Minutes:
Deputy Leader
The Deputy Leader highlighted a recent press release confirming that 29 tonnes of food waste had been collected in the past 4 weeks, noting that feedback on the scheme has been good. In answer to a question from Councillor Gibson, he agreed to feedback statistics on how the food waste amount collected is benchmarked against other Districts.
He provided an update on the Centre for Outdoor Sports as a meeting with England Athletics has now taken place. They do not support any new running tracks unless they are direct replacements, but they would support a running loop around the centre. This is being discussed further as well as discussions to maximise facilities at a local school. He noted a Member’s comment that Burgess Hill Rugby Club wish to be involved in any discussion regarding the Centre and another Member’s comments regarding the popularity of Park Runs, highlighting that there is one in East Grinstead as well as Haywards Heath. Should volunteers wish to start a Park Run in Burgess Hill he acknowledged that the Council would be happy to support it should it be held on Council owned land.
He noted that consultations for Hemsley Meadow, Finches Field and Hollands Way play areas have taken place and were well attended. The Hollands Way play area will be next to the Quarry Café which will be an exciting scheme providing a valuable and fresh community space in East Grinstead. He also welcomed a new bonfire society in Ashurst Wood.
Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Net Zero
The Cabinet Member had nothing further to report at this time.
Cabinet Member for Community
The Cabinet Member began by noting the positive result of a 94% submission rate so far for the Annual Electoral Canvas. He also noted that following the Electoral Review of Mid Sussex, the Parliamentary Order was made on 14th July and came into effect on 15 October. The Council’s Electoral Services team has prepared the maps, prepared and checked polling districts boundaries and are prepared produce the new Electoral Register by the end of the month.
He noted that the Local Land Charges Registry was migrated to the Government’s Land Registry on 21 March and searches to enable property completion are now by an online self-service portal with instant results. He also reported that the Council’s legal practice has been assessed and awarded an Excellence in Legal Practice Management and Client Care mark by the Law Society.
The Cabinet Member welcomed the Director for Resources and Organisational Development and highlighted details of grants awarded at the October Cabinet Grants Panel. These include a grant to Foresight Vision Support to fund the production of newsletters in an accessible format, a grant for Careers Support West Sussex for a project to identify and engage with male carers in Mid Sussex, a Microbusiness grant for staff training and registration for the installation of solar panels and two sets of funding to support the hiring of apprentices.
He also highlighted that a Warmer Homes video has been put on social media and a press release (28 October) that provides further details. Also, as more social prescribers are appointed, the Wellbeing team are getting a greater number of referrals.
In terms of anti-social behaviour, he reiterated that it will not be tolerated, and the Council will use all powers at its disposal to prevent it. A public space protection order for car cruising is set to expire in April 2023 and officers will be carrying out work including consultation to include Jobs Lane and the A2300 where that been car racing in recent months. He also acknowledged a Member’s question regarding anti-social behaviour on the increase in parks such as Worlds End and St John’s Park, noting that the Police are aware and that the Community Safety Sub Group of the Mid Sussex Partnership Board have been allocated funding by this council (supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner) to provide 2 mobile CCTV systems which can be used in such locations. He also acknowledged a question from Councillor Cornish related to excessive car noise and the difficulty in photographing car number plates in the dark to submit a complaint. The Cabinet Member agreed to investigate what can be done in that respect.
He noted that an air quality management annual report has been discussed at the recent annual meeting and satisfactory results continue. He thanked Councillor Hatton and Cllr Lord for their constructive engagement in the process. He also noted that the Environment Team remain busy with an upward trend in site visits.
In conclusion he noted that 20 Remembrance Services will be taking place throughout the District, each with a District Councillor laying a wreath on behalf of the Council. A Member highlighted information on a Government Survey which is taking place for 12 weeks, starting in November to collect feedback from the Veteran community on the access to and use of services for veterans. The Royal British Legion has also brought forward an ‘everyday needs’ grant designed to assist those who need help with everyday items such as kitchen appliances and energy costs. More information is available on the Royal British Legion’s website. Discussion was also held on the Council’s plans around improving on the current bronze level of the employment recognition scheme of SERFCA.
Cabinet Member for Leisure and Parking
The Cabinet Member noted that the three leisure centres continue to have an increased number of visits and membership. In August, attendance was 93% of 2019 levels and at the end of September there had been over 700,000 visits, on target to reach the aim of 1 million. She did acknowledge that utility expenditure continues to rise and impacts the overall financial position. Places for Leisure are about to install photo voltaic (PV) panels at the Triangle and LED replacements across all three centres, with a detailed report being presented to the Scrutiny Committee in November. In response to a question from Councillor Henwood, the Cabinet member confirmed that Places Leisure were paying for the PV panels and agreed to respond in writing on whether there are any plans to sponsor a PV plant on Council land. A Member also requested that the heating levels are reviewed, particularly at the Dolphin Centre.
The Cabinet Member noted that car park income is still significantly lower than 2019 but post-covid has been better than expected. An annual update will be presented to the Scrutiny Committee in 2023.
With regards to electric car charging points, there are 36 points active across District, with Queensway in East Grinstead going live by the end of week. She acknowledged technical issues with the Cyrus Road location, which hope to be resolved soon. Further installations are planned for Mount Noddy and Lindfield. In response to a question from Councillor Anthea Lea, the Cabinet Member agreed to provide data on the take up of charging points such as the four in Lindfield where it was noted that spaces are often empty.
Also, as part of the initial on-street phase a proposal has been made to install new public points across the District including Turners Hill, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, and Hassocks. A formal consultation on this begins on 10th November until 1 December 2022.
In conclusion the Cabinet Member encouraged Members to sign up for the Mid Sussex Marathon in April 2023.
Cabinet Member for Planning
Acknowledging that most of the discussion during the meeting had focussed on planning matters, the Cabinet Member concluded by noting that the performance level of the Development Management team remains high.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services
In response to a question from a previous Council meeting, the Cabinet Member confirmed that there were currently no homeless veterans, and that the Council does track that information.
The Cabinet Member encouraged Members to share information about the Turning Tides Bus, details of which can be found on a poster on the Council’s Facebook page. She also acknowledged that Members could benefit from better access to information posted on the Council’s website and work is ongoing to resolve this and send links directly.
In conclusion, the Cabinet Member highlighted the Coat Exchange facilitated by Haywards Heath Town Council which is taking donations of spare coats and providing them to those in need.