To receive announcements and business brought forward by the Mayor, Leader, and Members of the Cabinet or the Chief Executive.
4.1 By the Mayor:
4.2 By the Chief Executive:
4.3 By the Group Leaders: Any apologies for absence
4.4 Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:
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Cllr Williams |
Leader of the Council |
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Cllr G Sutton Cllr Williams Cllr Elliot Cllr Mrs Griffiths Cllr Anderson Cllr Banks |
Planning and Infrastructure Corporate and Contracted Services Finance and Resources Housing Environmental Services Community and Regulatory Services
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Decision:
4.1 By the
Mayor:
The Mayor announced the sad passing of former Dacorum Councillor Terry Eastman, former Mayor Ann-Marie Barling, and former Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Keith Emsall. One minutes silence was held in remembrance.
4.2 By the Chief
Executive:
None.
4.3 By the Group
Leaders:
Councillor Williams confirmed that
apologies had been received from Councillors Adeleke, Imarni,
Oguchi and Suqlain Mahmood.
4.4 Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:
(Full details are in the minutes under Announcements of the Leader and Cabinet).
Minutes:
4.1 By the
Mayor:
The Mayor announced the sad passing of former Dacorum Councillor Terry Eastman, former Mayor Ann-Marie Barling, and former Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, Keith Emsall. One minutes silence was held in remembrance.
4.2 By the Chief
Executive:
None.
4.3 By the Group
Leaders:
Councillor Williams confirmed that
apologies had been received from Councillors Adeleke, Imarni, Oguchi and
Suqlain Mahmood.
4.4 Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:
Councillor Williams, Leader of the Council
Councillor Williams had nothing to report but welcomed questions.
Questions:
Councillor Townsend asked if we were on top of preparations for Coronavirus. The Leader said he wasn’t aware of any specific advice beyond what the NHS had already advised.
Councillor Uttley referred back to the minutes from the meeting in November and asked if we had missed an opportunity in October 2019 to change energy contracts. The Leader advised that we hadn’t missed an opportunity as we usually buy up to a year in advance to secure the price. He added that we had consciously gone for a green energy supplier this year.
Councillor G Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Infrastructure
The Portfolio Holder presented his update as follows:
SOUTH WEST HERTS JOINT STRATEGIC PLAN
· As Members may be aware, this is a joint initiative between Dacorum, St Albans, Hertsmere, Watford and Three Rivers and Hertfordshire County Council to look at the future shape and extent of development that may be needed in South West Herts, and how we can work together to secure the best locations for development and address wider infrastructure needs in the long term, to around 2050.
· Members should be aware via Member News that there is a current live consultation underway. Under the banner of ‘SW Herts – Your Future’ this is a very simple online survey that asks people what they like about SW Herts, and what they think are the biggest issues the area faces.
· Although aimed at the under-25 group through promotion on social media and an easy-to-use format (the under 25’s are a hard to reach group), the survey is open to all. Respondents are asked to select their age group, and the District or Borough where they live or work, so we will be able to analyse the demographic spread when the consultation closes.
· I would encourage all Members to complete the survey and indeed to forward the access details to your contacts, family and friends so we can maximise exposure and responses. All six Councils are actively promoting the survey through their communications teams, social media accounts and websites.
· You can access the survey at http://www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/do-it-online/consultation-feedback/current-consultation
DACORUM’S GROWTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE STRATEGY
HOUSING DELIVERY TEST SUCCESS
· In its efforts to significantly boost the supply of new housing across the Country, the Government is closely monitoring the delivery of new homes in each Borough and District.
· To do this, it has set up the ‘Housing Delivery Test’ which sets construction of new homes on the ground against each Council’s annual requirement.
· The week before last, the Government published the 2019 results of the Housing Delivery Test. It measures a delivery rate over the past three years and I am pleased to say that Dacorum achieved the highest rate of performance in Hertfordshire, delivering new homes at a rate of 138% over our stated requirements. Dacorum was only one of three Councils, alongside Hertsmere (124%) and Stevenage (113%) to record over 100% of delivery.
· The results for all Councils in England and Wales can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/housing-delivery-test?utm_source=a6da9cfb-4b7d-4a48-86b9-addfc6c95f9c&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
· The results, in my opinion, reflect well on Dacorum. We have been proactive in identifying new sites for housing, accepting that this is not always an easy process. We have supported regeneration proposals across the Borough with success. And with our ambitious Council housing new build programme, we are ensuring that new homes are built to meet local needs.
· The Housing Delivery Test will get tougher in the years to come as our development requirements rise. Later this year we will be bringing forward our new Local Plan, which sets out to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
Questions:
Councillor Stevens said it had been bought to his attention that planning consent had been given for change of use for a building to accommodate 85 dwellings in Maylands and was now subject to judicial review. He asked if the Portfolio Holder was able to disclose anything on the matter. The Portfolio Holder said he was discussing the matter closely with his team and that it was a premises that came through development rights. He advised there were two companies either side of the building that have brought forward the judicial review as they don’t think it is a suitable site. He understood that the judicial review was likely to be heard in June. He finalised by saying he would discuss this with his team and send a written reply of the latest position.
Councillor Tindall noted the Portfolio Holder had referred to the housing delivery test earlier. He asked if the Government had given Councils any guidance or money towards improving homes in terms of climate change, such as charging points, solar panels, insulation, etc. to reduce our footprint. The Portfolio Holder said he would need to investigate and let Councillor Tindall know. Councillor Tindall made a passionate request that we lead the way with footprint saving measures with our Local Plan and that future developers have to do something to help the climate. The Portfolio Holder said they both sit on the task and finish group for the Local Plan and things like the environment and housing have been discussed. He said there would also be a visit to BRE at some point to pick up some ideas on environment and carbon savings.
Councillor Williams, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Contracted Services
Councillor Williams advised that the main construction work on the Berkhamsted multi-storey car park was broadly completed and should be done so by the end of the month. Due to other highway works in the Berkhamsted area we had been unable to get a permit to commence our works until early April and we anticipate those works to take around three weeks. The completion and opening of the multi-storey car park should be towards the end of April/early May. Prior to that we had planned to commence works to reinstate The Moor temporary car park but unfortunately a local individual removed the safety fencing and that became an opportunity for drivers to park in there free of charge as the pay and display machines are covered up. As of today we had contractors on site to reinstate the fencing so hopefully that won’t be removed again. We aim to start reinstatement works late March/early April subject to ground conditions and we expect that to take 3-4 weeks to complete. Following that, it’ll take approximately three months to take hold and during that period the fencing to remain to protect new planting.
He then moved on to the Berkhamsted Leisure Centre. They had taken to opportunity to carry out an extensive refurbishment to the existing centre so it is fit for purpose for the next few years. It was reopened on 25th January by British Athlete Colin Jackson and the Mayor. He said it was a vast improvement on what it was before and a more pleasant experience.
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Councillor Guest asked if the Portfolio Holder had received any comments on the design and appearance of the new multi-storey car park. The Portfolio Holder advised that a Berkhamsted resident had sent a glowing letter last week praising the style and design of the car park and that was a pleasure to see.
Councillor Elliot, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources
The Portfolio Holder presented his update as follows:
Financial Services
The finance service has continued to work on the 20/21 budget papers and council tax declaration. The formal approval of the 2020/21 budget and proposed Council Tax levels will be presented to council this evening and is the culmination of several months of hard work by the finance team in conjunction with budget holders to ensure strategic and operational requirements are financially supported.
Draft budget proposals were presented to Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee again in January with any new comments or feedback fed into the budget papers. The proposed budget details a balanced budget position for 20/21, delivering on the savings target of £800k whilst continuing to protect front line services. .
As the Council enters the final quarter of the financial year, the Finance Team is now beginning to focus on the closure of the Council’s accounts for 2019/20, and an agreed timetable for publication of the annual accounts.
Commercial Assets and Property Development.
Commercial Assets service
I would like to provide you with an update on Bunkers Park Cemetery. Although the wet weather has continued through January and February the construction programme of the new cemetery at Bunkers Park has continued and is on schedule and progressing well for completion. Final planting will be undertaken in early spring 2020 to hopefully benefit from milder drier weather conditions, and then the new cemetery, will open in late summer.
Revenues and Benefits service
The Revenues teams are continuing to work effectively, and are in the process of creating and posting out the 2020/21 annual council tax and business rates bills.
In the last 2 weeks we have received full details of the Governments discretionary business rates discount for small retailers and public houses, and the service are busy ensuring theses are applied to the 20/21 bills. Although the council is not the responsible body for setting these business rates relief we very much welcome an increase to business rates relief for small retail businesses and the financial support it provides for the local economy of Dacorum.
The benefits service are also processing the 20/21 benefits uprating processes in line with government legislation.
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
There were no questions.
Councillor Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Housing
The Portfolio Holder presented her update as follows;
Tenant and Leaseholder Services
· Following approval at Cabinet in February, all new council tenants from 1st April 2020 will be given secure tenancies. Those who have a current flexible tenancy due to end after this date will also be converted into a secure tenancy. This will give more stability to tenants and build stronger communities. Minimum 5 year Tenancy home visits will be started so that all general needs council tenants will have a visit from their housing officer every 5 years. This will provide a more pro-active service and help identify any concerns from tenants and ensure the right support is offered. We also expect it to more effectively deal with fraud and tenancy breaches and build stronger relationships with our tenants.
· It has been over a year since Kylna Court was built. In partnership with the development team and contractor, the Housing Officer has recently carried out home visits to all 77 flats to check the condition and carry out an end of introductory tenancy review. Residents gave some really positive feedback on the quality of the homes and how they have been managed throughout this period with any issues being addressed early in the tenancies and fewer defects were identified.
· We are continuing to improve our sheltered schemes. A programme of upgrading the Tunstall alarm systems is continuing with fire and safety improvements taking place at the schemes at the same time to ensure limited disruption to residents. This also allows us an opportunity to replace furnishings like carpet and furniture in communal areas making schemes more modern and improving the safety and quality for existing and new tenants.
Strategic Housing
· The Council has received additional Rough Sleeper Initiative funding of £115k (previous award of £100k) to deliver initiatives in partnership with St Albans District Council to tackle rough sleeping
· At a rough sleeper count on 14 January Dacorum counted and verified 1 Rough Sleeper, data shows there are currently 6 rough sleepers in Dacorum, a reduction of 19 since the summer of 2019, which is really positive.
· The service is working in partnership to improve pathways for homeless clients and in partnership with Hightown will be recruiting a dedicated Rough Sleeper Outreach and pathways advisor
· Three separate households are currently pending assessment and consideration for the Housing First project, in place to tackle entrenched homeless and rough sleepers
· Our 9th household has been resettled under the Syrian Vulnerable Resettlement Scheme and arrived on 11 February 2020
Property & Place
Major adaptations completed YTD 91
Minor adaptations completed YTD 272
Community engagement by Osborne From partnership core group January 2020
Housing Development
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Scheme |
Comments |
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Corn Mill Court |
The scheme has been nominated for a local award via Berkhamsted Citizens Association. |
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Martindale |
Progressing well on site. Completion July 2020. Show home for the market sale properties due to open in a few weeks’ time. |
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Northend & Westerdale |
Progressing well on site. Completion April 2020. |
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Magenta Court |
Progressing well on site. Completion May 2020. |
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Paradise Fields |
Finalising land purchase, design team commenced Stage 2 of plans |
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Gaddesden Row |
Contractor approved, Looking to start on site Feb/Mar 20 |
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Eastwick Row |
Adjudication of Pre-Qualification Tenderers for Principal Contractors has been completed and we are Preparing tender documentation. We are working with the Legal team on the relocated leaseholders external brick sheds. |
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Coniston Road |
Planning Approval achieved, preparing tender documents. |
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Bulbourne |
Awaiting Secretary of State approval to relocate allotment |
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LA1 Marchmont |
Architect selected and briefing meeting set up. Design underway. |
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Cherry Bounce |
Submitted for Planning Pre Application |
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Paradise Depot |
Instructed to progress a design and take to Planning. Tenders documents issued for Architect & Employers Agent |
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Garage Sites |
Architect selected, Tenders issued for Employers Agent |
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Randall’s Ride |
Commencing site due diligence checks, Tenders issued for Architect and Employers Agent |
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Climate Change |
Workshops being held to review approach to design |
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Councillor Tindall thanked the Portfolio Holder for the update on secure tenancies and thanked the Council for moving in the right direction. He looked forward to when the Government would take action for private tenancies. The Portfolio Holder accepted his congratulations.
Councillor Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services
The Portfolio Holder presented his update as follows:
Environmental Services
· All 160 + front line staff have completed the 1 day annual refresher training including manual handling.
· All HGV drivers have completed their annual CPC training. 2 x staff undertaking LGV training
· Completed Splash Park accredited training, course work to be actioned.
· Building works still in progress - Fleet Workshop ‘Bays 3 & 4’ (HGV lifting bays) now finished, contractor now working in Bays 1 & 2 (LGV bays). Training now received by Technicians and more to follow
Clean, Safe and Green and Trees
· Under 2 weeks left until bird nesting season so wrapping up last of the hedge cutting.
· Extremely busy dealing with emergency works due to two recent storms but no quietening down.
· One Tree contractor has now stepped down from taking any more work instructions so an alternative service provider has been commissioned
Environmental Projects
· Flats food waste recycling now on its last block – to be completed by end of March
· Preparing for the Great British Spring Clean which will run March – Mid April
· Promoting Additional Garden Waste Subscription Service to residents
· Delivered reusable drinks bottles to frontline crews as part of the council’s initiative to reduce single-use plastic and lead by example (bottles provided by WasteAware).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Councillor Hollinghurst asked if the Portfolio Holder was aware of the difficulties caused by not providing the collection calendars on the bins. He said the Information Centre and Victoria Hall in Tring had run out of copies of the Dacorum Digest. He felt we underestimated how many residents were unable to use or access the internet to access the information. The Portfolio Holder felt they would have to agree to disagree. He said when they first considered the change he was mindful of those without internet access and he ensured everything possible was done to reach all residents. If people want a calendar they can ring the Council to get one. Only 130 requests were received and those calendars were delivered.
Councillor Chapman said they had a lot of fly tipping in Watling ward recently and he was impressed by how quickly the Enforcement Officers acted on it. The Portfolio Holder noted his comments.
Councillor Tindall asked if the Portfolio Holder agreed that part of the problem for our declining wildlife was the lack of insect species. He asked that we do everything we can to prevent the decline. The Portfolio Holder said he agreed and the Parks and Open Spaces Officer worked really hard and had it all in hand.
Councillor Symington referred to the letter from the Environment Agency. She said it was wonderful to see the chalk streams flowing again but noticed that the letter said it was best not to clear the chalk streams. She said she had noticed that the River Gade was cleared. The Portfolio Holder advised that the River was on privately owned land so it was done by the owner. He personally felt it should have been cleared but you can’t argue with the experts at the Environment Agency.
Councillor Symington advised that the Dacorum Digest wasn’t delivered to all residents. The Portfolio Holder said he wasn’t aware and he would look in to it.
Councillor Guest asked if the Portfolio Holder agreed that the installation of swift boxes and the development of the Martindale site will help to address the decline in swift numbers that he touched upon earlier. The Portfolio Holder agreed. Councillor Guest asked if the ward members could be notified when swift boxes are installed. The Portfolio Holder said he would collate a written response with his Cabinet members.
Councillor Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services
The Portfolio Holder presented her update as follows:
Turning first to People and Communities Group Service Customer Services I am pleased to report the CSU is now fully staffed as evidenced in the improving performance.
Q3 2019/20 – CSU performance
Over the quarter 13,033 calls were answered in the Call Centre, with 28,312 calls being managed through the automated phone system. 4,285 customers were served in our Customer Service Centres (face to face). In addition to this 2,739 emails were responded to and 1,423 Social Media responses were provided.
KPI’s were achieved for all 3 months
Throughout the quarter 2,612 customers chose to use the Callback facility rather than waiting on hold, of these 2,609 were answered when rung back. This facility reduces wait times and allows customers to continue with their day to day activity rather than waiting on hold. Their call is queued with the incoming calls and is returned the same day.
Communications and Consultation
Through our communications team we have continued to support and delivery for external campaigns and projects such as Herts Year of Culture 2020 and over 40 other campaigns and projects.
I would like to remind members the Annual Staff Recognition Scheme – is still open please go on line and consider nominating staff.
Staff survey – Highest response rate for some time 57%. Proposal sent to CMT for next steps in creating an action plan
Community partnerships and Leisure
The Old Town Hall
· Ticket sales and Hires – On target and will surplus last year’s numbers.
· In the last quarter, The Old Town Hall team delivered 42 live performances, ranging from contemporary dance through to children’s theatre. In addition, the venue facilitated 32 private hires.
Turning to Environmental Community Protection- Operations
I am delighted to inform you that Paul Coats, Environmental Enforcement Officer from the Operations Team was presented with an Excellence in Enforcement Award from ‘Keep Britain Tidy’
January was a fantastic month for the Operations Team, I am pleased to inform you Mr Mayor
The figures for Hertfordshire Fly-tipping Groups continue to show Dacorum’s proactive approach to environmental enforcement. With the authority serving the most Fixed Penalty Notices and having the second highest number of prosecutions across all ten districts for the year to date.
In January, Environmental Community Protection Service had received 313 service requests and undertook 62 inspections – food, permitted process, health & safety.
For example, 6 stray dogs were seized, a Community Protection Notice was served on the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in Markyate and a warning letter served on an owner in Flamstead.
Environmental Health Team
Following a 4.5-year investigationTesco Stores Limited was fined £733,333.33 on 24 January 2020 for breaching health and safety laws after a rigorous investigation by Dacorum Borough Council’s Environmental Health Officers.
This concludes an investigation that has lasted more than four years and reflects the hard work and dedication of the Council’s Environmental Health Officers who investigated this case. We take action where we deem it necessary to protect the public.
The council’s environmental health team is employed to investigate serious accidents and ensure that businesses in Dacorum comply with health and safety law and are authorised to take action where they find non-compliance.
Corporate, Health, Safety and Resilience
Corporate, Health, Safety and Resilience Team advises managers and staff on how to comply with Health and Safety Legislation, when going about Council business.
The Council uses Safety Policies to guide and instruct staff on how to comply with Health and Safety Legislation.
The Team with the assistance of Rosherville Safety Solutions has drafted an events policy to advise staff on the safe running of events. This is progressing through the approval process within the organisation.
We are committed to enabling events within the borough and recognises that a diverse programme of varied and well-managed activities contributes to the promotion of a vibrant multi-cultural community. This policy sets out the key principles by which DBC approaches the application and processing of both internal and externally run events, and the required risk management.
Likewise, a Fire Policy and procedure is in development.
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Councillor Tindall asked how many calls were misrouted by the voice recognition service. The Portfolio Holder wasn’t sure if the system had the capacity to do that but she would find out.
Councillor England asked how many calls there were where people are waiting over 300 seconds. The Portfolio Holder advised that during quarter 3, 3877 calls waited over 300 seconds.