Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Eugenie Harvey, Maggie Hulcoop, Shona Johnson, Sue Livings, Mark Wilkinson and Gareth Williams.

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

Councillor Mike Danvers declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest as a Trustee of Gibberd Garden Trust.

Councillors Tony Edwards and Chris Vince declared Non-Pecuniary Interests as trustees of Razed Roof.

Councillors Bob Davis, Tony Durcan, Eddie Johnson and Clive Souter declared Pecuniary Interests as Non-Executive Directors of HTS.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2021.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9 December 2021 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Chair advised that he had attended two brewery tours. He was also delighted to meet with Rory Davies, Artistic and Executive Director of the Playhouse, who presented a cheque for just over £4,000 from the pantomime for the Chair’s charities.

The Chair reminded the Council of the following upcoming events; a quiz night on 4 March, the Civic Dinner on 1 April and a golf day on 29 April.  

None.

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

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

None.

The Chair asked Full Council to take items 9a-g of the agenda enbloc. As required by the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 all votes on these were recorded. Details of these are appended to the minutes.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

     i)        The Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2022/23 to 2024/25 (attached as appendix B to the report) is adopted.

    ii)        The planned Council Tax (HDC element) 0 percent increase for 2022/23 as set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan be approved.

   iii)        That the proposals regarding the Council’s Reserves as set out in paragraphs 5(c) and 22 - 35 of the report are agreed resulting in the release of £1,355,000 from reserves in 2022/23 to provide £993,000 funding for the proposed efficiency dividend set out in the General fund budget report elsewhere on the Cabinet agenda and to create a new Estates Renewal Fund of £363,000.

   iv)        That the New Homes Bonus for 2022/23 totalling £1.165 million, is applied to part fund the efficiency dividend (£830,000) and to also increase the Budget Resilience Reserve (£335,000) which in turn will be applied to support the proposals relating to 0 percent council tax increases (HDC element) in 2023/24 and 2024/25.

    v)        That subject to recommendations iii and iv being approved an efficiency dividend of £50 per eligible property be approved as a one off arrangement for the 2022/23 financial year.

   vi)        That in respect of the Harlow Council element, the MTFS includes plans for a 0 percent council tax increases in 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

      i)        The Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2022/23 to 2024/25 (attached as appendix B to the report) is adopted.

     ii)        The planned Council Tax (HDC element) 0 percent increase for 2022/23 as set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan be approved.

    iii)        That the proposals regarding the Council’s Reserves as set out in paragraphs 5(c) and 22 - 35 of the report are agreed resulting in the release of £1,355,000 from reserves in 2022/23 to provide £993,000 funding for the proposed efficiency dividend set out in the General fund budget report elsewhere on the Cabinet agenda and to create a new Estates Renewal Fund of £363,000.

   iv)        That the New Homes Bonus for 2022/23 totalling £1.165 million, is applied to part fund the efficiency dividend (£830,000) and to also increase the Budget Resilience Reserve (£335,000) which in turn will be applied to support the proposals relating to 0 percent council tax increases (HDC element) in 2023/24 and 2024/25.

    v)        That subject to recommendations iii and iv being approved an efficiency dividend of £50 per eligible property be approved as a one off arrangement for the 2022/23 financial year.

   vi)        That in respect of the Harlow Council element, the MTFS includes plans for a 0 percent council tax increases in 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendations be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

     i)        The General Fund estimates for 2022/23, as set out in Appendix A to the report, are approved.

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

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

   iv)        The Pay Policy Statement, as set out in Appendix G to the report, is approved.

    v)        The Council's Band D Council Tax for 2022/23 is set at £288.90 representing a reversal of the proposed 1.99 percent increase as set out in the 2021/2022 MTFS meaning that eligible households will pay £55.75 less than previously forecast in the 2021/22 MTFS.

   vi)        That the proposals set out in the report are approved allowing a £50 Efficiency Dividend be made to eligible households in 2022/23.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

      i)        The General Fund estimates for 2022/23, as set out in Appendix A to the report, are approved.

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

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

   iv)        The Pay Policy Statement, as set out in Appendix G to the report, is approved.

    v)        The Council's Band D Council Tax for 2022/23 is set at £288.90 representing a reversal of the proposed 1.99 percent increase as set out in the 2021/2022 MTFS meaning that eligible households will pay £55.75 less than previously forecast in the 2021/22 MTFS.

   vi)        That the proposals set out in the report are approved allowing a £50 Efficiency Dividend be made to eligible households in 2022/23.

Councillor Mike Danvers (seconded by Councillor Chris Vince) moved an amendment as set out in supplementary agenda 2.

A recorded vote was taken on the amendment and the amendment was lost.

Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) moved that a vote was taken on the substantive motion. As required by law a recorded vote was taken and it was:

RESOLVED that the original recommendations above be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

     i)        TheHousing RevenueAccount (HRA)Business Plan,as setout inAppendix A  to this report,is approved.

    ii)        Authority is delegated to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the         Portfolio Holder for Housing, to make minor amendments to the Plan, ifnecessary, following consultation.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

      i)        The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, as set out in Appendix A to this report, is approved.

     ii)        Authority is delegated to the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to make minor amendments to the Plan, if necessary, following consultation.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendations be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it:

     i)        Approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) estimates as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

    ii)        Approve a working balance of £4.563 million for the HRA (set out in paragraph 26 of the report).

   iii)        Approve that tenant rents are increased by Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1 per cent (4.1 per cent) with effect from 4 April 2022. This equates to an average weekly rent of £97.49, an increase of £3.87 (set out in paragraph 3 of the report).

   iv)        Approve that the rents and personal charges for temporary accommodation are increased with effect from 4 April 2022 as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

    v)        Approve that garage rents within the ‘retain and invest’ category are increased by 5 per cent with effect from 1 April 2022. This equates to an average weekly rent of £11.76, an increase of £0.56.  Also approve the proportionate increases for other garages, car ports and car spaces (set out in paragraph 5 of the report).

   vi)        Approve that tenant service charges are increased to recover full cost with effect from 4 April 2022 (see paragraphs 6 to 8 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

 vii)        Approve that other housing related support charges for sheltered accommodation are increased to recover full cost with effect from 4 April 2022 (see paragraphs 9 to 13 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

viii)        Approve the tenant heating charges with effect from 4 April 2022. These equate to an average weekly heating charge of £10.96, an increase of £1.23. For tenants in sheltered accommodation, this equates to an average weekly charge of £6.75, an increase £1.68 (see paragraphs 14 to 16 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

   ix)        Approve that the leasehold service charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2022 to ensure that all leaseholder costs are recovered (see paragraphs 17 to 21 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

    x)        Approve that all other tenant charges are increased with effect from 4 April 2022 in order to recover cost (see Appendix 2 attached to the report).

   xi)        Approve that Harlow’s Rent Policy is reviewed during 2022/23 with a view to moving towards the National Social Housing Rents Standard (2019) for when properties become empty and for types of rent to be charged on newly acquired or newly built properties (see paragraphs 42 to 44 of the report).

 xii)        Approve the options for tackling homelessness and prevention as outlined in paragraphs 45 to 48 of the report.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it:

      i)        Approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) estimates as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

     ii)        Approve a working balance of £4.563 million for the HRA (set out in paragraph 26 of the report).

    iii)        Approve that tenant rents are increased by Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1 per cent (4.1 per cent) with effect from 4 April 2022. This equates to an average weekly rent of £97.49, an increase of £3.87 (set out in paragraph 3 of the report).

   iv)        Approve that the rents and personal charges for temporary accommodation are increased with effect from 4 April 2022 as set out in paragraph 4 of the report.

    v)        Approve that garage rents within the ‘retain and invest’ category are increased by 5 per cent with effect from 1 April 2022. This equates to an average weekly rent of £11.76, an increase of £0.56. Also approve the proportionate increases for other garages, car ports and car spaces (set out in paragraph 5 of the report).

   vi)        Approve that tenant service charges are increased to recover full cost with effect from 4 April 2022 (see paragraphs 6 to 8 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

  vii)        Approve that other housing related support charges for sheltered accommodation are increased to recover full cost with effect from 4 April 2022 (see paragraphs 9 to 13 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

 viii)        Approve the tenant heating charges with effect from 4 April 2022. These equate to an average weekly heating charge of £10.96, an increase of £1.23. For tenants in sheltered accommodation, this equates to an average weekly charge of £6.75, an increase £1.68 (see paragraphs 14 to 16 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

   ix)        Approve that the leasehold service charges are increased with effect from 1 April 2022 to ensure that all leaseholder costs are recovered (see paragraphs 17 to 21 of the report and Appendix 2 attached to the report).

    x)        Approve that all other tenant charges are increased with effect from 4 April 2022 in order to recover cost (see Appendix 2 attached to the report).

   xi)        Approve that Harlow’s Rent Policy is reviewed during 2022/23 with a view to moving towards the National Social Housing Rents Standard (2019) for when properties become empty and for types of rent to be charged on newly acquired or newly built properties (see paragraphs 42 to 44 of the report).

  xii)        Approve the options for tackling homelessness and prevention as outlined in paragraphs 45 to 48 of the report.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendations be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it:

     i)        Approve the 2022/23 Housing Capital Programme (HCP) totalling £30.169 million as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

    ii)        Approve of the inclusion in the Housing Capital Programme of an additional £25.939 million over 6 years for a Housing “Catch up Stock Need” as set out in Table 2 of the report.

   iii)        Approve the updated New Build programme as set out in Table 3 of the report, noting the removal of £155,000 expenditure incurred for both the Stackfield and Brenthall Towers schemes which are not proceeding.

   iv)        Approve the 2022/23 Non Housing Capital Programme totalling £18.603 million (attached as Appendix 2 to the report), noting the additional £2.19 million investment in response to Business Cases received as detailed in Table 11 of the report.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that it:

      i)        Approve the 2022/23 Housing Capital Programme (HCP) totalling £30.169 million as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

     ii)        Approve of the inclusion in the Housing Capital Programme of an additional £25.939 million over 6 years for a Housing “Catch up Stock Need” as set out in Table 2 of the report.

    iii)        Approve the updated New Build programme as set out in Table 3 of the report, noting the removal of £155,000 expenditure incurred for both the Stackfield and Brenthall Towers schemes which are not proceeding.

   iv)        Approve the 2022/23 Non Housing Capital Programme totalling £18.603 million (attached as Appendix 2 to the report), noting the additional £2.19 million investment in response to Business Cases received as detailed in Table 11 of the report.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendations be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

     i)        The following Capital and Treasury Reports be approved:

·         The Capital Strategy Report (attached as Appendix A to the report).

·         The Investment Strategy Report 2022/23 (attached as Appendix D to the report).

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2022/23 (attached as Appendix E to the report).

    ii)        The proposed revised Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 (attached as Appendix C to the report) be approved for implementation with effect from 1 April 2022.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that:

      i)        The following Capital and Treasury Reports be approved:

·         The Capital Strategy Report (attached as Appendix A to the report).

·         The Investment Strategy Report 2022/23 (attached as Appendix D to the report).

·         The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2022/23 (attached as Appendix E to the report).

     ii)        The proposed revised Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2022/23 (attached as Appendix C to the report) be approved for implementation with effect from 1 April 2022.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendations be approved.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that the Mid-Year Review of the Treasury Management Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the report, be noted.

Cabinet recommended to Full Council that the Mid-Year Review of

the Treasury Management Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the

report, be noted.

Proposed by Councillor James Leppard (seconded by Councillor Russell Perrin) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendation be approved.

The Licensing Committee recommended to Full Council that the amended Licensing Policy as set out in paragraphs 11-14 of the report be adopted.

The Licensing Committee recommended to Full Council that the amended Licensing Policy as set out in paragraphs 11-14 of the report be adopted.

Proposed by Councillor Nick Churchill (seconded by Councillor David Carter) it was:

RESOLVED that the above recommendation be approved.

The Constitution Panel recommended to Full Council that the amended Constitution (attached as Appendix A to the report) be adopted.

The Constitution Panel recommended to Full Council that the amended Constitution (attached as Appendix A to the report) be adopted.

It was proposed by Councillor Simon Carter (seconded by Councillor James Leppard) that the following additional recommendations be added:

B     That the minimum procurement thresholds requiring consultation with a Portfolio Holder remain at £50,000 and £25,000 for consultancy services. The upper limit be increased to £350,000 and £100,000 for consultancy services as recommended in the report; and

C     That authority be delegated to the Director of Governance and Corporate Services to ensure that any elements of the Contract Standing Orders are consistent with the amended thresholds.

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

RESOLVED that the above recommendation be approved subject to the additional recommendations B and C as detailed above.

With the consent of the meeting, it was agreed to suspend Council Procedure Rule 9.1 and that the meeting would continue until the remaining business had been considered.

Full Council received a report on the interim review of polling districts and places for Netteswell Ward.

Proposed by Councillor Colleen Morrison (seconded by Councillor Mike Danvers) it was:

RESOLVED that the following changes to the Polling Districts and Places will take place with effect from 18 February 2022:

              i)        Creation of two polling districts and two polling places in the Netteswell ward

·         GA – Netteswell North – Our Lady of Fatima Church Hall to be

designated as the polling place for all elections; and

·         GB – Netteswell South – YCT House to be designated as the

polling place for all elections.

To note the following Cabinet and Committee minutes:

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.