Cabinet - Tuesday, 16th November, 2021 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

Under the Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors, all Members are required to disclose relevant Interests in any matter to be considered at the meeting.  Where the matter directly relates to a Member’s Disclosable Pecuniary Interests or Other Registrable Interest, that Member must not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not remain in the room unless they have been granted a dispensation (see note below). If the matter directly relates to ‘Non-Registrable Interests’, the Member’s participation in the meeting will depend on the nature of the matter and whether it directly relates or affects their financial interest or well-being or that of a relative, friend  or close associate, applying the tests set out in the Code.

NOTE:

On 27th May, 2021, the Council’s Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee granted dispensations to Members appointed by the Council to the Board of the Rushmoor Development Partnership and as Directors of Rushmoor Homes Limited.

Having regard to the Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors, no declarations of interest were made.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 19th October, 2021 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 19th October, 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To consider Report No. ACE2106 (copy attached), which sets out performance monitoring information in relation to the Council Business Plan and Risk Register for the second quarter of 2021/22.

The Cabinet received Report No. ACE2106, which set out progress in delivering the Council Business Plan projects during the second quarter of 2021/22. Members were informed that progress against eighteen key projects was included in the Report, along with the Council’s business performance monitoring information and the Council’s Corporate Risk Register. It was reported that, at the end of the second quarter, 56% of live projects were on track, with the remainder showing an amber status.

In response to a question, it was confirmed that 172 tonnes of food waste had been collected from households during the first three weeks of operation.

The Cabinet NOTED the progress made towards delivering the Council Business Plan, as set out in Report No. ACE2106, and the risks identified within the Corporate Risk Register in October, 2021.

To consider Report No. PETS2120 (copy attached), which seeks approval of the capital funding for the detailed design and development of the Southwood Country Park Visitor Centre and Cafe.

The Cabinet considered Report No. PETS2120, which set out a request for capital funding for the detailed design and development of the Southwood Country Park Visitor Centre and Cafe in Farnborough.

Members were informed that the feasibility study and initial design development in respect of the Visitor Centre and Café had now been completed successfully. The proposed development would make use of the existing building and would incorporate many environmentally sustainable features, including a green roof, ground source heating and PV panels. Members were informed that the current cost of the scheme was lower than the figure quoted previously. Members were advised that the Report carried an incorrect figure at paragraph 3.5 and that the total cost project cost, including initial design and development costs, was £1,074,000 and not £1,027,000 as stated.

In discussing the proposals, the Cabinet expressed strong support for the development of the new facility and noted that the Park was had proving popular with local residents. 

The Cabinet

(i)           NOTED that

(a)          an agreement for lease, with a suitably experienced café operator, would be entered into by 9th February, 2022, as set out in Report No. PETS2120, as amended at the meeting;

(b)          planning permission had not yet been granted for the scheme, with an application due to be submitted in January, 2022; and

(ii)          RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that £901,000 be added to the Capital Programme for the Southwood Country Park Visitor Centre and Café, noting the capital financing implications set out in paragraph 4.14 of the Report.

To consider Report No. LEG2104 (copy attached), which sets out details of a review in relation to the level of fees and charges for the Local Land Charges service.

The Cabinet considered Report No. LEG2104, which set out a proposed revised scheme of fees for the Council’s Local Land Charges service.

Members were informed that the fees and charges had not been reviewed for some years and that the new fee structure would enable the service to demonstrate full costs recovery.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that the new fees, as set out in Report No. LEG2104, be approved.