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:
Councillor Williams Leader of the Council
Councillor Mrs Griffiths Housing
Councillor Harden Residents & Corporate Services
Councillor G Sutton Planning and Regeneration
Councillor Marshall Environment, Sustainability and Regulatory Services
Councillor Elliot Finance & Resources
Decision:
By the Mayor:
There were no announcements from the Mayor
By the Chief Executive:
There were no announcements from the Chief Executive
By the Group Leaders:
Councillor Williams gave apologies on behalf of Councillors S Adshead, Ashbourn, Barnes, Bateman, Birnie, Elliot, Ritchie, W Wyatt-Lowe.
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
None.
4.2 By the Chief Executive:
None.
4.3 By the Group Leaders:
Councillor Williams gave apologies on behalf of Councillors S Adshead, Ashbourn, Barnes, Bateman, Birnie, Elliot, and Ritchie.
4.4. Council Leader and Members of the Cabinet:
Councillor Williams, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Community Leadership
Councillor Williams spoke of his shock, anger and disappointment at The Gazette’s front page ‘Stuck in Swamp’ headline about the supposed failings of The Forum project from the Labour Party Spokesman. The police did not take the Forum space due to operational reasons as they wanted to keep their service together which would have required 600sqm of space when the Forum could only provide 200spm. The regeneration of the whole town is something to be proud of. The Town Centre, the Old Town, the Water Gardens, the Forum and the 100% occupation rate at the Maylands Business Centre are all huge achievements and praise should be given to the great project management skills and sheer hard word of the relevant council departments.
Councillor Williams was happy to take questions.
Councillor Guest asked if the Portfolio Holder agreed that it would be good for the people in Dacorum to have a new hospital on a new site along with the options of the refurbishment at Watford.
The Portfolio Holdergave it a warm welcome and thinks that it is good. It is a step in the right direction, Hemel’s services are inadequate and we need a more comprehensive provision at Hemel Hospital. We need to look at a realistic solution and will bear the services in mind at Hemel.
Councillor Tindall asked if it was true that the Hertfordshire Police were planning to join with Bedfordshire Police to create a new location on junction 10 of the M1.
The Portfolio Holderconfirmed that it was true. However, it was dependant on Bedfordshire relocating their custody suites and this option was not pursued.
Councillor Mrs Griffiths asked if the Portfolio Holder will be writing to the new Prime Minister welcoming her and looking forward to constructive relations with her and her government.
The Portfolio Holderconfirmed he will and will also express his passion for housing.
Councillor Tindall asked that in that letter could you include the possibility of getting rid of the Housing and Planning Bill that contains so many unnecessary clauses in planning.
The Portfolio Holdersaid the Housing and Planning Act was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. He said that Councillor Tindall joined him at the Local Government Association conference last week and the ‘pay to stay’ and sale of high value assets are to be confirmed.
Councillor G Adshead asked Councillor Williams when the EU flag would be removed from the Council Chamber.
Councillor Williams replied as soon as possible.
Councillor Mrs Griffiths, Portfolio Holder for Housing
Tenant and Leaseholders
Get Involved Strategy - July will see the completion of a new Get Involved Strategy which set out how we will work to encourage as many tenants as possible to get involved in helping us improve the service we provide to our tenants. The development of this strategy will also see the relaunch of our high level tenant committee (previously called the Tenant and Leaseholder Committee).
We are excited how the next phase of development of tenant involvement at Dacorum Borough Council will progress as increasingly we have new, talented and enthusiastic tenants to work with – further updates will follow.
Recharges - July will also see the recruitment of a Recharge Officer into the Housing Income Team. The Recharge Officer’s remit will be to ensure that money owed for damage caused to Council property by existing or former Council tenants is collected. Much work has already been done to prepare for this imminent arrival by strengthening our existing recharge procedures and ensuring that all parties involved (such as Osborne and our Empty Homes Team) are ready to make this a success.
Month of Policy reviews - We have designated August our ‘Housing Policy Month’. Recent changes in housing legislation (such as the Housing and Planning Act 2015) has impacted on many of our existing policies. As a consequence we will be seeking to work with a whole host of stakeholders, including Councillors on updating these existing documents. Staff from our Policy and Participation Team will be contacting particularly Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee members through the Chair shortly to ask for contributions on policy changes.
Strategic Housing
Following on from the success of Strategic Housing’s Peer Review assessment, the Housing Advice & Options team were asked to showcase the service at the NPSS national conference on the 4/5 July. This is an excellent opportunity for the service to share the positive work that we are doing to improve service delivery in this challenging area and provide details to key stakeholders on areas of good practice that have been identified.
Property and
Place
Osborne - Total Asset
Management.
· 2016/17 will see an increase in the efficiency of some of our hardest to treat homes
· Across the year Osborne will complete External Wall Insulation to another 60 solid wall properties
· This will help our tenants manage their fuel bills whilst supporting the reduction to our carbon emissions.
· The first properties we are tackling this year are on St Albans Road. This will conclude the wider programme of efficiency works at the Crabtree estate and has provided thermal improvements to the estate and our stock.
There have been two major adaptations completed, to provide ground floor extensions with specialist equipment and facilities, for two families in the borough. The facilities have dramatically improved the quality of life for these families and have been completed to a high standard.
The year-end performance report for 2015-16, Total Asset Management and Gas servicing and installation contracts will be presented to the Housing and Community Scrutiny Committee, later this month and whilst the overall performance remains strong, some areas in the TAM contract have declined and will be subject to ongoing monitoring and intervention as appropriate.
Sun Realm - Gas Servicing and Installation
The servicing and installation contract has been delivering consistently high levels of compliance, currently 99.97%, with two properties overdue, and customer satisfaction with the service remains high.
Councillor Mrs Griffiths was happy to take questions.
Councillor Mahmood asked if the Portfolio Holder agreed that the work from the Tenant Liaison Committee (TLC) was very good and the feedback from them compliments the work of the Housing and Community Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
The Portfolio Holder was delighted to endorse the comments. The TLC will be included in the new strategy but this also allows for tenants to become more involved.
Councillor Harden, Portfolio Holder for Residents and Corporate Services
Reports of race hate incidents have not increased in Dacorum since the EU Referendum results. Between 29th April 2016 and 29th May 2016 there were 3 reports and between 29th May 2016 and 29th June 2016 there were also 3 reports. The Council have been made aware of one other incident where a note was put through a letterbox of a family however this has not been formerly reported. According to Police figures, reports of hate crime across the whole of Hertfordshire between 1/4/2016 and 5/7/2016 have increased 15% but reports in Dacorum are down 20.6% from 63 reports for the same period last year to 50 reports for the same period this year.
The Patron’s Lunch on 12th June at Adeyfield was a great success despite poor weather and was well attended and received. A Great Royal Bake off and a Royal themed fancy dress were judged by Cllr Chapman and Dacorum Community Choir, Lets Dance Group and BURP (Berkhamsted Ukelele Random Players) all attended the event to entertain the community along with zorbing, go karts and fairground rides.
A further Premises Closure Order was obtained in court on 6th July for a property in Adeyfield where anti-social behaviour and drugs were impacting on neighbouring properties. There is a clear message being sent by Dacorum Borough Council that drug dealing and any associated behaviour will not be tolerated regardless of tenure.
The Old Town Hall has achieved a 74.5% attendance rate for the first quarter of 2016/17 and the Dance project called Lets Dance for age group 55+ goes from strength to strength and they have visited the Mayor of London with young people from Hemel Hempstead School.
Two Adventure Playgrounds are having all weather sports surfaces (football, basketball and mini tennis) installed and will be available to rent outside of playground hours. The playgrounds will also be offering a range of additional paid opportunities such as Laser Tag sessions and Go Karts without reducing the hours of their core services.
Councillor Harden was happy to take questions.
Councillor Timmis asked the Portfolio Holder if he agreed that hate crime should not be tolerated and that there should be a huge emphasis on victims to report hate crimes to the police.
The Portfolio Holder agreed and said even three reports are too many. He expressed how seriously it’s taken and the force of law ensures the right course of action and sentence. He encouraged everyone to report any kind of hate crime to the police.
Councillor Tindall corrected the PM David Cameron and said that it was the Liberal Democrats that encouraged the government to take the low paid out of the tax threshold.
The Portfolio Holder responded by saying it was a Conservative led coalition.
Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe said that an increase in physically and mental wellbeing should deliver financial dividends.
The Portfolio Holder agreed and said it reminded him of the Governments ‘thriving families’ project. It is hoped that by improving lives, we can also save money. It is hoped that this can be achieved by being specific on delivery targets.
Councillor G Adshead wanted to thank the Portfolio Holder for the successful event for the Queen’s Birthday which took place in the Queen’s Square at Adeyfield. He also congratulated Councillor Brown for coming second in the bake off competition.
Councillor G Sutton, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration
Town Centre
news
Following the regeneration works in
the town centre, it’s really pleasing to see how attractive
the town is looking and how vibrant it is becoming. Since the works
completed there has been private investment in the town, not only
from the recent major acquisition of the Marlowes Centre and other shop units by Capital and
Regional, but also from a number of independent businesses.
Chairman, I am pleased to announce that across the town centre,
only 7% of retail units are vacant. In
the main pedestrianised shopping area this figure drops to only 3%.
All signs that the works we have done under the Hemel Evolution
programme are having a real positive effect on the health of the
town centre and the facilities available to our
residents.
The new fountain at the new town square – with lights and music – is now operational and this will be opened formally by the Mayor this Saturday 16 July. I hope that everyone will join us to Celebrate the switch-on at the 'Making a splash on Marlowes' free family fun day, including children’s games, face painting, and a magic & puppet show. There’s music on the Rainbow Stage, followed by the first official fountain display at 2pm.
Water Gardens
Work continues to progress well on the water gardens restoration. Planting in the flower garden opposite to Bank Court has started and the vibrant colours of Mrs Susan Jellicoe’s original planting scheme are now starting to re-emerge. The new, extended terrace facing the river is being installed and looking bright and fresh.
Maylands Business Centre
Work has now begun on clearing the site adjacent to the business centre for the construction of five new small business units. The planning application has been submitted to the Council, and subject to a favourable outcome, we intend to start work later this year on construction with a view to opening in 2017.
The Business centre continues to go from strength to strength with a waiting list of prospective tenants keen to take up space. There are currently 15 companies on the waiting list for offices and 27 for the units. For the first quarter of this business year, 18 training courses were held at the MBC generating 10k income, resulting in the up-skilling of 154 people, and 192 business meetings were held.
Dacorum’s Den
The annual Dacorum’s Den judging day was held last week with 7 successful businesses sharing £10k sponsored by FFEI, Sopra Steria, Abode bed and continental, Lumiere Developments and McDonalds. As ever this proves to be a popular event with small businesses providing those with the best ideas a useful grants to help them to grow and develop.
Councillor G Sutton was happy to take questions.
Councillor Tindall said he had received an email from Visit Herts as they are concerned about the referendum result. Can the Portfolio Holder discuss with the two MPs serving Dacorum to ensure positive trading conditions remain and to allow tourism to continue.
The Portfolio Holder confirmed he will be seeing the two MPs later this week and will discuss this issue with them.
Councillor Mahmood asked the Portfolio Holder if he agreed that Hemel Hempstead has the best shopping centre in the area; he noted the town was swamped with people from other towns and it is one of the best for disabled access.
The Portfolio Holder thanked Councillor Mahmood and will pass his comments onto the Regeneration Team. He said everyone should be proud of the Town Centre from Riverside to the Old Town.
Councillor Madden wanted to pass on her thanks to the Friends of Jellicoe Water Gardens. They have invited the Scouts to put Geocaching in the Water Gardens.
The Portfolio Holder said he would pass on Councillor Maddern’s thanks and said once the work was complete in the Water Gardens, he hoped it would become a magnet for visitors.
Councillor Fisher said she is taking an optimistic approach; she likes the new bus interchange as she is a regular user of buses. She would like to know what planned works there are for the Market Square as the Salvation Army is really suffering from a drop in footfall, she would like reassurance that in the next year something will be done.
The Portfolio Holder confirmed that it is regularly discussed and it’s not something that can be rushed to make a decision on. Once any plans have been decided, then members will be updated.
Councillor Marshall, Portfolio Holder for Environmental, Sustainability and Regulatory Services
A small herd of 10 Belted Galloway, a rare breed of Scottish cattle were kindly loaned by the Boxmoor Trust and released into Bunkers Park in Nash Mills in an area known as the Mattens. The animals have a placid temperament and will be there until about October. The herd was released in a special ceremony on the 14 May, officiated by the then Mayor, Councillor Adeleke, and I wish to record the Council’s thanks to the Boxmoor Trust.
This month, the campaign “the Love Food Waste Challenge” was started as part of a national campaign to encourage less food waste and saving on money. Waste food costs the average household £470 per annum. Residents that take part will keep a food waste diary and be given goodies and tips to reduce food waste. In just five days, 23 families have expressed an interest in taking part. Further information can be found on the Council’s website, www.dacorum.gov.uk/LFHW where you can also find the link to the “Waste Not, Want Not” cookbook written and published by Astley Cooper School.
An Environmental Protection Day was held on 27 April in Adeyfield. Five tonnes of fly tipped waste and litter was picked up in four hours and several items of graffiti were noted for action. Two teams carried out the work, comprising of officers from Environmental Health, Environmental Services, Housing, ASB and Resident Services together with two councillors and local residents from the Adeyfield Neighbourhood Action Group. There are plans to have more such events later this year.
The additional garden waste collection service started in June costing a mere £35 this season for each additional bin emptied. Additional garden waste bins can also be purchased at £25 each. So far, there have been 277 subscribers.
Phoenix Roundabout has been rejuvenated with fresh colourful planting of shrubs, perennials and begonias. This is now a splendid gateway from the M1 into Maylands and Hemel Hempstead. For the rest of the Borough, the summer bedding is now complete.
Councillor Marshall was happy to take questions.
Councillor C Wyatt-Lowe emphasised that we live in a beautiful borough and that the entrance to the town from the M1 looks beautiful. There is a bank at the side of the roundabout not planted – can a scheme be put in place to plant this area.
The Portfolio Holder hesitated to give assurance but appreciates the question.
Councillor Tindall said there had been irregularities in bin collections in Highfield and could this issue be looked into.
The Portfolio Holder said to provide her with the details and she will look into this issue.
Councillor Douris said the Phoenix roundabout was an excellent entrance into the town. He asked if the Portfolio Holder would join him in acknowledging the excellent and efficient work of the Clean, Safe and Green team.
The Portfolio Holder thanked Councillor Douris for his kind comments and would certainly pass them along to the team.
Councillor Ransley said the Memorial Gardens in Tring look wonderful but some roundabouts on the boundary between Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire are rundown and this is another gateway into Dacorum that should look good.
The Portfolio Holder said she would seek clarification on what roundabouts Councillor Ransley means as some of these are not under Dacorum’s remit.
Councillor Mrs Bassadone said it was lovely to see the cows in Bunkers Park but questioned where the cows had gone from Boxmoor.
The Portfolio Holder said the Boxmoor Trust has a huge estate and they are probably somewhere else.
Councillor Maddern said how much excitement and joy had been generated in Nash Mills after the cows had been brought to Bunkers Park.
The Portfolio Holder thanked Councillor Maddern for her comments.
Councillor Williams presented on behalf of Councillor Elliot, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources
Finance
The Annual Statement of Accounts were produced and approved on 29 June at Audit Committee in advance of the statutory deadline.
After successful go live with the new Payroll provider in April, the system was updated to include a new payroll for staff working on the Elections. Payments were successfully made in June.
Revenue & Benefits
Working with the Digital Dacorum team, the benefits team has introduced an online form where residents can easily tell the Council about changes in their circumstances.
Commercial Assets & Property Development
Work is ongoing to realise capital receipts and the disposal of garage sites is progressing within expected timeframes. To date we have receipts or bids in process for three garage sites at Montgomery Avenue, Turners Hill and Juno Road in the sum of £1.8m. This is in line with the programme of disposal for this financial year.
Matters are currently in hand to secure planning permission for the proposed Multi Storey Car Park in Berkhamsted and we have been working with colleagues in planning and HCC Highways to progress the scheme. We have responded to the comments of Herts Highways and are looking to submit the application to the next suitable Development Control Committee.
We have now acquired Bunkers Park to ensure there is suitable cemetery provision for the next 50 years and will explore other options for the land within the parameters of the Local Plan.
Commissioning, Procurement & Compliance
Work has continued to consider the scope of the Facilities Management Service in the Forum and the specification and contractual performance indicators are being finalised by a cross council team. The documentation has also been quality assured by both Cushman & Wakefield from a technical perspective and by Eversheds from a legal perspective.
The Further Competition tendering period for the Facilities Management Service will be live by Friday 8 July 2016 with a tender return date of mid-August.
Work is progressing well with planning the transfer of the Parking Shop from its current location into the Forum. Discussions have taken place between Dacorum Borough Council, Watford Borough Council and Indigo Parking Services with regards to the layout of the working environment and embracing the new ways of working that the Council have adopted.
Councillor Williams was happy to take questions.
There were no questions for the Portfolio Holder.