Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 19th March, 2024.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th March 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, other registerable and non-registerable interests in relation to any Agenda item. See Notes below.

Councillor T D Sanderson declared a registerable interest under Minute No 85 (8) and by virtue of his membership of Huntingdon Town Council. He left the room during the discussion on this item.

Councillor S Wakeford declared a registerable interest under Minute No 85 (8) and by virtue of him being a Ward Member for Huntingdon North. He left the room during the discussion on this item.

Councillor S L Taylor declared a registerable interest under Minute No 85 (4) and by virtue of her being a Member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority. She left the room during the discussion on this item.

Councillor B M Pitt declared a registerable interest under Minute Nos 85 (4) by virtue of his membership of St Neots Town Council. He left the room during the discussion on this item.

To consider a report by the Housing Needs and Resources Manager on the Council’s Supporting Residents – Domestic Abuse Policy.

Executive Councillor: S Ferguson

The Cabinet has approved the Supporting Residents - Domestic Abuse Policy.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Council’s Housing Needs & Resources Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet received a report inviting consideration of those recommendations regarding the Council’s Supporting Residents – Domestic Abuse Policy.

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Executive Councillor for Customer Services reported that Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is committed to ensuring that all residents experiencing domestic abuse are responded to in an appropriate and sensitive manner and that staff act in a believing, non-judgemental way. This policy sets out the level of service that HDC aims to provide. At all times it is the organisation’s intention to increase victim safety, housing security and hold perpetrators to account for their harm. It also aims to improve staff confidence in identifying and dealing with domestic abuse and links to the internal looking Domestic Abuse Staff Support Policy which covers how the Council support staff who may be affected by domestic abuse. The staff policy has recently been adopted through the Employment Committee.

The Cabinet noted that for the purposes of this policy: (i) the statutory definition of abuse applies and incorporates behaviours of violence as well as other forms of abuse, including economic abuse and coercive control; and (ii) both policies have been developed following good practice from the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA), the leading specialist domestic abuse organisation supporting Councils and housing providers to improve their response to domestic abuse.

Members were pleased to observe that HDC already responds to residents experiencing domestic abuse in many types of situations. The most common of these is where a resident requires advice and assistance regarding their housing rights and options when wanting to leave an abusive relationship, although this is not the only type of situation. The Policy explains how HDC will treat all reports of domestic abuse with respect, sympathy and confidentiality and will listen to the needs and wishes of the victim in agreeing an appropriate course of action. It was noted that the safety and security of those experiencing domestic abuse will always be the paramount consideration.

Cabinet observed that the Policy also explains how HDC will ensure that residents are linked into specialist support providers where necessary and how HDC works with a range of other agencies to ensure that victims are fully supported. It was noted that this multi-agency network also extended to collaborative working to manage certain perpetrators and the risks that they may pose.

Members were informed that as HDC has joined the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) it is supported in improving the response to domestic abuse, through a membership model, accreditation framework and training packages. It was noted that the DAHA framework and model of response to domestic abuse is nationally recognised as best practice, through the Domestic Abuse Act Statutory Guidance 2022, and is endorsed by the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England & Wales. It was noted that this Policy before Members follows the DAHA good practice model,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To consider a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager providing an update on the programme of activity funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) in Huntingdonshire.

Executive Councillor: S Wakeford

The Cabinet received and noted the progress on the projects within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) programme that support the delivery of the best outcomes for residents, businesses, and the District.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager the Cabinet received an update (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) that provided details on the programme of activity funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) in Huntingdonshire.

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy, and Housing reported that the UKSPF and REPF supported the delivery of HDC priorities and in alignment with other external funding streams maximised the opportunities to deliver the best outcomes for residents, businesses, and district.

Cabinet observed that the UKSPF and REPF is a central pillar of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda that will provide HDC with a total of £2.71billion of new funding for local investment by March 2025. All areas of the UK received an allocation from the fund via a formula. The UKSPF fund enables areas to target funding where it is needed most; building pride in place, supporting high quality skills training, supporting pay, employment, and productivity growth, and achieving improved life chances, this it was noted is structured into three pillars: (1) Communities and Place, (2) Supporting Local Businesses, and (3) People and Skills.

Members noted that (A) Huntingdonshire had received an allocation of £1,878,645.43 UKSPF after a fixed 4% programme administration was removed, this 4% was shared equally between the Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA). In addition, a further £304,749.89 was set aside to support Cambridgeshire wide activity; and (B) REPF funding is administered through the CPCA with Huntingdonshire’s allocation totalling £957,788.00, this is capital funding only. The REPF is different to the UKSPF allocation in that match funding is required via an intervention rate for each business or organisation in receipt of REPF.

Members attention was drawn to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel in particular it was noted that: following an enquiry from (i) Councillor Gardener on the progress and implementation of the Electrical Vehicle Charging Scheme, it was noted that the Panel had been informed that whilst there were updates on project deliveries within the Appendix to the report, the Electrical Vehicle Strategy was still in the implementation process but that progress would be reported back to the Panel in due course; and (ii) Councillor Jennings enquired how the team would be managing the success of projects where the measure was stated to improve perception. Following which the Panel had been assured that work was underway on how to better demonstrate and articulate project success and that this measure would be developed into a more tangible measure and that this would be further elaborated in a future report.

In conclusion after careful consideration of the report the Chair Moved and Cabinet:

RESOLVED

To note the progress on the projects within the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) programme that supported the delivery of the best outcomes for residents, businesses, and the District.

To consider a report by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager on an update of activity across all strands of the Market Towns Programme.

Executive Councillor: Cllr Sam Wakeford

The Cabinet has received and noted the contents of the report that provided an update on progress within the Market Towns Programme.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Regeneration and Housing Delivery Manager the Cabinet received an update (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) that provided details on the 2023/2024 Q4 update on the Market Towns Programme (MTP).

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Jobs, Economy, and Housing reported that the MTP is an ambitious programme of economic led interventions to renew and reshape our town centres and high streets in a way that promotes growth, improves experiences, and ensures sustainability in the future.

It was noted that the MTP is funded through a combination of external funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities (DLUHC), Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and National Highways.

As a result of discussions on the report Cabinet noted that (1) the Digital Information Screen project has now been extended to all Market Towns (Ramsey, St Ives, St Neots and Huntingdon); and (2) the Council has completed a procurement process and awarded a contract for delivery to the supplier Trueform. HDC are now working closely with Town Council partners and others including Huntingdon BID to plan the deployment of the Digital screens. This work will include confirming the information with partners that will be provided via the screens alongside the overall branding and messaging specific to each location.

Members attention was then drawn to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel, in particular the response to (A) an enquiry from Councillor Pickering, it was noted that the planning application for the Priory Centre was primarily the same as the application presented during the public engagement events but had some amendments to reflect comments received during the engagement events. It was also noted that the Panel heard that the application had been submitted and a link to the application on the portal would be circulated once the application became live. Finally, it had been confirmed that the application allowed for a scope of budget scenarios depending on the funding available once the project was underway; and (B) a question from Councillor Cawley, it was noted that the Shop Fronts Grant Scheme was currently only available to shops within the four market towns due to restrictions within the funding streams, however alternatives were being investigated to allow a similar scheme to be developed for Key Service Areas within the district.

In conclusion after consideration of the report the Chair Moved and Cabinet:

RESOLVED

To note the progress within the Market Towns Programme.

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer on infrastructure projects seeking funding in whole or in part from an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson

The Cabinet has

a) Noted the updates on delivery in relation to the projects previously allocated or in receipt of CIL funding commitments (see Appendix 1);

b) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.2 to DECLINE funding for Hilton Pavilion;

c) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.3 to APPROVE funding for Sawtry Pavilion;

d) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.4 to DECLINE funding for The Guardroom community hub, Bury;

e) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.5 to DECLINE funding for St Neots Community Fire Station Modernisation and Extension Project;

f) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.6 to DECLINE funding for Sports Provision, Abbey College, Ramsey;

g) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.7 to DECLINE funding for Folksworth Multi Use Games Area (MUGA);

h) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.8 to DECLINE funding for a new workshop with storage for Warboys New Parish Centre;

i) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.9 to DECLINE funding for King George V Pavilion works, Huntingdon;

j) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.10 to DECLINE funding for an extension to a footpath in Colne;

k) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.11 to APPROVE funding for a Community Centre Extension, Ramsey; and

l) Agreed officer recommendations at Paragraph 4.12 to DECLINE funding for MAGPAS internal re-fit and purchase of an aviation tank.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet received a report inviting consideration of those recommendations relating to infrastructure projects seeking funding in whole or in part from an amount of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) monies received to date. 

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Planning Councillor T. Sanderson reported that Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) must spend the levy on infrastructure needed to support the development of the district that helps to deliver across the priorities in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2023 - 2028 specifically Creating a better Huntingdonshire for future generations by improved housing and forward-thinking economic growth e.g. influencing delivery of infrastructure including East West Rail, A428, A141 Strategic Outline Business Case and future Transport Strategies.

Cabinet noted that the latest funding round was launched on 27th November 2023 with a closing date of 22nd January 2024. Bids received within that round for CIL funding towards infrastructure projects have been assessed by officers to reach the recommendations within this report. The outcomes of this round do not preclude applicants from submitting future applications to future rounds, and they will be considered against the adopted criteria at the time of determination.

Cabinet was advised that a review of CIL governance is underway and anticipated to be presented to Cabinet in the summer of 2024. Subsequent to the adoption, a communication strategy will be developed, ensuring that all Partners, Towns/Parish Councils are aware of the new process.

The Executive Leader, Councillor S J Conboy then advised the Cabinet that the intention tonight was for a detailed discussion and vote on each individual recommendation instead of considering and voting on en-bloc the recommendation as this would ensure that that for complete transparency so that the applicants would be able to see that their application gets a fair hearing. In addition, to ensure openness and transparency during tonight’s meeting where Members of the Cabinet have an interest in a particular recommendation they should consider if their continued presence is incompatible with the Council’s code of conduct and if appropriate disclose that interests and withdraw from the meeting during the consideration of that particular recommendation.

Members attention was drawn to the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel in particular Councillor Corney regarding why so many applications had been unsuccessful in the funding round, the Panel were advised that applications need to demonstrate the need for growth within their community. It was observed that during previous funding rounds, the Parish Forum had provided the opportunity for preliminary discussions on applications and that work would be undertaken to ensure applicants were educated about the requirements for a successful application and that applicants, upon submitting their application, should receive a confirmation confirming the submission.

Councillor Harvey had enquired about the review of the CIL process which had been discussed at a previous meeting of the Panel and why funding was ongoing during that process. The Panel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

To receive a feedback report from the Chief Executive detailing the LGA Governance Peer Challenge Feedback Report.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy

The Cabinet has

(a)  received the LGA Governance Peer Challenge report, Appendix 1 and noted the recommendations; and

(b)  noted Appendix 2, that provided an update on progress against all the proposed recommendations.

With the aid of a report prepared by the  Chief Executive Members (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) Members were reminded that HDC had invited the Local Government Association (LGA) to undertake an Audit Peer Challenge in March 2023.

By way of background the Executive Councillor for Customer Services reported that the Peers had made a number of recommendations during the review and an Action Plan had been developed to address these points.

It was noted that there is an expectation the LGA peer review team will return to HDC so as to assess progress on recommendations within six months. Following the appointment of the new Chief Executive and growing national interest in local government governance, audit and risk, the Council had invited the Peer Review team to return to assess progress and provide independent advice on questions posed by the Corporate Government Committee and to consider any new recommendations that should be implemented.

The Peer team had (1) returned on the 28th of February 2024, having reviewed a number of documents prior to their arrival and whilst on site, they had gathered more information from twelve meetings; during which they met with twenty-seven people, which included a range of elected Members and Officers, and (2) made five recommendations; the first concentrating on progress of the initial seventeen recommendations from the March 2023 visit, and the remaining four were new, having regard to wider corporate governance aspects.

Members noted that (a) there is a requirement to publish the LGA Governance Peer Challenge report within 12 weeks of receipt and HDC  would do this in any event to promote transparency and good practice may be found at Appendix 1 and the recommendations as set out within pages 6 and 7 of the report (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), and (b) the report will be presented to the Corporate Governance Committee on 18th April 2024 and thereafter will oversee the progress against all recommendations. The report will also be presented to Council on 22nd May 2024.

It was noted that the peer team provided helpful insight and suggestions which has enabled officers to reinvigorate progress against the remaining 8 outstanding recommendations. As detailed in Appendix 2 provided updates against those recommendations and also referenced the new recommendations.

Cabinet was informed that one of the main issues raised by the peer team related to the Council’s internal capacity to deliver, particularly around risk and internal audit.

Members were pleased to note that the s.151 Officer (i) has identified where additional capacity can be used to support the risk management function and will be recruiting temporary support for an initial period of 9 months. Furthermore, as the annual audit plan is finalised, additional support will be obtained from Binder Djker Otte (BDO), who have also been commissioned to undertake the External Quality Assessment; (ii) is also progressing capacity issues within the procurement function of the Council. Whilst this had not been specifically referenced within any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86.

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 consider a report by the General Manager Operational on the Material Recovery Facility Contract Procurement

Executive Councillor: S Taylor

The Cabinet approved the recommendations as contained within the exempt report now submitted.

The Cabinet gave consideration to an exempt report (a copy of which is appended in the Annex to the Minute Book) which provided an update to Cabinet on the progress made to date with the procurement of the new MRF contract.

Having received an update from the Executive Councillor for Executive District Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene who responded to a number of questions raised and in noting the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), the Cabinet

RESOLVED

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

To consider a report by the Assistant Director Strategic Insight & Delivery and Operations Manager on the Civil Parking Enforcement – Agency Agreement Report.

Executive Councillor: S Taylor

The Cabinet agreed the recommendations as contained within the exempt report now submitted.

The Cabinet gave consideration to an exempt report (a copy of which is appended in the Annex to the Minute Book) which provided an update to Cabinet on the Civil Parking Enforcement – Agency Agreement Report.

Having received an update from the Executive Councillor for Executive District Councillor for Leisure, Waste and Street Scene who responded to a number of questions raised and in noting the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), the Cabinet

RESOLVED

to agree the recommendations as contained within the exempt report now submitted.