Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 27 October 2020 (copy enclosed). 

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 October 2020 were agreed, and would be signed by the Leader as a correct records as soon as reasonably practical after the meeting.

(Where a Councillor has a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest the Councillor must declare the interest and leave the meeting without participating in any discussion or making a statement on the item, except where a Councillor is permitted to remain as a result of a grant of dispensation.)

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To provide an update on how the Council is performing for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 September 2020 (report of the Deputy Leader of the Council enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Deputy Leader of the Council which provided an update on how the Council was performing for the period 1^st July 2020 to 30^th September 2020.

Members commented that when calling Customer Services, the wait time to be connected as a result of the recorded available options was too long.

The Deputy Leader agreed, took the comments on board and stated that improvements would be considered with officers.

DECISION:

That Cabinet note the contents of the report.

(Other options considered:

• Do nothing

Reasons for decision:

·         To ensure that the Council’s performance is properly scrutinised.)

To seek Cabinet decision on the final proposals for the 2021/22 Council Tax Support scheme, to be presented to Council for approval on 20 January 2021 (report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance and the Executive Director Commercialisation (S151) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Executive Director – Commercialisation (S151) which provided information about final proposals for the Local Council Tax Support scheme 2021/22.

Members commented that, in reading the proposals for the Local Council Tax Support Scheme, it highlighted the complexities of the Council Tax setting process, and that a clear explanation of the process would be helpful.

It was agreed that a finance briefing detailing how the Council Tax was set and how this linked into the budget, be arranged for members, ahead of the Budget Setting process.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

a)    That the current Local Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with DWP’s annual update of allowances and premiums for housing benefit for 2021/22, be continued;

b)    That the backdating period for working age claimants be extended from one month to three months; and

c)    That delegation be given to the Executive Director – Commercialisation (S151) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to approve the final scheme in line with this report, and any administrative and minor changes.

(Other options considered:

• Option two – Continuation of the current scheme into 2021/22, uprated in line with DWP uprating of allowances and premiums for housing benefit, but do not extend the backdating period for working age claimants.

Reasons for decision:

·         Continuation of the current scheme for 2021/22 would provide continuity for Council Tax Support recipients, and more certainty and stability in respect of the liability of Council Tax. Increasing backdating in appropriate circumstances to three months would provide additional support to households and may help to prevent debt.)

To seek approval of the Tenancy Management Policy (report of the Portfolio Holder for HRA and Private Sector Housing and the Executive Director Commercialisation (S151) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for HRA and Private Sector Housing and Executive Director – Commercialisation (S151) which sought approval of the Tenancy Management Policy.

There was some discussion around how tenants were made aware of the regulations surrounding succession in social housing properties, and general changes to the Tenancy Management Policy. The Housing Services Manager confirmed that all tenants would be sent a letter, clearly explaining the rules around Successions as well as the Right to Buy. This would also include contact details for individual officers within the Housing team. It was stated that tenants could also contact the Housing Department directly with any queries

In order to inform the wider public on these issues, it was suggested that the Portfolio Holder work in conjunction with the Communications Manager and Housing Officers to provide an interview to the local Press.

DECISION:

1)    That the Housing Tenancy Management Policy be adopted

2)    That amendments to the appendices of the Policy and minor operational amendments be delegated to the Housing Landlord Services Manager in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for HRA and Private Sector Housing.

(Other options considered:

• To do nothing and continue to operate without policies in place.

Reasons for decision:

• To provide a policy on tenancy management to ensure consistency across the district and Housing Department.
• To set out the Council’s approach to tenancy management and provide a document that Officers and Members can refer to.)

To propose a revised Health and Safety Policy and to recommend its formal adoption and implementation (report of the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and the Executive Director Commercialisation (S151) enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Executive Director – Commercialisation (S151) which proposed a revised Health and Safety Policy and to recommend its formal adoption and implementation.

Members commented that Health and Safety had to be communicated in a positive way to the public. The Health and Safety Manager agreed with this view.

Members also asked that the health and safety of SHDC staff working from home be considered by officers.

DECISION:

That the Health and Safety Policy 2020 be approved for adoption

(Other options considered:

• Agree the adoption of the revised Health and Safety Policy with amendments
• Do nothing

Reasons for Decision:

• To ensure South Holland was compliant with its statutory duties
• To protect the health and safety and welfare of employees and the health and safety of visitors to South Holland’s premises or where services were provided by the Council.)

Note:         (i)      No other business is permitted unless by reason of special circumstances, which shall be specified in the Minutes, the Leader is of the opinion that the item(s) should be considered as a matter of urgency. 

(ii)     Any urgent item of business that is a key decision must be dealt with in accordance with the Constitution’s Access to Information Procedure Rules.

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