Minutes:
Report of the Deputy Leader
The Deputy Leader reiterated the thanks to Members who attended the training session on Understanding Local Government Finance. She drew Members attention to two items in the recent Member Information Service Bulletin. The first related to the purchase of 2 flats at the Orchards Shopping Centre which is part of the Council’s aspirations to ensure the centre is viable and successful. The second item relates to the Council’s decision not to participate in the new Business Rates Pool. This was simply because mathematically it was not in the interests of the Pool for all authorities in West Sussex to participate. The Council will continue to benefit from the effects of the Pooling arrangements.
A Member raised a question over the savings on Business Rates that NewRiver can benefit from for shop units in the first three months of occupation and urged that these savings be directed to charitable local causes in Burgess Hill. The Deputy Leader noted that the rate relief is mandatory and not something that the Council has control over. She suggested that the Town Council should take up the discussion with NewRiver.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
The Cabinet Member gave an update on his attendance at key meetings.
He confirmed that the Council is keen to enable local businesses to access local government procurement contracts. To support this, the Economic Development team are reworking the 2010 "How to do Business Guide" with the aim of relaunching in January 2020.
He concluded by noting the success of the Basepoint Centre in Haywards Heath, which has provided a flexible working space for businesses. As the local economy features a large number of the small businesses that favour this type of facility, and a huge number of residents that commute out to work that may increasingly look to use flexible working space locally several days a week, this is a key sector to encourage. .
Report of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
The Cabinet Member praised the Revenues and Benefits team for being shortlisted as finalists in three categories of the IRRV awards.
She provided an update on the recent consultation on the banded income Council Tax Support Scheme which has recently concluded. A number of meetings have been held by the Business Unit Leader with key stakeholders and affected residents. An update will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance on 20 November and Council in December with the aim of implementing it by April 2020. If Council approves the new scheme, it will enable the use of the DWP’s information in assessing residents claims for council tax support. She also noted that further training on Revenues and Benefits will be provided to Members in January 2020.
The Cabinet Member reiterated the success of the Mid Sussex Applauds Awards and thanked Officers for making it a success. She also confirmed that Mid Sussex Matters will be available to residents on 18 November, work is under way to improve the Council’s website.
In conclusion, she noted that November is safeguarding month. The Cabinet Member agreed to provide a written response confirming whether Mid Sussex District Council’s recruitment forms ask applicants if they have served in the Armed Forces, in line with the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery
The Cabinet Member confirmed that public consultation is underway on the improvements to playgrounds at John Pears in Ashurst Wood, Bolney and Twineham. Consultation will also be undertaken through the master planning exercises for Victoria Park, St John’s Park, Mount Noddy and Finches Field as part of a £2.3m investment in local parks over the next 2 years. He confirmed that the Playing Pitch and Open Space Study considers on a Ward by Ward basis where provision is required going forward. He confirmed that Burgess Hill Town Council will be consulted on any proposed improvements to St John’s Park.
The Cabinet Member also attended a recent meeting with Places Leisure. The centres continue to be well used and feedback is positive with the main focus being on capacity of certain popular classes. Parking at The Dolphin remains a challenge and ways to improve this are being considered. A downturn in income from village halls was discussed, but the Cabinet Member noted that regarding the Leisure Centres, Places Leisure are aware of the market place and keen to invest further to ensure the venues remain attractive to residents.
He also announced that the Council will be consulting on Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) on behalf of WSCC. These will cover East Grinstead and Haywards Heath, with Burgess Hill routes already being identified and progressed through the Place and Connectivity Project. Expert travel consultants will be engaged and the Council will liaise with local stakeholders and relevant organisations with the aim to develop studies by Spring 2020. He noted that in rural areas, close liaison with Parish Councils would be required and he would ask Officers to explore what scope there is within the LCWIPs methodology to do this.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Community
The Cabinet Member reiterated the success of the Mid Sussex Applauds Awards in its new format, incorporating both the Youth Awards and Chairman Awards. He noted it was a celebration of a fantastic range of projects, stories and events from across the District with a heartening mix of 29 nominees across an age range of almost 75 years.
He drew Members attention to the 8 May 2020 which signifies 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the Second World War in Europe. To commemorate this anniversary, the Cabinet Grants Panel has agreed a proposal to establish a small grant fund (£7,500) for VEDay75 celebrations around the early May Public Holiday.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning
The Cabinet Member confirmed that as of 1 November 2019, the cumulative number of affordable houses delivered was 122 which is a promising start for half way through the Council year. In response to a question on the number of market houses being completed, he confirmed that the 5 year housing land supply was continually monitored but specific data on completions was collected annually so there are no mid-year figures available at this time. He also confirmed that the Council has submitted and is awaiting the outcome of a bid to the Ministry of Housing Community and Local Government (MHCLG) for cold weather funding to assist rough sleepers. The Homeless Adviser from MHCLG will visit the Housing Needs team this week to discuss the bid.
He noted that in Planning Development Management, performance continues to exceed targets. The percentage of major schemes determined within 13 weeks, minor schemes and other applications determined within 8 weeks has been at 100% for the past 3 months.
The topic of meeting the target of 30% affordable housing in new developments was discussed and the Cabinet Member confirmed that the Council ensures that every applicable site provides 30% affordable housing. He also noted that smaller developments are not required to provide affordable housing and on limited occasions where affordable housing is not appropriate on site, the Council has accepted commuted sums to provide social housing in a more suitable location.