been born too soon.

Parents to premature babies are faced with financial, mental and physical stress and hardship, yet their maternity leave begins the day after the birth.

We believe that the added pressure of worrying about the length of maternity or paternity leave is not good for the wellbeing of employees.

This council therefore seeks to adopt a policy of providing one extra week of leave to employees for every week a premature baby spends in hospital before the due date.

In addition to premature birth, there are other clinical crises that could befall council employees. Officers are to investigate extending this motion to allow Directors the discretion to deal with significant medical crises of a similar magnitude involving council employees, in a compassionate and caring manner and report back to Executive in due course.

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Refused reasons to be set out in the minutes

Refused reasons to be set out in the minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Application withdrawn by the applicant

Approved, That Cherwell District Council raises objection to Oxfordshire County Council

Approved, That Cherwell District Council raises objection to Oxfordshire County Council

Approved, subject to various requirements to be set out in the Minutes

Deferred to allow further investigation on pedestrian safety and to allow further consultation on the application

The Assistant Director for Planning Policy and Development submitted a report which informed Members on applications which had been determined by the Council, where new appeals have been lodged, public Inquiries/hearings scheduled or appeal results achieved.

Resolved

(1)          That the position statement be accepted.