There were no apologies for absence.

The Leader announced that an urgent item had been added to the agenda whereby Cabinet were being asked to approve the expansion of the Empinghan surgery to facilitate safe COVID-19 patient flow.

Councillor Walters, as the relevant Cabinet Member explained that he wished to withdraw the urgent report as further consideration and negotiation was needed prior to Cabinet being in a position to approve the recommendations.

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.

Councillor Walters declared a conflict of interest in Item 9 ‘Extension to Highways Term Maintenance Contract’ as he had a close family member who provided facilities services to Tarmac at their Rutland depot under a third party contract. Whilst this does not normally prevent him from taking part in discussion on the detail of maintenance schedules, he considered it inappropriate for him to take part in the item.

To confirm the Record of Decisions made at the meeting of the Cabinet held on the 15^th September 2020.

Cabinet confirmed the Record of Decisions made at the meeting of the Cabinet held on 15^th September 2020.

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

There were no items raised by Scrutiny.

Verbal report.

Councillor G Brown, as the relevant Cabinet Member, gave a verbal update and explained that discussions had continued on a tripartite agreement between Rutland County Council, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Homes England on the terms and conditions of the General Distribution Agreement (GDA).  He commented that the document was lengthy and detailed the conditions on which the Forward Funding Grant would be provided through the Council to the DIO to deliver the Infrastructure at St George’s Barracks.

Alongside the GDA, Council were also discussing with the DIO a side agreement (called an Allocation Agreement) which would clarify the roles and responsibilities of the DIO and Rutland County Council from a legal perspective. Until progress had been made and being close to an agreement with Homes England on the GDA it would be difficult to finalise the Allocation Agreement.

Councillor G Brown reported that Homes England were seeking early agreement between the parties including the formal approval by their respective governance arrangements; the Council had made it clear that they would be being seeking approval of Cabinet and Council as agreed at the Council meeting on 20^th January 2020.

Report No: 132/2020

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

Cabinet noted the continued applicability of the Civil Emergency Delegation

Councillor Hemsley, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on the report and noted that when the report was written, 140 confirmed cases per 100,000 population had been recorded. It was noted that preparation was underway in case Rutland moved to a higher tier.

In response to questions asked, it was reported that two part- time marshals were being recruited to ensure that there was continued enforcement of restrictions relating to the hospitality industry.

RESOLVED:

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

That the continued applicability of the Civil Emergency Delegation be noted.

Report no: 129/2020

(Key Decision)

Cabinet considered the Government’s proposals for the reform of the planning system in England as set out in the Planning for the Future White Paper in Appendix 1 and the revised draft Council response in Appendix 2, on the appended supplement.

Cabinet agreed to submit a formal consultation response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by the deadline of 29th October.

Cabinet delegated the responsibility of submitting a response to the Interim Strategic Director of Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Finance.

Councillor G Brown, as the relevant Cabinet Member explained that the Planning White Paper had been extensively debated at Council and had also been considered by the Growth Infrastructure and Resource Scrutiny Committee, there comments of which had been included in the updated agenda. Councillor Brown explained that he considered the Paper to undermine democratic accountability and clarity was needed on the number of houses required.

Councillors Stephenson and Walters echoed the views of Councillor Brown and thanked him and officers for their comprehensive response.

RESOLVED:

That the Government’s proposals for the reform of the planning system in England as set out in the Planning for the Future White Paper in Appendix 1 and the revised draft Council response in Appendix 2, on the appended supplement be considered.

That a formal consultation response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government by the deadline of 29th October 2020 be submitted.

That the responsibility of submitting a response be delegated to the Interim Strategic Director of Places in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Finance.

Report No. 130/2020

(Key Decision)

Cabinet approved the one-year extension to the Highway Term Maintenance Contract for Contract Year 10, (November 2022 to December 2023), of the potential 10 year contract, in accordance with the contract extension criteria as set out in the Highway Term Maintenance Contract.

Having declared an interest, Councillor Walters retreated from the meeting.

Councillor Stephenson, as the relevant Cabinet Member, elaborated on her report and explained that the criteria set out in the Highway Term Maintenance Contract based upon the Contactor performance for 2019/20 had been fully satisfied. It was therefore recommended that the Highways Term Maintenance Contract be extended from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. It was noted that since the start of the contract in December 2013, savings in excess of £2.4 million had been identified and delivered via this Contract.

In response to questions asked, Councillor Stephenson stated that some of the KPI’s included in appendix 1 had been based on the previous years performance as KPI’s were not measured until the end of the financial year.

RESOLVED:

That the one-year extension to the Highway Term Maintenance Contract for Contract Year 10, (November 2022 to December 2023), of the potential 10 year contract, in accordance with the contract extension criteria as set out in the Highway Term Maintenance Contract be approved.

Councillor Walters rejoined the meeting.

To receive items of urgent business which have previously been notified to the person presiding.

This item was withdrawn.

EMPINGHAM SURGERY - EXPANSION

This item was withdrawn.