Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Townend.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the summary of recommendations and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 25 October 2017, copy attached.

Members agreed the minutes as a correct record of the meeting that was held on 25 October 2017.

Members considered the budget monitoring position in respect of the 2017-18 General Fund budget and the Housing Revenue Account. The meeting was advised that the overall General Fund revenue position was to break even, although there were some pressures, which needed to be managed.

It was noted that two errors were contained within the report; firstly at paragraph 2.1, where £715,000.00 surplus should be replaced with £224,000.00 overspend; and secondly in the net budget column heading, in table two, which should read 2017-18 rather than 2016-17.

Councillor Gregory spoke under council procedure rule 20.1.

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Crow-Brown seconded and Cabinet agreed:

“To note the forecast position for 2017-18 for:

(i)  The General Fund.

(ii)  The Housing Revenue Account.

(iii)  The General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programmes.

(iv)  Cabinet agrees the proposed funding changes of the Capital Programme as detailed in paragraph 3.3.

The changes to the HRA Capital Programme as detailed in paragraph 3.11.”

Members considered the report which set out a proposal to apply to the Department for Communities and Local Government to use some capital receipts to fund transformative projects.

Councillor Campbell and Councillor Bayford spoke under council procedure rule 20.1.

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Stummer-Schmertzing seconded and Members agreed that Cabinet:

“Agreed the updated Capital Receipts Strategy for 2017-18.

Recommends to Council to agree the updated Capital Receipts Strategy for 2017-18.”

Members considered the draft budget strategy for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Capital budgets for the financial year 2018-19. They also considered the financial assumptions for the medium term and the fees & charges policy.

Councillor Campbell, Councillor Gregory and Councillor Bayford spoke under council procedure rule 20.1.

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Rev. Piper seconded and Cabinet approved the draft budget strategy and noted the draft Housing Revenue Account estimates and the draft Capital Programme estimates.

Members considered the proposed fees and charges to be recommended to Council on 7 December 2017.

Councillor Campbell spoke under council procedure rule 20.1.

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Crow-Brown seconded and Members agreed that Cabinet:

“Approved the fees and charges as listed in Annex 1.

Recommend the agreed fees and charges to Council for decision.”

Members considered the asset disposal programme for 2017-18 noting that effective asset management was essential in meeting the Council’s priorities. The Trustees of East Kent Mencap held a secure tenancy at Foresters Hall and had expressed an interest in acquiring the premises at market value.

Councillor Shonk and Councillor Bayford spoke under council procedure rule 20.1

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Stummer-Schmertzing seconded and Cabinet agreed the following:

“To proceed with the disposal of Forrester’s Hall at market value with first refusal given to the Trustees of East Kent Mencap noting that the offer will be will be subject to the sale completing within nine months of the date of the Cabinet decision.

After nine months the Council would be free to sell the premises to another organisation at market value.”

Members considered the report and noted that a public spaces protection order for alcohol control would be in line with two of the Council’s corporate priorities. These priorities were a clean and welcoming environment, and supporting neighbourhoods.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014 provided the Council with new powers to manage anti-social behaviour where alcohol was a contributory factor, through the introduction of a public spaces protection order.

Councillor Campbell and Councillor Savage spoke under council procedure rule 20.1

Councillor L Fairbrass proposed, Councillor Rev. Piper seconded and Cabinet agreed:

“To exercise its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to introduce a public space protection order controlling alcohol where it is having or likely to have a detrimental effect on the wider community;

To delegate any minor amendment of the public space protection order to the Chief Executive.”