Decisions

Judy Holmes, Assistant Chief Executive, introduced the report for a one-year trial which will deliver a more sustainable waste service to 3,000 houses across the District. She confirmed that the communication plan for the affected households has been developed in conjunction with West Sussex County Council.

The Leader highlighted recent discussions with Daventry Council who have a similar system.  He noted that their rollout has been better than expected with a good response from the residents.  He commented that 41% of household waste is food and an increase in recycling rates will have a positive environmental impact.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery confirmed that there would be no financial implications to the Council for the trial collection and Mid Sussex would be the first local authority in West Sussex to pilot this service.  The pilot aims to increase recycling rates in the trail areas by 8% and will help Mid Sussex to be as sustainable as possible.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth congratulated the officers and highlighted the good partnership working with West Sussex County Council.

In response to concerns of the change to 3 weekly collections and overflowing black refuse bins, the Assistant Chief Executive confirmed that during the trial officers and Serco will work with local residents to reduce the black bin waste if this becomes an issue.

In response to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning query, Tom Clark, Solicitor to the Council, confirmed an amendment to the recommendations for transparency.

The Cabinet Member for Customer Services asked if Serco would need more vehicles if the trial was successful.  The Assistant Chief Executive confirmed that if the trial was a success the Council will work with Serco to identify and procure the most sustainable and modern vehicles available to support a district wide roll out.

RESOLVED

Cabinet agreed to proceed, in partnership with WSCC, with a trial of food waste and absorbent hygiene products collections alongside a restructured residual waste collection frequency as referred to in paragraph 19 across approximately 3,000 properties in three areas in Mid Sussex, commencing in April 2020.

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report.  He noted that the final settlement figures had been received after the report had been published but confirmed there were no changes to the provisional figures. 

The Leader highlighted the extract of the minutes from the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee for Leader, Finance and Performance on 15 January 2020.

The Deputy Leader confirmed the investments in priority projects (previously flagship activities) and the programme of investments.

In response to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning query, the Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that the Government have announced a New Homes Bonus for 2020/21.  He noted that currently payments are received on a six-year rolling programme and under the existing scheme the final legacy payment would be received next year.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Growth queried the proposed increase in Council Tax.  The Head of Corporate Resources advised that the changes are accumulative and Council Tax are based on tax base rises and tax rises.

The Head of Corporate Resources commented that drainage levies are still listed to highlight that they are no longer being paid.

The Leader noted that the Corporate Plan and Budget is well managed to meet the priorities of the District.  The budget will maintain current services, deliver value for money, support economic growth and protect the environment.

The Leader took the Members to the recommendations contained in the report, which were agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

Cabinet is requested to recommend the proposals for 2020/21 as set out in the

report to the Scrutiny Committee and as amended by this report, to Council,

specifically:

(i)         The overall direction and service levels promoted within the draft Corporate Plan;

(ii)        The financial outlook facing the Council;

(iii)       The proposed increase in Council Tax;

(iv)       The proposed placements in the Specific Reserves;

(v)        The proposed Capital Programme; and

(vi)       The service commentaries and supporting summary budget tables for each business unit.

Following a review of the local list a Cabinet Member is requested to authorise consultation on potential revisions to the local list of information requirements for planning applications. A further report will be produced after consultation responses have been considered and the Local List revised as necessary.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning authorised the consultation on revisions to the local list of information requirements for planning applications.

This report seeks Cabinet Member approval for the setting of Outdoor Leisure Facility Charges for the period 1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery authorised the proposed charges relating to use of the Council’s Indoor Leisure Facilities for the period of 1st April 2020 – 31st March 2021.

The report seeks the Cabinet Member approval for the setting of the Leisure Operations Core Charges for the year 2020/21.

The Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery authorised the proposed charges relating to use of the Council’s Indoor Leisure Facilities for the period of 1st April 2020 – 31st March 2021.