Agenda, decisions and minutes

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10 October 2023 (previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 October 2023 were approved as a correct record.

No apologies for asbence have been received.

Up to thirty minutes will be made available for questions from members of the public on issues relating to the work of the Cabinet and to receive any petitions.

No questions or petitions were received.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation) on the status of actions agreed at the last Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet noted the Action Status Report.

No notifications for urgent business were received.

To note declarations of Members’ disclosable pecuniary interests, non-disclosable pecuniary interests and non-pecuniary interests in respect of items on the Agenda.

Councillor Zukowskyj declared an interest as a Hertfordshire County Councillor. 

To consider the following items for decision in the current Forward Plan:-

The following item was considered for decision in the current Forward Plan:

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

To recommend to Full Council that Welwyn Hatfield localised council tax support scheme continues in 2024/25 to help people on low/no income to receive a reduction on their council tax. 

Cabinet received the report of the Executive Director of Finance on the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

To recommend to Full Council that Welwyn Hatfield localised council tax support scheme continues in 2024/25 to help people on low/no income to receive a reduction on their council tax. 

REASON FOR DECISION

The Council must provide a council tax support scheme, which is based upon statutory requirements to help people on low/no income to receive a reduction on their council tax.  In addition, the Councils scheme offers additional protection to families with children under 5 and those in receipt of disability living allowance, so these vulnerable groups can continue to the same level of support as the previous Council Tax Benefits system.

Recommendations from the meeting of the Cabinet Housing Panel on 30^th October 2023:

Copies of the reports can be found here: Agenda for Cabinet Housing Panel on Monday 30th October 2023, 7.30 pm – Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council (welhat.gov.uk)

The Cabinet considered the below items which were recommended from the Cabinet Housing Panel on the 30^th October 2023.

To note the report’s findings in terms of the effectiveness of fixed term tenancies, and the feedback from the public consultation undertaken which overwhelmingly supports the ending of fixed term tenancies and the transfer to secure tenancies.

To recommend to Cabinet that fixed term tenancies should end with immediate effect and that all new tenancies are granted as secure council tenancies.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

That fixed term tenancies should end with immediate effect and that all new tenancies are granted as secure council tenancies.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

That fixed term tenancies should end with immediate effect and that all new tenancies are granted as secure council tenancies.

REASON FOR DECISION

Reviews of flexible tenancies had found no positive outcomes for tenants and the Council. Security of tenure for was important to provide stability for social, educational, and work purposes for residents.

A consultation undertaken between 5 June and 3 July 2023 with the Council’s existing tenants and also prospective tenants on the housing needs register found that ending of the fixed term tenancies and move to secure tenancy was overwhelmingly supported by the vast majority of respondents (94%).

Reviews of flexible tenancies had been difficult to administer and few tenancies had ended as a result of review.

Members recommend to Cabinet the adoption of the updated ASB Policy (as set out at Appendix A).

Members recommend to Cabinet the adoption of the updated ASB Strategy 2023-2025 (as set out at Appendix B).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The adoption of the updated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy and the adoption of the updated Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2023-2025

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Adoption of the updated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Policy and adoption of the updated Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2023-2025

REASON FOR DECISION

The updated ASB Policy underpins how the ASB Strategy 2023/2025 will be delivered operationally and aligns to the four themes within the Community Safety Partnership Action Plan.

The updated ASB Policy sets out what the Council considers to be ASB with

reference to legislation, what powers we have available to prevent ASB from

occurring and what action we can take when it does occur.

The updated ASB Policy provides for a consistent and proportionate response to all behaviour we define as being anti-social.

The updated ASB Policy is clear on the councils’ commitment to delivering a

preventative and harm centred approach to tackling ASB.

Cabinet Housing Panel are asked to note the self-assessment that we undertook of our approach to damp and mould against the Housing Ombudsman’s guidance and the proposed actions to enhance our approach further.

Cabinet Housing Panel are asked to note and agree the Damp and Mould Policy.

If Cabinet Housing Panel unanimously agree the Damp and Mould Policy, that the Panel agree that the decision to approve the policy be taken by the executive member using their delegated powers.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

To support the decision for the Executive Member to approve and sign the Damp and Mould Policy, and make the required amendments, under delegated authority.

Councillor Kingsbury asked for clarification on whether the amendments recommended by the Cabinet Housing Panel would be made under delegated authority by the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

To support the decision for the Executive Member to approve and sign the Damp and Mould Policy, and make the required amendments, under delegated authority.

REASON FOR DECISION

The Policy explains that it is the Council’s approach to provide high quality homes.

- RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET HOUSING PANEL

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet agreed the Pet Policy.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet agreed the adoption of the Pet Policy for tenants and licensees.

REASON FOR DECISION

The Neighbourhoods and Enforcement team proposed the introduction of a Pet Policy for tenants and licensees. The purpose is to give clearer guidance to tenants and licensees about their obligation to request permission to keep pets in their home and clarity of their responsibilities and circumstances where the Council might require them to rehome their pet or take enforcement action against them.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Cabinet noted the capital forecast outturn position and forecast position as of 30^th September 2023 for funding of the capital programme and reserve balances.

Cabinet received the report of the Executive Director (Finance & Transformation) on the capital expenditure and associated capital funding as at the end of Quarter 2.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Cabinet noted the capital forecast outturn position and forecast position as of 30^th September 2023 for funding of the capital programme and reserve balances.

REASON FOR DECISION

The report and appendices detailed the changes to the original capital programme and funding plans, as a result of programme commitments and project delivery.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet:

Noted the revenue forecast position as of Quarter 2 and the position on debts as set out in Section 5 of the report;

Agreed the virements set out in section 3.1.2 of the report.

Cabinet received the report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation) on the forecast revenue outturn position as at 30 September 2023 for the financial year 2023/24 and the main variances from the original budget for the General Fund & Housing Revenue Account.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet:

Noted the revenue forecast position as of Quarter 2 and the position on debts as set out in Section 5 of the report;

Agreed the virements set out in section 3.1.2 of the report.

REASON FOR DECISION

The report presented the forecast revenue outturn position as at 30 September 2023 for the financial year 2023-24 and outlines the main variances from the original budget for both the General Fund (GF) and Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the current treasury position and Treasury Management Indicators.

The Cabinet received a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation) on the mid-year update on the Council’s treasury activities from 1 April to 30 September 2023.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the current treasury position and Treasury Management Indicators.

REASON FOR DECISION

In accordance with the Treasury Management Strategy the Cabinet noted the report.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the risk register for Quarter 2 and the comments & actions in respect of the strategic and serious/severe operational risks.

The Cabinet received a report of the Executive Director (Finance & Transformation) on the current identified strategic risks facing the Council and operational risks.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the risk register for Quarter 2 and the comments & actions in respect of the strategic and serious/severe operational risks.

REASON FOR DECISION

The risk framework are reported on a quarterly basis including all strategic risks.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the report and approved the proposed actions set out in the appendices of the report.

The Cabinet received a report on the performance data following a review by Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Chief Executive, Executive Directors, and Assistant Directors for the period 1 July to 30 September 2023.  

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet noted the report and approved the proposed actions set out in the appendices of the report.

REASON FOR DECISION

The performance exception report is presented to the Cabinet on a quarterly basis as part of our current performance management framework.

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation)

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet:

1.     Noted the summary of the Community Survey; and

2.     Agreed the new vision and priorities for 2023-2026 (the Community Plan) be recommended to Council.

Cabinet received a report of the Executive Director (Finance & Transformation) on the Community Survey and proposed vision and priorities for 2023-2026 (the Community Plan).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

Cabinet:

1.     Noted the summary of the Community Survey; and

2.     Agreed the new vision and priorities for 2023-2026 (the Community Plan) be recommended to Council.

REASON FOR DECISION

The Council reviews and re-sets its vision and priorities for the borough every three years. 

Report of the Executive Director (Finance and Transformation).

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Cabinet noted the reports and contents of the Achievement List.

Cabinet received a report of the Executive Director (Finance & Transformation) on the Council’s achievements from July to September 2023.

DECISION TAKEN

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Cabinet noted the reports and contents of the Achievement List.

REASON FOR DECISION

Appendix 1 highlighted the Council’s achievements from business plan projects, committee decisions, community-based activities, events and campaigns achieved in quarter 2.

There were no items of urgent business.