Agenda and minutes

The opening prayer was read by the Vice-Chairman.

Question from Mr Desmond

The Council’s Sustainable Economy Strategy make reference to the Circular Economy on page 7. This is now internationally recognised as an alternative to our current “Take, Make, Waste” economy. What specific objectives, targets and action plans is MSDC developing for the implementation of circular economy principles in order to achieve its Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions and UN Sustainable Development Goals objectives outlined in Annex 1 in the Sustainable Economy Strategy?

The following response was provided by the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing:

Thank you for your question and thank you for drawing my attention to your related question to this Council in 2021. Since then, the Council has adopted a Sustainable Economy Strategy which is this Councils response to the need for effective change to address the challenges of Climate Change, achieving net zero and economic resilience. The Sustainable Economy Strategy, the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the concept of a circular economy are closely interconnected, as all aim to address global challenges and promote sustainable development (environmental, social and economic). 

The Strategy sets out 14 Objectives within the three themes of People, Place and Partnerships.  The actions that this Council is taking to deliver these Objectives and the Measures of Success being used are set out in the Appendices to the Strategy.  

To a greater or lesser extent, all of the objectives represent a holistic response to the need to reduce the Council’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. 

The relationship between the Strategy’s objectives and the UN Sustainable Development Goals is more nuanced as illustrated by the objectives which align with UN Goal 12.  These include encouraging local business to adopt sustainable practices, ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure is in place, and reducing carbon emissions.  Specific examples are the introduction of EV charging points in our car parks and our leadership in the County on food waste collection.   The Strategy has recently completed its first year and progress on these objectives was reported to Scrutiny Committee Place and Environment at its meeting on 18 October.

Mr Desmond asked a supplementary question: Brighton & Hove Council together with Brighton Chamber and other stakeholders, has established Brighton & Hove Loop along with support from Caroline Lucas MP to support businesses in their transition to a circular economy. Is this an initiative that could be replicated in Mid Sussex with support of Mims Davies MP, business, Chambers of Commerce, community climate action groups such as Fairer World Lindfield and other stakeholders? If so, how could this be actioned?

The Cabinet Member agreed to provide a written response.

Question from Ms de Lande Long

Climate Emergency UK’s Climate Action Scorecards offer an analysis of the achievements and gaps in relation to each UK council’s performance across seven areas of council responsibility https://councilclimatescorecards.uk/. MSDC climate action performance up to 31 March 2023 gave an overall ranking below the national average (an incredibly low national average in some sections). The 80+ questions posed in the scoring process and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

The minutes of the last meeting were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Councillor Gibson stated that, on the advice of the Monitoring Officer, he would not take part in the debate or voting on Agenda Item 7.

None.

The Chairman highlighted a number of recent engagements including the West Sussex Scouts AGM, the High Sheriff’s Judges Service and the STEM launch involving local schools. He also noted that the Mid Sussex District Council Civic Service took place on 10 January and was attended by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff  and the Chief Executive of Winston’s Wish.

Councillor Gibson left the meeting at 7.19pm.

Councillor J Belsey moved the item noting that it is the culmination of a review that commenced in 2021. He acknowledged the input from the Scrutiny Committee, the Working Group, Town and Parishes and prior consultation to bring the Plan to its current position. He confirmed that it is a Plan that allows Mid Sussex to demonstrate it can meet its housing needs, avoids speculative development and provides a positive vision for the future of the District. This was seconded by Councillor Edwards as the Chairman of the Working Group.

Members discussed the impact of the Plan on the local community, noting that there are areas of the District which will see a significant allocation of housing. Discussion was held on the need to ensure adequate infrastructure is provided. It was noted that there is a focus on modal shift, offering alternatives such as bus and cycling provision in areas of housing growth. A Member raised a point of clarification around the subject of anticipated changes to the NPPF. The Leader noted that if the Plan was agreed, the Council would be in a position to take advantage of any changes which may arise.

The majority of Members were supportive of the revised Plan and thanked Officers for the significant work that has brought it to the Regulation 19 stage. The robust language of the new policies was commended, as was the focus on First Homes, the inclusion of the UN Sustainability Goals and policies to support and protect the environment.

It was noted the District Plan reflects more than just the annual housing need requirement, it is a suite of policies that will guide and control development within the District, securing the 5 year land supply. It will provide investment and will help build safe and sustainable communities with a commitment to Net Zero in a way that is both robust, evidence based and defendable in examination.

A recorded vote was requested and supported by 5 Members. The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendations as set out in the report which were agreed with 43 in favour, 1 against and no abstentions.

RESOLVED

Council:

(i)      Considered and commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Councillor Hicks moved the item which includes the additions following the discussion at Audit Committee, which strengthen and clarify the Council’s commitment to seeking investments which represent its Environmental Social and Governance aspirations. This was seconded by Councillor Cooke.

A Member commented in support of the additions.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation as set out in the report which was approved unanimously. 

RESOLVED

Council agreed:

(i)    the proposed Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) for 2024/25 and the following two years, including the additional clarity suggested at paragraph 9 below.

(ii)   the Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) and the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement (MRP) as contained in Sections 4 and 2.3 respectively of the report;

(iii)  the proposed amendments to the specified and non-specified investment appendices;

(iv)  the Prudential Indicators contained within this report.

(v)   Council endorsed the Treasury Management activity for the half year to 30 September 2023 as attached in Appendix 2

Councillor Eggleston moved the item. This was seconded by Councillor Bennett.

The Chairman took Members to a vote on the recommendation as set out in the report, taking both sets of recommendations as one. This was approved unanimously. 

RESOLVED

Budget Management 2023/24 – Progress report April to June 2023

Council:

(i)      Noted the current forecast outturn;

(ii)      Endorsed the variations to the Capital Programme contained in Table 3 of the Cabinet report in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B3 and the Capital Strategy

(iii)     Approved the formal creation of the Specific Reserves as identified in Table 2, funded from external grant funding as detailed in paragraphs 19-21 of the Cabinet report.

Budget Management 2023/24 – Progress report July to September 2023

(i)      Noted the current forecast outturn;

(ii)      Endorsed the variations to the Capital Programme contained at Table 3 in the Cabinet report in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B3 and the Capital Strategy;

(iii)     Approved the use of £2,080m for LAHF Tranche 1 and £1,252m for LAHF Tranche 2, as detailed in paragraphs 23 and 24 of the Cabinet report.

The Council received the Leaders report. In response to a question about his support of the District Plan he acknowledged the change in evidence and the significant benefits that the revised Plan offers to the District. A question was raised on the potential to become a shareholder of New River to encourage the redevelopment of Burgess Hill. The Leader confirmed that the Council continues to influence New River but becoming a shareholder wouldn’t provide any more control. He confirmed that a confidential briefing would be provided in the New Year, focussing on the current position and challenges.

The Council received the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications’ update. She agreed to provide a written response on the current number of rough sleepers in the District and the provision for them over the holiday period.

The Council received the Cabinet Member for Finance, Revenues and Benefits’ update.

The Council received the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services’ update.  In response to questions, he noted a Members request for Glendale to visit a site in Mount Lane to widen the path, and to increase the focus on the collection of dog waste. He agreed to provide a written response to confirm Serco’s position of street cleansing in relation to the B2036.

In response to a question on the recent Ash dieback project, he confirmed that a report has been requested to look at lessons learned and how the Council plans to take future projects forward. Regarding the Centre for Outdoor Sport he agreed to make contact with the East Grinstead Sports Council as well as other Sports Councils in the area.

The Cabinet Member agreed to provide a written update regarding antisocial behaviour around dog waste bins. He also confirmed that a briefing has been circulated to Members regarding the new Green Spaces contract.

The Council received the Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing’s update. He agreed to provide a written response to a question on Clarion’s engagement with residents who wish to downsize properties. He also acknowledged a Member’s concern about ongoing void properties, and welcomed any feedback Members may wish to provide for him to raise at his meeting with the Housing Association.

None.