Cabinet - Tuesday, 7th June, 2022 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 26th April, 2022 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 26th April, 2022 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To consider Report No. ACE2203 (copy attached), which sets out performance monitoring information in relation to the Council Business Plan and Risk Register for the fourth quarter of 2021/22 and includes an end of year report.

The Cabinet received Report No. ACE2203, which set out progress in delivering the Council Business Plan projects during the fourth quarter of 2021/22 and included an end of year report. 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 fourth quarter, 71% of live projects were on track, with the remainder showing an amber status.

The Cabinet NOTED the progress made towards delivering the Council Business Plan, as set out in Report No. ACE2203.

To consider Report No. OS2207 (copy attached), which sets out a proposal for the adoption of Public Space Protection Order in respect of Aldershot town centre.

The Cabinet considered Report No. OS2207, which proposed the adoption of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Aldershot town centre, following a period of public consultation. Members were informed that the purpose of the Order was to assist in managing ongoing antisocial behaviour related to the consumption of alcohol in a public space and other associated behaviours, including public urination and defecation.

The Cabinet was strongly supportive of this approach, which would enable swift action to be taken to deal with the identified antisocial behaviour in Aldershot town centre, for the benefit of local residents and businesses and visitors to the town. In response to a question, it was confirmed that there was a process in place to vary the Order, if required, in the future.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the implementation of a Public Space Protection Order and proposed conditions in Aldershot town centre, as set out in Report No. OS2207, be approved; and

(ii)          the issuing of a £100 fixed penalty notice for a breach of the PSPO be approved, with an early payment discount of £25.

To note decisions made under the Council’s arrangements for urgency and exceptions relating to an extension of time claim in respect of the Union Yard regeneration scheme as a result of works to Nos. 35-39 High Street, Aldershot (Report No. ED2203 and Record of Executive Decision attached).

The Cabinet received Report No. ED2203 and a Record of Executive Decision, which set out an urgent decision made on 31st May, 2022 by the Executive Director to agree a commercial settlement with the Council’s Union Yard contractor, Hill Partnerships Limited, in relation to an Extension of Time (EOT) claim. The claim had been made in relation to delays caused by the repairs to the party wall at Nos. 35-39 High Street, Aldershot, which had been considered by the Cabinet at its meetings in December, 2021 and March, 2022. Members were informed that the cost of the commercial settlement was £783,000. It was explained that this action had minimised the risk of further delays and potential costs and financial loss due to the late delivery of the student accommodation, which was scheduled for handover in July, 2024.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that the action taken, as set out in the Record of Executive Decision dated 31st May, 2022, be noted and endorsed.

To confirm the appointments to the following groups for the 2022/23 Municipal Year, subject to each group reviewing its Terms of Reference at its first meeting of the municipal year:

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)            the following appointments be made to groups for the 2022/23 Municipal Year, subject to each group reviewing its Terms of Reference at its first meeting of the municipal year:

(ii)          the Head of Democracy and Community, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to make appointments to these groups during the 2022/23 municipal year, in order to fill vacancies.