Meeting Details

The Chair

 The Chair commented on the ongoing roadworks. 

The Chief Executive provided an update on Thorpeness and the emergency decision that was taken on 18 January 2026 to demolish a number of properties at significant risk due to coastal erosion. A full report would be brought to the next Cabinet meeting in March 2026.

On the proposition of Councillor Candy seconded by Councillor Daly it was unanimously

RESOLVED

 That the Minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2026 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

Councillor Beavan, Cabinet Member with the responsibility for Housing introduced report ES-2691 which related to the Renters’ Rights Act – Responsibilities and Restructure.

The report outlined the impacts of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which was the most significant reform of the private rented sector in decades. The Act introduced major new tenant protections, including ending “no fault” evictions, strengthening housing standards, regulating rent practices, and tackling discrimination. It also placed new mandatory duties on local authorities to enforce these requirements and report regularly to Government.

The Act replaced discretionary enforcement with compulsory action, requiring the Council to issue formal notices and financial penalties where breaches are found. To meet these duties, the Council must have updated policies, appropriate delegations, and sufficient capacity and expertise in place for the 2026 commencement dates and beyond.

Councillor Beavan read the recommendations. There were no questions or debate from Cabinet Members.

Councillor Jepson queried if the risks of not receiving income from fines had been considered. The Head of Housing responded that there was a debt recovery policy in place to support the collection of monies owed.

Councillor Byatt stated it was an excellent report and supported the recommendations. The Councillor queried if offences committed would be made public in the future, which could make landlords more accountable and act as a deterrent. Councillor Beavan responded that it would be a case by case consideration. The Team Leader (Private Sector Housing) advised that there could be a mechanism to publish offences on the website. 

Councillor Daly stated it was encouraging to read the report, and he was pleased to support the recommendations.

 Councillor Beavan concluded that there was an element of rent control in place and the premise of the report was not to make things difficult for good landlords to operate.

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

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the Housing Standards Enforcement Policy (Appendix C) and delegate authority to make necessary amendments to ensure compliance with any changes in legislation, policy or good practice to the Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing.

2. Delegated authority to the Head of Housing in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer (s151) and the Cabinet Members for Housing and Value for Money, to approve a Debt Recovery Policy.

3. Delegated authority to the Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing to amend the Civil Penalty Policy as required, to ensure compliance with any changes in legislation, policy or good practice.

4. Approved the proposed restructure (Appendix B) and additional staffing required to meet statutory duties, funded from New Burdens Funding and Private Rented Sector Database fee income, resulting in no impact on the General Fund.

5. Approved the additional budget requirements as set out in paragraph 5.2.

6. Delegated responsibilities and authorisations under the new legislation to the Head of Housing.

Councillor Candy, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Health introduced report ES-2646 which related to the Lowestoft Harbour Public Place Protection Order (PSPO). 

The current order had helped reduce alcohol related nuisance, but patterns of anti social behaviour had changed, and there were now persistent issues including unsafe use of E-scooters and E-bikes, group related intimidation, and offensive conduct such as spitting, vandalism, and public urination. The behaviours continued to undermine public confidence, affect local businesses, and impact the quality of life for residents and visitors. Despite the use of engagement, dispersal powers and ongoing enforcement, problems persisted.

Evidence from police CAD data, CCTV, and the statutory consultation showed that the existing measures were no longer sufficient. The public, local businesses, Suffolk Constabulary all supported a broader PSPO, and consultation responses also highlighted the need to include areas on the edge of the Normanston ward.

The proposed new PSPO introduced updated and clearer conditions, enabling early and proportionate intervention while maintaining exemptions for legitimate use of mobility aids and lawful face coverings. It was fully compliant with statutory duties under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Human Rights Act and the Equality Act. It strengthened the community safety approach, supported town centre regeneration, and contributed to a safer, more welcoming environment.

The Chair welcomed Inspector Jackson from Suffolk Police. The Chair raised the face covering element of the report to ensure there was clarity on the intention and meaning of the information included in the PSPO. Councillor Candy clarified that concealing identity as a intentional concealment to commit crime or ASB was being considered. The Councillor stated that people acting in an anti-social manner who had their heads covered (in balaclavas or snoods for example), with the intention to hide their identity could be stopped. Councillor Candy was clear to state that anyone could wear any clothing they chose, and if they were not engaged in ASB they would not be approached.

Councillor Candy added that it was about everyone’s safety and not about stopping anyone for having a face covering for religious reasons. The Councillor concluded that the PSPO could be reviewed annually and enhanced or revised if required. The three-year duration of the orders made it good practice to annually review (in consultation with the constabulary).

Inspector Jackson added that Lowestoft was a busy town centre providing multi-use options, from shopping to evening entertainment. It was important that community members felt safe and had confidence to use the town centre as they wished.

Councillor Langdon-Morris queried if there could be fixed penalty notices (FPN) for E-Scooter usage. Councillor Candy responded that FPN could only be issued in response to ASB or unlawful behaviour.  Inspector Jackson added that there was separate legislation regarding the use of E-Scooters along with areas of permitted use.

Councillor Jepson queried if principles of ‘Clear Hold Build had been considered for the issues being experienced. Councillor Candy responded that ‘Clear Hold Build’ had been successful in Felixstowe. There was a discussion around the concept of ‘Clear Hold Build’ and the Chief Executive Officer added that there was an upcoming meeting to discuss the viability of a Lowestoft Town Centre ‘Clear Hold Build’ initiative.

Councillor Ashdown commented that the area could be extended down to parts of Oulton Broad where ongoing issues were being experienced. The Senior ASB Officer responded that she could have a look at police incidents and other evidence available regarding Councillor Ashdown’s query. 

Councillor Byatt thanked the team for the report and commented on the importance of the Town Centre and Police Crime Commissioner funded resources. Councillor Byatt raised the issues of public conveniences in Lowestoft (Britten Centre) being closed due to vandalism.

Councillor Noble was pleased to support the recommendations of the report.

On the proposition of Councillor Candy seconded by Councillor Noble it was unanimously

RESOLVED

 That Cabinet: 

 1. Discharged the existing PSPO, at Appendix A, with effect from 04.03.2026

 2. Considered the consultation responses appended to this report and agrees the statutory conditions for a PSPO, as detailed in legal implications section of this report, are satisfied

 3. Approved the introduction of the new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at Appendix N, covering the areas shown in Schedule 1 at Appendix L, to commence for 3 years from and including 04.03.2026 

4. Authorised Police Constables, including PCSO’s, to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) on behalf of East Suffolk Council.

Councillor Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Corporate Services, introduced report ES-2695 which related to the draft outturn position for the financial year ending 31 March 2025 for Southwold Harbour and Southwold Camping and Caravan Site.

Councillor Ashton stated that the harbour showed a deficit position of £53,304 against a projected budget surplus of £18,300, a variance of £71,604. The main reasons for this were staff costs, including overtime and increased cost of supplies. On the caravan and campsite there was a surplus of £176,817 for the site against a budgeted deficit of £141,400, a variance of £318,217. The strong income from the touring part of the site and the savings in staff costs were the principal drivers.

Councillor Ashton noted that budgets tended to be pessimistic about the income, particularly from the touring part of the campsite. The upcoming report on the Southwold Harbour Budget for 2026/27 would be more realistic to consider the potential income achievable. 

Councillor Ashton noted that all income generated by the harbour was ringfenced and could only be used for the benefit of the harbour lands. 

On the proposal of Councillor Ashton, seconded by Councillor Candy it was

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. Reviewed the Draft Outturn Report for the financial year 2024/25

2. Approved the transfer of the surplus from the Harbour and Caravan and Campsite operations into the reserves.

Councillor Langdon-Morris, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Resources and Value for Money introduced report ES-2697 which related to the Capital Programme 2025/26 to 2029/30.

As part of the annual budget setting process, 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 General Fund Capital Programme and the Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme separately in appendices along with a brief description of each project.

On the 13 January 2026 Cabinet approved for the report to be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on the 29 January 2026. Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the Capital Programme budget, and Councillor Langdon-Morris had informed Members that it was also being proposed to allocate £1M towards a Market Towns Fund.  Whilst there was general support for the Fund, Members were concerned that details were not yet available relating to the definition of what constituted a market town and how it would work. The Councillor had explained that Cabinet on Tuesday (this evening) would be considering the concept in principle with further discussions to take place on the finer details prior to it being considered by Full Council in February.

Following feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 29 January 2026 Councillor Langdon-Morris read the revised recommendations.

Councillor Ashton added that there had been significant investment in Lowestoft and Felixstowe. It had been recognised that villages and other towns have also had projects which could have a significant impact for local communities. Councillor Jepson sought clarity on the funding that was going to be allocated to Market Towns. Councillor Ashton responded that a business case would be developed. The Chair confirmed that she was confident that there would be a business case which would meet members' objectives.

Councillor Byatt commented that the reports were thorough and thanked the Finance Team for their on-going work and excellent Capital Programme.

Councillor Whitelock added that it was a complex job to present the finance papers and the team had done a great job.

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

RESOLVED

 That Cabinet approved and recommended to Full Council:

 1. The General Fund Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 including revisions to 2025/26 as shown in Appendix B, and the principle of an additional £1M being allocated to support Market Towns, subject to clarification on the definition of a “Market Town” and the process for applying etc, before any spend was made.

 2. The Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2029/30 including revisions to 2025/26 as shown in Appendix G,

And that Cabinet noted;

3. That the Finance Team liaised with the relevant Cabinet Member and officers to see if it would be possible to expedite and obtain a commitment to the Felixstowe Garden Neighbourhood Project before Local Government Reorganisation took place and, in view of the slippage, to see if it was possible to extend renovations to the existing Leisure Centre and progress them as soon as possible.

Councillor Beavan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, introduced report ES-2690 which presented the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Report 2026/27 to 2029/30.

The report brought together the housing revenue account budget for period 2026/27 to 2029/30, including the projected outturn for 2025/26 and a summary of reserves and balances. Councillor Beavan confirmed the HRA budgets for revenue and capital make use of all available financing resources however additional borrowing of £16.2 million was required across 25/26 and 26/27 to balance the budget. This was inclusive of £5million for acquisition of new properties to increase housing stock over the medium-term financial strategy. The budget proposals gave a forecasted working balance that would remain at 10% of minimum acceptable levels over the medium-term financial strategy. The balance was predicted to be £2.848 million as at 31 March 2030.

After this report had been published the government announced that there would be no rent convergence in 26/27, a £1 per week maximum convergence in 27/28 and £2 in 28/29 in 2829. The budget would be amended to reflect this change before being presented to Full Council. The estimated impact over the MTFS was an additional £22,200 income.

Councillor Jepson commented that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered this report and had been satisfied with the answers to their queries on interest rates, inflation and risk. 

Councillor Byatt asked if the Council was on target to achieve the minimum EPC rating of C by 2030. Councillor Beavan stated that this would be a challenge for the Council, as roughly six hundred properties needed to be looked at for the next part of the project and funding was required. The stock survey was not as bad as it had been thought as only 14% of properties did not meet the decent homes standard. But there would need to be serious work to improve these which is why there was such high borrowing. Councillor Beavan commented that housing stock was a bit more inflation proof as rents would go up with inflation, but there were risks. 

Councillor Topping stated that a Housing Improvement Oversight Board had been set up and met recently to review compliance and stock condition and the members of the board had access to live information on changes. 

The Head of Housing stated that a new governance structure for housing had been developed to oversee work in relation to decency and compliance. In addition to the Housing Improvement Oversight Board which involved Councillors there was an officer group that met monthly. The two would ensure that members would have a good overview of where the Council stood in relation to compliance requirements, regulatory requirements and that the housing service in general was working to a good standard.  

Councillor Langdon-Morris thanked Councillor Beavan and the housing team for their hard work. 

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

RESOLVED

That Cabinet recommended that Council approves the following:

1. The draft HRA budget for 2026/27, and the indicative figures for 2027/28 to 2029/30;

2. Movements in HRA Reserves and Balances;

And that Cabinet noted;

3. Projected outturn position for 2025/26;

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

5. That the Scrutiny Committee receive a response to the following questions at a future
meeting:

a. What percentage of tenants were under occupying their properties (Paragraph 1.16 - ‘cash for moving’)

b. Right to Acquire information/discounts given and process for stock supplied by Housing Associations.

c. If the HRA has considered selling its garages, and

d. Is flood risk captured as part of the stock condition survey when reviewing decent homes
standard.

Councillor Langdon-Morris introduced report ES-2698 which presented the General Fund Budget and Council Tax Report for 2026/27 ahead of it being presented to Full Council.

The Council was required to approve a balanced budget for the upcoming financial year and to set the Band D Council Tax rate. The report sets out the context and parameters in order to achieve a sustainable position for 2025-26 and to enable members to review, consider, and comment upon the Council's general fund revenue budget before making recommendations to Full Council.

A balanced budget would be presented for 2026-27 which is achieved by using £2.272 million from the business rate equalization reserve. The Band D Council Tax rate was proposed to be of £197.82, an increase of £5.67 or 2.95% which was the maximum permitted under the referendum limit. The government assumed that councils would apply the maximum permitted council tax increase when determining funding to local authorities to strengthen financial resilience. The general fund balance would increase from £6million to £8million, representing around 4% of gross expenditure. This would be the first increase to the general fund balance since East Suffolk was formed in 2019 and reflected the importance of maintaining adequate reserves and balances to manage risk.

The government's new multi-year funding settlement for 26/27 to 28/29 was the first in a decade and introduced major changes to the funding formula. These changes include a stronger link to deprivation, removal of sparsity and remoteness adjustments, abolition of the new homes bonus and consolidation of smaller grants into the main settlement. While this aimed to create a fairer system, it would significantly disadvantage councils like East Suffolk that have historically benefited under the current business rate system and have maintained healthy reserve balances. To manage this transition, East Suffolk Council would receive transitional protection but at a reduced level compared to most councils. Funding would be protected at 95% of current levels until 2028/29. East Suffolk therefore faces a funding cliff edge in 2029/30 when the current proposed transitional support ends. Over the three-year settlement, East Suffolk would receive £16.8 million in transitional funding, which represented 73% of the total transition support provided within Suffolk. However, this was temporary and did not remove the need for prudent financial planning over the multi-settlement period.

This budget would deliver and support the administration's strategic ambitions, environmental sustainability, housing, community well-being, and economic growth across East Suffolk. The budget included investment in market towns, additional support for cultural events and cultural strategy, extension of budgets for enabling community budgets and community partnerships for a further year into 27/28. It also included a proposal for the 'teenage project' including community cafes and youth access, and annual support for the Tour of Britain.

Future budget gaps remained challenging, with a gap of £8.6million in 27/28 and £10.4million in 2028/29. The strategy remains focused on efficiency, maximizing income, and careful use of reserves.

The report included the flexible use of capital receipt strategy at (Appendix A) which required Full Council approval each year. This sets out the Council's intention to use capital receipts to fund in part or whole its share of its Local Government Reorganisation transition costs. The mechanism for sharing these costs across Suffolk would be determined once a decision on local government reorganisation has been announced.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the 2026/27 budget and the Medium Term Financial Strategy at its meeting on the 29 January and gave very constructive feedback.

The final local government finance settlement was expected on 9 February and the final proposed budget would be presented to Full Council on the 25 February.

Councillor Candy stated she supported the budget and thanked Councillor Langdon-Morris for including the teenage project within the budget.

Councillor Packard noted that the maximum increase to Council Tax was 2.95%, but there had been reports about other Councils increasing this further by 5%. Councillor Langdon-Morris confirmed that County Councils had the ability to increase council tax by an additional 2% due to social care costs. 

Councillor Jepson commented on the thorough consideration of this by Overview and Scrutiny Committee. In light of the current and future budget pressures it might become necessary to start challenging the 'nice to do' items within the budget so there could be focus on statutory obligations, although hopefully it would not come to this. 

Councillor Topping noted that non-statutory obligations were important and often helped issues being prevented before they arose. 

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

RESOLVED

 That Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it approved:

1. The 2026/27 General Fund Budget as set out in this report and detailed in the Appendices C to F and notes the budget forecasts for 2027/28 and beyond;

2. The movements to and from Earmarked Reserves and the General Fund Balance for 2026/27 to 2029/30 as presented in Appendix G;

3. A proposed Band D Council Tax for East Suffolk Council of £197.82 for 2026/27, an increase of £5.67 (2.95%);

4. The Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy attached as Appendix I;

5. No changes to the Council’s discretionary policy for Council Tax Discounts and Premiums for 2026/27 as set out in paragraphs 2.61 and 2.62 of the report; and

and that Cabinet noted;

6. For the Overview & Scrutiny Committee to receive an analysis of the first full year of the
increased car park fees and charges which were raised as part of last year’s budget and were
subject to call-in by the Committee.

Councillor Beavan, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing to introduced report ES-2969 which related to the Housing Regulation – Quarterly Update to Cabinet.

The report provided a strategic update on the housing regulation journey and the transformation underway within the Housing Service area. The work was central not only to achieving full compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing’s Consumer Standards, but also to delivering the wider ambitions for safe, sustainable and high quality homes across East Suffolk.

The team was now operating with strengthened governance, improved oversight, and a far more transparent relationship with tenants and with the Regulator. The Improvement Plan, informed by independent assurance, was guiding a comprehensive programme of change, addressing compliance, IT systems, tenant engagement, and investment in our housing stock.

While challenges remain, the direction of travel was clear and positive. Councillor Beavan thanked the officers whose hard work was moving steadily towards a position of resilience, accountability, and long term compliance for the benefit of East Suffolk residents.

Councillor Daly was happy to support the recommendations.

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

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

 1. Noted the information contained within this report and endorses the work of the Housing service who are working towards ensuring the Council is compliant with the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards, including the Safety and Quality Standard.

2. Noted that the next quarterly update will be presented to the Cabinet meeting in May 2026

Councillor Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services – Digital, Customer Services, HR and Assets to introduced report ES-2692 which related to Southwold Harbour 2025/26 Q3 Budget Monitoring Report.

Councillor Ashton outlined the that the income and costs for the harbour increased by around £33,000 which had netted each other off. The overall position for the harbour at the end of quarter three was a deficit of £28,000 which was within a few hundred pounds of what was expected. The campsite achieved higher income and lower costs than had been budgeted for. The current surplus at the end of quarter 3 was approximately £336,000 which exceeded the budgeted £77,000 by £258,000 as stated in the report. There was a significant improvement on what was planned. Councillor Ashton recognised the time of year would mean that the position would likely not change too much for Quarter 4 performance. The Councillor acknowledged the work of the team and the disruption there had been with staffing at both campsite and harbour, which had settled.

Councillor Ashton read the recommendations.

There were no questions or debate from Cabinet.

Councillor Byatt queried the payment of utilities and arrears. Councillor Ashton responded that he believed it could be due to a timing issue of paying for electricity after it had been used. The Estates Manager responded that they would look into it and provide a response.

Councillor Candy was happy to support the recommendations.

On the proposition of Councillor Ashton seconded by Councillor Candy it was unanimously

Councillor Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services – Digital, Customer Services, HR and Assets introduced report ES-2694 which related to Southwold Harbour and Caravan and Campsite 2026/2027 Budget.

Councillor Ashton outlined that it had been a significant year, especially for the campsite. Design improvements were underway and by November 2026 work would start on moving the static caravans off site and subject to approval there would be continued investment into design improvements of the site with the ambition to generate more income in the longer term.

Councillor Ashton stated that a small loss of £34,000 was expected, along with a campsite loss of £118,000 which was due to some of the costs that were anticipated for the coming year.

Councillor Ashton read the recommendations.

 There were no questions or debate from Cabinet.

On the proposition of Councillor Ashton seconded by Councillor Candy it was unanimously

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the adoption of the proposed budget for 2026/27 Financial Year.

Councillor Ashton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services – Digital, Customer Services, HR and Assets introduced report ES-2693 which related to the Proposed Fees and Charges for Southwold Harbour and Southwold Caravan and Campsite 2026/27.

The Southwold Harbour Management Committee (SHMC) was responsible for establishing the fees and charges to ensure the financial viability of Southwold Harbour and Campsite.  This year’s review proposed an increase of up to 5% to the majority of services with the static pitches on the caravan site proposed to have no increase applied.  The increase accounted for inflationary pressures and continued operating expenses.

SHMC met in November and approved the recommendation of the new proposed increases to Cabinet.  

Councillor Packard queried the position regarding older caravans. Councillor Ashton responded that there was an intention not to have very old caravans on site. There would be an MOT approach to maintaining static caravan options. There would be a balance of creating commercial viability to support the wider needs of the harbour as well as being responsible and ethical operators. 

Councillor Beavan added that the older caravans would only go to landfill once they reached the end of their life span. Lodges were being explored as an alternative option. 

Councillor Langdon-Morris asked if sorting the tarmac out on the harbour road would enhance the visitor experience. Councillor Ashton responded that there was a preference to limit vehicle traffic into the main harbour areas and have people walk. Councillor Beavan added that it was a working harbour and part of it was not registered as a highway , which increased potential health and safety issues. 

Councillor Jepson queried the risks to the harbour with Local Government Review. It had been recognised that the harbour required significant investment and was there a concern the new Unitary (s) would not take the issues as seriously as East Suffolk has. Councillor Ashton responded that it has been a challenge to understand the exact position on investment need. There was a risk moving forward but there was a need to generate income and take steps to address the wider investment need. 

Councillor Beavan added that there was a statutory duty to the harbour and it could not just be closed. All the Council could do was try to raise as much money as possible. 

Councillor Byatt thanked the team for the report and recognised the need to protect the harbour lands. The Councillor queried what pressure could be put on government for funding. Councillor Ashton responded that there was a need to raise the urgency of the challenges faced with government and that it was not a problem which would be solved as a District or Unitary Council.

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

RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

1. Approved the proposed fee increases [Appendix A], of above 5% for the majority of services,
to be implemented from 1 April 2026.

On the proposition of Councillor Daly  seconded by Councillor Ashton it was unanimously recommended that under Section 100A(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 Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.  

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

RESOLVED

 That the  Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 13 January 2026 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.