Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair will read out the following statement:

“This meeting is being webcast live to our website (https://harlow.public-i.tv/core/portal/home) and will be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended.

By continuing to attend this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

I would like to remind all those participating in the meeting to use their microphones when they speak, and to turn them off once they have finished talking.”

The Leader said the meeting was being webcast live and would be available for repeated viewing after the meeting has ended. By continuing to attend the meeting, you were consenting to being filmed and to appearing in the webcast.

None.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any items on the agenda.

Councillor Aiden O’Dell declared a pecuniary interest in item 15 as a leaseholder at Sycamore Field.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 15 and 29 January 2024.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 15 and 29 January 2024 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

The Leader said he would speak to Councillor Vince about meetings with Arriva.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Rule 10 of the Council Procedure Rules.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Rule 10 of the Council Procedure Rules.

The questions, together with the answers, are appended to the minutes.

The Leader welcomed Yvonne Rees to her first Cabinet meeting following her appointment as Interim Chief Executive.

He said that the council had now been shortlisted for the LGA’s most improved council award.

The council had continued to make progress against its five priorities, including clearing 94 percent of its housing backlog and replacing hundreds of road signs.

To consider any petitions that have been referred to the Cabinet under the Council’s Petition Scheme.

To note recent Portfolio Holder decisions taken under delegated powers, as attached:

RESOLVED that the following decisions be noted.

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=939

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=940

https://moderngov.harlow.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=941

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

A    The Medium-Term Financial Plan 2024 - 2028, and the General Fund Budget for 2024/25 attached as Appendix A to the report, is approved.

B    The Council's Band D Council Tax for 2024/25 is set at £288.90 representing a 0% increase as set out in the 2024/25 Medium Term Financial Plan.

C    The General Fund estimates for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix B to the report, are approved.

D    The proposed transfers between the General Fund and Earmarked Reserves, referred to within the report and set out in Appendix A to the report, are approved.

E     The proposed Fees and Charges, as set out in Appendix C to the report, are approved.

F     The Pay Policy Statement, as set out in Appendix E to the report, is approved.

Cabinet received a report on the Medium Term Financial Plan 2024-2028 and General Fund Budget 2024-25.

It was agreed that Councillor Vince would be provided with more detail about how the figures for the surpluses on page 58 of the agenda pack were reached.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

A     The Medium-Term Financial Plan 2024 - 2028, and the General Fund Budget for 2024/25 attached as Appendix A to the report, is approved.

B     The Council's Band D Council Tax for 2024/25 is set at £288.90 representing a 0% increase as set out in the 2024/25 Medium Term Financial Plan.

C     The General Fund estimates for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix B to the report, are approved.

D     The proposed transfers between the General Fund and Earmarked Reserves, referred to within the report and set out in Appendix A to the report, are approved.

E     The proposed Fees and Charges, as set out in Appendix C to the report, are approved.

F      The Pay Policy Statement, as set out in Appendix E to the report, is approved.

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council to:

A    Approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) estimates as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B    Approve that tenant rents are increased by 7.7 percent with effect from 1 April 2024. This equates to an average weekly rent of £112.20 an increase of £8.02 as set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

C    Approve that the rents and personal charges for temporary accommodation are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 as set out in paragraph 3 of the report.

D    Approve that garage rents within the ‘retain and invest’ category are increased by 5 percent with effect from 1 April 2024. This equates to an average weekly rent of £12.97, an increase of £0.62.  Also approve the proportionate increases for other garages, car ports and car spaces as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

E     Approve that tenant service charges are increased to recover full cost with effect from 1 April 2024 (see paragraphs 5 to 7 of the report and Appendix C attached to the report).

F     Approve that the leasehold service charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 to ensure that all leaseholder costs are recovered (see paragraphs 8 to 11 of the report and Appendix C attached to the report).

G    Approve that all other tenant charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 in order to recover cost (see Appendix C attached to the report).

H    Approve the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

Cabinet received a report on the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2024/25 and Business Plan 2023-2053.

The Leader agreed to meet with Councillor Perrin about painting at Milwards.

Councillor Vince would be provided with the difference between the housing rent increase and a Council Tax freeze.

Proposed by Councillor David Carter (seconded by Councillor James Leppard) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council to:

A    Approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) estimates as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B    Approve that tenant rents are increased by 7.7 percent with effect from 1 April 2024. This equates to an average weekly rent of £112.20 an increase of £8.02 as set out in paragraph 2 of the report.

C    Approve that the rents and personal charges for temporary accommodation are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 as set out in paragraph 3 of the report.

D    Approve that garage rents within the ‘retain and invest’ category are increased by 5 percent with effect from 1 April 2024. This equates to an average weekly rent of £12.97, an increase of £0.62.  Also approve the proportionate increases for other garages, car ports and car spaces as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

E     Approve that tenant service charges are increased to recover full cost with effect from 1 April 2024 (see paragraphs 5 to 7 of the report and Appendix C attached to the report).

F     Approve that the leasehold service charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 to ensure that all leaseholder costs are recovered (see paragraphs 8 to 11 of the report and Appendix C attached to the report).

G    Approve that all other tenant charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2024 in order to recover cost (see Appendix C attached to the report).

H    Approve the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, as set out in Appendix B to the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council to:

A    Approve the 2024/25 Housing Capital Programme (HCP) totalling £60.409 million as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B    Approve the 2024/25 Non-Housing Capital Programme totalling £32.782 million as set out in Appendix A to the report.

C    Approve the following Capital and Treasury Reports:

             i)        The Capital Strategy Report (Appendix B to the report);

            ii)        The Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 (Appendix C to the report);

           iii)        The Investment Strategy Report 2023/24 (Appendix D to the report); and

           iv)        The MRP Statement 2023/24 (Appendix E to the report).

Cabinet received the Capital and Treasury Budget Report 2024-25 to 2027-28.

The Leader agreed to provide Councillor Vince with more information about the proposed housing energy efficiency schemes.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor David Carter) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet recommended to Full Council to:

A    Approve the 2024/25 Housing Capital Programme (HCP) totalling £60.409 million as set out in Appendix A to the report.

B    Approve the 2024/25 Non-Housing Capital Programme totalling £32.782 million as set out in Appendix A to the report.

C    Approve the following Capital and Treasury Reports:

                             i)        The Capital Strategy Report (Appendix B to the report);

                            ii)        The Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2023/24 (Appendix C to the report);

                           iii)        The Investment Strategy Report 2023/24 (Appendix D to the report); and

                           iv)        The MRP Statement 2023/24 (Appendix E to the report).

It was agreed that item 15 be considered next. Councillor O’Dell left the meeting.

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved:

A    The disposal of the buildings known as 154-189 & 190-207 Sycamore Field and the associated vehicle parking known as carports 154-163, 164-171 and 201-207 Sycamore Field and hardstandings 172-189 Sycamore Field due to fire safety remediation requirements that cannot be achieved.

B    The commencement of decanting residents from these properties in line with the council’s allocations policy.

C    The payment of home loss and disturbance payments as appropriate.

D    Commencement of negotiation with leaseholders for the repurchase of properties with approval to complete purchases delegated to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Assistant Director for Housing and Property.

E     The use of Compulsory Purchase Powers under Section 226 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 should this become necessary.

F     Service of a demolition notice under Section 138B and Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 which will confirm the council’s intention to demolish the buildings and suspend the obligation on the council to complete right to buy applications on the two buildings in question.

G    The negotiation and settlement of any statutory compensation claims made by residents as a result of the service of the Initial Demolition Notice delegated as set out in recommendation D above.

Cabinet received a report on fire safety remediation works at 154-189 and 190-297 Sycamore Field.

The Leader agreed to meet with Councillor Perrin about the impact of the demolition on disabled residents and the noise made by the Walking Watch.

Councillor Perrin would be provided with details on the impact on contents insurance for residents.

Councillor Kay Morrison would be provided with all relevant fire safety documentation.

Councillor Vince would be provided with an explanation as to why alternative funding mechanisms weren’t applicable.

Councillor Griggs would be provided with information about insurance indemnity.

Proposed by Councillor David Carter (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet approved:

A    The disposal of the buildings known as 154-189 & 190-207 Sycamore Field and the associated vehicle parking known as carports 154-163, 164-171 and 201-207 Sycamore Field and hardstandings 172-189 Sycamore Field due to fire safety remediation requirements that cannot be achieved.

B    The commencement of decanting residents from these properties in line with the council’s allocations policy.

C    The payment of home loss and disturbance payments as appropriate.

D    Commencement of negotiation with leaseholders for the repurchase of properties with approval to complete purchases delegated to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Assistant Director for Housing and Property.

E     The use of Compulsory Purchase Powers under Section 226 Town and Country Planning Act 1990 should this become necessary.

F     Service of a demolition notice under Section 138B and Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 which will confirm the council’s intention to demolish the buildings and suspend the obligation on the council to complete right to buy applications on the two buildings in question.

G    The negotiation and settlement of any statutory compensation claims made by residents as a result of the service of the Initial Demolition Notice delegated as set out in recommendation D above.

Councillor O’Dell returned to the meeting.

RESOLVED that:

A     Cabinet approved the following changes:

               i)         The Policy removes Band 4 and moves to a three band system as set out in paragraphs 7-9 of the report.

              ii)         The lower age limit be increased to 18 years as set out in paragraphs 10-11 of the report.

             iii)         The local connection requirement be increased to 7 years, the removal of the employment criteria, and the introduction of a born and bred criteria as set out in paragraphs 12-20 of the report.

             iv)         Stepped financial limits be introduced as set out in paragraphs 21-26 of the report.

              v)         The criteria for armed forces be amended as set out in paragraphs 27-32 of the report.

             vi)         The supported housing quotas be reviewed as set out in paragraphs 33-34 of the report.

           vii)         Time limits for bidding be amended as set out in paragraphs 35-39 of the report.

          viii)         The revised definition of accommodation for live in carers be amended as set out in paragraphs 40 and 41 of the report.

             ix)         The process for managing refusals be amended as set out in paragraphs 42-45 of the report.

              x)         Living in flats with children above ground floor be removed as an assessed housing need as set out in paragraphs 46-48 of the report.

             xi)         The definitions surrounding deliberately worsening circumstances be strengthened as set out in paragraphs 49-52 of the report.

           xii)         The Tied Tenant category be removed as set out in paragraph 53 of the report.

          xiii)         Homeless applicants be added to the banding scheme as set out in paragraph 54 of the report.

          xiv)         Applicants who wish to give up two social housing properties in Harlow for one be placed in Band 2 as set out in paragraphs 55-56 of the report.

B     The revised Allocation Policy be implemented with effect from 1 April 2024 for all new applicants joining the housing needs register, with a phased implementation between 1 April 2024 and 1 October 2024 for existing housing register applicants, aligned to the implementation of the new Allocation IT module.

C     Delegation be given to the Portfolio Holder for Housing to approve a revised Allocation Policy as a Portfolio Holder decision by 1 April 2024 in line with the decisions taken by the Cabinet.

Cabinet received a report on a revised Housing Allocations Policy.

It was agreed that Councillor Kay Morrison would be provided with the figures omitted from the Equality Impact Assessment.

Councillor O’Dell would be provided with the detailed definition of ‘adequate housing’.

Proposed by Councillor David Carter (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that:

A     Cabinet approved the following changes:

                                 i)         The Policy removes Band 4 and moves to a three band system as set out in paragraphs 7-9 of the report.

                                ii)         The lower age limit be increased to 18 years as set out in paragraphs 10-11 of the report.

                              iii)         The local connection requirement be increased to 7 years, the removal of the employment criteria, and the introduction of a born and bred criteria as set out in paragraphs 12-20 of the report.

                              iv)         Stepped financial limits be introduced as set out in paragraphs 21-26 of the report.

                               v)         The criteria for armed forces be amended as set out in paragraphs 27-32 of the report.

                              vi)         The supported housing quotas be reviewed as set out in paragraphs 33-34 of the report.

                             vii)         Time limits for bidding be amended as set out in paragraphs 35-39 of the report.

                           viii)         The revised definition of accommodation for live in carers be amended as set out in paragraphs 40 and 41 of the report.

                              ix)         The process for managing refusals be amended as set out in paragraphs 42-45 of the report.

                               x)         Living in flats with children above ground floor be removed as an assessed housing need as set out in paragraphs 46-48 of the report.

                              xi)         The definitions surrounding deliberately worsening circumstances be strengthened as set out in paragraphs 49-52 of the report.

                             xii)         The Tied Tenant category be removed as set out in paragraph 53 of the report.

                           xiii)         Homeless applicants be added to the banding scheme as set out in paragraph 54 of the report.

                           xiv)         Applicants who wish to give up two social housing properties in Harlow for one be placed in Band 2 as set out in paragraphs 55-56 of the report.

B     The revised Allocation Policy be implemented with effect from 1 April 2024 for all new applicants joining the housing needs register, with a phased implementation between 1 April 2024 and 1 October 2024 for existing housing register applicants, aligned to the implementation of the new Allocation IT module.

C     Delegation be given to the Portfolio Holder for Housing to approve a revised Allocation Policy as a Portfolio Holder decision by 1 April 2024 in line with the decisions taken by the Cabinet.

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopted the updated local list attached as Appendix 4 to the report.

Cabinet received a report on local list and non-designated heritage assets.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Hardware (seconded by Councillor Dan Swords) it was:

RESOLVED that Cabinet adopted the updated local list attached as Appendix 4 to the report.

None.

To note the following draft minutes of Cabinet appointed bodies. Minutes remain draft until approved by the relevant body.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the following meetings are noted.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.