Venue: Committee Rooms A and B - Town Hall. View directions
Contact: Democratic Services Email: democratic.services@crawley.gov.uk
No. | Item |
---|---|
Disclosures of Interest In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, councillors are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate.
Minutes: No disclosures of interests were made. |
|
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Cabinet held on 15 January 2025. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 January 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader of the Council.
|
|
Public Question Time To answer any questions asked by the public which are relevant to the functions of the Cabinet.
Public Question Time will be concluded by the Chair when all questions have been answered or on the expiry of a period of 15 minutes, whichever is the earlier. Minutes: The Cabinet noted the two written questions submitted in advance of the meeting along with the responses which was included with the Supplementary Agenda
Mr Symonds (Ifield), who had submitted one of the written questions was present and asked his question.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Jones, responded to the question by reading out the response he had supplied within the Supplementary Agenda. |
|
Further Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private and Notifications of any Representations The Monitoring Officer will report on any responses to representations received in relation to why item(s) 15: Disposal of Freehold for Ongoing Use of Affordable Housing should not be held in Part B Business – (Closed to the Public).
Minutes: It was reported that no representations had been received in respect of agenda item 15, Disposal of Freehold for Ongoing Use of Affordable Housing. |
|
To consider any matters referred to the Cabinet (whether by a scrutiny committee or by the Council) and those for reconsideration in accordance with the provisions contained in the Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Budget Procedure Rules and the Policy Framework Procedure Rules set out in Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution.
Minutes: It was confirmed that no matters had been referred to the Cabinet for further consideration.
|
|
Housing Portfolio
To consider report CH/212 of the Head of Crawley Homes. Additional documents:
Decision: RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) approves the attached policies (Appendices A-D of report CH/212) for adoption and subsequent publication.
b) delegates authority to the Head of Crawley Homes, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to make amendments to these policies as further changes to legislation and statutory guidance are introduced or following a subsequent review. (Generic Delegation 7 will be used to enact this recommendation).
Reasons for the Recommendations
To ensure that Crawley Homes is compliant with all significant safety legislation relating to the management of residential accommodation.
To fulfil regulatory requirements, including the provision of direct information to tenants, ensuring transparency and accountability.
To ensure that Crawley Homes staff and representatives operate within and understand their responsibilities under the law.
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Housing presented report CH/212 of the Head of Crawley Homes. The report requested approval for the following draft Crawley Homes policies to ensure the Councils was meeting all its safety legislation requirements in respect of Gas Safety, Electrical Safety, Fire Safety Enclosed Blocks (Low Risk) and Building and Fire Safety High Risk Blocks. The Cabinet heard from the Compliance, Health and Safety and Building Safety Manager who provided them with technical information behind the proposed policies and, in doing so, answered any related questions.
Councillors Nawaz, S Mullins, C Mullins and Jones spoke as part of the discussion on the report.
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) approves Crawley Homes policies in respect of · Gas Safety · Electrical Safety · Fire Safety Enclosed Blocks (Low Risk) · Building and Fire Safety High Risk Blocks As detailed in (Appendices A-D of report CH/212) for adoption and subsequent publication.
b) delegates authority to the Head of Crawley Homes, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, to make amendments to these policies as further changes to legislation and statutory guidance are introduced or following a subsequent review. (Generic Delegation 7 will be used to enact this recommendation).
Reasons for the Recommendations
To ensure that Crawley Homes is compliant with all significant safety legislation relating to the management of residential accommodation.
To fulfil regulatory requirements, including the provision of direct information to tenants, ensuring transparency and accountability.
To ensure that Crawley Homes staff and representatives operate within and understand their responsibilities under the law.
|
|
Housing Revenue Account Property Portfolio Rents 2025-26 Housing Portfolio
To consider report CH/213 of the Head of Crawley Homes. Decision: RESOLVED
That the Cabinet approves:
a) a rent increase of CPI+ 1% for all Crawley Homes stock including general needs, shared ownership and hostels, for 2025-26.
b) service charges for relevant Crawley Homes properties be set to achieve full cost recovery for all services, with exception of cleaning for sheltered housing schemes which to set at 50% of cost recovery for 2025-26 as set out in Section 6 of report CH/213.
c) a consultation to be undertaken with sheltered housing schemes tenants, during the coming financial year to explore potential to achieve a reduction in costs or to take forward full cost recovery for 2026/27.
Reasons for the Recommendations
Approving the proposals set out in 2.1 of report CH/213 will enable the Council to maintain a healthy Housing Revenue Account and maximise income from rents and services provided to its tenants.
Minutes: The Leader of the Council introduced the item by informing Cabinet that under the Executive delegation scheme the Cabinet Member for Housing had the delegated authority to set the rent levels for all Crawley Homes stock. However, this year he wanted to put the report in front of the Cabinet to achieve a collective decision on the rent setting and service charges, also enabling a more open decision and thus allowing more scrutiny.
The Cabinet Member for Housing presented report CH/213of the Head of Crawley Homes. The report sought approval to vary the rents and services charges of dwellings held in the Housing Revenue Account. The Cabinet Member for Housing commented that the rent increase itself was quite standard as it was based on a formula set by the Government. However, this year there were proposals for charging for services provided by Crawley Homes, but not included within residents’ tenancy agreements. The rationale behind proposing to charge for those services was to ensure that the housing revenue account (HRA) remained in a healthy state so that Crawley Homes could continue to provide a good quality service for its tenants now and in the future.
Councillor S Mullins and Jones, also spoke as part of the discussion on the proposals. Both acknowledged that there was no desire to put up rents or add charges, but there was a reality, which meant those changes were required to ensure that the HRA had resilience and sufficient funds to continue to provide a decent standard of homes, including repairs and service for our tenant, in the short and long term. Also, the service charges were being added to ensure that all tenants were receiving the same service, rather than some receiving added services being funded by the collective. It was noted that the Cabinet were pleased that there would be a clear communication plan in place to ensure tenants were aware of the changes, when they were coming in and why they were required.
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet approves:
a) a rent increase of CPI+ 1% for all Crawley Homes stock including general needs, shared ownership and hostels, for 2025-26.
b) service charges for relevant Crawley Homes properties be set to achieve full cost recovery for all services, with exception of cleaning for sheltered housing schemes which to set at 50% of cost recovery for 2025-26 as set out in Section 6 of report CH/213.
c) a consultation to be undertaken with sheltered housing schemes tenants, during the coming financial year to explore potential to achieve a reduction in costs or to take forward full cost recovery for 2026/27.
Reasons for the Recommendations
Approving the proposals set out in 2.1 of report CH/213 will enable the Council to maintain a healthy Housing Revenue Account and maximise income from rents and services provided to its tenants.
|
|
2024-2025 Budget Monitoring - Quarter 3
To consider report FIN/682 of the Head of Corporate Finance, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on 3 February 2025. Decision: RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) notes the projected outturn for the financial year 2024/2025 as summarised in this report.
b) aproves the virement of £30k from the Better Care Fund to Disabled Facilities Grant budget to continue two countywide services as detailed in paragraph 8.5 of report FIN/682.
Reasons for the Recommendations
To report to Members on the projected outturn for the year compared to the approved budget.
Minutes: The Leader of the Council presented report FIN/682 of the Head of Corporate Finance. The report set out a summary of the Council’s actual revenue and capital spending for the quarter to December 2024 together with the main variations from the approved spending levels and impact on future budgets.
Councillor Ayling presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 3 February 2025, which included : · Confirmation was provided on the impact due to the recent changes in Right to Buy discounts which had resulted in an increase in the number of applications from tenants. Further resources would be sought to assist in the application processing. · Recognition that the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would impact the authority’s resources (both financial and staffing). It was highlighted that future years’ financial projections may not exist beyond 2027-2028. · It would be beneficial to be aware of further savings that could be put towards any Reorganisation works required. It was further proposed that Devolution and LGR should be included on the Strategic Risk Register in the future. · Clarification was sought as to the outturn figures for Tilgate Park and the Nature Centre.
Councillors S Mullins, C Mullins, and Irvine all spoke as part of the discussion on the report including supporting that that the Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation be added to the Strategic Risk Register.
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) notes the projected outturn for the financial year 2024/2025 as summarised in this report.
b) approves the virement of £30k from the Better Care Fund to Disabled Facilities Grant budget to continue two countywide services as detailed in paragraph 8.5 of report FIN/682.
Reasons for the Recommendations
To report to Members on the projected outturn for the year compared to the approved budget.
|
|
2025-2026 Budget and Council Tax The Leader’s Portfolio
To consider report FIN/683 of the Head of Corporate Finance, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on 3 February 2025.
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED
That Cabinet approves that Appendix C on page 136 be replaced with the revised version of the Appendix C contained within the Supplementary agenda on page 9.
That the Full Council be recommended to approve the following items regarding the 2025/26 Budget:
a) the proposed 2025/26 General Fund Budget which includes a £140k contribution to general fund reserve as set out in section 6 and Appendix A of report FIN/683;
b) the proposed 2025/26 Housing Revenue Account Budget as set out in Appendix B of the report of report FIN/683;
c) the 2025/26 and future years Capital Programme and funding as set out in section 9 and Appendix D of the report of report FIN/683;
d) the transfers between reserves as outlined in section 10 of the report of report FIN/683;
e) that the Council’s share of Council Tax for 2025/26 be increased by 2.99% an increase of £6.94 from £232.10 to £239.04 for a band D property as set out in paragraph 5.14 of report FIN/683;
f) the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/2026 as outlined in paragraph 11.4 and Appendix G of the report FIN/683;
g) and notes the results and commentary of the public budget consultation process as summarised in Appendix H of report FIN/683;
NB - From by Head of Governance, People and Performance. The updated Appendix C has now been included within the online version of report FIN/683.
Reasons for the Recommendations
To provide adequate funding for the proposed level of services and to fulfil the statutory requirement to set a Budget and Council Tax and report on the robustness of estimates. Minutes: The Leader of the Council presented report FIN/683of the Head of Corporate Finance. The Council had a statutory responsibility to set a council tax and budget in advance of the commencement of the new financial year (1 April to 31 March). During the year the Council would review its spending plans, consider options to amend spending to meet new priorities and consider comments received as part of the consultation process. It was noted that it was proposed that the Council element of Council Tax be raised by 2.99%, equating to an increase of £6.94 for a band D property.
Following a successful public consultation exercise, the proposed budget included approximately £2m worth of identifiable savings and a contribution to the General Fund of £140k. There was also a proposed increase in fees and charges as detailed within Appendix C of report. The Leader of Council then highlighted the revision contained within the Supplementary Agenda on page 9, which was a direct replacement to Appendix C. The reason for the change related to ensure that the correct consultation was referenced in respect of increasing the taxi licensing fee. He confirmed he would move the proposed changed included as part of the substantive recommendation.
The proposed Capital programme for 2025-26 was £82m, comprising £56m from the General Fund including the £2m of K2Crawley improvement identified in December 2024 and £46m from the HRA.
Councillor Ayling presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 3 February 2025, which included: · Clarity sought and obtained on the savings and income creating activities proposals. · Concerns raised regarding phases of the budget and the mix of service reductions. It was thought it would have been beneficial to list all the service areas, including those which had been potentially considered as savings but discounted to ensure further detailed scrutiny. · The savings highlighted involved cutting services which were well run and provided value. But given the scale of the budget gap, savings had to be made. It was confirmed that the proposals had been developed following the finance seminars, and it was acknowledged that in some areas this would result in a reduction and/or changes in delivery, whilst being able to maintain standards. · Clarity was sought on the overall government funding received, especially in relation to National Insurance costs, as well as the business rates calculation
Councillor Crow was invited to speak on the item. Matters raised included: · Notes the pressures of the temporary accommodations. · Questioned why there was no Budget Advisory Group to allow Councillors to look at the potential savings at an earlier stage of the budget process, rather a number of Member Seminars instead. · Queryied how proposed income generation from Parking of £300k would be possible.
In response, the Leader of the Council stated that the Budget Advisory Group had not actually taken place since 2018 and since then Members seminar had been used to explain the budget process with no ... view the full minutes text for item 9. |
|
Capital Strategy 2025-2026 The Leader’s Portfolio
To consider report FIN/685 of the Head of Corporate Finance, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on 3 February 2025.
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED
That the Full Council be recommended to approve of the Capital Strategy 2025-2026 as detailed in Appendix A of report FIN/685.
Reasons for the Recommendations
The Capital Strategy 2025-2026 (the Strategy) sets out how the Council will determine capital spend and use capital resources to achieve Corporate Objectives and support service delivery. It forms an essential part of the Council’s integrated revenue, capital and balance sheet planning. This includes the appraisal process for determining investment decisions and the process for identifying and prioritising funding requirements.
The Strategy is based on the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code for Capital Finance and Treasury Management Code.
The detailed Strategy is attached at Appendix A of report FIN/685.
Minutes: The Leader presented report FIN/685 of the Head of Corporate Finance. The CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance and the Treasury Management code require all local authorities to prepare a Capital Strategy. It puts a regulatory framework around capital decisions and sets out how the Council will manage the investment and financing of capital resources in support of the Corporate Strategy. Sitting under the Capital Strategy was the Treasury Management Strategy which sets the limits and method of investing the Council’s surplus funds taking into account the statutory restrictions on local authority investments and borrowings. While the Council was debt free and expected to continue that policy for the foreseeable future, the report set limits and established procedures for any borrowings that may be required. It was noted that the Council previously incorporated its Capital Strategy within the Budget and Council Tax report but based on advice, it had now been made into a standalone report.
Councillor Ayling presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 3 February 2025, which included: · That it was noted that local authorities must produce an annual Capital Strategy. · It followed best practice to have longer-term strategic planning and investment to ensure the Council’s long-term priorities can be delivered. · It was noted that the Asset Disposal and Exit Strategy had been further developed
RESOLVED
That the Full Council be recommended to approve of the Capital Strategy 2025-2026 as detailed in Appendix A of report FIN/685.
Reasons for the Recommendations
The Capital Strategy 2025-2026 (the Strategy) sets out how the Council will determine capital spend and use capital resources to achieve Corporate Objectives and support service delivery. It forms an essential part of the Council’s integrated revenue, capital and balance sheet planning. This includes the appraisal process for determining investment decisions and the process for identifying and prioritising funding requirements.
The Strategy is based on the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code for Capital Finance and Treasury Management Code.
The detailed Strategy is attached at Appendix A of report FIN/685.
|
|
Treasury Management Strategy 2025-2026 The Leader’s Portfolio
To consider report FIN/686 of the Head of Corporate Finance, which was referred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission on 3 February 2025.
Decision: RESOLVED
That the Full Council be recommended to approve:
a) the Treasury Prudential Indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement contained within Sections 5.4 and 6.3 of report FIN/686;
b) the Treasury Management Strategy contained within Section 6 of report FIN/686;
c) the Investment Strategy contained within Section 7 of report FIN/686;
Reasons for the Recommendations
The Council’s financial regulations, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management, requires a Treasury Management Strategy to be approved for the forthcoming financial year. This report complies with those requirements.
Minutes: The Leader of the Council presented report FIN/686 of the Head of Corporate Finance report which set the limits and method of investing the Council’s surplus funds taking into account the statutory restrictions on local authority investments and borrowings. While the Council was debt free and expected to continue that policy for the foreseeable future, the report set limits and established procedures for any borrowings that might be required.
Councillor Ayling presented the Overview and Scrutiny Commission’s comments on the report to the Cabinet following consideration of the matter at its meeting on 3 February 2025, which included: · It was confirmed that any capital expenditure which had not yet been paid for through either a revenue or capital resources would now increase the Council’s Capital Financing Requirement. · Clarification was sought and obtained on the Ethical Investment Policy, which stated that the Council would not undertake direct investment or borrowing activities with organisations whose core activities included weapon systems. · It was queried whether this was now inconsistent with the introduction of the Defence Industrial Strategy policy paper. In response, it was noted that the policy paper was recently launched and being developed. The Council would currently continue to prioritise security, liquidity and yield in that order. The Ethical Investment Policy became a fourth factor in the decision making process. · Recognition that there was a duty to invest the Council’s treasury funds carefully and sensibly, whilst striking an appropriate balance between risk and return.
Councillors S Mullins and C Mullins spoke as part of the discussion on the report.
RESOLVED
That the Full Council be recommended to approve:
a) the Treasury Prudential Indicators and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement contained within Sections 5.4 and 6.3 of report FIN/686;
b) the Treasury Management Strategy contained within Section 6 of report FIN/686;
c) the Investment Strategy contained within Section 7 of report FIN/686;
Reasons for the Recommendations
The Council’s financial regulations, in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management, requires a Treasury Management Strategy to be approved for the forthcoming financial year. This report complies with those requirements.
|
|
Exempt Information – Exclusion of the Public (Subject to Agenda Item 5) The Committee is asked to consider passing the following resolution:- That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act by virtue of the paragraphs specified against the item. Minutes: RESOLVED
That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act by virtue of the paragraph specified against the item.
|
|
Disposal of Freehold for Ongoing Use of Affordable Housing
Leader’s Portfolio
Exempt Paragraph 3 Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)
To consider report SHAP/093 of the Head of Strategic Housing and Head of Corporate Finance.
Decision: Exempt Paragraph 3 – Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) approves the disposal of land that is currently under lease as detailed in section 5.5 of report SHAP/093.
b) delegates the negotiation, approval and completion of all relevant documentation including legal paperwork necessary for the transfer the freehold, if on agreeable terms, to the Head of Corporate Finance, the Head of Strategic Housing and the Head of Governance, People and Performance, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Housing. (Generic Delegations 2 & 3 will be used to enact this recommendation)
Reasons for the Recommendations
The disposal of this land will realise a capital receipt while preserving the ongoing provision of affordable housing on this land, and will enable the provision of additional affordable housing on the adjacent land.
Minutes: Exempt Paragraph 3 – Information relating to financial and business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information)
The Leader of the Council presented report SHAP/093of the Head of Strategic Housing and Head of Corporate Finance. The report sought approval to dispose of a land freehold which was currently under lease in order to raise a capital receipt.
Councillors C Mullins and S Mullins spoke as part of the discussion on the report and the Housing Enabling and Development Manager provided further details and answered the Cabinet’s queries on the proposals.
RESOLVED
That the Cabinet:
a) approves the disposal of land that is currently under lease as detailed in section 5.5 of report SHAP/093.
b) delegates the negotiation, approval and completion of all relevant documentation including legal paperwork necessary for the transfer the freehold, if on agreeable terms, to the Head of Corporate Finance, the Head of Strategic Housing and the Head of Governance, People and Performance, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Housing. (Generic Delegations 2 & 3 will be used to enact this recommendation)
Reasons for the Recommendations
The disposal of this land will realise a capital receipt while preserving the ongoing provision of affordable housing on this land, and will enable the provision of additional affordable housing on the adjacent land.
|