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:
|
Cllr Williams |
Leader of the Council & Corporate and Contracted Services |
|
Cllr Griffiths |
Housing |
|
Cllr Anderson |
Environmental Services |
|
Cllr Banks |
Community and Regulatory Services |
|
Cllr G Sutton Cllr Elliot |
Planning & Infrastructure Finance & Resources |
Decision:
1. By the Mayor:
The Mayor gave an update on his recent activities;
On 7th September attended Sunnyside Rural Trust for fundraiser; ’Give Bees a Chance which was held at Hemel Food Garden. The event was a great success.
The next day, 8th September, at Woburn Abbey, 3 of Mayor’s family members took part in triathlon and raised £580 for Sunnyside Rural Trust.
15th September attended 75th Battle of Britain commemoration at Kings Langley, excellent event showing our appreciation for those that fought in Battle in Britain.
Have attended numerous other events, including coming this evening from having opened an exhibition at Kings Langley Library.
2. By the Chief Executive:
There were no announcements from the Chief Executive.
3. By the Group Leaders:
Councillor Williams confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Johnson, Oguchi and Peter.
Councillor Tindall confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Townsend and Bowden.
4. By the 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 that he will be separating the 2 announcements by Leader, first Cllr Williams will give his announcement as Leader, and later in proceedings he will give his second announcement in his role as Portfolio Holder for Corporate & Contracted Services. This arrangement will carry forward to future meetings.
The Mayor continued with an update on his recent activities;
On 7th September attended Sunnyside Rural Trust for fundraiser; ’Give Bees a Chance which was held at Hemel Food Garden. The event was a great success.
The next day, 8th September, at Woburn Abbey, 3 of Mayor’s family members took part in triathlon and raised £580 for Sunnyside Rural Trust.
15th September attended 75th Battle of Britain commemoration at Kings Langley, excellent event showing our appreciation for those that fought in Battle in Britain.
Have attended numerous other events, including coming this evening from having opened an exhibition at Kings Langley Library.
4.2 By the Chief Executive:
None.
4.3 By the Group
Leaders:
Councillor Williams confirmed that
apologies had been received from Councillors Johnson, Oguchi
and Peter.
Councillor Tindall confirmed that apologies had been received from Councillors Bowden & Townsend.
Cllr Imarni was not in attendance.
4.4 Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:
Councillor Williams, Leader of the Council
The Leader advised that owing to the relatively quiet period since the July meeting, he has nothing to report, adding that he is happy to take questions.
Cllr guest asked; does the Leader agree that, in coming to its decision following redevelopment of the West Herts Hospital Trust estate, the NHS should have conducted real consultation, not just engagement?
Cllr Williams responded that he agrees there should always be the most appropriate consultation, adding that he is aware this particular issue is subject to a court case so would not be appropriate to comment.
Cllr Tindall asked, given recent announcements by Government re. Brexit contingency funding, can you update us at all on what money’s have been received by this Council and will Members be given regular briefing since there are only 6 weeks to go to possible leaving date.
Cllr Williams responded in relation to money received, cannot confirm if it has been received yet, but the figure we are due to receive is £37k, fairly modest sum, not sure if it will be over 1 or 2 years. Very limited in what we can do in preparation for Brexit, the situation is very fluid, we do have a plan & risk assessment which is a standing item on Corporate Management Team agenda. Were asked by the Government to appoint a lead contact officer, a Brexit Officer, we have appointment Dave Austin who is our contact with Government. Through East of England & the Hertfordshire Chief Executive’s there is contact and work going across those organisations. There are a number of things that are a direct risks to DBC, such as supplies and services continuity, for our vehicles etc. Only limited amount we can do in the national context. Our own staff, we have identified of our 700 + employees that we have 10 EU nationals, nothing to indicate their employment status will be affected.
Cllr Uttley commented that this week, children and adults across the globe taking part in strike demanding action on Climate change. In July this Council took the first step towards Climate Action unanimously passing a motion. The Councillor asked; can the Leader of the Council assure us that this will be followed up with an action plan as promised in motion?
Cllr Williams confirmed that the Council has started on actions plan, he has been in discussion with the Chief Executive around what we can do in longer and shorter term. The Leader added that only yesterday he attended a CMT and Cabinet member away day at which this subject was one of the agenda items, to look at how we can do more. An update with come to Council in following months.
Cllr Uttley added; given obvious public concern for urgent change, do you agree it would be prudent for PH members to update on the climate emergency at each Full Council meeting?
Cllr Williams responded that it would be appropriate to update when there is something to update, but do not think it should be a standing item. Cllr Williams added that ultimately he will accept responsibility for reporting back to Council.
Councillor Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Housing
The Portfolio Holder presented her update (as can be read in Appendix A attached).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Cllr England asked, does the Portfolio Holder agree that finding and registering Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) is a challenge that requires more resource than it currently has?
Cllr Griffiths responded this is a new service that Housing Team took on last year, they are progressing well. Throwing more people or money at it won’t necessarily make it as efficient as it could be the way it is working. If there is a proven case that it would increase the work they are doing, we would put that forward in the forthcoming budget. Important that we do the work at a steady and correct pace, that we deal with everybody well.
Cllr England added that the Building Research Establishment estimates there are over 900 HMOs in Dacorum, the registered numbers is a fraction of that at around 200. Private Sector Housing Team are working hard with the resources they have, but do you think more resource would help it work better to protect residents?
Cllr Griffiths responded that everything we do is to protect residents in one way or another. The same argument could be applied to every area of work the Council does, but we have to take a balanced approach and I believe we do that.
Cllr Stevens commented that he pleased to see the first residents coming into the new development in Swing Gate Lane. Would you agree it comes as a disappointment to find that there is an overspend of £577k so far with final accounts to be negotiated?
Cllr Griffiths confirmed that the final figure is still to be negotiated, therefore the PH advised that she cannot until that final account is produced to this Council.
Cllr Stevens further enquired, are we able to recover the full amount of the overspend?
Cllr Griffiths responded that she would not want to compromise any negotiation going on, but a detailed report will be presented which will demonstrate if any overspend is not to be reclaimed, why not.
Cllr Hobson commented that she is pleased that the Borough is doing its share of taking in Syrian refuges and asked, what steps we are taking to help them become part of the community?
Cllr Griffiths responded that we have a full programme of integration; the first 2 families that arrived enabled us to lay out how it would work. Can confirm those families have integrated well, we spoke to other Syrians (not refuges) within Dacorum who were very helpful. When the families arrived, their homes were already kitted out with all the equipment they would need to run a family home, including seasonal appropriate clothes. They were allocated officers to work with them. Can confirm that all those of working age have jobs, learning English and children in schools.
Councillor Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services
The Portfolio Holder thanked Cllr Williams for covering for him at the previous meeting and presented his update, covering the following points;
Refuse & Recycling
· Hertfordshire Waste Partnership; Waste reduction & dry recyclables
· New trucks from November & VRS Works have begun
· Flats Food Recycling - Rollout begins next month
· Waste Reduction - clothes swop events taking place on 10/11/12 October at The Forum
Clean, Safe & Green
· Hand Arm Vibration case completed, DBC praised for staff welfare
· Edge of Gadebridge; bollards & height restrictions installed to prevent vehicle access
Trees & Woodlands
· Notification system
· Planting; some limitations, but hoping to reach 1,000 by end of Next Yr
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Cllr Wyatt Lowe commented that she is told we have more trees in Dacorum than any other Local Authority in Herts and asked the Portfolio Holder to give a full report on the Trees & Woodland Service, given we have so many of them?
Cllr Anderson responded to confirm that Council officers have written up plans to plant more than a 1000 tress by the end of next year, adding that consideration need to be given to the land owner and any potential for damage to neighbouring land. Nevertheless, working on realistic ways to plant more trees than we have to cut down. Also working on a way people can sponsor trees, particularly in high profile locations, in the same way they do roundabouts.
Cllr England referred to the street champion scheme, grown by 60 since beginning of year, at around 120, doubled in 9 months. The Councillor asked the Portfolio Holder if he agrees that it is great that people are responding and the work carried about by groups such as Gadebridge Cleaners, Plastic Free Hertfordshire and Adeyfield Action Group by signing up as street champions. Street champions should be properly valued, listened to, encouraged and resourced so that by building trust and co-working with residents, Council services can be targeted on onto less easily served parts of the Borough.
Cllr Anderson responded that he welcomes the street champion scheme and is glad it has doubled in the last 9 months. It is not just a change agenda, people are taking more notice in the place they live and that should congratulated and supported as much as the Council can.
Cllr Allen addressed the Portfolio Holder with a question from Gadebridge Cleaners, a Hemel wide litter picking community of nearly 80 people, part of Street Champions. He asked, does the Portfolio Holder agree that we need more recycling bins in areas such as sports grounds where lots of plastic bottles and drinks cans are used of and disposed of.
Cllr Anderson responded that this is an issue the Council tries to do, as much as we can and resource permitting. It is a case of doing what we can with the resource that are available.
Cllr Allen referred to areas in Boxmoor and Gadebridge Park where litter builds up significantly over weekend, might more collections be a good idea?
Cllr Anderson confirmed this is something that needs to be discussed at an operational level, but asked that if Members want to provide specific location he will discuss them with Council officers.
Cllr Freedman commented that he is pleased to hear values in terms of exporting rubbish and recyclables abroad. He asked, has the Council considered if separating from Herts Waste Partnership is it is no longer appropriate to Dacorum’s values.
Cllr Anderson responded that the Herts Waste Partnership is an important one and expressed that he does not believe it would be a good idea to leave over one specific issue. This is a particular case where we could achieve more remaining part of the partnership rather than leaving at first sign of trouble.
Cllr Hollinghurst commented that he is pleased the Portfolio Holder has reaffirmed his commitment to the Herts Waste Partnership, do not think it is useful for the local district and boroughs in Herts to go their own way. On the matter of export of waste, it is something we should aim to reduce, it is much better that everything is recycled in situ. Such issues should be raised with the partnership.
Cllr Anderson responded that he did raise the issue and will continue to do so with regard dry recyclables. The waste is sold, and then sold on and we do not have any control over what happens down the track. The key will be to lobby government so that it ceases to be the most profitable way of doing things, and enable us to deal with the recycling here.
Cllr England referred to recycling week, 23 September, commenting that he looked for Dacorum stats couldn’t find them, and therefore asked what Dacorum’s recycling performance is.
The Mayor commented that the time is now up for these questions, would suggest the Portfolio Holder and Cllr discuss the matter outside of the meeting.
Councillor Williams, Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Contracted Services
The Portfolio Holder presented his update (as can be read in Appendix B as attached).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
There were no questions.
Councillor Banks, Portfolio Holder for Community and Regulatory Services
The Portfolio Holder presented her update (as can be read in Appendix C as attached).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Cllr Beauchamp advised it is great news that we now have enforcement to protect our shoppers in the Marlowes from the gangs of youths who have been riding their bicycles dangerously in the pedestrian areas of the Town Centres. Would like to hear how that public order is going?
Cllr Banks responded and agreed that it is great news for our pedestrians in both the Marlowes and Bank Court and we look forward to working closely with residents to make sure they understand the importance of safety in our shopping centres. Officers are working on educating people, issuing leaflets and using the large screen to keep people informed.
Cllr Tindall noted that Cllr Banks mentioned work on the Emergency Plan and asked; would you agree it would be useful if all Parish & Town Councils are also briefed in addition to Borough Councillors. The Councillor advised that at a recent meeting he was told by a Town Council that they are not kept properly informed and up to date.
Cllr Banks agreed, the more people that are involved in our plans for crisis situations can only be a good thing.
Cllr Hollinghurst asked, can the problem of cycling in the Marlowes be solved in a positive way, by providing clearly marked safe cycle routes to encourage this environmentally friendly mode of transport?
Cllr Banks responded that it is important to note that a pedestrian area is for pedestrians. There are safe cycling routes either side of the Marlowes. The Portfolio Holder added that she is sure that encouraging cycling will be part of the works taken forward in looking at environmentally friendly climate change issues.
Cllr Adeleke asked the Portfolio Holder about the work of DBC Enforcement Officers; would you agree there is a misconception that the Council never tackles offenders?
Cllr Banks responded that a lot of the good work we do goes without note, to give an example, most recent enforcement activity included H&S enforcement notices in the Town Centre for shop with unsafe electrical fittings. The Section 20 request made for information involving the Holiday Inn regarding the collapsing of the stairwell. There were 8 Community Protection Notices issued relating to noise, 4 Community Protection Notices issued in Kingsley Walk with regard to refuge in garden, 5 abatement notices, along with other orders covering noisy building construction works so indeed our officers do work hard.
Cllr Symington referred to shortage of community football pitches in Berkhamsted, following a meeting with Officers it has become apparent that certain pitches can only be played on 13 times a year. She asked the Portfolio Holder, would you considers having some money set aside to upgrade the pitches in Berkhamsted?
Cllr Banks responded that the pitches she made reference to in her update were those at the adventure playgrounds, adding that she agrees there is always a need for more sports facilities, particularly when trying to push through a wellness agenda and that if money were to become available she is sure this could be looked at.
Cllr Symington confirmed for point of clarification, this would be for youth provision in Berkhamsted and asked, would you agree it is important for them?
Cllr Banks noted the comments.
Cllr England noted it would be good to see what the Sports Strategy says about provision in Berkhamsted, not just Hemel.
Councillor G Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning & Infrastructure
The Portfolio Holder presented his update (as can be read in Appendix D as attached).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Cllr Symington thanked the Portfolio Holder for his written answer to Cllr Woolner’s question at the last meeting re. 2020 Masterplan and asked, why, as you have stated in your response, did the Masterplan not go through the Cabinet & Council process?
Cllr Sutton responded that he would have to enquire further as he was not involved at that time, will provide a further written reply.
Cllr Symington asked, what assurances can you give to the residents of Berkhamsted that the same thing will not happen again?
Cllr Sutton responded that there are now more checks in place and the officer team who will be handling this new local plan are well informed on how this process should progress. Cllr Sutton gave assurance it would be completed properly.
Cllr Wyatt-Lowe referred to activities that have taken place in Water Gardens over the summer and asked, can we expect to see more of this over the coming months, particularly the summer months? Is there a mechanism by which people can input their ideas to make full use of the area, as it is a real asset to the Council?
Cllr Sutton confirmed that the team responsible for looking after the use of the Water Garden’s will be looking at everything that is of good community use.
Cllr Tindall referred to the Water Gardens and asked the Portfolio Holder if he would consider commissioning a survey of the use of the car park Monday to Friday lunchtimes, particularly given the further restrictions with new tenants. Noted there are quite a few visitors to the town that are struggling and adding that we need to support our shopkeepers as much as possible; might be interesting to see if we need to do more to attract people to spend more money in shops by providing more parking.
Cllr Sutton responded that parking falls within the Portfolio of Cllr Williams, advising he would discuss the matter with him and agree the best way forward.
Cllr Hollinghurst asked the Portfolio Holder; will you consider a network of electric charging points for vehicles across Borough, adding that it is important to support a sustainable transport system, but could also be a source of revenue to the authority as people are now willing to pay for these services.
Cllr Sutton responded that charging points are constantly under review, observing the need to be careful where we put them to ensure they will be utilised as he is aware of a charging point in town that is not well used.
Cllr Hollinghurst asked the Portfolio Holder if he is aware that most of the chargers available are very slow and that rapid chargers are the way forward, reinforcing that is his suggestion, rather than duplicating what we have at the moment.
Cllr Sutton confirmed he would investigate this point and come back with an answer.
Councillor Elliot, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources
The Portfolio Holder thanked Cllr Williams for standing in for him at the last meeting and presented his update (as can be read in Appendix E as attached).
The Portfolio Holder invited questions.
Questions:
Cllr Birnie asked the Portfolio Holder to explain what the Councils strategy is on investing cash reserves and would these include for example, oversees investments or is the EU considered to be a poor investment?
Cllr Elliot assumed this refers to the Treasury Management Strategy which forms mart of the Medium Term Financial Strategy – a key financial planning document for general fund services. The Portfolio Holder advised that throughout 2018/19 Dacorum had an average case balance of £102m, this includes a constant supply of transient cash holdings from the collection of Council Tax on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council and Business Rates on behalf of the government. This cash is invested to secure the best returns are those that ensure public funds are protected, have liquidity that the Council has sufficient access to its investments and can continue operating at all times ensuring the best returns. The Council consults a treasury advisor, the current average rate of return on investments is 0.69%. The strategy for this Council is to keep cash within the UK, to have no investment overseas or in portfolios or hedge funds etc. The Portfolio Holder stated that he can therefore assure the Cllr that our cash is safe within the confines of the UK.
Cllr Guest addressed the Portfolio Holder, observing that the economics county wide are robust with employment at a record high, and asked the Portfolio Holder to advise the latest employment figures for Dacorum.
Cllr Elliot referred to ONS stats 2018 listed the population in Dacorum at around 154k and advised that up until March 18 (as the most recent figures) there are 75,800 males employed, equalling 49.1% and 78,500 females which is 50.9% of economically active residents of Borough. Overall we are above the GB average. Within Dacorum 80.5% of people are paying PAYE through employed companies, above the national average of 75.4%. Self-employed is 9.6%, slightly below national average of 10.7%. Our unemployment rate was 3.1%, below national average of 4.1%. Doing very well here, good employers, good employment.
Cllr Durrant commented that he is pleased to hear that garage disposal is releasing much needed sites for housing and asked; how many have been sold so far and what are the capital receipts?
Cllr Elliot responded that it has been a long term strategy of Council to look at Brownfield sites for Housing. Been very successful. Many of the garages were not fit for purpose as built in 70s when cars were smaller. We identified a few years ago sites that could be sold off to developers and we have sold 17 in past 3 years, with capital receipts of just over £8m.
Survey being undertaken on remaining garages so Council can look at best options for taking sites forward.
Cllr Symington referred to the asset allocation with the Portfolio Holder stating that none is invested overseas and asked; can you please tell us what percentage is in equities and hedge funds?
Cllr Elliot clarified that we do not put money into hedge funds, it is invested as liquid and safely as possible.
Cllr Symington added; can you confirm that all investment is in cash?
Cllr Eliot confirmed.
Cllr England referred to parts of the Civic Centre still standing, stating that we were told a year ago they would come down within a year. He asked the Portfolio Holder to provide an update us on this situation?
The Mayor confirmed that time for questions is up.