A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Council and councillors

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: https://zoom.us/j/92197519145

Contact: Emma Powley  01572 720991

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

There were no apologies for absence.

2.

ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND/OR HEAD OF THE PAID SERVICE

Minutes:

The Leader explained that two changes to the division of Portfolio Holder responsibilities on Cabinet had been following an announcement at Full Council on Monday 14 September. The responsibility for the Council’s Environmental Services has been transferred from Councillor Gordon Brown to Councillor Lucy Stephenson.

Responsibility for Property Services has also been transferred from Councillor Gordon Brown to Councillor Oliver Hemsley.

 

As a result of these changes, Cabinet Member titles were noted as being:

 

·       Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Leader and Portfolio Holder for Rutland One Public Estate & Growth, Tourism & Economic Development, Property, Communications and Resources (other than Finance)

·       Cllr Gordon Brown Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Finance

·       Cllr Lucy Stephenson, Portfolio Holder for Culture & Leisure, Highways, Transportation & Road Safety and Environment

The responsibilities of Portfolio Holders Councillors Walters and Wilby remained unchanged.

3.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

In accordance with the Regulations, Members are required to declare any personal or prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests in respect of items on this Agenda and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Minutes:

Councillor Stephenson declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Item 8- ‘Discover Rutland Tourism Strategy’ as the owner of a bookshop in Rutland.

 

Councillor Hemsley declared a personal non-pecuniary interest in Item 9 – ‘Oakham Rugby Football Club – Loan Conversion’ as his son played for the club.

4.

RECORD OF DECISIONS

To confirm the Record of Decisions made at the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 18th August 2020.

Minutes:

Cabinet confirmed the record of decisions made at the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 18th August 2020.

5.

ITEMS RAISED BY SCRUTINY

To receive items raised by members of scrutiny which have been submitted to the Leader and Chief Executive.

Minutes:

There were no items raised by Scrutiny.

6.

COVID 19 UPDATE AND APPROACH TO CONTINUED USE OF EMERGENCY POWERS pdf icon PDF 366 KB

Report no: 109/2020

Decision:

1)    Cabinet noted the present position in Rutland in respect of COVID 19

 

2)    Cabinet approved the Delegation of Powers under the contained Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 including the authorising of Officers for the purposes of the act (incorporating authorising enforcement and the issuing of fixed penalty notices) to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder. 

 

3)    Cabinet noted the continued use of the Civil Emergency Delegation and requests a further report reviewing the situation in January 2021

 

Additional recommendation:

 

4)    Cabinet agreed to receive a monthly update from the Senior Management Team to review the position and number of cases in the County.

Minutes:

Councillor Hemsley, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and explained that at the Cabinet meeting held on the 21st April 2020, it was agreed that Cabinet would keep under review the use of Emergency Powers. It was noted that

Rutland’s Local Outbreak Management Plan had been developed with input from a wide range of partners and legislation had been passed to grant local authorities new powers to respond to a serious and imminent threat to public health and to prevent COVID-19 (“coronavirus”) transmission in a local authority’s area took effect. The Government had also reduced the number of people allow to attend social gatherings has been six in England following a rise in Covid-19 cases.

 

In response to questions asked, the Interim Chief Executive updated Cabinet and confirmed that there were 5 positive cases in the County and the numbers had recently fluctuated between 1 and 5 but noted that there had been no exponential growth.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1)    That the present position in Rutland in respect of COVID 19 be noted.

 

2)    That the Delegation of Powers under the contained Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 including the authorising of Officers for the purposes of the act (incorporating authorising enforcement and the issuing of fixed penalty notices) to the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder be approved. 

 

3)    That the continued use of the Civil Emergency Delegation be noted and requested a further report reviewing the situation in January 2021

 

Additional recommendation:

 

4)    That Cabinet would receive a monthly update from the Senior Management Team to review the position and number of cases in the County.

7.

FAMILY ADOPTION LINKS - REGIONAL ADOPTION AGENCY pdf icon PDF 125 KB

Report no: 106/2020

(Key decision)

Decision:

Cabinet agreed to delegate further key decisions in relation to the formation of the Family Adoption Links Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning, Early Years, SEND, Inclusion, Safeguarding Children and young People.  This includes authority to enter into the final Interagency Partnership Agreement

 

Minutes:

Councillor Wilby, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and commented that Rutland County Council had a contract with Lincolnshire County Council to provide all of its adoption services. As Rutland had a very low number of children needing adoptive placements, it was not considered sustainable for Rutland to have its own service. With that in mind and the outstanding service offered by Lincolnshire Council it was considered that the contract offered good value for money and a high quality service.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That further key decisions in relation to the formation of the Family Adoption Links Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning, Early Years, SEND, Inclusion, Safeguarding Children and young People.  This would include authority to enter into the final Interagency Partnership Agreement

 

8.

DISCOVER RUTLAND TOURISM STRATEGY pdf icon PDF 131 KB

Report no: 71/2020

(Key decision)

Additional documents:

Decision:

1)    Cabinet noted the development of the Discover Rutland Tourism Strategy by the Discover Rutland Management Board.

 

2)    Cabinet approved the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign, which will support the delivery of the objectives outlined in the Strategy, and strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the county’s economic recovery.

 

Additional Recommendation:

 

3)    Cabinet requested that ‘Discover Rutland’ provide a business plan and action plan for review and authority be delegated to the relevant Portfolio Holder in conjunction with Strategic Director of Places to assess to soundness of both plans.

Minutes:

Councillor Hemsley, as the relevant Cabinet Member, commented that the report was seeking Members approval for the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign. It was noted that tourism in Rutland was worth in excess of £135 million

and the Tourism Strategy could assist and enhance the economic recovery of tourism following Covid pandemic.

 

Councillor Stephenson commented that the Tourism Strategy focused primarily on Rutland Water and requested that more emphasis be placed on the wider community, such as the Museum and the Castle. She further noted that consideration should be given to local infrastructure as there had been significant impacts of villages in close proximity to Rutland Water with regards to illegal parking.

It was explained that CIL monies would be targeted at infrastructure as S106 money could not be used for tourism purposes.

Councillor G Brown noted the he considered the strategy to be ambitious, but asked that additional information in the form of a business plan and an updated action plan be provided by Discover Rutland.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1)    That the development of the Discover Rutland Tourism Strategy by the Discover Rutland Management Board be noted.

 

2)    That the use of £28,000 from Section 106 funds to match fund be approved, with Discover Rutland, a new “Rutland – Open for Visitors” campaign, which will support the delivery of the objectives outlined in the Strategy, and strengthen the resilience of the tourism sector in response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, contributing to the county’s economic recovery.

 

Additional Recommendation:

 

3)    That it be requested that ‘Discover Rutland’ provide a business plan and action plan for review and authority be delegated to the relevant Portfolio Holder in conjunction with Strategic Director of Places to assess to soundness of both plans.

9.

OAKHAM RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB - LOAN CONVERSION pdf icon PDF 194 KB

Report no: 107/2020

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cabinet aapproved the request from Oakham Rugby Football Club to have the loan of £18,680 (provided to them through the Section 106 Sport and Leisure grant and loan scheme) converted in to a grant, in line with the provisions agreed by Cabinet at the time of the decision in 2015.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Stephenson elaborated on the report and explained that bids had been considered by a panel, and the awards of grants and loans were approved by Cabinet on 21st April 2015. It was explained that the Cabinet report authorising the loan to the Oakham Rugby Club made specific reference to the loan being converted to a grant if the club were able to demonstrate significant additional external use of the facility being generated by the financial investment. It was reported that since 2015 there have been 212,279 visits to events by third party organisations, with the numbers increasing every year, with 65,448 attendances in 2019.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the request from Oakham Rugby Football Club to have the loan of £18,680 (provided to them through the Section 106 Sport and Leisure grant and loan scheme) converted in to a grant be approved, in line with the provisions agreed by Cabinet at the time of the decision in 2015.

 

10.

RUTLAND COUNTRYSIDE ACCESS FORUM pdf icon PDF 416 KB

Report no: 110/2020

(Key decision)

Decision:

1)    Cabinet approved the Changes to the Terms of Reference and area of the Local Access Forum (LAF) for Rutland, to be known as the Rutland Countryside Access Forum (RCAF), in accordance with the requirements of section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 

 

2)    Cabinet approved the area for the Local Access Forum being the Administrative Area of Rutland County Council.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Stephenson, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and explained that Rutland had previously partnered with Lincolnshire County Council and established a joint forum with South Lincolnshire, known as the South Lincolnshire and Rutland Local Access Forum (SLRLAF). However, in 2019 Lincolnshire left the forum it is now necessary to amend and update both the terms of reference and the area that is covered by the forum.

 

In response to a question asked, the Monitoring Officer explained that Regulation 12 of the Local Access Forums (England) Regulations 2007 requires that the appointing authority shall meet any reasonable expenses incurred by any local access forum within their area or by the members of that forum to be met from existing budgets.

 

It was noted that Councillor A Brown and Councillor Jones would be appointed to the forum

 

RESOLVED:

 

1)    That the Changes to the Terms of Reference and area of the Local Access Forum (LAF) for Rutland, to be known as the Rutland Countryside Access Forum (RCAF), in accordance with the requirements of section 94 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 be approved. 

 

2)    That the area for the Local Access Forum being the Administrative Area of Rutland County Council be approved.

 

11.

SALT PROCUREMENT FRAMEWORK pdf icon PDF 800 KB

Report no: 115/2020

(Key decision)

Additional documents:

Decision:

i)           Cabinet approved the renewal of the ESPO Framework Agreement 220- De-icing Salt and Associated Products/ services for the period of 1st July 2020- 30th April 2024. 

 

ii)          Cabinet noted that the calling-off process from lot 1 under the ESPO Framework 220 will occur annually between 1st May- 30th September 2020.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Stephenson, as the relevant Portfolio Holder, elaborated on the report and explained that by entering into the ESPO Framework Agreement, Rutland County Council would reduce tender costs. It was further noted that the Council had secured value for money, and the agreement would allow for additional salt to be purchased if necessary to address winter issues.

 

RESOLVED:

 

i)            That the renewal of the ESPO Framework Agreement 220- De-icing Salt and Associated Products/ services for the period of 1st July 2020- 30th April 2024 be approved. 

 

ii)          That the calling-off process from lot 1 under the ESPO Framework 220 will occur annually between 1st May- 30th September 2020 be noted.

 

12.

FINANCE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 723 KB

Report no: 108/2020

Additional documents:

Decision:

a)    Cabinet noted the projected outturn for 20/21 and the uncertainty that remains

 

b)    Cabinet noted the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances and the risks that remain

 

c)    Cabinet noted the updated position on the Medium Term Financial Plan

 

Minutes:

Councillor G Brown, as the relevant Cabinet Member, explained that the report effectively replaces the Quarter 1 report and updates Cabinet Members with the current financial positon for 20/21 including an update on the MTFP taking into account COVID-19 and other risks. It was noted that the Government had generally supported and funded local government where Covid had affected them.  The report explained that funding was likely to meet short term costs but the position beyond 20/21 was unclear. There was an expectation that further costs may be incurred with a potential increase in Covid cases as students returned to school and the winter months’ kick in.

 

The Strategic Director of Resources commented that income losses would be compensated for and the report gives an initial view on the extent of compensation.  With the income loss form now having arrived, there were some issues to resolve. There was a necessity to determine what losses could be attributed to Covid. It was anticipated that the figures could be refined.  Looking ahead to 21/22 it was hoped that income levels would recover to pre-Covid levels but this would be reassessed in due course.

 

Cabinet Members thanked the work of the Strategic Director of Resources and his team and recognised that there would be a lot of hard work ahead

.

 

RESOLVED:

 

 

a)    That the projected outturn for 20/21 and the uncertainty that remains be noted.

 

b)    That the financial impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s finances and the risks that remain be noted.

 

c)     That the updated position on the Medium Term Financial Plan be noted.

 

13.

SLL CATMOSE SPORTS CONTRACT COVID19 IMPACT pdf icon PDF 218 KB

Report no: 95/2020

(Key decision)

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cabinet authorised the Director for Places and the Director for Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Finance and the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Culture & Leisure, to agree financial support to the Council’s leisure operator (Stevenage Leisure Ltd) of £269,021 (£168,191 in 2020/21 and £100,830 in 2021/22) in light of the Covid-19 impact.

 

Minutes:

Councillor Stephenson, as the relevant Cabinet Member, explained that owing to the pandemic, Catmose Sports facility had lost a lot of revenue. It was reported that Leisure centres were used by a significant proportion of the County’s population and was very much valued by residents; the health and morale element being undisputed. SSL had not been eligible for any Government support and as such, it was considered that agreeing a package of financial support would enable an extension to be implemented, allowing for the timely procurement of a successor contract.

 

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Finance commented that the contract with SSL had been cost neutral to the Council and there was a duty to provide some services but noted that due to the predicted significant deficit, there was a need to keep the contract under review.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Director for Places and the Director for Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Finance and the Cabinet Member with Portfolio for Culture & Leisure, be authorised to agree financial support to the Council’s leisure operator (Stevenage Leisure Ltd) of £269,021 (£168,191 in 2020/21 and £100,830 in 2021/22) in light of the Covid-19 impact.