Meeting Details

The Chair

Councillor Mark Packard had taken a place on the Cycling, Walking and Wheeling Working Group.

Cabinet Members

There were no announcements from Cabinet Members.

Councillor Deacon, the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced the report which related to the outcome of a "Call-In" - Parking Fees and Charges 2025 / 26 (Cabinet report ES-2213) Report of Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 30 January 2025. Councillor Deacon outlined the role of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in ‘Calling-in’ a decision.

The four effected coastal towns were invited to represent their respective local areas. Aldeburgh and Felixstowe Town Council were also represented. The views of Councillors Byatt, Folley and Smithson were also heard. 

The Committee had recognised the need to increase charges, however, were concerned regarding the high percentage increase, the duration the seasonal charges would be in operation, the impact of the charges on Felixstowe if all the car parks outlined were included in the seasonal charged. The Committee were also concerned about the lack of consultation regarding the decision.

The concerns led to the Committee making several recommendations which were detailed in the report, Councillor Deacon clarified two points in the report:

Firstly, that the provisional figures given by Officers on the night in response to questions regarding the costs of the changes had been reviewed and updated, the figures in the report are correct.

Secondly, in relation to recommendation 2 – the amendment of the seasonal charges tariffs – it should be  

4 hours – from £8 to £6 per session not hour, and  

10 hours – from £10 to £8 per session not hour

The Committee was also pleased to receive a commitment from Councillor Wilson to take forward and explore several matters and suggestions raised during the meeting.

Councillor Deacon suggested that consideration be given to, in future, the Fees and Charges being put before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with the rest of the budget papers the Committee could have an oversight of them.

Councillor Deacon thanked the guest speakers who participated, as well as Councillors’ Wilson and Langdon-Morris for the positive way they approached the process, and the various teams of officers that provided support.

Councillor Wilson thanked members for their input on the proposed decision. There had been a huge amount of scrutiny on the proposed increases to car parking charges both internal and external.

The impact to the budget was £450,000 which had been considered acceptable. There would be adjustments made to other areas of activity, which included the planned investment to new signage, payment machines and EV charging points. Councillor Wilson also highlighted that there had been a projected decrease to usage of some of the car parks.

Councillor Beavan commented that he was concerned regarding the loss of income and the potential impact on the Council’s strategic goals as a result. The Councillor also added that tourists would stay in the area regardless of seasonal accommodation charges and felt the same would be applicable to car parking charges.

Councillor Langdon-Morris added that car parking would be looked at on an annual basis going forward. Councillor Langdon-Morris referenced a point made by Councillor Gooch during the Overview and Scrutiny meeting which concerned innovation and believed there was a need to innovate when it came to aspects of service delivery, which could include the consideration of available digital systems.

Councillor Daly commented on other areas introducing tourism taxes and how the council consider options which would have a neutral financial impact on residents, but capture income possibilities – such as from tourists visiting East Suffolk.

Councillor Candy thanked Councillor Wilson for all of the work completed on the process with Councillor Langdon-Morris. The Councillor considered the impact on local residents and the desire to encourage people to stay in East Suffolk (Felixstowe).

Councillor Byatt thanked colleagues who attended the ‘Call-in’ and appreciated the thorough and fair discussion that was had.

Councillor Jepson commented on the need to consider older residents and residents who were not as technically minded, when looking at technology innovations. Councillor Jepson highlighted there had been consultation with Felixstowe Town regarding parking and that could have provided the opportunity to consult about the parking fees and charges. The Councillor described some of the roads in Felixstowe which become very busy in the summer months with people trying to find off road parking.

Councillor Jepson queried if any funding from the Cycling, Walking and Wheeling strategy be utilised and what if any environmental impact assessments had been considered regarding the build-up of traffic and the impact that could have on the seaside resorts of the district.

Councillor Wilson stated parking could be accessed on a monthly or yearly ticket option, which would greatly reduce the cost for residents (£1.16 a day). Councillor Wilson added that it would not have been appropriate to have discussed the undecided proposals for fees and charges at the Felixstowe Town Council meeting. The Councillor raised the issue of parking in Felixstowe, which could be addressed through the implementation of residents permits and urged Felixstowe Town Council to consider it.

Councillor Candy added that off-street parking and the options for residents parking was debated at length in Felixstowe, and it would go to a public consultation.

Councillor Bennett would have a look at the funding options in the Cycling, Walking and Wheeling strategy, the Work Group had started to use the funding, however it would be an area they would like to support. There were currently 6 projects across the district being supported.

 Councillor Bennett highlighted Councillor Gooch’s point raised in Overview and Scrutiny that related to car park users being able to buy a ticket which could be used in other car parks in the district.

The Chair responded that there were a number of considerations following the Overview and Scrutiny meeting, of which Councillor Gooch’s idea was one. The Chair advised that she had visited Felixstowe following the ‘Call-in’ meeting and urged Felixstowe Town Council to engage the parking review and consider residents parking. The Chair noted the good condition of the car parks and commended the car parking team. 

The Chair referenced that there was an 8% shop vacancy rate in Aldeburgh, 17% in Bungay, 11% in Woodbridge and a 10% in Saxmundham. The data highlighted that the vacancy rate of Aldeburgh was below other areas in the district. The Chair had data from other areas if anyone wished to have sight of it. The Chair promoted the upcoming Town and Parish Conference.

Councillor Topping updated on the recent Cabinet visit to Southwold Harbour area on 03 February 2025 for a visit to look at the Southwold Harbour area. The Chair took note of the cost of ice creams and compared that to the costs in Lowestoft, along with other items. The Chair advised that she had no issue with business making money and felt that it was acceptable that Councils were able to cover the costs to run cars, employ attendants and fund the running costs of public toilets.

The Chair corrected a recent press item in the East Anglian Daily times on 01 February which incorrectly listed the two car parks being in Lowestoft. Both car parks were located in Felixstowe. 

On the proposition of Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Langdon-Morris it was by majority vote

RESOLVED

That Cabinet accept the recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny:

 1. The duration of the seasonal charges from 1 March to 31 October be amended to 1 April to 31 October.

 2. The proposed seasonal charges tariffs be amended as follows:

 4 hours – from £8 to £6 per hour

 10 hours – from £10 to £8 per hour

 3. Convalescent Hill and Manor Terrace Car Parks in Felixstowe be withdrawn from the seasonal charges category. 

On the proposition of Councillor Langdon-Morris, seconded by Councillor Beavan it was unanimously 

RESOLVED

 
That the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 January 2025 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Councillor Paul Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Services – Digital, Customer Services, HR and Assets introduced report ES-2261 which related to the Strategic Asset Plan 2024-28.

The Deputy Leader outlined that at the formation of the East Suffolk Council the asset portfolio was uncertain. It had been a transformational period of time for the team and the Deputy Leader thanked them for their work. The Interim Head of Property and Place was also commended for his work. A recent recruitment process was completed for the role and the successful candidate would be commencing in the permanent role.

The document comprised of an Asset Management Policy and Asset Management Strategy. Both would be supported by an Asset Management Action Plan which would be created in due course.

The Council wanted to look at open spaces with Town and Parishes and Community groups to ensure that they are being effectively utilised. The Deputy Leader welcomed ongoing comments and questions outside of the meeting.

The Asset Strategy embedded the principle of ongoing asset review, which was not solely focussed on financial performance, there were also social and environmental impacts which would be considered.

Councillor Beavan congratulated the team. 

Councillor Langdon-Morris congratulated the team for their work with the revenue growth and the digitisation of the asset structure which had seen a rapid growth and progress. The Councillor acknowledged the work had commenced under the previous administration and had been progressed by the GLI since May 2023.

The Chair highlighted the progression of the asset register work which had been a huge project, which resulted in there being a functioning asset register which could determine what assets were making money or which were community value based.

On the proposition of Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Langdon-Morris it was unanimous   

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Asset Management Policy and Asset Management Strategy sections of the Council’s Strategic Asset Plan.

2. Gave delegated authority to the Head of Property and Place to prepare and implement the Asset Management Action Plan. 

Councillor Langdon-Morris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources and Value for Money, to introduced report ES-2262 which related to the Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2028/29.

The Council was required to agree a programme of capital expenditure for the coming four years and any revisions to the current financial year.

The report set out the financing of the General Fund Capital Programme and the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme along with a brief description of each project.

On the 7 January 2025 Cabinet approved for the report to be reviewed by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 16 January 2025, with any recommendations being presented back to Cabinet.

 Following the review by the Overview & Scrutiny meeting the report was presented back to Cabinet with the recommendation from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee that the report was presented to Full Council on the 19 February for approval.

 The consideration for Cabinet was to recommend the approval of the Capital Programme by Full Council on the 19 February.

 Councillor Langdon-Morris congratulated finance team for all of their work. The Chair echoed the thanks to the finance team.

 On the proposition of Councillor Langdon-Morris, seconded by Councillor Candy it was   

RESOLVED

That Cabinet approved:

1. The General Fund capital programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29 including revisions as shown in Appendix B and recommends approval by Full Council.

2. The Housing Revenue Account capital programme for 2024/25 to 2028/29including revisions as shown in Appendix G and recommends approval by Full Council

Councillor Beavan the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing introduced report ES-2263 which related to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Report 2025/26 to 2028/29.

The Council was required to set a balanced Housing Revenue Account Budget for the coming four years and any revisions to the current financial year.

The timeline for the report was:

• 7 January Cabinet

• 16 January Overview & Scrutiny Committee

• 4 February – Cabinet to review any recommendations from the Scrutiny Committee

• 19 February Full Council for overall approval of the Budget

There had been no amendments to the report or recommendations following the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

The report brought together the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for the period 2025/26 to 2028/29, with a projected outturn for 2024/25 and a summary of its reserves and balances.

The HRA budget set for 2025/26 to 2028/29 made full use of all balances and reserves to provide the best possible service to tenants, make improvements to the existing housing stock to meet the goal of EPC C by 2030 while remaining compliant with the Regulator for Social Housing and deliver much needed additional affordable housing.

To achieve the aspirations of the HRA, additional borrowing of £7.7 million was required in 2025/26 to balance the budget. Work would continue throughout the year to identify efficiency savings and explore additional income streams where possible, to help reduce the borrowing requirement where possible.

The budget proposals gave a forecasted HRA working balance that remains at the 10% minimum acceptable level over the Medium-Term Financial Strategy.

The balance was predicted to be £2.55 million as at 31.03.29.

There were no questions from Cabinet or Members present.

Councillor Daly thanked Councillor Beavan for his work regarding the housing portfolio.

On the proposition of Councillor Beavan, seconded by Councillor Daly it was unanimously

RESOLVED

 That Cabinet to recommend that Council approved the following:

 1. The draft HRA budget for 2025/26, and the indicative figures for 2026/27 to 2028/29;

 2. Movements in HRA Reserves and Balances;

 That Cabinet noted the following:

 3. Projected outturn position for 2024/25;

 4. Changes affecting public and private sector housing and welfare;

 5. Effects of the cost-of-living crisis to the HRA.

Councillor Langdon-Morris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources and Value for Money, introduced report ES-2264 which related to the General Fund Budget and Council Tax Report 2025/26.

The Council was required to approve a balanced budget for the forthcoming financial year and to set the Band D rate of Council Tax. The report set out the context and initial parameters in order to achieve that objective and contribute towards a sustainable position for 2025/26.  The report brought together all the relevant information to enable Members to review, consider and comment upon the Council’s General Fund revenue budget before making recommendations to Council on 19 February 2025.

The Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2025/26 was released on 19 December.  Whilst the average increase in Core Spending Power was an increase of 6% for the whole sector compared to the current year, the average increase for districts was only 0.32%.  In fact, 132 of the 164 district councils have received no increase, including East Suffolk.  Government Settlement grants for East Suffolk will decrease by nearly £0.800m in 2025/26, from £3.7m to £2.9m.  Compensation for the Employer National Insurance increase from April will be clarified in the final Settlement - expected this month, but it was unlikely to cover the full costs, which was in the region of £0.700m for the General Fund, and £.900m for the Council overall including Port Health and the HRA.

The provisional settlement also indicated that funding reform and a reset of the business rates system will start in 2026/27, along with a multi-year settlement.  The Council’s MTFS assumed that most of the Government core funding will disappear, and business rates income will decrease, with transitional measures in place as the baseline is reset.  More details on the reform are expected in the Spring.

The Council Tax referendum limit for 2025/26 remained unchanged at the higher of £5 or 2.99%.  The proposed budget for 2025/26 included a Council Tax increase up to the referendum limit, which would result in a District Band D Council Tax for East Suffolk of £192.15 (£186.57 for 2024/25), reflecting an increase of £5.58 (2.99%).

A balanced budget was presented for 2025/26, achieved by using £7.4m from reserves to address the funding shortfall.  The projected budget gap for 2026/27 and 2027/28 is £9.2m and £10.5m respectively. The gap for 2028/29 had increased significantly to £13.5m.  Key budget pressures include establishment costs, inflation, service demand exceeding available funding, capital projects exceeding budgeted costs, reduced central government funding and reform, and the cost of services delivered by East Suffolk Services Ltd.

 Earmarked reserves were forecast to decrease from £41.5m on 1 April 2024 to £20m by 1 April 2029, reflecting the use of reserves to alleviate some of the budget pressures. The Council also holds a general fund balance of £6m which would only be used as a last resort. There was no planned use of the balance over the current MTFS.

 The MTFS would be updated further for Full Council following the submission of the NNDR return for 2025/26, the Final Settlement (if received in time), and any other updates that might come to light and of significant value to require the budgets being updated.

 The financial landscape of local government had become increasingly challenging. Given the uncertainty around funding reform, and the range and scale of expenditure and income pressures, a combination of actions was required to achieve a sustainable medium-term position.  A saving target of £3m had been included in the 2026/27 budget to initiate the process in early 2025 and increasing to £6m from 2027/28.  The Council must prepare for savings and income generation strategies as part of its 2026/27 budget setting process.  The assessment would be regularly reviewed as further information was provided by Government over the course of the year regarding funding reform and the 2024/25 outturn position was finalised.

 Councillor Packard questioned whether residents could pay their council tax over 12 months instead of 10.

 The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that there was an option for residents to choose whether they paid over 10 or 12 months.

 There was a discussion regarding the financial challenges faced and the second homes tax. Councillor Bennett was concerned that some properties would be caught in the tax which were not eligible and sought reassurance that there would be a mechanism to rectify such issues.

 Councillor Whitelock commented on the financing of Councils from National Government and the challenges faced, there used to be funding streams for various projects across a variety of areas. These have significantly decreased which had an impact on local communities. Councillor Whitelock raised the potential problems and complexities of the second home tax.

 Councillor Langdon-Morris confirmed that it was complex and the council was working on a corporate response to the complexities of the application of the second home tax. Councillor Beavan added that there were lots of exemptions and some discretionary amounts which could be used. The Councillor was cautious of not creating further loopholes. East Suffolk Council was prioritising the extra income for affordable housing in the where there was need.

 Councillor Daly echoed Councillor Whitelock’s points around the Government’s promotion of growth, however on a local and community level there was diminishing resources to be able to implement genuine growth.

 Councillor Beavan responded that if there were individual cases they would be reviewed. If a property had an annex which was included as part of the home estate it would not be classed as a second home. In addition, if the annex was let as a holiday property for 70 nights per year and used as a business then it would also not be included in the second homes tax classification.

 Councillor Candy added that there could be a communication issue around the potential options and classifications which was causing confusion and concern.

 The Chief Executive re-assured Councillors and residents there was a purpose behind the new piece of legislation in regards to making a contribution to public service. It was the first year of having the tax in place. The Council would engage with people and look at issues raised, there would be some learning and there would need to be some patience during the early days of implementation of the legislation.

 Councillor Jepson thanked the team for their work.

 Councillor Langdon-Morris concluded that the MTFS would be ready for Full Council on 19 February with some revisions based on the car parking fees and charges item. The Councillor thanked the Finance Team for their on-going work.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council that it approves:

1. The 2025/26 General Fund Revenue Budget as set out in this report and detailed in Appendix C and D and notes the budget forecasts for 2026/27 and beyond;

2. The movements to and from Earmarked Reserves and the General Fund Balance for 2025/26 to 2028/29 as presented in Appendix E;

3. A proposed Band D Council Tax for East Suffolk Council of £192.15 for 2025/26, an increase of £5.58 (2.99%)

4. The implementation of Council Tax Civil Penalties from 1 April 2025, currently £70, as explained in paragraph 3.9 and as permitted in Schedule 3 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992

5. No changes to the Council’s Council Tax Discounts and Premiums for 2025/26 as set out in paragraph 3.10

6. The Council’s discretionary policy for Council Tax Premiums for long-term empty properties and second homes be amended to include the exceptions detailed in paragraph 3.12, with effect from 1 April 2025

7. To grant the Chief Finance Officer and Section 151 Officer delegated authority to implement the exceptions to Council Tax Premiums for long-term empty properties and second homes with effect from 1 April 2025; and

8. Noted the nine classes of dwellings excluded from the Council Tax Premiums on second homes and long-term empty properties as set out in the Council Tax Regulations 2024, and as summarised in paragraph 3.11, with effect from 1 April 2025.

Councillor David Beavan – Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Housing introduced report ES-2279 which related to the Replacement Civil Penalty Policy.

East Suffolk Council (ESC) had previously adopted a policy under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to enable the imposition of Civil Penalties on private landlords who were found to have committed offences. Following recent case law, the policy does not represent best practice and actions under the policy may be open to challenge. The purpose of the report was to consider a review of the policy and a minor revision to the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Policy


The team was congratulated the work on this item. There were no questions or debate from Cabinet Members or other Members present.

Councillor Whitelock left the room during the introduction of the report and recommendations and did not participate in the vote.

On the proposition of Councillor Beavan, seconded by Councillor Ashton it was unanimously   

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1. Adopted the revised Civil Penalty Policy attached as Appendix B to include a new assessment protocol for determining the level of financial penalties.

2. Approved the revision of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Policy detailed in Appendix C to remove the initial, informal approach for resolving Regulatory breaches.

3. Authorised the Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to amend the Civil Penalty and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Policies as required, pursuant to any legislative changes and case law.

Councillor David Beavan Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Housing to introduced report ES-2266 which related to Reforming of the Right to Buy – Consultation response.

The Government's consultation on reforming the Right to Buy (RTB) launched on 20 November 2024. It sought views on changes to make the scheme more sustainable, fairer, and better value. Proposals included adjustments to tenant qualification criteria, property exemptions, discount levels, post-sale restrictions, and rules for replacing sold homes. The reform aimed to support homeownership while ensuring councils can replace housing stock to address the need for affordable homes. Feedback was open until January 15, 2025 and East Suffolk Council has submitted their response.

The report summarised the Council’s response to the consultation, and the full response was contained within Appendix A.

There had been a surge in right to buy applications before the restrictions were implemented with 59 going through the system at the present time.

Councillor Langdon-Morris queried if there were any movement in the legislation for replacing sold homes. Councillor Beavan responded that the legalisation would likely follow the consultation.

Councillor Ashton added that right to buy was an example of a disconnect, where it was set up that if someone was renting a council property making transition into home owning would be challenging. Right to buy when used well could help with that transition. The Councillor would like to see some of the disconnections be addressed and believed there were many opportunities to see genuine growth.

On the proposition of Councillor Beavan, seconded by Councillor Langdon-Morris it was unanimously  

RESOLVED

 That Cabinet

1. Noted the Council’s submitted consultation response in Appendix A.