Council and councillors

Report No: 93/2020

(Key Decision)

Cabinet approved the recommendation to undertake Stage Two of the feasibility study for school expansion at the preferred site of Catmose College, Oakham to deliver additional places through the development of an 8 Form Entry secondary school as identified through Stage One of the study.

Councillor Wilby as the relevant Cabinet Member explained that the report sought Cabinet’s approval to undertake Stage Two of the feasibility study. It was noted that Rutland were running out of secondary school places and Stage one of the feasibility study had identified Catmose as the preferred option. Phase 2 of the study was anticipated to be completed by the end of September 2020 and a development design by the end of November 2020, the costs of which had been agreed at Cabinet in February 2020.

In response to questions asked by Cabinet, Councillor Wilby noted that the reason for Catmose being the preferred option was due to the college having been well developed, the building was well looked after with sound management. Any investment would be beneficial to the County. He further confirmed that any assistance that could be offered to the other two schools in applying for additional funds would be offered and supported by the Council.

The Leader commented that the Council would support all improvements to education in the County.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation to undertake Stage Two of the feasibility study for school expansion at the preferred site of Catmose College, Oakham to deliver additional places through the development of an 8 Form Entry secondary school as identified through Stage One of the study be approved.

Reason: Initial findings from Stage One of the feasibility study identify Catmose College as the favoured site for Phase 2 Study because of the current conditions of the existing modern new-build school and this would consolidate the investment that has already been made in recent extensions on the site, with fewer potential planning constraints than at the other two sites.

The site is centrally located within the County which is reflected in the majority of admissions for this school being from Rutland families and would therefore more readily address Rutland’s pupil place sufficiency need.

It is therefore requested that Cabinet approves the recommendation to undertake Stage Two of the feasibility study for school expansion at the preferred site of Catmose College, Oakham to deliver additional places through the development of an 8 Form Entry secondary school as identified through Stage One of the study. The Phase 2 study is anticipated to be concluded by end of September with the developed design completed by the end of November 2020.

Report No: 69/2020

(Key Decision)

Cabinet approved for consultation the revised Council’s Housing Allocation Policy at Appendix B of the report.

Cabinet authorised the Acting Strategic Director - Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, Planning, Property, and Finance and the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Safeguarding – Adults, Public Health, Health Commissioning & Community Safety to assess any comments made and to finalise the policy

Councillor Walters, as the relevant Cabinet Member informed Cabinet that this was a light touch review of the Housing Allocations policy. Comments had been received from a number of Councillors and Councillor Walters explained that the allocation of 250 points to domestic abuse victims was appropriate. He explained that all aspects of domestic abuse are taken extremely seriously by the Council and noted that they were dealt with by the Police and a Multi - Agency Review would be carried out which would involve finding alternative housing.

In response to further questions asked, Councillor Walters explained that Applicant Salary derived from incremental increases as the original figure had been set it 2011. As part of the consultation, comments on the appropriateness of the salary would be welcomed.

Councillor Walters further reported that should there be any significant issues raised through the consultation process, a report would be brought back for Cabinet approval to finalise the policy.

RESOLVED:

That the revised Council’s Housing Allocation Policy at Appendix B of the report be approved for consultation.

That the Acting Strategic Director - Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment, Planning, Property, and Finance and the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Safeguarding – Adults, Public Health, Health Commissioning & Community Safety be authorised to assess any comments made and to finalise the policy

Reason: The revised Housing Allocation Policy will complement the Council’s implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act. It will help to deliver the vision of the Housing and Homelessness Strategy 2017-22 which is, “fair access to suitable and sustainable housing for everyone in Rutland, particularly those whose needs are not readily met through the open market.