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Meeting Details

Executive
25 Oct 2021 - 16:00 to 16:15
Scheduled
  • Documents
  • Attendance
  • Visitors
  • Declarations of Interests

Documents

Agenda

Standard Items
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
To receive apologies for absence.

EX.111/21
Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of the Culture, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Holder and the Deputy Chief Executive.
PUBLIC AND PRESS
To agree that the items of business within Part A of the agenda should be dealt with in public and that the items of business within Part B of the agenda should be dealt with in private.

EX.113/21
RESOLVED - That the Agenda be agreed as circulated.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registrable interests and any interests, relating to any items on the agenda at this stage.

EX.112/21

Councillor Mrs Mallinson declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct in respect of Agenda item A.2 – Acceptance of Potential Offer for Sustainable Warmth Competition Local Authority Delivery Phase 3 (LAD3) and home upgrade grants (HUG). The interest related to the fact that Councillor Mrs Mallinson was a private landlord and she would leave the meeting prior to consideration of that item of business.


Councillor J Mallinson declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct in respect of Agenda item A.2 – Acceptance of Potential Offer for Sustainable Warmth Competition Local Authority Delivery Phase 3 (LAD3) and home upgrade grants (HUG). The interest related to the fact that Councillor J Mallinson was a private landlord and he would leave the meeting prior to consideration of that item of business.
Pdf MINUTES (204Kb)
To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 27 September 2021.
(Copy Minutes herewith)



EX.114/21
RESOLVED - That the minutes of the Executive held on 27 September 2021 were confirmed.
Public Items
(Key Decision KD.20/21)

The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit a report asking for the approval of a revision to the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy, to revise the discretionary housing assistance funding available through the Disabled Facilities Grant. 
(Copy Report GD.70/21 herewith)
EX.115/21

(Key Decision KD.20/21)

Portfolio Communities, Health and Wellbeing

Relevant Scrutiny Panel Health and Wellbeing
Subject Matter
The Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder presented a review of the existing Regulatory Reform Order (RRO) Housing Renewal Assistance Policy which was last updated in 2018 and approved by Council in January 2019. Revisions had been necessary to ensure the Housing Renewal Assistance Policy was fit for purpose as an offer for residents and reflected the current demands on the service. The revised Policy had been attached to report GD.70/21 as an appendix.

The Communities, Health and Wellbeing noted that the report recommended that the City Council used

its discretionary powers under the Regulatory Reform Order to further broaden the scope of the Disabled facilities grants
(DFGs) and allow specific DFG funding to be used for grants to assist the elderly, disable or other vulnerable groups to
live independently and to improve their living conditions and well-being. Specifically, minor works that supports ill
health prevention, promote independence and delay transfer into care. She moved that this be added to the recommendations
detailed in the report.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the excellent work that City Council staff had undertaken with the NHS to support people
moving from hospital to their own hopes as safely as possible.

The Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder moved the recommendations and the Economy, Enterprise
and Housing Portfolio Holder seconded them.
Summary of options rejected None
DECISION
That the Executive:
i) had considered the proposed revised Housing Renewal Assistance Policy 2022 (appendix 1 of report GD.70/21)
ii) referred the said Policy to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel for consideration in accordance with the Council's Budget and Policy Framework;

ii) that the City Council used its discretionary powers under the Regulatory Reform Order to further broaden the scope of the Disabled facilities grants
(DFGs) and allow specific DFG funding to be used for grants to assist the elderly, disable or other vulnerable groups to
live independently and to improve their living conditions and well-being. Specifically, minor works that supports ill
health prevention, promote independence and delay transfer into care.
Reasons for Decision

The revised Housing Renewal Assistance Policy 2022 will assist in ensuring that
best use is made of the DFG capital funding making use of existing capacity and expertise within the Housing and Pollution and Homelife teams.

The introduction of flexibility into the assistance process is being promoted as good practice nationally and in line with government and local policies. 
(Key Decision KD.21/21)

The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit a report regarding the Sustainable Warmth Competition Local Authority Delivery (LAD) Phase 3 and Home Upgrade Grants (HUG) application and proposed delegated authority. 
(Copy Report GD.73/21 herewith)
EX.116/21

(Key Decision KD.21/21)

Councillors Mallinson (J) (Chair) and Mrs Mallinson, having declared disclosable pecuniary interests, retired from the meeting and took no part in the consideration of this item of business.

The Deputy Leader assumed the Chair.

Portfolio       Economy, Enterprise and Housing

Relevant Scrutiny Panel             Economic Growth

Subject Matter

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder submitted a report requesting that the Executive should accept grant funding, if offered, from Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Sustainable Warmth Competition and act as the lead authority of a Cumbria Consortium of district councils for the delivery of the grant (GD.73/21)

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder reported that the City Council had applied for £19,955,000 of funding on behalf of the Cumbrian Sustainable Warmth consortium of district councils to address fuel poverty, improve energy efficiency and carbon savings and help boost the local economy to retrofit a target of 1,310, mainly private sector homes, with energy efficiency measures, including low carbon heating across Cumbria.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Regulatory Services Manager and the Home Improvement Agency Team Leader for their work, and the Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel for their input.

The Economic Growth Scrutiny Panel had considered the matter at their meeting on 21 October 2021 (minute excerpt EGSP.65/21 refered).

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder moved, and the Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder seconded the recommendations.

Summary of options rejected     not to accept the funding, if offered.

DECISION

That the Executive:
i) Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Governance and Regulatory Services to agree and sign the Memorandum of Understanding and, thereby, accept an offer of the Sustainable Warmth grant funding by Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
ii) Agreed that the Council acts as the accountable body for the Grant on behalf of the Cumbrian Consortium of district councils.

Reasons for Decision

Carlisle had over 2,250 owner-occupied and over 700 privately rented properties which had an EPC rating of E, F or G but which could achieve a minimum C Rating.  This did not include the homes which did not have current EPCs but were still eligible for grant funding.  The purpose of the Sustainable Warmth competition was to reduce carbon and make homes more energy efficient which would support the Council’s credentials as climate change champions and add to the fuel poverty schemes already on offer.  The scheme would also help boost the local economy.

Councillors Mallinson (J) and Mrs Mallinson returned to the meeting.

The Leader assumed the Chair.

(Key Decision KD.22/21)

The Corporate Director of Economic Development to request approval for the work programme for advancing the Development Corporation business case and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Economic Development to progress procurement. 
(Copy Report ED.31/21 herewith)
EX.117/21

(Key Decision KD.22/21)

Portfolio      Economy, Enterprise and Housing

Relevant Scrutiny Panel     Economic Growth        

Subject Matter

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder provided an update on the Council's award of funding through the Government's New Towns Development Corporation Competition and to endorse the key next steps to develop the Development Corporation Business Case over the next 2 years. (ED.31/21)

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder gave a brief overview of the background before highlighting the Key Next Steps and Funding Programme 2021 to 2023.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Head of Planning Policy and team for their ongoing work.

The Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder moved the recommendations.  When seconding the recommendations the Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder was pleased to support the ongoing work for the Garden Village which would be as close to a zero carbon development as was possible.  The Carlisle Southern Link Road would not only divert HGVs out of the City but would also provide improved public transport links as well and walking and cycling routes.

Summary of options rejected    None

DECISION

That the Executive 
1. Noted progress on the preparing the Development Corporation Business Case to date;
2. Approved the proposed next steps and hence indicative work programme to advance the Development Corporation Business Case, including proposed indicative funding profile, set out at Section 3;
3. Delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Economic Development to progress procurement, including contract awards (particularly where the winning tender was not necessarily the lowest bidder), where in keeping with the indicative work package and budgets, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economy, Enterprise and Housing. 

Reasons for Decision

The Executive’s approval for the indicative work packages and funding profile was required given the values involved and the need for transparency given the proposed expenditure of external grant funding. It also reflected that as a major corporate project that the Executive were comfortable with both the progress of the project and the future direction of travel. 

(Key Decision KD.24/21)

The Deputy Chief Executive to submit an update of the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust 2021/22 - 2030/31 for the 2022/23 financial year. 
(Copy Report CS.41/21 herewith)
EX.118/21

(Key Decision KD.24/21)

Portfolio       Culture, Heritage and Leisure

Relevant Scrutiny Panel             Health and Wellbeing

Subject Matter

The Leader presented report CS.41/21, the purpose of which was to introduce and allow consideration of the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust 2022/23 Business Plan in order that the Council may, in due course, agree core funding for the Trust.  That was in line with Section 5 of the Partnership Agreement between the Council and Tullie House Trust, which stated that the Business Plan submitted by the Trust should be used as the basis for agreeing future years funding.

Details of the background position; core grant; lease arrangements; building and collection financial implications; impact of COVID-19 and impact of the proposals put forward by Tullie House Trust were provided within the report.

The Executive was asked to give initial consideration to the Business Plan and refer that to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel for their review and recommendations. 

The Leader concluded his presentation by moving the recommendation which was seconded by the Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder.

Summary of options rejected     that the Business Plan should not be referred for scrutiny

DECISION

That the Executive had given initial consideration to the Tullie House Trust Business Plan (Report CS.41/21) and referred it to the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Panel on 25 November 2021 for their review and recommendations.

Reasons for Decision

The recommendations allowed the report, the associated Business Plan and core funding to be approved in line with the Partnership Agreement

(Non Key Decision)

The Notice of Executive Key Decisions, published on 24 September 2021, is submitted for information. 

The Corporate Director of Economic Development was scheduled to submit a report noting the proposals for the redevelopment of the Citadels and approve the land assembly activity required by the Council to enable the delivery of the scheme (Key Decision - KD.23/21).  However, discussions with the University of Cumbria are still ongoing to finalise the approach to the delivery of the land assembly work stream for the the project, the matter has been deferred. 
(Copy Notice herewith)
EX.119/21
(Non Key Decision)
Portfolio Cross-Cutting
Relevant Scrutiny Panel
Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation

Subject Matter
 
The Notice of Executive Key Decisions dated 24 September 2021 was submitted for information.  
The Corporate Director of Economic Development was scheduled to submit a report noting the proposals for the redevelopment of the Citadels and approve the land assembly activity required by the Council to enable the delivery of the scheme (Key Decision - KD.23/21). However, discussions with the University of Cumbria are still ongoing to finalise the approach to the delivery of the land assembly work stream for the the project, the matter has been deferred.
The Leader moved and the Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder seconded
the paper.
Summary of options rejected None

DECISION
That, subject to the above, the Notice of Executive Key Decisions dated 24 September 2021 be received.

Reasons for Decision
Not applicable
(Non Key Decision)

A Schedule of Decisions taken by Officers under delegated powers is attached for information.
(Copy Decision Schedule herewith)

Background papers - as detailed within the Schedule
EX.120/21
(Non Key Decision)

Portfolio Cross Cutting

Relevant Scrutiny Panel

Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation

Subject Matter

Details of decision taken by Officer under delegated powers wee submitted. The Leader moved and the Finance, Governance and Resource Portfolio Holder seconded the paper.

Summary of options rejected
None

DECISION

That the decisions, attached as appendix A, be noted.
Reasons for Decision Not applicable
(Non Key Decision)

The Minutes of the Joint Management Team held on 27 September 2021 are submitted for information. 
(Copy Minutes herewith)
EX.121/21
(Non Key Decision)
Portfolio Cross-cutting

Relevant Scrutiny Panel
Health and Wellbeing; Economic Growth; Business and Transformation

Subject Matter
The Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Team held on 27 September 2021 were submitted for information.

The Leader moved and the Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder seconded the Minutes.

Summary of options rejected None 

DECISION

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Joint Management Team held on 27 September 2021, attached as Appendix B, be received.

Reasons for Decision    Not applicable


The Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services to submit an update on the Council's use of the surveillance powers open to it under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). 
(Copy Report herewith)

Background Papers – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covert-surveillance-and-covert-human-intelligence-sources-codes-of-practice
EX.122/21

(Non Key Decision)

Portfolio      Finance, Governance and Resources

Relevant Scrutiny Panel            Business and Transformation

Subject Matter

The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder submitted report GD.68/21 which provided an update on the Council's use of the surveillance powers open to it under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

The Guidance says that elected members of a local authority should review the usage of the surveillance powers and set the policy once each year. The rules regulating surveillance were restrictive and the reality was that, since the transfer of the Council’s benefit fraud to the Department for Work and Pensions, it was very unlikely that it would need to undertake any covert surveillance activity. The last authorisation of surveillance by the City Council predated the transfer of the Benefit Fraud Team.  In effect, the Council did not make use of any covert surveillance in its activity.
The last authorisation was in March 2014 for a benefit fraud matter. A report was not brought before Members last year due to the fact that no activity had occurred and due to the pandemic lockdown RIPA was simply not relevant. 

The Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder moved the recommendation to note and approve the report and the Leader seconded it.

Summary of options rejected    None

DECISION

That the Executive noted and approved the content of the Report, including the Council’s RIPA policy.

Reasons for Decision

To comply with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) and its associated Regulations and Guidance. 
Exempt Items

-NIL-

Members of the Executive

Councillor J Mallinson (Leader's Portfolio)

Councillor G Ellis (Deputy Leader, and Finance, Governance and Resources Portfolio Holder)

Councillor N Christian (Environment and Transport Portfolio Holder)

Councillor S Higgs (Culture, Heritage and Leisure Portfolio Holder)

Councillor Mrs E Mallinson (Communities, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder)

Councillor P Nedved (Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio Holder)

Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers etc to: 
committeeservices@carlisle.gov.uk

Notes to Members:
Decisions made at this meeting, if not subject to call-in, will normally become live on 4 November 2021.

Attendance

Name
No other member attendance information has been recorded for the meeting.
NameReason for Sending Apology
Councillor Stephen Michael Higgs 
NameReason for Absence
No absentee information has been recorded for the meeting.

Declarations of Interests

Member NameItem Ref.DetailsNature of DeclarationAction
No declarations of interest have been entered for this meeting.

Visitors

Officers: Town Clerk and Chief Executive
Corporate Director of Governance and Regulatory Services
Corporate Director of Finance and Resources
Corporate Director of Economic Development