Agenda and decisions

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 15th October 2024.

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

To receive a report proposing the implementation of additional Council Tax Premiums in relation to unoccupied properties across the District.

Executive Councillor: S Ferguson.

 The Cabinet has recommended that Council:

a)  amends the existing empty homes premium to charge the additional 100% Council Tax premium after one year of the conditions being met, rather than the current two years, with effect from 1^st April 2026;

b)  approves the introduction of a second homes premium of 100% with effect from 1st April 2026;

c)  provides delegated authority for the Section 151 Officer, in conjunction with the Executive Councillor for Resident Services and Corporate Performance, to adopt a policy setting out exceptions to the premiums in line with any regulations or guidance issued by Central Government, and to make subsequent updates to the policy as and when required; and

d)  agrees that an update of the numbers of the properties falling under the scheme be reported back to the democratic cycle once the new policy has been in place for 12 months.

To receive an update on performance of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.

Executive Councillor: S Ferguson.

The Cabinet has endorsed the recommendation to Council that the scheme principles for 2025/26 remain unchanged, ensuring that the scheme continues  to deliver support to low income households across the District in line with the Corporate Priority to improve the quality of life for local people.

To receive a report seeking approval to proceed with the project to install Solar PV panels at various One Leisure sites.

Executive Councillor: B Pitt.

The Cabinet has

(a)  approved the project to be funded by the use of reserves, and the project to be added to the Council’s capital programme to be delivered across the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years; and

(b)  delegated the Corporate Director - Finance & Corporate Resources (Section 151), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Finance & Resources to make any consequential amendments to budgets and release of necessary funds to deliver the project.

To brief Members on progress with the Corporate Plan actions/projects and the results and forecasts for operational performance measures as at the end of Quarter 2.

Executive Councillors: S Ferguson & L Davenport-Ray.

The Cabinet has considered and commented on progress and performance during Quarter 2, as summarised in the Corporate Performance Report attached and detailed in Appendices A and B of the report now submitted.

To receive a report presenting details of the Council’s financial performance for 2024/25.

Executive Councillor: B Mickelburgh.

The Cabinet has

(a)  considered and commented on the revenue financial performance for the financial year 2024/25 quarter 2, as detailed in Appendix 1 and summarised in paragraph 3.2 of the report now submitted;

(b)  considered and commented on the capital financial performance for 2024/25 quarter 2, as detailed in Appendix 2 and summarised in paragraph 3.3 of the report now submitted; and

(c)  referred the proposed contribution to the Community Wealth Fund on to Full Council on 11th December 2024.

To receive an update on the Council’s treasury management activity for the first 6 months of the year, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance.

Executive Councillor: B Mickelburgh.

The Cabinet has

(a)  noted the treasury management performance included in the Treasury Management 6 Month Performance Review, for the first 6 months of 2024/25; and

(b)  recommended the report to Council for consideration.