Agenda, decisions and minutes

19. Build Programme - Site Negotiations and Acquisitions.

Sue Smith, Declaration, as the Chair of the SEMLEP European Committee to which the bid would be made.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2015.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2015 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

The Chairman made the following announcement:

1.    Members of the public were permitted to film, broadcast and report on the meeting, subject to the efficient running of the meeting not being affected.

Report of Head of Transformation

Purpose of report

To advise the Executive of the results of the 2015 annual customer satisfaction survey which illustrate a 79% level of overall satisfaction with the Council, and 55% satisfaction in relation to how the Council represents value for money; the highest levels of satisfaction since the survey began in 2006. 

The report also identifies areas to be considered for further improvement or investment within the District as part of the annual business planning and budget setting process for 2016/17.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To note that overall satisfaction with the Council and perception of how the Council represents value for money was rated at 79% and 55% respectively amongst survey respondents, both of which represent the highest levels of satisfaction since the survey began in 2006.

1.2         To agree to consider the areas identified as being of most importance to survey respondents, and those which may be identified for improvement or investment as part of the business planning and budget setting process for 2016/17 based on survey respondent feedback. 

1.3         To express thanks to the survey respondents.

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that overall satisfaction with the Council and perception of how the Council represents value for money was rated at 79% and 55% respectively amongst survey respondents, both of which represent the highest levels of satisfaction since the survey began in 2006.

(2)          That agreement be given to consider the areas identified as being of most importance to survey respondents, and those which may be identified for improvement or investment as part of the business planning and budget setting process for 2016/17 based on survey respondent feedback. 

(3)          That survey respondents be thanked for their contribution.

The Head of Transformation submitted a report to advise the Executive of the results of the 2015 annual customer satisfaction survey which illustrated a 79% level of overall satisfaction with the Council, and 55% satisfaction in relation to how the Council represented value for money; the highest levels of satisfaction since the survey began in 2006. 

The report also identified areas to be considered for further improvement or investment within the District as part of the annual business planning and budget setting process for 2016/17.

In considering the report, Executive agreed that the survey reflected well on the service given by council employees and requested that the Chief Executive pass on their feedback.

In response to comments from Councillor Woodcock, Leader of the Labour Group, regarding participation levels in the survey, the Chairman confirmed that he had already addressed with officers the need to increase participation. The survey showed trends and was an important tool for obtaining people’s views.

Resolved

(1)          That it be noted that overall satisfaction with the Council and perception of how the Council represents value for money was rated at 79% and 55% respectively amongst survey respondents, both of which represent the highest levels of satisfaction since the survey began in 2006.

(2)          That agreement be given to consider the areas identified as being of most importance to survey respondents, and those which may be identified for improvement or investment as part of the business planning and budget setting process for 2016/17 based on survey respondent feedback. 

(3)          That survey respondents be thanked for their contribution.

Reasons

This report presents a summary of the findings from the 2015 customer satisfaction survey. It highlights an increasing trend of improvement across Council services, and how the Council is perceived to represent value for money as well as areas where continued focus is required.

The report also highlights customer priorities. These will be used to help inform budget setting, the development of the Council’s Business Plan and Performance Pledges for 2016/17 and the Council’s five year Strategy.

As well as these high level findings the survey includes a wealth of service specific detail that will be used by service managers to help underpin service planning.

Alternative options

Option 1: To reject the recommendations and request additional work or alternative priorities arising from the survey findings.

Report of Interim Public Protection and Environmental Health Manager

Purpose of report

To declare an Air Quality Management Area in Bicester

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To declare an Air Quality Management Area including Kings End, Queens Avenue and Field Street, Bicester.

Resolved

(1)          That an Air Quality Management Area including Kings End, Queens Avenue and Field Street, Bicester as shown on the plan (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be declared.

The Interim Public Protection and Environmental Health Manager which sought the agreement of Executive to declare an Air Quality Management Area in Bicester.

Resolved

(1)          That an Air Quality Management Area including Kings End, Queens Avenue and Field Street, Bicester as shown on the plan (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be declared.

Reasons

Due to exceedances of the annual mean air quality objective for nitrogen dioxide it is recommended that an AQMA is declared for Kings End / Queens Avenue / Field Street, Bicester as outlined in the annex to the Minutes (as set out in the Minute Book).

Alternative options

Option 1: An alternative option would be to not declare the area as an AQMA. However, if an air quality objective is not being met then the Council is required to declare that area as an AQMA and so for this reason this is not an alternative option.

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Purpose of report

To consider the future recycling strategy options which could be adopted to deal with the current environment of volatile commodity prices and potential changes to services delivered by Oxfordshire County Council.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1      To support the exploration of the possibility of more local transfer stations and/or sorting facilities for future dry recycling contracts.

1.2      To consider the principle of a new depot in Bicester with possible local transfer facilities and/or Household Waste Recycling facilities and to request a report back on this option at an appropriate future meeting.

1.3      To continue a dialogue with Oxfordshire County Council regarding the provision of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).

1.4      To support the promotion of the current recycling scheme to bring both                    environmental improvements and financial benefits by increasing recycling rates towards 60%.

Resolved

(1)          That the exploration of the possibility of more local transfer stations and/or sorting facilities for future dry recycling contracts be supported.

(2)          That the principle of a new depot in Bicester with possible local transfer facilities and/or Household Waste Recycling facilities be endorsed and officers be requested to report back on this option at an appropriate future meeting.

(3)          That a dialogue with Oxfordshire County Council regarding the provision of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) be continued.

(4)          That the promotion of the current recycling scheme to bring both environmental improvements and financial benefits by increasing recycling rates towards 60% be supported.

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report to consider the future recycling strategy options which could be adopted to deal with the current environment of volatile commodity prices and potential changes to services delivered by Oxfordshire County Council.

The Chairman confirmed that Cherwell District Council had made written representations to the County Council consultation and other district and town and parish councils had also made representations.

Resolved

(1)          That the exploration of the possibility of more local transfer stations and/or sorting facilities for future dry recycling contracts be supported.

(2)          That the principle of a new depot in Bicester with possible local transfer facilities and/or Household Waste Recycling facilities be endorsed and officers be requested to report back on this option at an appropriate future meeting.

(3)          That a dialogue with Oxfordshire County Council regarding the provision of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) be continued.

(4)          That the promotion of the current recycling scheme to bring both environmental improvements and financial benefits by increasing recycling rates towards 60% be supported.

Reasons

The waste hierarchy and the treatment costs for waste mean that the best financial outcome is usually achieved by reducing waste, reusing waste and recycling to very high levels.

Commodity prices are having an effect on recycling although for this Council the current contract insulates the Council from the full impact of commodity price falls. However, even if a gate fee were payable in the future, the best outcome for the taxpayer would still to recycle as much as possible

Residents having easy access to facilities to dispose of waste is important to minimise anti-social activities such as fly tipping. Currently the district is served by two Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) but in the future this may be reduced.

Alternative options

Option 1 : To approve the revised recycling strategy.

Option 2: To reject the revised recycling strategy

Option 3: To ask officers to consider alternative amendments

Report of Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Purpose of report

This report is seeks the Executive’s endorsement and support for the Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy as the Council’s commitment to sustainable transport in the town recognising its role in accommodating growth and integrating new and existing neighbourhoods.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1         To consider and note the Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy.

1.2         To endorse the Strategy’s vision and principles.

1.3         To support the Strategy as the basis of further work to inform Part 2 of the Cherwell Local Plan, the Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan and other documents.

1.4         To note the next steps required to develop an action plan to deliver priorities in the short, medium and long term as schemes and funding opportunities are progressed.

Resolved

(1)          That the Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy be noted.

(2)          That, subject to resolutions (5) and (6), the Strategy’s vision and principles be endorsed.

(3)          That the Strategy be supported as the basis of further work to inform Part 2 of the Cherwell Local Plan, the Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan and other documents.

(4)          That the next steps required to develop an action plan to deliver priorities in the short, medium and long term as schemes and funding opportunities be progressed.

(5)          That it be noted that the future of Market Square would require reappraisal after Pioneer Square Phase 2 was embedded.

(6)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning, to amend the wording of the Principles and Vision regarding Market Square to reflect the sentiment of Members and resolution (5).

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought the Executive’s endorsement and support for the Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy as the Council’s commitment to sustainable transport in the town recognising its role in accommodating growth and integrating new and existing neighbourhoods.

At the discretion of the Chairman, Councillor Lawrie Stratford addressed the meeting.

In response to the address, the Chairman confirmed that the future of Market Square would require reappraisal after Pioneer Square Phase 2 was embedded. Members subsequently agreed that the wording in Principles and Vision regarding Market Square should be amended to reflect this.

Resolved

(1)          That the Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy be noted.

(2)          That, subject to resolutions (5) and (6), the Strategy’s vision and principles be endorsed.

(3)          That the Strategy be supported as the basis of further work to inform Part 2 of the Cherwell Local Plan, the Oxfordshire Local Transport Plan and other documents.

(4)          That the next steps required to develop an action plan to deliver priorities in the short, medium and long term as schemes and funding opportunities be progressed.

(5)          That it be noted that the future of Market Square would require reappraisal after Pioneer Square Phase 2 was embedded.

(6)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning, to amend the wording of the Principles and Vision regarding Market Square to reflect the sentiment of Members and resolution (5).

Reasons

The Bicester Sustainable Transport Strategy (STS) is a key document in supporting improvements to the Bicester transport network. It reviews and summarises the policy context and best practice from the UK and Europe. The vision and principles support the shift to more sustainable travel in the future providing a framework for infrastructure improvements and behaviour change. Detailed designs have been prepared by Sustrans for the central corridor route.

The Strategy is necessary to ensure that the future growth of Bicester can be accommodated. Improvements and enhancements to the public transport network will ensure that opportunities for bus and train journeys are optimised. The Strategy will contribute to the creation of an attractive town by integrating new and existing neighbourhoods with easy access for pedestrians and cyclists linking to exemplary public transport facilities and services. It has an important role in integrating new development with the existing town through sustainable connections and enhancements to key routes in and around the town. By creating an attractive place to live, work and visit the STS will enhance Bicester’s reputation as a place to invest and develop new neighbourhoods innovatively and sustainably. The proposed improvements to the peripheral routes form an essential part of the strategy by removing some of the vehicular through traffic from the town centre and providing the opportunity to integrate the existing and new development with sustainable transport connections.

The STS has informed policy documents and proposals such as the LTP4 Bicester Area Strategy and will continue to do so. By endorsing  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

Report of the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Purpose of report

The purpose of this report is to seek a recommendation to Full Council to ‘make’, i.e. to adopt, the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP) following the holding of a successful referendum in Hook Norton Parish on 3 September 2015.  There was a majority vote in favour of adopting the neighbourhood plan so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for Cherwell District Council under the provisions of Section 38A (4) and (6) the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as amended by the Localism Act 2011. 

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To note the referendum result of the 3 September 2015 where 97% of those who voted were in favour of the Plan which is above the required 50%.

1.2       To recommend to Full Council to resolve that Cherwell District Council as local planning authority ‘make’ the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan (appendix 3 to this report) part of the statutory development plan for the District.

1.3       To recommend to Full Council to resolve to approve the issuing and publication of a decision statement, under regulation 19 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, that Cherwell District Council has resolved to make the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan.

1.4       To recommend to Full Council to resolve to delegate to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy the correction of any  spelling, grammatical or typographical errors, and the undertaking of any minor presentational improvements, prior to the Plan being adopted and published by Council.

Resolved

(1)          That the referendum result of 3September 2015, where 97% of those who voted were in favour of the Plan which is above the required 50%, be noted.

(2)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve that Cherwell District Council as local planning authority ‘make’ the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the District.

(3)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve to approve the issuing and publication of a decision statement, under regulation 19 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, that Cherwell District Council has resolved to make the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan.

(4)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve to delegate to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy the correction of any  spelling, grammatical or typographical errors, and the undertaking of any minor presentational improvements, prior to the Plan being adopted and published by Council.

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought a recommendation to Full Council to ‘make’, i.e. to adopt, the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan (HNNP) following the holding of a successful referendum in Hook Norton Parish on 3 September 2015. There was a majority vote in favour of adopting the neighbourhood plan so that it becomes part of the statutory development plan for Cherwell District Council under the provisions of Section 38A (4) and (6) the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 as amended by the Localism Act 2011. 

Executive commended Hook Norton Parish Council and the local community for their hard work in progressing the plan.

Resolved

(1)          That the referendum result of 3September 2015, where 97% of those who voted were in favour of the Plan which is above the required 50%, be noted.

(2)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve that Cherwell District Council as local planning authority ‘make’ the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the District.

(3)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve to approve the issuing and publication of a decision statement, under regulation 19 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012, that Cherwell District Council has resolved to make the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Plan.

(4)          That Full Council be recommended to resolve to delegate to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy the correction of any  spelling, grammatical or typographical errors, and the undertaking of any minor presentational improvements, prior to the Plan being adopted and published by Council.

Reasons

This the first neighbourhood plan in Cherwell District to reach the referendum stage and the making of the plan is the final formal stage of the process of becoming part of the statutory development plan. The preparation of the HNNP has provided a better understanding and knowledge of the process which will help in progressing future neighbourhood plans in the District. The efforts and success of Hook Norton Parish Council and the local community in progressing the Plan is acknowledged by officers.

Local planning authorities are required by statute to ‘make’ any neighbourhood plan if more than half of those voting in the referendum vote in favour of the plan. Of those eligible to vote, 568 voted in favour of the Plan with 16 against. This represents a turnout of 34.8% of those eligible to vote in the Parish and gives a majority vote of 97.2%.

The Executive are recommended to resolve that the Hook Norton Neighbourhood Development Plan be ‘made’ by Council and that the associated statutory and administrative steps are undertaken

Alternative options

Where a referendum poll results in more than half of those eligible to vote voting in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan, the local planning authority must ‘make’ the Plan as part of the statutory development plan. There are no alternative options available unless the making of the plan would breach, or would otherwise be incompatible with, any EU obligation or any of the Convention rights  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Purpose of report

To set out the Budget Process for 2016/17, approve the 2016/17 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers.

To present the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP).

To consider the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended to:

 1.1        Note the updated MTRP for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21.

1.2         Endorse the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process set out in the report.

1.3         Consider and agree the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (Appendices 1 and 2).

1.4         Agree to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and delegate authority to the Director of Resources in consultation with the lead member for Financial Management to make the final decision on the scheme.

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

(4)          That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to make the final decision on the scheme.

The Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report to set out the Budget Process for 2016/17, approve the 2016/17 Budget Strategy and agree the budget guidelines for issue to service managers. The report also presented the most recent Medium Term Revenue Plan (MTRP) and sought consideration of the Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17.

Resolved

(1)          That the updated Medium Term Revenue Plan for the Council’s revenue budget for 2016/17 to 2020-21 be noted.

(2)          That the overall 2016/17 budget strategy and service and financial planning process be endorsed.

(3)          That the proposed budget guidelines and timetable for 2016/17 (annexes to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be agreed.

(4)          That agreement be given to consult on the retention of the current Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) for 2016/17 and authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to make the final decision on the scheme.

Reasons

The Council needs to set guidelines and a timetable for the preparation of draft estimates for 2016/17. These guidelines should support the objectives contained in the Council’s Business Plan, Service Plans and enable an update to the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

From April 2013 Council Tax Benefit was abolished and replaced with a local Council Tax Reduction Scheme. Members are now required to agree, for consultation purposes, a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the 2016-2017 financial year.

Alternative options

Option 1: To disagree with the recommendations. This is rejected as it will unnecessarily delay the formulation of the detailed budget for 2016/17.

Report of Director of Resources

Purpose of report

To seek approval in principle for the Council to participate in a business rates pool for 2016-2017.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To endorse the principle to join a business rates pool for participating authorities in Oxfordshire, noting the risks and benefits outlined in the report.

1.2       To approve ‘in principle’ the Council’s participation in a pool for the 2016-2017 financial year.

1.3       To grant delegated authority to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to conclude necessary due diligence and confirm the Council’s final intention on whether or not to participate in a Oxfordshire business rates pool (however constituted) for 2016-2017 by 31 October 2015.

Resolved

(1)          That the principle to join a business rates pool for participating authorities in Oxfordshire, noting the risks and benefits, be endorsed.

(2)          That the Council’s participation in a pool for the 2016-2017 financial year be approved ‘in principle’.

(3)          That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to conclude necessary due diligence and confirm the Council’s final intention on whether or not to participate in a Oxfordshire business rates pool (however constituted) for 2016-2017 by 31 October 2015.

The Director of Resources submitted a report which sought approval in principle for the Council to participate in a business rates pool for 2016-2017.

Resolved

(1)          That the principle to join a business rates pool for participating authorities in Oxfordshire, noting the risks and benefits, be endorsed.

(2)          That the Council’s participation in a pool for the 2016-2017 financial year be approved ‘in principle’.

(3)          That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management, to conclude necessary due diligence and confirm the Council’s final intention on whether or not to participate in a Oxfordshire business rates pool (however constituted) for 2016-2017 by 31 October 2015.

Reasons

For the reasons set out in section 3 of the report it appears likely that the Council’s financial interests will best be maximised by participating in a pooling arrangement. Given the 31 October deadline for confirming the Council’s position and due to the fact that we are still modelling financial scenarios and discussing matters with other local authorities across the County it is necessary and appropriate to grant delegated authority to determine this to the Director of Resources in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Management.

Alternative options

Option 1: To not approve the recommendations set out above. Based on current guidance this is not an option as we need to make a decision on whether or not to pool by 31 October 2015.

Report of Chief Executive

Purpose of report

To advise Members of the recent proposal which set out the areas for devolution that Oxfordshire authorities are interested in exploring further with central government.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To note the report.

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

The Chief Executive submitted a report to advise Members of the recent proposal which set out the areas for devolution that Oxfordshire authorities are interested in exploring further with central government.

Resolved

(1)          That the report be noted.

Reasons

This report is to draw Members attention to the recently submitted expression of interest in respect to a Devolution deal for Oxfordshire.

Alternative options

Not applicable. This report is for noting only.

The following report contains exempt information as defined in the following paragraphs of Part 1, Schedule 12A of Local Government Act 1972.

1 – Information relating to any individual

2 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual

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

5 – Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings

Members are reminded that whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the meeting to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public. In making the decision, members should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to the information. In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

No representations have been received from the public requesting that this item be considered in public.

Should Members decide not to make a decision in public, they are recommended to pass the following recommendation:

“That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.”

Resolved

That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the ground that, if the public and press were present, it would be likely that exempt information falling under the provisions of Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 5 would be disclosed to them, and that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved

(1)          That the exempt appendix be noted.

Exempt Report of Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Resolved

(1)          That the final business case and the consultation responses in relation to non-staffing matters be noted.

(2)          That it be noted that the business case was agreed by the Joint Commissioning Committee with regard to staffing matters on 1 October 2015.

(3)          That the final business case to share a joint Transport Resource between Cherwell District Council (CDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC), subject to similar consideration and approval by SNC Cabinet and following approval of the staffing implications by the Joint Commissioning Committee, be approved and implemented.

(4)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy in consultation with the Leader of the Council to make any non-significant amendment that may be required to the business case following the decision by SNC Cabinet and/or the Joint Commissioning Committee.

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted an exempt report which presented the final business case, following consultation, for a Joint Transport Resource across Cherwell District Council (CDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) and sought approval of the non-staffing elements of the business case.

The proposal was part of the wider transformation programme across the two Councils.

Resolved

(1)          That the final business case and the consultation responses in relation to non-staffing matters be noted.

(2)          That it be noted that the business case was agreed by the Joint Commissioning Committee with regard to staffing matters on 1 October 2015.

(3)          That the final business case to share a joint Transport Resource between Cherwell District Council (CDC) and South Northamptonshire Council (SNC), subject to similar consideration and approval by SNC Cabinet and following approval of the staffing implications by the Joint Commissioning Committee, be approved and implemented.

(4)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy in consultation with the Leader of the Council to make any non-significant amendment that may be required to the business case following the decision by SNC Cabinet and/or the Joint Commissioning Committee.

Reasons

The business case represents another milestone in the revised transformation programme across CDC and SNC. The proposal does represent a reduction in capacity for SNC, but is considered a cost effective way for SNC to retain and for CDC to gain access to a specialist transport function through a shared resource.

The proposal is considered a cost effective way for CDC to gain access to and for SNC to retain a specialist transport function through a shared resource.

Alternative options

As set out in the exempt minutes

Exempt Report of Head of Regeneration and Housing

Resolved

(1)          That Full Council be recommended to approve of the creation of a Local Housing Company, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Community Benefit Society, HMRC as an exempt charity and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) as a registered provider. 

(2)          That Full Council be recommended to approve the sale of existing affordable housing assets (both completed and occupied and in development) as itemised in the exempt annex (as set out in the Minute Book) at existing market value as certified by an independent valuer to the Local Housing Company (once incorporated and registered with the FCA and the HCA) and it be noted that any proposed future disposals of Council owned assets to the Local Housing Company will form the subject of future reports to Executive or full Council as appropriate.

(3)          That Full Council be  recommended to approve the lending of finance from the Council to the Local Housing Company as long as this is viable for both the Local Housing Company and the Council and is within the Council’s peak borrowing limits and the legal requirements relating to the prohibition of unlawful State Aid.

(4)          That Full Council be recommended to approve the Council undertaking a key financial role in the Local Housing Company subject to such role complying with the legal requirements in relation to the prohibition of unlawful State Aid, in particular:

·         Through the provision of loan finance on a formal loan arrangement with the Council

·         Through providing a contingent guarantee for external finance and lease arrangements

(5)          That Full Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to approve the business plan of the Local Housing Company and to appoint Council Directors to the Board of the Local Housing Company (if incorporated and registered with the FCA and the HCA) including such future appointments as are necessary to fill vacancies that might arise.

(6)          That Full Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Head of Regeneration and Housing, in consultation with:

·         The Leader of the Council

·         The Lead Member for Housing

·         The Lead Member for Estates and the Economy

·         The Lead Member for Financial Management

·         The Director of Resources

·         The Director of Development

·         The Head of Finance and Procurement

·         The Head of Law and Governance

to take the necessary operational, legal and financial steps to ensure effective implementation of the above, including the naming of the Local Housing Company and its subsidiary, subject to there being no conflict of interest arising for the Head of Regeneration and Housing between the Council and the Local Housing Company in respect of any actions to be taken following the Company’s incorporation and registration with the FCA and HCA.

The Head of Regeneration and Housing submitted an exempt report which sought approval for a recommendation to Council to create a Local Housing Company as a vehicle to develop, own and manage affordable housing assets and ancillary activities including existing housing assets in the Council’s ownership, both built (and occupied) and in development. 

Resolved

(1)          That Full Council be recommended to approve of the creation of a Local Housing Company, registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Community Benefit Society, HMRC as an exempt charity and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) as a registered provider. 

(2)          That Full Council be recommended to approve the sale of existing affordable housing assets (both completed and occupied and in development) as itemised in the exempt annex (as set out in the Minute Book) at existing market value as certified by an independent valuer to the Local Housing Company (once incorporated and registered with the FCA and the HCA) and it be noted that any proposed future disposals of Council owned assets to the Local Housing Company will form the subject of future reports to Executive or full Council as appropriate.

(3)          That Full Council be  recommended to approve the lending of finance from the Council to the Local Housing Company as long as this is viable for both the Local Housing Company and the Council and is within the Council’s peak borrowing limits and the legal requirements relating to the prohibition of unlawful State Aid.

(4)          That Full Council be recommended to approve the Council undertaking a key financial role in the Local Housing Company subject to such role complying with the legal requirements in relation to the prohibition of unlawful State Aid, in particular:

·         Through the provision of loan finance on a formal loan arrangement with the Council

·         Through providing a contingent guarantee for external finance and lease arrangements

(5)          That Full Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Director of Resources, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to approve the business plan of the Local Housing Company and to appoint Council Directors to the Board of the Local Housing Company (if incorporated and registered with the FCA and the HCA) including such future appointments as are necessary to fill vacancies that might arise.

(6)          That Full Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Head of Regeneration and Housing, in consultation with:

·         The Leader of the Council

·         The Lead Member for Housing

·         The Lead Member for Estates and the Economy

·         The Lead Member for Financial Management

·         The Director of Resources

·         The Director of Development

·         The Head of Finance and Procurement

·         The Head of Law and Governance

to take the necessary operational, legal and financial steps to ensure effective implementation of the above, including the naming of the Local Housing Company and its subsidiary, subject to there being no conflict of interest arising for the Head of Regeneration and Housing between the Council and the Local Housing Company in respect of any actions to be taken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

Exempt Report of Head of Regeneration and Housing

(Please note that the exempt appendix to this report is the same as exempt appendix 2 to exempt agenda item 18 and has therefore not been attached separately to this report)

Resolved

(1)          As set out in the exempt decisions.

(2)          That approval be given for Officers to facilitate negotiations between Graven Hill Development Company and the Local Housing Company (if approved, incorporated and registered as set out above) for the Local Housing Company to be the designated Registered Provider for the affordable housing at Graven Hill, subject to approval from both of the companies’ boards.

(3)          As set out in the exempt decisions.

(4)          That it be noted that the Council’s application for EU funding (to undertake a Research and Development (R & D) project for 7 prototype system houses) is through to the final stage and as such give approval for       

a)    The following Council owned sites to be made available (as part of match funding:

·         A single unit plot in Lincoln Close, Banbury;

·         A two unit plot in Angus Close Banbury;

·         Land to the rear of Orchard Way for four apartments.  

b)    The funding already allocated for the redevelopment of Orchard Way (external area) to be identified as capital match funding;  

c)    The schemes to proceed if funding is awarded.

The Head of Regeneration and Housing submitted an exempt report to request approval to acquire land and proceed with a bid for EU funding.

Resolved

(1)          As set out in the exempt minutes.

(2)          That approval be given for Officers to facilitate negotiations between Graven Hill Development Company and the Local Housing Company (if approved, incorporated and registered as set out above) for the Local Housing Company to be the designated Registered Provider for the affordable housing at Graven Hill, subject to approval from both of the companies’ boards.

(3)          As set out in the exempt minutes.

(4)          That it be noted that the Council’s application for EU funding (to undertake a Research and Development (R & D) project for 7 prototype system houses) is through to the final stage and as such give approval for       

a)    The following Council owned sites to be made available (as part of match funding:

·         A single unit plot in Lincoln Close, Banbury;

·         A two unit plot in Angus Close Banbury;

·         Land to the rear of Orchard Way for four apartments.  

b)    The funding already allocated for the redevelopment of Orchard Way (external area) to be identified as capital match funding;  

c)    The schemes to proceed if funding is awarded.

Reasons

As set out in the exempt minutes.

Alternative options

As set out in the exempt minutes.