Cabinet - Tuesday, 4th June, 2024 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft 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 16th April, 2024 (copy attached).

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 16th April, 2024 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To consider Report No. ACE2406 (copy attached), which sets out performance monitoring information in relation to the Council Plan for the fourth quarter of 2023/24.

The Cabinet received Report No. ACE2406, which set out progress in delivering the Council Plan projects during the fourth quarter of 2023/24. Members were informed that progress against key activities and 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 third quarter, 50% of projects/activities were on track, with 30% showing an amber status and 20% a red status.

In considering the Report, Members expressed disappointment that these performance figures showed a clear deterioration since the previous report, which had shown 90% of projects on track, with 10% on amber and no projects on red. Members confirmed a commitment to monitor these projects closely over the coming period. It was also confirmed that the Cabinet would be carrying out a fundamental review of the Council Plan to reflect the priorities of the new administration.

The Cabinet NOTED the progress made towards delivering the Council Plan and the changes highlighted in the Corporate Risk Register, as set out in Report No. ACE2406.

To consider Report No. FIN2408 (copy attached), which sets out measures relating to local businesses adversely affected by the Lynchford Road Improvement Scheme.

The Cabinet considered Report No. FIN2408, which set out a proposed local policy to enable the Council to award business rates relief to local businesses that had been adversely affected by Hampshire County Council’s North Camp Accessibility Scheme, along with further measures to support the local business community.

Members were informed that the policy would allow for up to 100% business rate relief, for the period from 1st April, 2024 to 30th September, 2024, to those retail and hospitality businesses on Lynchford Road that had received the original Business Interruption Relief. It was also proposed that the existing free parking in the Peabody Road and Napier Gardens Car Parks should be extended for a further six months, up to 30th September, 2024 and that a package of measures should be implemented to encourage footfall and trade in the local area.

In discussing this, Members expressed support for the proposed approach and acknowledged that, although works were now completed, the considerable impacts of the disruption were still being felt by local businesses. The Cabinet was disappointed that Hampshire County Council had declined to provide any further support to local businesses in this respect and it was confirmed that the Development & Economic Growth Portfolio Holder would continue to discuss this with the County Council.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the establishment of a Business Recovery Relief Policy, to reduce by up to 100% the business rates payable by those retail and hospitality businesses on Lynchford Road that had received the original Business Interruption Relief, as set out in Report No. FIN2408, be approved;

(ii)          the extension until 30th September, 2024 of the amendments in car parking charges at Peabody Road and Napier Gardens Car Park, as set out in the Report, be approved; and

(iii)         the endorsement of further measures to boost footfall and trade in North Camp, as set out in the Report, be approved.

To consider Report No. DEM2406 (copy attached), which sets out the appointments to the proposed Cabinet Working Groups for the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)            the following Cabinet Working Groups be appointed for the 2024/25 Municipal Year based on the membership as set out below:

(ii)          the Corporate Manager - Democracy, in consultation with Group Leaders, be authorised to finalise the appointments to the Groups as required.