Meeting Details

Cabinet
1 Oct 2019 - 18:30 to 19:45
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Meeting Details
Meetingdetails
MeetingDetails

Members are invited to a Meeting of the Cabinet

to be held in the Deben Conference Room, East Suffolk House, Melton

on Tuesday 1 October 2019 at 6:30 pm

Part One - Open To The Public
1 Apologies for Absence

To receive apologies for absence, if any.

1
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Brooks.
2 Declarations of Interest

Members and Officers are invited to make any declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary or Local Non-Pecuniary Interests that they may have in relation to items on the Agenda and are also reminded to make any declarations at any stage during the Meeting if it becomes apparent that this may be required when a particular item or issue is considered.

2
There were no declarations of interest.
3 pdf Minutes (188Kb)
To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 July 2019
3

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 8 July 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Monitoring Officer has recommended that the Minutes of the past and Shadow Authorities be received as good governance and for the avoidance of Minutes remaining unconfirmed.
To confirm as a correct record
4a

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the East Suffolk Shadow Authority Shadow Cabinet Meeting held on 18 February 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To confirm as a correct record
4b

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the Suffolk Coastal District Council Cabinet Meeting held on 5 March 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To confirm as a correct record
4c

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the Suffolk Coastal District Council Cabinet Meeting held on 11 March 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To confirm as a correct record
4d

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Minutes of the Waveney District Council Cabinet Meeting held on 13 March 2019 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

5 Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chairman, the Leader of the Council, members of the Cabinet, or the Chief Executive, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 5.1(e).

5
There were no announcements.     
KEY DECISIONS
Report  of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development
6

Cabinet received report ES/0161 by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development who reported that the cultural sector in Lowestoft was a key driver for economic growth, also meeting community pride and health and wellbeing,  however good quality work, exemplar projects and partnerships were being delivered in the absence of a cultural strategy.  The last time  the Council (Waveney District Council) went  through a process of setting cultural objectives was in 2006.  A cultural strategy would unify the cultural sector under a shared vision, develop the sector, achieve more for people, place and the economy and be instrumental in attracting external investment.   

 

The Deputy Leader stated that a cultural strategy for Lowestoft was required in order to keep pace with the shifting national and regional changing cultural priorities.  It would provide a place-based approach that would link in with national and regional strategies, but which could also provide tangible outcomes at a local level.   It had been amply demonstrated that the cultural sector contributed significantly to economic  and community wellbeing.  In recent years Lowestoft had experienced a significant uplift in cultural activity  and in order  to maintain this momentum and continue  to attract investment in the town's cultural sector a cultural strategy was required.  This  would  ensure an effective approach was put in place to developing and enhancing the cultural offer  and creating more creative opportunities for the town, people and  visitors.     

 

The Deputy Leader reported that and equality impact assessment had been undertaken; it showed no negative impact in relation to any of the protected characteristic groups; on the contrary the delivery of the Lowestoft Cultural Strategy would provide all residents in Lowestoft and the  surrounding areas with greater economic opportunities as well more to engage in a broad  range of cultural activity.     

 

The Leader stated how refreshing it was to receive the draft Strategy; he highlighted the exceptional work of the Great Places Project and Cultural Capacity Coordinator,  in particular referring to her enthusiasm.    

 

Councillor Deacon stated that he very much welcomed  the Strategy; he asked for an assurance that all efforts would be made not to duplicate activities with others.   This assurance was given.  

 

Councillor Deacon referred to the membership of the Cultural Board; he asked  why it  did not include an East Suffolk Opposition Member.  The Deputy Leader drew Councillor Deacon's attention to paragraph 4.2 of his report and said that a wide  range of stakeholders sat on the Board.  The Leader added that it was not the Council's Board.  

 

Councillor Deacon, finally, suggested that perhaps the Deputy Leader should  be the Council's Cultural Champion.   

 

Councillor Elliott stated  that,  after enjoying an evening out in Lowestoft, it was impossible to return home by public transport.  He felt the Council  should  be applying pressure as required.  The Leader responded stating  that this was already happening, and would continue to happen, both at county and  national level.    

 

RESOLVED

 

1. That the draft Lowestoft Cultural Strategy including its vision, aims and objectives and that it is the definitive cultural strategy for Lowestoft and the surrounding area for the next 5 years, be endorsed.  

 

2. That delegated authority be provided to the Head of Economic Development & Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development to agree any minor changes to the draft strategy ahead of it being finalised by the Lowestoft Cultural Leadership Group.

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing
7

Cabinet received report ES/0162 by the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing who  reported that  every Council was legally required to have a Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy setting out its priorities for addressing homelessness. The current Homelessness Strategy expired in 2018 and approval was given by the MHCLG to delay a new strategy because of the changes in 2018 to the homeless legislation, as well as the new council coming into existence.

 

The document had been written following a long consultative process with other Suffolk councils, registered providers and the voluntary sector, as well as previous users of the Council's homelessness service.

 

An Equality Impact Assessment  had been undertaken  and it had been ascertained that the Strategy would have a positive impact in addressing potential inequalities by the service being accessible to everyone and certain written ‘pathways’ bringing help and clarity for particular groups such as  Care Leavers and clients with mental illness.

 

The Council's aim was for the Strategy to be in a clear and logical format.  It considered national and local trends and pressures, reviewed the work and achievements of the two former councils, and outlined what East Suffolk Council would work towards in the next five years.

 

The Strategy clearly stated 17 new actions that the Housing Needs Team would work to achieve, and which would be monitored by the East Suffolk Homelessness Forum and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing annually. The Strategy would be reviewed from time to time to time to account for changes in legislation or environmental factors impacting on the operation.

 

The Leader referred to the ease of read and understanding of the Strategy; he  thanked  officers for this.  

 

The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Health referred to the excellent work undertaken within Lowestoft to support the homeless; she stated the importance of this continuing, including supporting those  who  did not necessarily wish to be supported.  At this point  the Cabinet  Member with responsibility for  Housing praised the work undertaken by officers and  he gave thanks for this.    

 

Following Councillor Deacon asking how  Notting Hill Genesis fitted into the emergency hub provision for rough sleepers, the Head of Housing advised that the Council had bid earlier in the year for funding from the Government and some of that was for the rapid re-housing pathway initiative; the bulk of the funding had been used to set up two emergency hubs for rough sleepers.  One had eight beds, was in Lowestoft, and was provided through Access Community Trust, and the other had one bed, was in Felixstowe, and was provided through Notting Hill Genesis.     

 

Councillor Deacon stated that there were now  two private groups operating to support rough sleepers; he asked what progress had  been made in trying to ensure that they worked closely with the official support from the Access Community Trust to deal with  any duplication in resources.  The Head of Housing responded, stating that there was quite a lot of work going on with both of those groups and also through the Council's own Rough Sleeping Coordinator and through colleagues of Lowestoft Rising there was a lot of dialogue to try to ensure a coordinated approach was being taken.  The Head of Housing acknowledged that it could be challenging at times.   

 

Councillor Elliott stated that he welcomed the Strategy.  He added that rough sleeping was not just happening in Lowestoft and Felixstowe; he was trying to provide help for two people at the moment.  There were, he stated,  some major obstacles to getting difficult to house people housed, particularly those who were trying to deal with mental health issues, and drug and alcohol problems.   Often, Councillor Elliott stated, they did not want the interim emergency accommodation that was  offered because it was too close to the sorts of things they were trying to escape from.  Councillor Elliott referred to one particular section of the Strategy, which he said stood out for him, and this was "improving access to the private  rented sector"; he referred to the the words "We recognise that we also need to include the private rented sector.  This tenure is the most realistic way that we will be able to help accommodate those who approach us for help.  Typically this will be through a mixture of loans or grants to help with upfront payments and fees, deposit bonds and guarantees to landlords.  We will  always ensure that accommodation offered is suitable and affordable."   Councillor Elliott advised Cabinet that, often, people had the funds available to access the private rental sector, but they could not because they did not have references, identification, etc; their pasts were often chequered.  Councillor Elliott asked if this approach was new, and how it would operate.   

 

The Head of Housing, in responding, stated that this approach was not entirely new, it had been part of the previous Strategy.  However, it had been made much clearer in the new Strategy.  There was, the Head of Housing stated, already funding available.  Referring to the references comment made by Councillor Elliott, the Head of Housing stated that officers worked hard, with landlords, to try and find creative ways around this issue.  It was, she acknowledged, more difficult when managing agents were involved, but the officers worked hard to build relationships with them.  Referring to  Councillor Elliott's point regarding emergency accommodation sometimes being too close to the issues that people were dealing with, the Head of Housing stated that officers were developing a more diverse portfolio of accommodation to assist and have a range of options available.     

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2019-2024 be adopted by the Council and published on the Council’s website. 

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development 
8

Cabinet received report ES/0164 by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development who reported that in November 2017 central government published the  National Industrial Strategy and had  now asked all parts of England to develop local industrial strategies.  Over recent months local authorities, businesses, universities and colleges had  been working together with New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to develop a Local Industrial Strategy for  Norfolk and Suffolk.

 

The strategies were led by LEPs and, where  they existed, mayoral combined authorities, and were being developed with and signed off by central government.  The  Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy was in the second wave of strategies and was expected to be signed off by central government and be published in October 2019.

 

In order to show  the collective commitment   and buy in of the Local Industrial Strategy all local authorities and partners such as business groups and colleges and universities were being invited to  endorse the Local Industrial Strategy. 

 

The Deputy Leader stated that the Local Industrial Strategy focussed on three opportunity areas - clean energy, agri-food and ICT/digital creative.  The Strategy also  recognised a number of other  underpinning  sectors, such as ports and logistics and culture and the visitor economy.  The East Suffolk economy displayed key strengths in  each of  these opportunity areas and underpinning sectors and, as such, was well placed to  benefit from any future investment linked to the Local Industrial Strategy.    

 

The Cabinet Member with responsibility for Planning and Coastal Management stated that, in his view, the New Anglia LEP was the best in the best in the country; it did a tremendous job.    

 

RESOLVED

 

1. That the draft Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy be endorsed prior to its submission to central government.

 

2. That delegated authority be given to the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development to agree any changes to the draft Norfolk and Suffolk Local Industrial Strategy prior to its submission to central government.

NON-KEY DECISIONS
Report of the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development
9

Cabinet received report ES/0157 by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development who reported that  in June 2018 the then Waveney District Council,  on behalf of the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries (REAF) group successfully applied for funding from the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with 25% matched funding to commission a feasibility study into the future opportunities for the local fishing industry following the UK’s anticipated withdrawal from the EU in March 2019.  The UK’s withdrawal from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy as part of the BREXIT process could provide a major opportunity for the local, regional and national fishing industry to grow the domestic fishing sector. The  draft strategy set out the state of the current industry and made a series of recommendations required for Lowestoft to take advantage of this potential opportunity and re-establish itself as a significant regional fishing hub. 

 

The Deputy Leader stated that he was very pleased to present this Strategy to Cabinet; it was, he said, a very good news story.  The key headline  which emerged from the draft Strategy was that upon leaving  the  EU Common Fisheries Policy up to 11,500 additional tonnes per year of allowed catch would become available to UK-registered vessels in the southern north sea, potentially being landed and processed in the UK.  In monetary terms the Strategy stated that this was an increase of circa £32m in landed fish value to East Anglia.   

 

The Deputy Leader added that the REAF Group  had met DEFRA officials three times and in these recent meetings DEFRA had been receptive to using elements of the Strategy as a potential trial along the  East Anglian coast post BREXIT.  Peter Aldous MP had  also been consistently lobbying George Eustice in support of the  EMFF funding  bid as well as trialling elements of the Strategy's recommendations in East Anglia.  The  Minister had responded to Peter Aldous acknowledging his work and indicating that  he would like to visit Lowestoft.   

 

The Deputy Leader drew Cabinet's  attention to section 3.12 of his report,  where it  stated that the Strategy, or at least parts of  it, could provide government with a blueprint for  fisheries policy post BREXIT and was due to be launched in Westminster on 14 October.  The Deputy Leader advised that  launch date had been moved to 17 October. 

 

In conclusion,  the Deputy Leader stated that  an  equality impact assessment  had been completed, which showed no  negative impact in relation to any of  the protected characteristic groups; there may be positive benefits in terms of employment arising from the Strategy.     

 

The Leader thanked the Economic Development  Manager for driving this work  forward.    

 

Cabinet gave its thanks to Peter Aldous MP and all of the stakeholders for the way that  they had given their support in such a realistic way.   

 

Councillor Deacon stated that he recalled, during  the EU Election campaign, one of the members of REAF being  disparaging about the whole process; Councillor Deacon asked for reassurance that REAF was really in support of the Strategy.   The Deputy Leader referred to the Strategy being evidence-based and,  as such, he gave  a reassurance.   

 

Councillor Elliott stated that it  was the national government that allocated  the country's fishing quota and, until a government was in place that was prepared to challenge the status quo,  nothing  would  change.  He was of the view that the coastal communities could  not be rejuvinated without this.    In  response,  the Deputy Leader acknowledged that there were some challenges that needed to  be presented to government; he said that government would  need to review how it  went forward.  He referred members to the  detail within the Action Plan.     The Leader added that what was important was that this was a very robust Strategy; what was heartening for him, he  added, was that it had been well received by DEFRA. 

 

RESOLVED

 

1. That the draft REAF strategy be endorsed. 

 

2. That responsibility for any subsequent minor changes to the strategy be delegated to the Head of Economic Development and Regeneration in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development.

 

3. That Cabinet, subject to DEFRA’s agreement to work in partnership with REAF to progress the Strategy’s recommendations, supports the creation of the new REAF group in line with the Strategy and also supports the Group’s efforts to secure external funding to progress implementation of the strategy.

Report of the Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure & Tourism, respectively
10

Cabinet received report ES/0158 by the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Economic Development and the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, respectively. 

 

Cabinet was advised that Leiston Together was established as a place based enabling initiative in January 2017 by two funding partners, the then Suffolk Coastal District Council and Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council.  The original three year funding agreement was due to expire in December 2019.  The initiative had made significant progress against its objectives since its inception and was highly regarded by all partners and the local community.

 

Leiston Together had made significant progress in achieving its objectives as a Coastal Community Town and addressed both community and economic development issues and opportunities.  Furthermore, it had been a positive example of the potential of place based initiatives to increase community capacity, regeneration and create change and improvement for local residents and visitors to the town.

 

In order to build on these achievements and to address further community and economic priorities, it was proposed that East Suffolk Council and Leiston cum Sizewell Town Council fund an extension to the current funding term.  The priorities identified for a new programme would include the development of additional capacity to support economic growth and community development which will be sustainable beyond the life of the partnership which would be key in the context of the proposed Sizewell C new nuclear development. 

 

The Leader stated that Leiston Together had made a significant difference to  the town and the surrounding area; he also referred to Sizewell C and stated that, if it went ahead, it would have an  impact on the community; Leiston Together could, he  said,  assist with this.

 

The Deputy Leader stated that, earlier that day, he  had been with Leiston cum Sizewell Town Council and it very much welcomed this.    

 

RESOLVED

 

That an extension of the Leiston Together partnership for a further two years from January 2020 be approved and that funding of up to £80,000 (£40,000 per annum) towards a new funding agreement be provided.

11 Exempt/Confidential Items

It is recommended that under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.     

11

 

RESOLVED

 

That under Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Part Two - Confidential
KEY DECISIONS
12 Supply Contract for PVCU windows, doors, fascia, soffit boards and double glazed sealed units
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
  • Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.
  1. ES-0159 - Supply Contract for PVCU Windows
    • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
13 Cleveland Road Properties, Lowestoft
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
  1. ES-0160 - Cleveland Road Properties Lowestoft
    • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    1. ES-0160 - Appendix A1
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    2. ES-0160 - Appendix A2
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    3. ES-0160 - Appendix A3
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    4. ES-0160 - Appendix A4
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    5. ES-0160 - Appendix A5
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    6. ES-0160 - Appendix A6
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    7. ES-0160 - Appendix A7
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    8. ES-0160 - Appendix B
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
14 Contract Review
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
  • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
  1. ES-0163 - Contract Review
    • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
    • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    1. ES-0163 - Appendix A
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    2. ES-0163 - Appendix B
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    3. ES-0163 - Appendix C
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    4. ES-0163 - Appendix D
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    5. ES-0163 - Appendix E
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
    6. ES-0163 - Appendix F
      • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
      • Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
15 Exempt Minutes
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
16a Exempt Minutes of the Suffolk Coastal District Council Cabinet Meeting held on 5 March 2019
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
16b Exempt Minutes of the Waveney District Council Cabinet Meeting held on 13 March 2019
  • Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Meeting Documents

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

Visitors

Officers present:
Stephen Baker (Chief Executive), Jason Berry (Economic Development Manager), Kerry Blair (Head of Operations), Karen Cook (Democratic Services Manager), Cairistine Foster-Cannan (Head of Housing), Sean Hays (Interim Housing Development Programme Manager), David Howson (Housing Strategy Manager), Andrew Jarvis (Strategic Director), Nick Khan (Strategic Director), Nicole Rickard (Head of Communities), Tim Snook (Commercial Contracts Manager - Leisure), Poppy Wragg (Senior Housing Needs Officer), David Wyatt (Commercial Lawyer)