Agenda and minutes

None.

Apologies were received fromKathryn Hall, Chief Executive.

Asset Acquisition Report.

The minutes of the meetings held on 24 September and 15 October 2018 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the reportwhich projected a net overspend of £1,000 and he noted income shortfalls for Garden Waste, Building Control and Outdoor facilities.  He highlighted variations to the Capital Programme including the early migration of the database for Revenues and Benefits from Horsham to Mid Sussex to ensure service efficiency.  He commented that the contract to refurbish Court Bushes pavillion had been approved by the Cabinet Member for Economic Growth.  He noted the introduction of Padel Tennis at The Triangle Leisure Centre and the temporary car park on the site of the Martletts Hall with New River Retail refunding the demolition cost as per the proposed head lease.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance welcomed the report nothing that the Council were able to vary the capital budget in response to demand. 

The Cabinet Member for Service Delivery commented that the introduction of Padel Tennis would bring a new sport to Mid Sussex which is well established in other areas and he felt that the temporary car park would be beneficial.

The Cabinet Member for Community noted that up to the end of September 2018 £631,000 had been commissioned for disabled facilities grants to adapt disabled people’s houses enabling them to remain in their homes.  He commented that Building Control work volumes this year had started slowly but the flow was increasing.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning stated that development management income had decreased as the District Plan had led to the receipt of less speculative applications.   He noted that the shortfall would be reduced once the applications for the Northern Arc are received.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth noted the confirmation of the purchase of an investment property which had been discussed at the Council meeting on 31st October 2018.  The purchase would assist the Council with the aim to remain financially independent.

The Leader noted that no more Members wished to speak so took them to the recommendation contained in the report, which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council for approval:

(i)            that £9,188 grant income relating to Transition to Universal Credits and for Removal of Temporary Accommodation from Universal credits be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 22;

(ii)           that £8,244 grant income relating to Assisted Digital Support and Personal Budgeting support for Universal credits and final Universal credits Local Authority Universal support payment for 2017/18 be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 23;

(iii)          that £12,211 grant income relating to Universal credits: Management, Support for Housing Expertise, Housing Benefit Natural Migration and Housing Benefit Debt Migration be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraph 24;

(iv)         that £117,268 be transferred to Specific Reserve as detailed in paragraphs 25;

(v)          the variations to the Capital Programme contained in paragraph 39 in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure rule B4.

                   And the Members noted the remainder of the report.

The Leader proposed that the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the exempt items on the agenda and this was seconded by the Cabinet Member for Service Delivery. This was agreed.

RESOLVED

That the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item in accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972, on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act.

The Leader brought the meeting back into open session on the completion of exempt business which included approval of the exempt report and discussion of a possible property acquisition.

None.