Minutes:
Report of the Deputy Leader
The Deputy Leader noted that the First Quarter Performance Report was presented to the Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet and the new indicators were well received. In response to a request for an additional performance indicator on overall housing completions, the Cabinet Member confirmed that these figures were published annually and any changes to indicators were the remit of the Scrutiny Committee and this can be brought to their attention.
She also confirmed that the Place and Connectivity Programme in Burgess Hill has now started. It is a £10.9m partnership with West Sussex County Council. The first project is on site at World’s End Recreation Ground to widen walkways and put in a new cycle path to connect Manor Road and Junction Road. It is the first project of many taking place over the next 15 years and will take into consideration Member’s concerns regarding space and connectivity within the town centre.
Work clearing verges on the A2300, in preparation for the duelling work, has also commenced, from the Hickstead roundabout in an easterly direction. It is being carried out at this time for ecological reasons to avoid bird nesting and hibernation seasons.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth
The Cabinet Member confirmed that a consultation with businesses in Haywards Heath has concluded with strong support for the development of a business improvement district. A report on this will be presented at the end of September. Separately he is also strengthening links with the Burgess Hill Business Association.
Regarding performance measures on cashless parking he confirmed that it has been agreed to increase the target from 25% to 37% as figures are consistently around the 35% mark. He commended the work of the previous administration in this project. He also noted that consultants have been appointed to work alongside the Parking Working Group to review the Council’s parking strategy.
The Cabinet Member noted that planning is underway for the ‘Open for Business’ event which will take place in Spring 2020.
Discussion was held on the recent announcement that Thomas Cook has ceased trading, and the implications that may have on economic activity around Gatwick and the wider District. The Cabinet Member is also a Member of the Gatwick Airport Community Group (GATCOM) and will provide an update on any information available.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Customer Services
The Cabinet Member noted that the recent visit by the Institute of Revenues, Rating and Valuation (IRRV) Performance Awards judges was a success and the outcome of the awards will be announced on 9th October.
She confirmed that a consultation is under way on a banded income Council Tax Support Scheme which if a person qualifies on income and circumstances offers a reduction to low income households of working age and negates the danger of some households getting multiple council tax bills as their income changes. The consultation runs until 1 November and the Council is liaising with all stakeholders to ensure understanding of the scheme and to protect any vulnerable residents. Member learning development on Revenues and Benefits will be provided on 21 January 2019.
The Cabinet Member noted that over 145 nominations have been received for the Mid Sussex Applauds event and winners will be announced at the event on 13 October. Over £3000 sponsorship has also been secured.
She thanked Members for their input at the first Mid Sussex Matter panel meeting and also noted that the Web Officer is now in place, working on ways to improve it. She would also like to thank the Officers involved in the social media recycling campaign featuring Mia and her family.
The new digital team is now complete and in temporary offices pending a renovation of their office. Staff have also been recruited to the Estates team.
In conclusion she noted that the Council’s Safeguarding policies and procedure will be updated this Autumn and will include West Sussex County Council’s single referral process.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery
The Cabinet Member welcomed a recent decision by the Scrutiny Committee to approve further curbside collections of recyclable items. He noted that progress is also being made on exploring the possibility of collecting food waste.
Regarding parks and open spaces, he confirmed that the Green Flag for East Court will be put up soon and the Council is looking to secure a Green Flag for Victoria Park in 2020. St John’s Recreation Ground, Victoria Park, Mount Noddy and Finches Field have been identified for investment and planning is underway for this. A playing pitch strategy will be brought to the next Scrutiny Committee for Community, Customer Service and Service Delivery which will look at provision on a ward by ward basis, including rural areas. He confirmed that there is rolling investment programme in all areas as required, not just at the 4 specific sites referred to above. He also confirmed that 9 hectares in the Northern Arc have been allocated for community sports and 44% of the proposed Northern Arc development will be passed to the Council for amenity green space. In response to a Member’s question, he confirmed that a specialist consultant will review St John’s park and is keen to engage with park users. He will provide a written response to a query on the type of play equipment proposed at the Northern Arc and noted a Members request that provision for power generators be included in park investment.
He confirmed that the new café and soft-play area opened recently at the Dolphin Leisure Centre and has been well received. This is jointly funded by the Council and Places for People Leisure who continually look at ways to improve the facilities they manage. At a recent quarterly meeting about performance, the leisure centres are performing well despite competition.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Community
The Cabinet Member focussed on the Local Land Charges, Planning and Building Control Support Services which provide valuable services to ensure the Council remains both successful and efficient.
The Land Charges team help the public with requests for planning documents, enquiries relating to official land searches, local land charge registrations and liaison with building control inspectors to ensure timely inspections. The Planning and Building Control team deals with Planning and Building Control Applications and Planning Appeals. In August the Business Unit achieved 100% performance against every target.
Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning
The Cabinet Member confirmed that he will provide a report on the Council’s latest position regarding the provision of Temporary Accommodation. He reiterated that a business case will be made for funds to fulfil the remainder of the project.