Minutes:
Deputy Leader
The Deputy Leader thanked residents involved in the food waste trial noting there has been 80% participation with over 20 tonnes collected in the first few weeks. In response to a question regarding a local biodigester, he confirmed that the results of the pilot will need to be considered, and he has asked Officers to work on a potential for a local facility as one proposed option. In terms of garden waste, he confirmed that a business case is being compiled for an additional collection vehicle for consideration over the winter budget process for the new financial year.
He provided an update on the Centre for Outdoor Sports as meetings have been held with Officers, consultants and sports clubs and proposals are still being worked up for the facilities. He acknowledged that it is not anticipated to include an athletics track, and the athletics and running clubs are aware. Further meetings are proposed with England Athletics to address their needs. In response to Member’s concerns regarding this lack of provision he noted that there are 4 tracks in about half hour of each other on the outskirts of the District and England Athletics has expressed concern about a 5th track taking valuable business from them. It would also mean that either the junior pitches or the first-class pitches could not proceed.
Discussion was held on the progression of park improvements to Finches Field and Hemsleys Meadow, and the lack of toilet facilities at King George Fields which the Deputy Leader agreed to investigate further.
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero
The Cabinet Member noted that the Micro Business Grant scheme totalling £71,428 was launched in April and £27,309 has been allocated so far. He also noted that the Economy team has provided support for Burgess Hill Science Week and Haywards Heath STEM Challenge as part of the Sustainable Economic Strategy action plan. In relation to that strategy, excellent Low Carbon videos were released in conjunction with WSCC and the link will be provided in the Member Information Bulletin.
He confirmed that the “Opportunity Mid Sussex” inward investment promotion materials have been completed and make a compelling case for bringing further economic activity to the district. A successful launch event was held in London on 7th September . There will be a joint local launch for Opportunity Mid Sussex and the Sustainable Economic Strategy at Edwards Vacuum in Burgess Hill on17 November.
The Cabinet Member provided an update on the Gigabit connectivity programme which continues to go extremely well and on target, both in time and cost. In terms of commercial roll out he noted that a website is being promoted so that businesses can register interest and it is hoped to start connection to some businesses depending on size in the first quarter of 2023. The economy team has also continued business engagement via a quarterly newsletter and with the three Business Associations particularly around support for businesses through the universities’ RISE & Hothouse programmes, and about grants. Further support is also planned around digital adoption strategies and skills.
He noted that the ShopAppy app has already launched successfully in Burgess Hill (including Hassocks & Hurstpierpoint) and Haywards Heath (including Cuckfield & Lindfield) and will be launched in East Grinstead next week.
A Member posed a question regarding Scope 3 Carbon Emissions, and the Cabinet Member agreed to consider it further and provide a response.
Finally, in relation to the Burgess Hill Growth programme, he noted that an Employment & Skills Plan has been prepared with Homes England with regards to the Brookleigh development , to provide opportunities for local people through jobs training and apprenticeships.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services
The Cabinet Member noted that the Revenue and Benefits team are working hard to administer grants in unprecedented times. She acknowledged that the Head of Department Kevin Stewart is leaving the Council in October and thanked him for his expertise, energy, and enthusiasm.
She noted that the deadline for the Energy Rebate grant has passed, and the Council has now paid just under £6m to 40000 recipients. Over £3m has been paid from the Covid Relief Fund. The Local Discretionary Scheme closes on 13 November and £57150 has currently been paid out of £200,550.
The Council has also paid just under £15m on covid business grants and £3.4m from the Covid Additional Relief Fund.
With regards to the Comms team, she noted that they are working to promote the many initiatives that the Council is managing, and that Mid Sussex Matters will land with residents in November.
With regards to Housing, the Council is reducing the number of people in temporary accommodations by improving procedures. In August there were 83 households in temporary accommodation whereas there were 128 in December last year. As a contingency plan the Council has acquired 25 properties to use as temporary accommodation. with 6 more coming. 5 have been designed for single vulnerable people with complex needs.
We have had a successful bid for the rough sleepers accommodation funding and the Brighton Housing Trust Sussex have bought flats in Haywards Heath.
She noted that the objective of the Council is to intervene early in the process to prevent homelessness and the intervention and prevention team has been expanded to provide support. As at the end of August, 149 discretionary housing payments have been awarded, committing £82,690 to the most vulnerable residents. The Council is also working with other District Councils to utilise a £9203 award for the Domestic Abuse Act to help residents suffering abuse.
The Homelessness Prevention Grant is £432,728 and the spending will focus on preventing homelessness, contributing to ending rough sleeping and reducing temporary accommodation numbers.
An additional £90,733 this financial year to top up the Homelessness Prevention Grant and a one-off payment to support low-income households in private accommodation who have covid related arrears to avoid eviction or homelessness.
We are committed to preventing homelessness and at the end of August 7 rough sleepers were accommodated under the discretionary covid powers. Support is also needed for those still on street and in August a new mobile hub was launched, a Converted bus will allow Turning Tides to connect directly with the hidden homeless. The bus will be visiting 4 locations weekly and a flyer can be circulated for Members to promote.
The Cabinet Member noted that a joint bid to provide funding for a rough sleepers outreach service, Housing First and Turning Tides Support was successful and funds were awarded to support the off the street offer, split between Mid Sussex and Horsham.
She concluded by noting that WSCC has confirmed a local assisted network award will support FerniHelp, Haywards Heath food bank, East Grinsted food bank and children and family centres.
In response to a Member’s question about the number of rough sleepers and homeless who may be from the Armed Forces, the Cabinet Member agreed to liaise with Turning Tides to see if this information is available. The Cabinet Member also agreed to share the content of this report by email.
Cabinet Member for Planning
The Cabinet Member discussed Development Management noting the positive statistics on the time taken in turning around planning applications and the increased number of applications which have been received this year. As an example, 1230 applications have been received so far this year against 1178 in 2020. Also, of major schemes determined in 13 weeks, 90% as an average have been turned around in that time. He also noted the reduction in the number of refused applications that went to appeal which is 15 in 2022 as opposed to 35 in the previous year.
He acknowledged that in terms of enforcement action, it is in the 90 percentile of enforcement that is acted on within 10 days.
The Cabinet Member provided an update on the importance of maintaining a 5-year housing land supply, citing the amount of costs awards, and agreed homes decided by two Inspectors for neighbouring Councils as they had made unreasonable decisions and failed to provide evidence on appeal. He highlighted that in comparison, the District Council was not vague, generalised or inaccurate and works on an evidence-based process.
In response to a question from a Member he confirmed that the additional housing delivered by the Council already, will count towards the 5 year housing land supply.