Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 21st March 2019.

Subject to the substitution of the name “Mead to “Keane” in the attendance column, the Minutes of the meeting held on 21st March 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

No declarations were received.

To receive a report from the Head of Development on the Alconbury Enterprise Zone National Non-Domestic Rate Receipts.

Executive Councillor: R Fuller.

The Cabinet:

§  Agreed the principles of the share of the National Non-Domestic Rates above the set baseline value from the Alconbury Weald Enterprise Zone (EZ) between HDC and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Business Board) as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report now submitted; and

§  Agreed that delegation to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding on the above basis be given to the Head of Development in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning and Economic Development.

Consideration was given to a report prepared by the Head of Development (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking agreement to the proposed split of National Non-Domestic Rates receipts above the set baseline value from the Alconbury Weald Enterprise Zone.

In introducing the item, the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning and Economic Development drew Members’ attention to the agreement which had been reached in relation to the split of business rate growth funding. It was encouraging to note that 60% would be invested within Huntingdonshire with 40% of funding falling within the direct control of the District Council.  

In noting the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that the principles of the share of the National Non-Domestic Rates above the set baseline value from the Alconbury Weald Enterprise Zone between HDC and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Business Board) as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report now submitted be approved; and

(b)  that delegation to finalise the Memorandum of Understanding on the basis of (a) above be given to the Head of Development in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Housing, Planning and Economic Development. 

To receive the Minutes of the meeting of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group held on 4th April 2019.

Executive Councillor: J M Palmer.

The draft Minutes of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group meeting held on 4th April 2019 were received and noted.

To resolve:

  that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).  

RESOLVED

  that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

To receive a report from the Head of Leisure and Health.

Executive Councillor: J M Palmer.

Cabinet approved the recommendations contained within the exempt report and added the words “subject to review by Cabinet if requested by the Executive Councillor for Partnerships and Wellbeing and the Executive Leader” after the word “facility” in the third line of the second recommendation.

The Cabinet received and noted a report by the Head of Leisure and Health (a copy of which is appended in the Annex to the Minute Book) seeking approval of a project principle in relation to the operational management of One Leisure, Sawtry. A request was made for Executive Members to be provided with an opportunity to review matters in the event of protracted negotiations. In receiving the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Customers and Partnerships), it was

RESOLVED

(a)  that the words “subject to review by Cabinet if requested by the Executive Councillor for Partnerships and Wellbeing and the Executive Leader” be added after the word “facility” in the third line of the second recommendation; and

(b)  that subject to (a) above, the recommendations contained within the exempt report now submitted be approved.

To receive a report from the Head of Resources.

Executive Councillor: J A Gray.

Cabinet approved the recommendations contained within the exempt report.

Due to the reasons as contained within the exempt report and an imminent decision being required, having obtained the agreement of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), an item of business was considered under the Special Urgency Provisions - Section 16 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council’s Constitution, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Cabinet gave consideration to an exempt report by the Head of Resources (a copy of which is appended in the Annex to the Minute Book) regarding the purchase of a Commercial Investment Strategy asset, as detailed within the submitted report.

The Cabinet fully debated the matter and were satisfied with responses provided by the Head of Resources and the Interim Commercial Estates Manager. Whereupon having commented on the risks and mitigations, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

to approve the recommendations as contained within the submitted exempt report.