Please contact: Tessa Gilder-Smith
Please email: Tessa.Gilder-Smith@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please direct dial on: 01263 516047
08 July 2014
A meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of North Norfolk District Council will be held
in the in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Wednesday 16th
July 2014 at 9.30am.
At the discretion of the Chairman, a short break will be taken after the meeting has been running
for approximately one and a half hours.
Members of the public who wish to ask a question or speak on an agenda item are requested to
arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. It will not always be possible to
accommodate requests after that time. This is to allow time for the Committee Chair to rearrange
the order of items on the agenda for the convenience of members of the public. Further information
on the procedure for public speaking can be obtained from Democratic Services, Tel: 01263
516010, Email: democraticservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Ms V R Gay, Mrs A Green, Mr B Jarvis, Mrs B McGoun, Mr P
Moore, Mr J H Perry-Warnes, Mr R Reynolds, Mr E Seward, Mr R Shepherd, Mr N Smith, and Mr P
Terrington.
All other Members of the Council for information.
Members of the Management Team, appropriate Officers, Press and Public.
If you have any special requirements in order to attend this
meeting, please let us know in advance
If you would like any document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative
format or in a different language please contact us.
Chief Executive: Sheila Oxtoby Corporate Directors: Nick Baker & Steve Blatch
Tel 01263 513811 Fax 01263 515042 Minicom 01263 516005
Email districtcouncil@north-norfolk.gov.uk Web site northnorfolk.org
AGENDA
1.
TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2.
SUBSTITUTES
3.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To receive questions from the public, if any
4.
MINUTES
(Page 1)
(9.30 – 9.35)
To approve as correct records the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on 20 May 2014.
5.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be
considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government
Act 1972.
6.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the
following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires that
declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary
interest.
7.
PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
To consider any petitions received from members of the public.
8.
CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A MEMBER
To consider any requests made by non-executive Members of the Council, and notified to
the Monitoring Officer with seven clear working days‟ notice, to include an item on the
agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
9.
RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S REPORTS
OR RECOMMENDATIONS
To consider any responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee‟s reports or
recommendations.
10.
THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
(Page 11)
(9.35 – 9.40)
To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme
11.
BETTER BROADBAND FOR NORFOLK - PRESENTATION
(9.40 – 10.10)
To receive a presentation from Karen O‟Kane, BBfN (Better Broadband for Norfolk)
Programme Director, regarding broadband coverage in the district.
12.
WASTE UPDATE
(10.10-10.30)
(Appendix A – p. 14)
To receive a verbal update from the Corporate Director (NB) regarding Dry Recyclables and
a written update on the Waste Contract at Appendix A.
13.
PLANNING SERVICE – OVERVIEW AND FUTURE
(Page 16)
(10.30-10.50)
(Appendix B – p.22) (Appendix C – p. 23)
Summary:
This report provides a general update in relation to the work
streams and the performance of the service over the past
year.
The Planning Service is important to the Council growth
agenda, and therefore it is important that the service is fit for
purpose moving forward.
Conclusions:
Following the appointment of Nicola Baker as Head of
Planning, a range of actions have been put in place. Whilst
these are beginning to show results, this is very much work
in progress.
Recommendations:
Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:
1. Note the contents of this report
Reasons for
Recommendations:
Cabinet Member(s)
Cllr Benji Cabell-Manners
This report is for noting in terms of the progress made to
date, and actions planned.
Ward(s) affected
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Nicola Baker, Nicola.baker@northnorfolk.gov.uk, 01263 516135
14.
UPDATE ON THE BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION PROJECT
(To follow)
(10.50-11.05)
To receive an update from the Head of Business Transformation and IT regarding the
Business Transformation project at the authority.
15.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RIGHTS – A GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION
(Page 26)
(11.05- 11.25)
(Appendix D – p. 32)
Summary:
The report provides an overview and update on the Council‟s
approach to Community Rights to Bid and Challenge including
Right to Build and Reclaim Land as approved by Cabinet in
April 2013. Current activity in Community Rights is detailed
and the role the Council adopts to enable interest in the overall
Localism Agenda. The issues highlighted within the
consultation paper „Community engagement rights‟ issued by
Communities and Local Government Committee are
considered along with the extent to which the Council can
contribute to any consultation response.
Conclusions:
The Council has provided relevant information and set up
procedures that were necessary to enable opportunities for the
community to engage under the Governments Localism
agenda. The information contained and publicised on the
Council‟s website addresses the opportunities available under
the main Community Rights initiative, including the Community
Right to Bid, Challenge, Build and Reclaim Land. Community
groups that may be interested in furthering their aims are also
signposted to the Government funded “My Communities
Rights” website. This website offers the first line of advice for
communities to engage in the Localism Agenda. The site
provides further information about the support offered via
specific advice and funding that is offered through the main
intermediary national organisations. In respect of the
consultation paper „Community engagement rights‟ issued by
Communities and Local Government Committee the Council
can demonstrate evidence of communities pursing
opportunities and examples of how they have achieved
positive outcomes. However it is not possible to comment
regarding any perceived barriers or what might be preventing
communities exploring these Rights in more detail as there is
currently no evidence on which to base this.
Recommendations:
Members of the Overview and Scrutiny are asked to note
the position that the Council has adopted in respect of the
Community Rights Initiatives and provide further guidance
in respect of any consultation response that may be
considered necessary.
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
John Mullen (Community Projects Manager), 01263 516104, john.mullen@northnorfolk.gov.uk
16.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
(Page 33)
(11.25 – 11.30)
(Appendix E – p.34)
To receive the Overview and Scrutiny Update from the Democratic Services Team Leader.
19.
EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
To pass the following resolution, if necessary:
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be
excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they
involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph _ of Part I of
Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
20.
TO CONSIDER ANY EXEMPT MATTERS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION OF THE
PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE AGENDA
Agenda item no._______4_______
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
Minutes of a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 18 June 2014 in
the Council Chamber, North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am.
Members Present:
Committee:
Mr P W Moore (Chairman)
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
Ms V R Gay
Mrs A Green
Mrs B McGoun
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Reynolds
Mr E Seward
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mr P Terrington
Officers in
Attendance:
The Chief Executive, The Head of Finance, The Head of Assets and
Leisure, The Property Business Manager, The Revenues Manager, The
Housing Team Leader – Strategy, The Technical Accountant, The
Democratic Services Team Leader, The Democratic Services Officer.
Members in
Attendance:
Mr T FitzPatrick, Mr P Williams, Mrs A Moore, Mrs P Grove-Jones, Mr P W
High
Democratic Services Officer (TGS)
177. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received
178. SUBSTITUTES
None
179. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received
180. MINUTES
The minutes were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
181. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None received
182. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
1
18 June 2014
None
183. PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None received.
184. CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
None received.
185. RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None received.
186. THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
The Committee noted the work programme and its content.
187. POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER – QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
Mr S Bett, the Police and Crime Commissioner, gave a brief outline of the work he had
been doing since his last attendance at committee, including the following:
a) A major programme of work around mental health, including the placement of a
senior mental health nurse within the control room which was working particularly
effectively. He explained that nursing staff had extended powers around data and
patient information that the police could not access, so it created significant
efficiencies in police time.
b) He explained that the plan to go into shared partnership with Suffolk had been pulled
and the announcement for new plans would be made on the 4th July. He explained
that in his tenure, the police authority had made a massive saving but also
significantly improved productivity.
c) He also discussed an ex-offenders employee event, the first of which had been held
recently. He explained that the programme aimed to get ex-offenders into work, to
sort out housing, and issues such as bank accounts, as if ex-offenders got
employment following leaving prison, 70% did not re-enter the system.
d) He further discussed training for GP surgeries around recognising the early signs of
domestic violence, explaining that within 18 months all GP surgeries would have
received 1 hour training from Leeway, with further NHS training if necessary.
e) Mr S Bett also discussed the £182,000 which had been made available for
community groups to bid for, with the bids analysed by the Norfolk Community
Foundation for allocation up to £10,000. He explained that the police authority were
looking for bids which could be sustained throughout his tenure as PCC and were
doing good work for their communities. He further explained the bidding process for
the next year’s funding would reopen in September.
Mr S Bett finalised his brief presentation by explaining that he saw his role as a position
to encourage co-ordination between different public sector groups, empowering them
through funding and providing resources to work together effectively. The Chairman
then invited members to ask questions.
Mr S Bett then responded to written questions which were received from members,
detailed at Minutes Appendix A.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2
18 June 2014
1) Mr S Bett responded to the four written questions received from Mrs B McGoun.
With regards to the first question, he explained that in Norfolk the police had
received 13 reports of forced marriage allegations, with 11 of these being potential
forced marriage plots, and 2 being actual activities, investigated by the police
authority. He explained that the statistics did not provide the best picture as they
weren’t necessarily the only instances in Norfolk. He explained that he believed
more reports would be received as time went on and people got more confident
reporting it. With regards to the second question, he explained that this information
was not publically available, however nationally it was believed that 24,000 young
women were at risk of female genital mutilation. He explained that whilst he could
provide no accurate figures for the county, they were certainly not immune to issues
of this magnitude and the police authority would keep abreast of the issue. With
regards to the third question, Mr S Bett explained that anywhere between 45-75
calls in a 24 hour period were received by Norfolk police regarding domestic abuse.
He explained that numbers of reported cases of sexual abuse and domestic violence
were increasing in the county, and the issue was coming to need significant extra
resource. With regards to the fourth question, Mr S Bett replied that the Norfolk
constabulary had a policy and responsibility to protect vulnerable people in Norfolk.
Mrs B McGoun commented on Mr S Bett’s replies, stating that whilst it did not
always lead to polite conversation, it was important that victims of domestic and
sexual abuse were recognised and stood up for. She argued that it was important for
men in the public eye to speak out on behalf of victims to ensure people are talking
about the issue and recognise that it is unacceptable. She concluded that only this
change in attitude would help stop the silence. Mr S Bett agreed, commenting that
he believed the silence to be somewhat of a cultural trait. He also explained that
there was important work happening with young people to break this culture of
normalcy of abuse and to make them aware of the prevalence of abuse in our
society. Mrs B McGoun agreed that this was vital work, and that it was an issue that
people had to talk about. The Chairman enquired as to who it was that Mr S Bett
worked with who was best to contact regarding this. Mr S Bett replied that Ian
Sturgess was the co-ordinator for domestic violence in Norfolk, and he had
previously been Chief Superintendent at Great Yarmouth. Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
wished to point out that men could also be victims of domestic abuse and that they
should be mentioned in this discussion. Mr S Bett agreed and commented that they
were looking to pilot an integrated offender programme for women in the county
soon.
2) Mr S Bett then went on to respond to the received questions from Mr P Williams, as
detailed in Minutes Appendix A. With regards to the first question, Mr S Bett
explained that Mr P Williams had liaised with Alison Campbell on his staff to
encourage testing of Meares Irlen syndrome for offenders and ex-offenders, and that
they were also working on introducing testing for young people through the youth
offenders team. With regards to the second question from Mr P Williams, he
explained that staffing cover in the Norfolk area was not a PCC decision, but that
cover would consider where there were risks and threats on the policing front, and
he would have the power to scrutinise the decision.
3) Mr S Bett then moved on to consider the two questions received from Mr E Seward
as detailed in Minutes Appendix A. With regards to the first question regarding the
future of North Walsham police station, he explained that this was also an
operational decision but that the station would probably remain and be made more
up to date and slightly smaller, with the potential for other public services to rent on
site. With regards to the second question which discussed financial help for towns
providing CCTV service, Mr S Bett explained that they could not afford to provide
support for any individual town as this would set an unaffordable precedent. He
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3
18 June 2014
encouraged communities in this situation to consider making a bid to his community
fund which the Norfolk Community Foundation would consider.
4) Mr S Bett then responded to the written question received from Mr R Shepherd as
detailed in the appendix. He explained that during the storm surge there was a
necessity to use whatever staff were available during the emergency period. Mr S
Bett explained that this was the first he had heard of individuals being unsure of their
brief, however it may be necessary to investigate this further. Mr R Shepherd replied
that Operation Seawitch, which had been brought in to deal with such circumstance,
had not been used to its full advantage and was created exactly for this type of
circumstance. He believed that this policy needed to be updated and expanded for
future situations. Mr S Bett agreed and stated he would look into this.
Mr S Bett thanked members for their questions and stated he was happy for the
committee and other members to attend their control room to see how the team worked,
and that this could be organised through his team. He also commented that should
members have any questions in the meantime, that these could be communicated to
Kerrie Wright through NNDC’s Democratic Services team. The Chairman thanked Mr S
Bett for his time and valuable information.
188. OUTTURN REPORT
The Chairman had received an email from the portfolio holder for finance detailing his
apologies and providing a brief outline of the report, which stated that the Outturn report
showed the authority had lived within its budget, with an underspend of £119,000. The
Cabinet had recommended this be transferred to the General Reserve to mitigate
unfunded costs of the December tidal surge. The Head of Finance then gave a further
outline of the report. The Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1) Mr E Seward asked three questions regarding the Outturn report. He referred to
page 8 of the Cabinet report, under section 2.4: Business Rates, querying why a
Business Rates reserve fund had been established. The Head of Finance replied
that as this was the first year of the new system, they were waiting for the audit of
the National Non Domestic Rates Return 3 as part of the annual audit, as well as
bearing in mind the appeals process for business rates, meaning it was necessary to
remain prudent with their returns. She explained that when the financial strategy was
brought before members in September, they would have further opportunity for input
and potential review of the current situation. Mr E Seward’s second question
referred to page 14, section 3.8 of the Cabinet report, regarding External Grants. He
asked if there was any update on the outstanding Environment Agency funding. The
Head of Finance replied that there was no outcome yet, and the Leader added that
they expected an outcome shortly but the indications were positive. Mr E Seward’s
third question referred to page 20 of the Cabinet report, under table 7 which detailed
the current funding forecast. He queried what the factors were in producing a
£1,327,000 funding gap in 2016/17. The Head of Finance replied that there were a
number of factors, including inflation on their current contracts as well as a reduction
in central government funding which informed the future financial projections and
resulting forecast funding gaps.
2) Ms V Gay referred to page 59 onwards of the Cabinet report, which referred to the
General Fund Capital Programme. She first queried why there was little in the fund
for public conveniences. The Head of Finance replied that there each year new
capital bids were invited from officers and these were considered as part of the
overall budget process for approval, no new capital bids were included for public
conveniences. . Ms V Gay’s second question also referred to the capital programme,
in which she queried why a number of North Walsham projects, including the
innovation centre, the North Walsham Regeneration Scheme, and Steelwork
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
4
18 June 2014
Protection to Victory Pool, had yet to be put into action. The Leader replied to a
number of these, responding that the Innovation Centre was currently being
considered, particularly with regards to the effectiveness of the current proposal, and
that with regards to the steelwork protection, it may be that the works were currently
unnecessary. The Head of Finance also commented that the updated capital
programme would also be covered in the financial strategy report to members in
September. The Leader further commented that it may be useful not to think in
terms of specific towns or areas, but rather to consider them as wholly district
assets. Ms V Gay commented that it was useful information to have as local
members.
3) Mr P Williams referred to a question he had asked in a previous meeting of the Full
Council, regarding the percentage of people who had requested rate relief but were
not paying Business Rates. The Head of Finance replied that if a business was not
registered for Business Rates, they would not be eligible for rate relief. Mr P
Williams replied that he was made aware that a number of unregistered businesses
had applied for and were supplied with relief. The Chairman commented that it may
be useful for Mr P Williams to provide this information outside of the meeting in order
for the finance team to investigate this issue further. The Head of Finance confirmed
that business repair and renewal grants would not be approved for properties that
are not registered for business rates.
4) Mrs A Moore referred to page 24 of the Cabinet report, noting her concern for the
loss of income on markets. The Chief Accountant commented that page 23 detailed
the actual budget variances, and markets currently had a budgetary overspend of
£1200. Mrs A Moore queried why the markets were not currently profitable. The
Leader replied that it was important for the authority to support local markets. The
Chairman further commented that whilst they may not be profitable, they were a
useful community asset.
5) The Chairman commented that an update on repairs to glue-lams in the council
offices would also be useful for the committee.
It was proposed by Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, seconded by Mrs A Green, and the
committee
RESOLVED
To recommend to Full Council the approval the Outturn Report 2013/14
189. DEBT RECOVERY ANNUAL REPORT
The Portfolio Holder had provided information to the committee via the Chairman.
Through this he explained that the authority had collected 98.5% of council tax, which
was an increase of 0.2%. He also explained that they had collected 99.2% of Business
Rates, which was also an increase of 0.2%. There was also an increase in write offs in
Business Rates, partly due to bankruptcy and liquidation cases. The Revenues Manager
further introduced this report on behalf of the Revenues and Benefits Services Manager,
explaining debt collection was on-going, and since the writing of the report, a further
£250,000 council tax had been collected. The Chairman then invited members to ask
questions.
1) Mr E Seward queried if he could be provided with the figure of extra income
following the 150% council tax levy on empty homes. The Revenues Manager
replied that he would supply this to Mr E Seward.
(Note - this information was later collated and is as follows: As of 31 March 2014 there
were 165 levy properties (charged 150%). The districts share of income from these for a
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
5
18 June 2014
full year would be approximately £9,640. These numbers will fluctuate as properties move
in and out of the levy charge period throughout the year.)
It was proposed by Mr R Reynolds, seconded by Mr J Perry-Warnes, and the committee
RESOLVED
To recommend to Full Council the approval of the Debt Recovery Annual Report
190. TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT
The Portfolio Holder had provided an introduction of the report via the Chairman. He
explained that £355,000 investment interest had been earned, which was £32,000
below budget. This did include the return of £255,000 on the pooled property fund
investment. He explained that the investment portfolio remained focussed on security
and liquidity, rather than the rate of interest. The Technical Accountant added to this
introduction, explaining that this was a statutory annual report and in the last year,
overall they had earned a 1.53% return on their investments. He explained that the
authority were not currently investing with the co-op, and were in the process of
tendering for a new bank, which should be finalised on the 1st August. The Chairman
invited members to ask questions.
1) Mrs P Grove-Jones queried why they were not tendering to investment or merchant
banks for their replacement bank. The Technical Accountant explained it was an
open tender process however investment and merchant banks were unlikely to show
interest as it was a joint Norfolk tender. A number of banks had shown an interest.
2) Mr P Terrington queried if the recently approved Local Investment Strategy would
affect treasury investments. The Technical Accountant replied that they would
effectively have to reduce some of their treasury investments to allow for the Local
Investment Strategy.
The Chairman thanked members and the committee
NOTED
Their support for the Treasury Management Annual Report
191. ANNUAL REPORT
The Leader introduced this report. He explained that the Annual Report showed
significant progress against the Corporate Plan and that this year’s report presented the
new method of delivery with colours and graphics against specific corporate priorities.
It was proposed by Mr N Smith, seconded by Mrs A Green and
RESOLVED
To recommend approval of the Annual Report to Full Council, with two abstentions
192. CAR PARKING MANAGEMENT AND PRICING
The Leader introduced this item on behalf of the portfolio holder. He explained that the
report had been requested by the Cabinet and included various proposals within the
report, including expanding the usage of the £5 day ticket, and removing the evening
charge. There was also a proposal to create a period of free parking in the morning,
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6
18 June 2014
however this was still under discussion. One proposal included the creation of
designated free half hour bays in a range of car parks. The original proposal had been
to create half an hour of free parking between 9.00-9.30am, but this was deemed to be
difficult to administer and sign effectively. He concluded that the budgetary element
would be taken to Full Council, with the remainder of the budget impact being covered in
the 2015/16 budget. The Chairman invited members to ask questions.
1) Mr E Seward welcomed the removal of the evening charge, particularly in North
Walsham, which would benefit from increased town centre trade. With regards to the
free morning parking, he suggested the initial proposal as detailed in the report had
been confusing, however he welcomed the Leader’s comments regarding further
consultation and consideration and the potential for some free parking bays, which
he believed to be a positive step. He requested that the committee receive a further
report regarding the final agreement regarding the morning charges.
2) Mr P Terrington also gave his support for the proposed changes, and hoped to see
further options that would improve Wells’ currently limited options.
3) Mr P Williams queried if the 30 minute bays would be expensive to police. He
suggested that the Cabinet pursue a policy similar to that of a local hospital, wherein
your ticket allocated you 20 minutes of free parking.
4) Mr R Reynolds further gave his support for the project, suggesting it would
encourage local shopping and evening functions.
5) Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds commented that it would benefit Fakenham and provide it
with further opportunities for rejuvenation.
6) The Leader responded to a number of comments, explaining there had indeed been
a relatively large number of penalty notices awarded in the evening, which could be
explained by confusion over the tariff changes from day time to evening parking. He
hoped the new policy would resolve this. With regards to the morning free parking,
he explained the ideal period for free parking would be between 9.00-10.00am,
however programming the machines was complex for ‘integrated’ periods of free
parking and could be difficult to sign and enforce effectively. He added other
authorities were successfully offering free half hour bays and they would be
investigating all the options. He explained that this was still a work in progress and
that it could be reported back to the committee.
7) Mrs P Grove-Jones queried how the authority planned to recoup the budgetary
shortfall following financial losses from the removal of the evening charge. The
Leader replied that there was a potential budgetary shortfall of £87,000 on pay and
display income and this was not inconsiderable. However, he believed that car
parking in particular was a service and provided a benefit to the local economy. Mrs
P Grove-Jones queried if on-street parking could be a further income source. The
Chairman commented that he believed the County Council controlled the policing of
on street parking. The Property Business Manager reiterated this, explaining that on
street parking was controlled by the Norfolk Parking Partnership, with Kings Lynn
and West Norfolk providing enforcement services for the partnership. She further
explained that fines were set by statute and could not be arbitrarily raised or
lowered, but that any funds received were then used to fund further on street parking
reviews and improvements. The Leader concluded by saying there was a hope for
all changes to be in place by the end of September.
The Chairman thanked members for their comments and the committee
NOTED
The report
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
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18 June 2014
193. LOCAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY – REQUEST FOR LOAN FROM BROADLAND
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
The Housing Team Leader- Strategy introduced this report. She explained this was the
final approval for allocation of the loan following the report which had been received by
the committee in September, which had approved the principle of providing loans. She
explained that the advertising of the availability of the loan had received 3 initial
responses, 2 of which had expressed an interest but were ultimately unable to apply.
The third was an application from Broadland Housing Association for the full amount of
£3.5 million, £750,000 of which would be loaned to a subsidiary of Broadland Housing,
Broadland St Benedicts over a three year period. This loan to the subsidiary would allow
Broadland St Benedicts to build market housing which would then provide the extra
funding needed on top of the loan for Broadland Housing Association to build affordable
housing. The request for loan had been considered in accordance with all relevant
provisions and had met the requirements. Further to this, the authority’s treasury
advisors, Arlingclose, had considered the request for loan and provided a number of
recommendations which had been taken on board, including providing security for the
loan. The Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1) Mrs A Green queried when the loan would be repaid and what the rate of interest
would be. The Housing Team Leader – Strategy replied that the loan would be
repaid over the period of the loanand the rate of interest would be a market rate,
indicative rates are shown within the exempt appendices of the report. She further
explained that based on the indicative rates the council could expect up to £30,000
per annum extra return on their investments via the loan interest than they would get
through their usual treasury programme. The Leader further commented that the
loan also used to be grants; so they would be creating a return where elsewhere
they had not had the funding back at all.
2) Mr N Smith referred to a separate report which had been on the Cabinet agenda,
querying why it was not on the Overview and Scrutiny agenda. The Democratic
Services Team Leader explained that the report that Mr N Smith referred to, the
Disposal of Council Land, was a key decision on advice of the Monitoring Officer,
and therefore a Cabinet decision, and not required to go to Scrutiny. She also
explained that whilst the Local Investment Strategy was also a key decision, as a
previous report regarding the loan had come to the committee, officers felt it was
appropriate to come back to complete the process. She also commented that
members of the Scrutiny committee could have called-in the Disposal of Council
Land report if they were not happy with the decision, but would have needed to
provide a valid reason for call-in. The Leader further explained that the two reports
were not linked.
3) Mr E Seward queried if Broadland Housing Association would still need planning
permission to build on specific sites, and the Housing Team Leader - Strategy
replied that yes, they would still need planning permission, and any specific planning
concerns could be addressed at that stage.
4) Ms V Gay asked for an elaboration of the difference between Broadland Housing
Association and Broadland St Benedicts. The Housing Team Leader - Strategy
explained that Broadland Housing Association was a registered housing provider and
charity, and could therefore not produce market housing for a profit, but rather could
only produce affordable housing. She further explained that as now there was less
funding available for housing associations to provide affordable housing, many
associations had set up subsidiaries to develop market housing in order to be able to
subsidise the affordable housing. In order to do this, the Housing Team Leader Strategy explained that Broadland Housing Association set up their own limited
company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Broadland Housing Association, Broadland
St Benedicts, who could develop market housing and then gift aid the surplus it
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
8
18 June 2014
makes to Broadland Housing Association. The Leader explained that a good analogy
for this might be the charity Oxfam and the Oxfam shops.
5) Mr R Reynolds commented that providing security of 110% on the loans was a well
negotiated agreement.
6) Mr J Perry-Warnes commented that he hoped local housing would go to local people,
but was concerned that shared ownership properties may not sell and queried if
these types of properties would be built. The Housing Team Leader - Strategy replied
that Broadland would be building some shared ownership properties, and many
housing associations no longer struggled to market shared ownership properties
following the economic uplift. She explained that indicatively, Broadland were
planning to build 70% affordable properties and 30% market value properties.
The Chairman thanked members for their comments and the committee
NOTED
The report.
194. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
The Democratic Services Team Leader introduced this item. She raised a number of
upcoming items, including a presentation regarding North Walsham and Dilham canal
due to take place in September, and a requested item on mental health, also for
September. She gave further information regarding the upcoming Outside Bodies report,
asking members for their input, explaining that out of the report they were hoping to
make information packs about each Outside Body.
1) Ms V Gay requested that the Citizens Advice Bureau be invited to the committee to
answer questions about their current activities. The Democratic Services Team
Leader agreed to look into this.
2) The Chairman enquired about the upcoming housing Scrutiny meeting. The
Democratic Services Team Leader reminded the committee that this would be taking
place on the 22 July and that Victory Housing, Broadland Housing, and Flagship
Housing had all been invited to attend and that member questions would be
requested in advance.
3) Mr R Reynolds requested that the Broads authority planning applications be
removed from the Members’ Bulletin as it did not seem relevant to district members.
The Democratic Services Team Leader replied that she could create a specific
mailing list for those interested in the planning list.
4) Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds queried why the county council Health Overview and
Scrutiny report was not in the agenda, and asked for updated figures regarding the
language line. The Democratic Services Team Leader agreed to investigate this.
5) Mrs P Grove-Jones with agreement from the committee requested that a broader
tourism presentation be delivered to the committee. The Democratic Services Team
Leader agreed to look into this.
The Chairman thanked members for their comments.
The meeting concluded at 12.12pm
____________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
9
18 June 2014
Minutes Appendix A
Questions for the Police and Crime Commissioner from the NNDC Overview and Scrutiny
Committee 18/06/2014
Mrs B McGoun:
1) How often has the Forced Marriage Act been an issue for residents of Norfolk?
2) How many incidents of Female Genital Mutilation do the police know of in Norfolk?
What has been done about it?
3) How many domestic abuse calls are made to Norfolk police on a daily basis?
4) Where on the policing agenda is the importance of changing male attitudes to
violence against women?
Mr P Williams:
1) Further to my question last time you attended, how far have you and your staff
progressed with testing leaving prisoners for Meares Irlen syndrome to improve their
chances of gaining employment?
2) Following the £20 million in cuts that take effect at the end for this month please can
you give the assurances that officers on the ground will not be given too large an
area to cover. I have heard that some staff will be covering the area from Great
Yarmouth to Fakenham. Do you consider this to be sufficient cover?
Mr E Seward:
1) How does the Police and crime Commissioner view the future of North Walsham
Police station on its current site?
2) Where Town/Parish Councils in Norfolk are paying themselves for CCTV Cameras
with the support of the local police, could the Commissioner consider adopting a
policy of providing some financial help towards the maintenance of such a service
where it demonstrably helps to deter crime and identifies perpetrators of crime?
Mr R Shepherd:
1) During the last Surge there were a large number of PC's AND PCSO's on duty along
the coast. They were largely not of this area and some that I asked were not sure
what their brief was. Can we be assured by the Chief Constable that in the future
local Police staff are used who know their patch, and that Operation Seawitch is
updated and used?
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
10
18 June 2014
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 July 2014 to 30 November 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Lead Officer
Status / additional
comments
Cabinet
07 July 2014
Planning Service –
overview & future
Benjie Cabbell
Manners
Moved from May at request
of Head of Service
Scrutiny
16 July 2014
Nicola Baker
Head of Planning
01263 516135
Cabinet
07 July 2014
Energy Strategy
Russell Wright
Scrutiny
16 July 2014
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Council
23 July 2014
Cabinet
07 July 2014
Rhodri Oliver
Glyn Williams
Scrutiny
16 July 2014
Business
Transformation
Update
Council
23 July 2014
Sean Kelly
Business
Transformation
Manager
01263 516276
Cabinet
07 July 2014
Thwaite Common
Rhodri Oliver
Paul Ingham
Countryside & Parks
Manager
01263 516001
July 2014
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
11
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 July 2014 to 30 November 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Lead Officer
Cabinet
07 July 2014
Tom
FitzPatrick
Council
23 July 2014
Review of
Discretionary
Pension Policy
Statements
Julie Cooke
Head of
Organisational
Development
Status / additional
comments
September 2014
Cabinet
01 Sep 2014
S106 agreements /
outline planning
permissions
Benjie Cabbell
Manners
Nicola Baker
Head of Planning
01263 516135
Cabinet
01 Sep 2014
Budget Monitoring –
period 4
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
10 Sep 2014
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
01 Sep 2014
Performance
Management Q1
Tom
FitzPatrick
Scrutiny
10 Sep 2014
Julie Cooke
Head of
Organisational
Development
01263 516040
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
12
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 July 2014 to 30 November 2014
Financial Strategy
Wyndham
Northam
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Growth Strategy
Russell Wright
Jill Fisher
Head of Economic &
Community
Development
01263 516080
06 Oct 2014
Business rate
pooling - review
Wyndham
Northam
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
3 Nov 2014
Budget Monitoring
Period 6
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
12 Nov 2014
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
3 Nov 2014
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
12 Nov 2014
Treasury
Management Half
Yearly report
Tony Brown
Technical Accountant
01263 516126
Cabinet
01 Sep 2014
Scrutiny
10 Sep 2014
Cabinet
06 Oct 2014
Council
22 Oct 2014
Cabinet
November 2014
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
13
Appendix A
Waste and Related Services Contract Performance
Briefing note to Overview and Scrutiny Committee – July 2014
April 2014 saw the beginning of the fourth year of the eight year contract with Kier for
Waste and Related Services. The review of the contract forms part of the Work
Programme for the Committee.
In terms of cleansing, there has been inconsistency in Kier’s performance, which has
been present for much of the contract. Whilst they have generally responded positively
and promptly where problems have been identified, a lack of self-monitoring has been a
contributory factor to these problems. Kier do take steps to prevent repetition of
particular failures, however, the approach is not yet proactive enough to prevent these
common problems happening elsewhere in the district.
Specific failure to ensure adequate litter bin collections in Sheringham in early May
2014 have resulted in contract defaults and subsequent financial contract penalties
being applied, as have further failures to complete works to contract timescales during
June 2014. Consequently, the corporate target of zero default notices has not been
achieved.
It should however be noted that whilst Kier’s performance does not always meet the
expectations of the Council as defined through the contract, the requirements of which
are stringent, the cleanliness of North Norfolk in comparison to other areas is generally
very good. It should also be noted that several compliments have been received from
members of the public in relation to the cleanliness of towns including North Walsham,
Cromer and Fakenham.
Agreed budget savings are likely to have an impact on response times and service
levels for cleansing services in 2014/15. For instance, the removal of the rapid
response team will lead to a slower response for the clearance of fly tipping and
clearance of roadside litter on main arterial roads to and from North Norfolk. However,
the Environmental Services team will continue to closely monitor performance in this
area and will seek to mitigate the impact of the reduction in contract resources.
Budget savings have also been agreed in relation to the Grounds Maintenance aspects
of the contract, where there will be service changes over the next few months. This
includes the changes of some grassed areas from fine turf to amenity grass, with
reductions in cutting frequencies. The front of the Council Offices at Cromer will also
change from grass to a managed wildflower meadow, again to reduce the instances of
grass cutting to provide savings.
The number of missed bin collections remains above target, with an average of 35 per
100,000 collections for the period January – May 2014 compared to a target of 25 per
100,000. The most recent performance figures (May 2014) saw improvement to 28
missed collections per 100,000. We are awaiting confirmed figures for June 2014 from
Kier but expect further improvements in this area. An area of concern is the number of
14
Appendix A
missed collections for households that have been granted an assisted collection, where
the absolute target is zero, but performance has been between 13 and 25 missed
assisted collections per month between January and May 2014. Kier have already
been instructed to address this matter as a high priority and have altered procedures to
ensure performance in this area improves. The Environmental Services team will
continue to closely monitor performance in this area and use the rectification and default
mechanisms within the contract to affect a positive change if necessary.
The disposal point for waste collected within North Norfolk changed in March 2014
following the closure of Edgefield landfill site. Residual waste is now deposited at a
waste transfer station in North Walsham. Kier have made minor changes to collection
rounds to accommodate this change, with no impact on service delivery.
Kier were on hand to provide significant assistance with the clear up work associated
with December's tidal surge, much of which continued well into the New Year. This
work was vital in helping North Norfolk individuals and communities return to normality
as swiftly as possible as well as ensuring safe access to the promenades and beaches
across the district.
Kier are currently undertaking a review of their local management structure, following
changes at a senior level within the company following the acquisition and integration of
May Gurney during 2013. It is anticipated that performance across all areas of the
contract will improve once this review is complete and the new structure is fully
operational.
Members will be aware that senior management for the contract was being provided
through a shared management agreement with the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and
West Norfolk. This agreement provided for the Environmental Services Manager two
days per week, but came to an end during June 2014 following the resignation of the
post holder from his role at the Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and
consequently the role at North Norfolk District Council. The Head of Environmental
Health is currently reviewing options for the management and overall structure of the
team moving forward.
15
Agenda Item No______13______
Planning Service – Overview
Summary:
This report provides a general update in relation to the
work streams and the performance of the service over
the past year.
The Planning Service is important to the Council growth
agenda, and therefore it is important that the service is
fit for purpose moving forward.
Options considered:
Conclusions:
Recommendations:
Following the appointment of Nicola Baker as Head of
Planning, a range of actions have been put in place.
Whilst these are beginning to show results, this is very
much work in progress.
Scrutiny Committee is recommended to:
1. Note the contents of this report
Reasons for
Recommendations:
This report is for noting in terms of the progress made to
date, and actions planned.
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not
published elsewhere)
Cabinet Member(s)
Cllr Benji Cabell-Manners
Ward(s) affected
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
Nicola Baker
Nicola.baker@north-norfolk.gov.uk
01263 516135
16
1.
Introduction
1.1
The purpose of this report is to outline the progress that has been made to
improve the service over the last year.
1.2
Nicola Baker was appointed in June 2013 and commenced working with
Norfolk North District Council in September 2013.
2.
Summary of progress made to date.
2.1
The first step was to appoint temporary staff to address the immediate
resource issue, These posts consisted of:
2.2


2.3
Enforcement officer
3 x Planning Assistants
In terms of enforcement, this has resulted in a reduction in the backlog in
outstanding enforcement cases, and also enabled the service to be an
integral part of the Enforcement Board. The table below illustrates that the
team have been gradually reducing the backlog.
Quarter
Ending
30/09/2013
31/12/2013
31/03/2014
10/06/2014
2.4
Enquiries
C/forward
137
143
106
100
Enquires
Received
80
45
49
45
Enquiries
Resolved
83
84
55
53
Enquiries
over 3 months
71
62
48
51
In addition, we are making better use of the remedies available to us, in terms
of more formal action. The table below listed the number of formal notices
that have been issued.
Quarter
Ending
30/09/2013
31/12/2013
31/03/2014
10/06/2014
PCN
's
1
4
7
RQFI
2
2
ENF
Stop
BCN's
Notices Notices
1
3
2
215's
Total
1
2
1
6
3
4
10
15
TSN's
2.4
The Contract Enforcement post expires at the end of March 2015. Therefore
adequately resourcing the enforcement section needs to be factored into the
structure of the service moving forward. In addition to this, there is still a
need to update/review our Enforcement Plan, improve our systems and
processes including how we keep Members informed of alleged breaches of
planning control, and how we undertake monitoring of S106 agreements.
2.5
The Planning Assistants who were recruited in August 2013 have provided
the additional resources to focus on improving our planning application
performance. Other changes include case conferences with the team
meeting on a regular basis to discuss current applications. This is an
opportunity to discuss more complex cases, give guidance to less experience
staff, and to increase consistency in our approach. Whilst we initially
appointed three Planning Assistants, one has recently left the authority.
17
2.6
The table below shows a comparison in the performance figures for year
ending 12/13 compared with 13/14
Cumulative for the year 2012/13
Major
0-13
13+ weeks
weeks
Total 14
10
58.33%
%
41.67%
Minor
0-8 weeks
8+weeks
163
38.35%
262
61.65%
Cumulative for the year 2013/14
Major
Minor
0-13
13+ weeks 0-8 weeks
weeks
Total
30
9
217
76.92%
45.21%
%
23.08%
First Quarter figures for 2014/15
Major
Minor
0-13
13+ weeks 0-8 weeks
weeks
Total
9
3
92
75.00%
62.16%
%
25.00%
2.7
8+weeks
263
54.79%
8+weeks
56
37.84%
Other
0-8
weeks
379
53.38%
8+ weeks
331
46.62%
Other
0-8
weeks
483
62.00%
Other
0-8
weeks
161
81.31%
8+ weeks
296
38.00%
8+ weeks
37
18.69%
This improvement in performance needs to be considered in the context of
the team’s overall application workload, which as demonstrated below,
increased over the last year.
Year
2010/11
No of application and fee income
Majors
24
£184,465.00
Minor
493
Others
663
All Applications
1505
Total
Total fee income
£509,819.75
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
22
£102,282.00
479
638
1511
24
£406,490.00
421
614
1505
47
£421,854.00
485
599
1605
£429,129.50
£706,236.25
£807,780.50
2.8
The increase in the number of major applications is indicative of the number
of allocated sites moving forward to delivery.
The Site Allocations
Development Plan was adopted in 2011 and makes proposals for
approximately 3,400 dwellings on a mix of large and small development sites.
In addition to housing some of these allocations also provide public open
space and employment land. The Progress Tracker (Appendix 1) outlines the
current position in relation to all of the allocated sites.
2.9
Planning applications have been approved on many of the sites and
development has now commenced, and in some cases is nearing completion
at Hoveton (120 units), Stalham (150), North Walsham (site preparation
works on the HLfoods site- 170 units), Cromer (Railway Triangle and
Roughton Road, 50 and 123 units respectively) and Wells (120). Outline
18
Planning Permissions have also been granted for both the allocated sites at
Holt (totalling approximately 350 units). Many of the remaining allocations
including most of the smaller sites in villages have been subject to pre
application discussions and there is an expectation that many will be subject
to formal applications during 2014 in order to take part in the Housing
Incentive Scheme.
2.10
In addition to progress on the allocated development sites there has been a
noticeable increase in proposals for windfall developments including
proposals to re-use existing buildings and removal of holiday use restrictions
from barn conversion proposals.’ Exception’ schemes were delivered at
Fulmodeston, Hempton and North Walsham and these together with
affordable housing within private development sites provided 145 affordable
dwellings during 2013/14.
2.11
There have been positive discussions with the principle land owners for the
large allocation at Fakenham and revised proposals to allow for completion of
a Development Brief for this site are expected shortly and are likely to be
quickly followed by planning applications.
2.12
The introduction of the Housing Incentive Scheme in September of 2013
appears to have resulted in significant activity in terms of developer inquiries
and applications to take part in the scheme although part of this improvement
may also be a consequence of generally improved market conditions.
Approximately 500 dwellings have taken part in the scheme.
2.13
The co-location of all the teams on a single floor and the bringing together
planning policy with the rest of the Planning has resulted in greater coordination and consistency in decision and approach to planning issues.
2.14
The service has completed its first Planning Performance Agreement which
relates to the discharge of planning conditions on the approvals for Dudgeon
Offshore Wind Farm. This will act as a pilot, to see if this is an approach that
would be beneficial for other major schemes moving forward.
3
Key Actions moving forward
3.1
The key actions moving forward consist of:






A new structure for planning moving forward
Review of our internal procedures including the scheme of delegation,
and protocols for engaging with Members in pre-application
discussions
Streamlining our processes – business process work to look at
scanning on receipt of applications, consultations and displaying the
information the website
Commence work on Plan Review
Establish and embed processes for monitoring S106 agreements
Improve communications with Members and key stakeholders
Further details are contained in the Improvement Plan attached as Appendix
2
19
3.2
The next key step in moving the service forward will be a review of the
structure. Work on this is well underway. The new structure looks to address
the issues in relation to responsibility and accountability to ease the bottle
necks in our processes. It is anticipated that consultation with staff on the
new structure will commence at the beginning of July, with implementation
complete by September 2014.
3.3
Underpinning any new structure is the need to review the scheme of
delegation. We also need to review the Committee report format, delegated
reports and our planning protocols including how to engage with members on
pre-application discussions.
3.4
Once the new structure is in place, the focus will be on business process reengineering, to ensure that the service maximise the use of the IT that is
currently has available, by streamlining our processes. This will include review
of documentation, scanning in of consultation/consultation responses, an end
to end review the planning application process. This work will link to the
Council’s business transformation strategy.
3.5
Work has progressed on capturing the information in relation to existing
Section 106 agreement, however there is a need to formalise the role of
monitoring these agreements within the review of the planning structure, and
similarly to review our approach and policy requirements in this respect.
4.
Conclusion
4.1
This report outlines the work undertaken over the last year. Whilst some
improvements have been made, there is still a considerable way to go, to
ensure that these changes are embedded within the service, and to complete
the transformation.
5.
Implications and Risks
5.1
This is an ambitious programme for change and therefore represents a
challenge, in terms of balancing the need to change, with running a key
operational service. The pace of change has to be balanced against the day
to day needs of the service.
5.2
As a key front line services, it is critical that carefully consideration is given
before we introduce any changes which could impact our customers.
5.3
In addition to the above, the pace of change also needs to be balance against
the rate of staff turnover and time taken to recruitment. One of the temporary
Planning Assistant and a Senior Planning Officer have recently left the
authority’s employment and it takes time to replace these individuals.
6.
Financial Implications and Risks
6.1
The service improvements outlined above, will involve some investment,
however the financial implications will be considered in relation to the
business case for the new structure for planning, and IT investment as part of
the Council’s overall transformation strategy.
6.2
This report does not raise any issues directly relating to finance.
7.
Sustainability
7.1
This report does not raise any issues directly relating to sustainability
8.
Equality and Diversity
20
8.1
This report does not raise any issues directly relating to equality and diversity.
9.
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
9.1
This report does not raise any issues directly relating to crime and disorder.
Appendices
1 – Allocation site tracker
2- Improvement Plan
21
Town
Cromer
C01
C04
C07
C14
C17
ED2
ROS3
ROS4
Fakenham
F01
F05
ROS6
Holt
H01
H09
CP10
Hoveton
HV03
North Walsham
NW01
NW25
NW28a
NW44
E10
ED1
ROS8
Sheringham
SH04
SH05
SH06
SH14
ROS5
Stalham
ST01
E12
Wells
W01
CP2
Site Description
Allocation
Type
Land Adjacent to East Coast Motors
Land at Rear of Sutherland House, Overstrand Rd
Land at Jubilee Lane / Cromer High Station
Land West of Roughton Road
Railway Triangle, Norwich Road
Cromer FC, Mill Road
Land Between Louden Road & Church Street
Land South of Louden Road
Residential
Residential
Mixed-use
Residential
Residential
Education
Retail
Retail
40
60
40
160
50
10
15
20
Land North of Rudham Stile Lane
Land Between Holt Road & Greenway Lane
Land at Fakenham Town Centre
Mixed-use
Residential
Retail
900
60-80
?
Land West of Woodfield Road
Land at Heath Farm / Hempstead Road
Land at Thornage Road
Residential
Mixed-use
Car Park
85
200
-
Land Adjacent to Doctors Surgery, Stalham Rd
Residential
120
Land at Norwich Road / Nursery Drive
Land off Laundry Loke
North Walsham FC
Paston College Lawns Site
Land off Cornish Way
Paston College Relocation
Vicarage Street Car Park
Mixed-use
Mixed-use
Residential
Mixed-use
Employment
Education
Retail
400
10
60-80
30-60
20
Land Adjoining Seaview Crescent
Land Adjoining Morley Hill
Land Rear of Sheringham House
Land at Holway Road, Oppostie Hazel Ave
Site Adjacent Clock Tower
Residential
Residential
Residential
Residential
Retail
25-45
15
70
50
-
Land Adjacent Church Farm, Ingham Road
Land South of Weavers Way, Adjacent to A149
Mixed-use
Employment
160
-
Land at Market Lane
Land North of Freeman Street
Residential
Car Park
120
-
Notes
Completed
Commenced
Post-Application Stage
Decision Notice issued
(Approve / Refuse)
S.106 Preparation
Resolution
(Approve / Refuse)
Submitted
(Whole / Part Site)
Application Stage
Public Consultation
undertaken
(Whole / Part Site)
Draft Plans Submitted
Site Allocations Progress Tracker
(Towns)
Development Brief*/ Site
Development Guide
completed
Landowner / Developer /
Agent contact
Pre-Application Stage
Dwelling
(Approx)
P
Permission on part of site for 10 dwellings (under construction)
W
W
A PF
A
A PF
W
A
A PO
P
A
*In progress
* In progress
P
A PF
P
W
A
P
A
W
A PF
A
A PF
A
A PF
*
*Enquiry from Rob Scott (www.mscott.co.uk) 06/06/13
*In progress
W
A
A PF
W
A
A PF
22
Planning
Planning Service Improvements
Annual Action Plan Activities
Activity
Objective (See
Status
Lead Officer
Key)
Target Completion
date
Recommendation
/Progress to date
Proposed new activities for 2014/15
We will streamline the planning process to
improve our performance
Jobs and
Local
Economy D3
Nicola Baker
30 April 2015
Work due to
commence Sept to
be complete by April
2015
We will review the Scheme of Delegation to fit
with a new structure within the Planning
Service
Delivering the
Vision A4
Nicola Baker
30 September 2014
Scheme of
delegation needs to
be revised following
implementation of
new structure
We will re-launch the Planning Agents Forum
Delivering the
vision B2
Andy Mitchell
30 June 2014
First meeting
arranged
Target Completion
date
Recommendation
Activity
Undertake
workshop to
shape future of
the planning
service
Reference
Objective (See Key)
VD
Status
New
Lead Officer
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
Planning Improvement Plan - scrutiny report v25
Priority (A,
B or C if
used)
A
/Progress to date
31 January 2014 Workshop
undertaken 10
January 2014
Page 1
23
Activity
Reference
Objective (See Key)
Status
Lead Officer
Priority (A,
B or C if
used)
Target Completion
date
Recommendation
/Progress to date
Commence
process review
workshops (i)
scanning to be
integral to
process(ii)
handling
minor/other
applications
JD
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
A
31 January 2014 Workshop identified
key work stream.
Work to commence
following
implementation of
new structure.
Detailed work to
commence
September and be
completed by April
2015
Re-launch the
Agents forum
VB
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
A
30 June 2014 First meeting to be
held on 8 July 2014
VB
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
A
(AAP –Delivering
the Vision B”)
Undertaken
member
development
sessions
31 March 2014 First session
completed. 2nd
planning for July.
Bite size training
session introduced
for Members of
Development
Committee.
Consultation on
changes to the
structure of
Planning
VC
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
Planning Improvement Plan - scrutiny report v25
A
30 June 2014 Consultation due to
be undertaken in
July. Structure in
place by September.
Page 2
24
Activity
Reference
Objective (See Key)
Status
Lead Officer
Priority (A,
B or C if
used)
Target Completion
date
Recommendation
/Progress to date
Proposed new activities for 2014/15 (From 1 April)
Formation of
Parish Clerks
Forum
VB
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
B
30 September 2014
Increase
openness and
transparency in
the preapplication
process – preapplication
protocol
VB
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
B
30 September 2014
Review use of
Planning
Performance
Agreement in
handling major
applications
VB
New
Nicola Baker
Head of
Planning
B
30 September 2014
Planning Improvement Plan - scrutiny report v25
First agreement in
place. Acting as pilot.
Learning to be
captured and
considered for use
for major applications
moving forward.
Page 3
25
Agenda Item No______15______
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RIGHTS – CONSULTATION PAPER
Summary:
The report provides an overview and update on the
Council‟s approach to Community Rights to Bid and
Challenge including Right to Build and Reclaim Land as
approved by Cabinet in April 2013. Current activity in
Community Rights is detailed and the role the Council
adopts to enable interest in the overall Localism
Agenda. The issues highlighted within the consultation
paper „Community engagement rights‟ issued by
Communities and Local Government Committee are
considered along with the extent to which the Council
can contribute to any consultation response.
Conclusions:
The Council has provided relevant information and set
up procedures that were necessary to enable
opportunities for the community to engage under the
Governments Localism agenda. The information
contained and publicised on the Council‟s website
addresses the opportunities available under the main
Community Rights initiative, including the Community
Right to Bid, Challenge, Build and Reclaim Land.
Community groups that may be interested in furthering
their aims are also signposted to the Government
funded “My Communities Rights” website. This website
offers the first line of advice for communities to engage
in the Localism Agenda. The site provides further
information about the support offered via specific advice
and funding that is offered through the main
intermediary national organisations. In respect of the
consultation paper „Community engagement rights‟
issued by Communities and Local Government
Committee the Council can demonstrate evidence of
communities pursing opportunities and examples of how
they have achieved positive outcomes. However it is not
possible to comment regarding any perceived barriers
or what might be preventing communities exploring
these Rights in more detail as there is currently no
evidence on which to base this.
Recommendations:
Members of the Overview and Scrutiny are asked to
note the position that the Council has adopted in
respect of the Community Rights Initiatives and
provide further guidance in respect of any
consultation response that may be considered
necessary.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
26
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
John Mullen (Community Projects Manager), 01263 516104, john.mullen@northnorfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
1.1
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee have requested that a report be
produced to consider the issues highlighted within the consultation document
„Community Engagement Rights‟ (contained within the attached appendix)
which has been issued by the Communities and Local Government
Committee.
1.2
The consultation documents asks for a number of questions to be considered
in relation to Community Rights and these are as follows;





What evidence is there that communities are aware of these rights and
are using them?
If communities are not using the rights, what is the reason?
How successful communities are in using them to achieve their
objectives?
How helpful is the guidance and assistance that has been made
available to communities and local authorities to help them use and
understand community rights?
What more, if anything, might be required to encourage more
widespread use of these rights?
1.3
The deadline for responding to the consultation is 4 September 2014 and this
report provides Members with an update regarding the current position along
with further information in relation to the questions posed within the
consultation document.
2.
Background
2.1
Members may be aware of the current opportunities for communities that
were laid down in guidelines issued by Central Government to local
authorities in October 2012. The following provides a summary of these.
2.2
The Right to Challenge – this allows communities, through representative
groups named as “relevant bodies” (which can include for example voluntary
and community groups, charities, social enterprises, parish councils), to bid to
run local authority services where they believe they can do so differently and
better. This may be a whole service or only a part of it.
2.3
Groups need to submit a written Expression of Interest which, if accepted,
triggers a potential procurement exercise for that service if additional interest
is shown. The interested group will then take part in the procurement exercise
alongside any other interested bodies.
2.4
The Council can set and publicise windows of opportunities for the
submission of Expressions of Interest for running local services, but are not
obliged to do so under the Government guidelines. At present the Council
does not operate any window of opportunity and can consider expressions
received throughout the year.
27
2.5
The Wells Maltings Trust successfully submitted an Expression of Interest in
relation to part of the tourist information service that was operated in Wellsnext-the-Sea. This Expression of Interest was covered by a Cabinet report
submitted in January 2013 and triggered a procurement process which
ultimately led to the transfer of the Service to the Trust.
2.6
This Right was introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and came into effect on
27 June 2012.
2.7
The Right to Bid – this Right gives communities the opportunity to save
assets that are important to them and could include things such as a village
shop or pub, a library, cinema etc. The assets can be both public and private
but must have a proven social value (Assets of Community Value) for their
local areas.
2.8
The Council has a duty to receive, assess and list assets of community value,
notifying the owner and interested parties that the asset has been registered
and listed on the Council‟s website (this is available under the Localism
section of the site http://www.northnorfolk.org/community/18424.asp).
2.9
If an owner of a listed asset wants to sell it they have to notify the local
authority. The local authority then, in turn, has to notify any interested parties.
2.10
If community groups are interested in buying an asset they can use the
Community Right to Bid to „pause‟ the sale, giving them 6 months to prepare
a bid to buy it before the asset can be sold. The Right does not force a sale
nor does it result in any discounted price but it does give a slightly longer sale
period should the asset be offered on the open market.
2.11
To date the Council has received 29 nominations including local shops and
pubs. Of these, 13 have been listed, 13 have been declined and there are 3
submissions where the Council is awaiting further information.
2.12
The Community Right to Bid came into effect on 21 September 2012.
2.13
The Right to Build – Communities have the opportunity to build new homes
or new community amenities, providing they can demonstrate overwhelming
local support (agreement of more than 50% of local people voting through a
community referendum).
2.14
This measure forms part of the Neighbourhood Planning provisions part of the
Act and came into force in April 2012. Funding through the Homes and
Communities Agency is available for interested community groups to develop
their plans at the early stages of planning new initiatives.
2.15
The Council has to date received no interest in relation to this Right.
2.16
The Right to Reclaim Land - supports communities to improve their local
area by giving them the right to ask the Secretary of State for Communities
and Local Government that under-used or unused land owned by local
councils and other public bodies is sold so that it can brought back into use.
The Secretary of State will act on behalf of the local community to assess the
opportunity and take forward discussions with the local authority if an
opportunity exists for reclaiming these assets.
28
2.17
As with the Right to Build the Council has not received any submissions in
relation to this area.
3.
Current position
3.1
The recommendations approved by Cabinet in April 2013 under the
Community Rights initiatives was for officers to develop both the appropriate
level of information to highlight opportunities to the community and to then
outline and develop the necessary procedures for the different Community
Rights to be publicised and due processes put in place.
3.2
The role for the Council as far as Community Right to Challenge, Build and
Reclaim Land is concerned was to promote the schemes through information
and signposting on the Council website and to ensure that officers were
aware of the roles and responsibilities that may be required to receive and
process expressions of interest and requests for information that would
enable any future interest in the schemes.
3.3
The relevant issues considered by the report are summarised below;

The need for the Council to consider its role in enabling community
interest specifically addressing the local authorities role to enable
opportunities to manage local public services and/or have assets of
community value listed by the Council.

The development of both processes and the publicity via the Council‟s
website that was developed to provide opportunities that are available
through the Community Rights Initiatives.

Agree the main procedures for assessing and listing community assets
so that the Council is both compliant with the main regulations and
guidelines and offers sufficient information and action that will help
meet community aspirations under the provisions of the Localism Act
2011.
3.4
The Council has a group established to consider any Community Right to Bid
applications received that comprises of officers and the Portfolio Holder for
Assets. The Council‟s website has been developed to provide information into
the relevant processes which have been agreed by the Asset Management
Board, with further links to additional advice and guidance available through
Central Government websites.
4.
Evidence of Community interest and engagement
4.1
Evidence in particular that the community have engaged in the Community
Right to Bid can be highlighted by the number of nominations that have been
received and processed via the Council‟s Community Right to Bid group as
mentioned above.



Overall there have been 29 Nominations submitted to date
13 nominations have been listed
13 nominations have been declined
29

3 have had returns made for clarification /further information with no
responses having been received to date
4.2
Under the Community Right to Challenge one expression of interest was
submitted to the Council in November 2012 and has since been approved by
Cabinet in January 2013. The Community Right to Challenge to operate the
Well Tourism Information Centre (TIC) service was submitted by the Wells
Maltings Trust. A business case for running the TIC was submitted as part of
the process for challenging the Council‟s running of the Service and following
approval by Cabinet is now active for a five year period, operating via a
Service Level Agreement between the Trust and the Council.
4.3
The successful provision of advice and support for the Wells Maltings Trust to
develop their expression of interest in running the Wells TIC was promoted
through the local media after a Service Level Agreement had been drawn up
and signed. The Wells Maltings Trust, since the time of the agreement, have
been successful in enhancing and expanding their role in providing the
Tourist information Service, increasing the local volunteer base and extending
the reach of the service into new areas, including ticket sales, marketing and
launching local community initiatives.
4.4
Further development of promoting and supporting community interest in the
opportunities afforded by the Community Rights provision was reviewed by
the Communities, Property and Media Teams in the summer 2013 and further
revisions to the Council‟s website were carried out at the time. The Website
currently is located in the Community and Well-being pages of the Council‟s
website under Localism.
4.5
The Council has not received any negative feedback in relation to the Rights
so it is not possible to comment in this regard. The nomination paper for the
Right to Bid is relatively simple and is not particularly onerous for groups to
complete. There is also additional support available via the website and
through various Council officers.
5.
Conclusion
5.1
The report has outlined the Council‟s role in supporting the Community Rights
initiatives and enabling communities to pursue various opportunities in this
respect.
5.2
It has been noted that the Council‟s role in supporting each of the Community
Rights has been varied depending on the specific Right. Since 2013 the
Council has had a modest level of interest in both Community Rights to Bid
and Rights to Challenge. However, When there has been interest shown by
the community in these initiatives, as in the case of the Wells Maltings Trust,
the Council have acted positively and provided the necessary means by
which the community interest can be developed further to ensure positive
outcomes are achieved.
5.3
It is not possible to comment regarding any barriers or reasons for any
possible perceived lack of interest in pursuing some of these areas as the
Council has not received any feedback on which to base any response.
6.
Implications and Risks
30
6.1
There are no implications or risks at present in relation to this paper or the
current consultation.
7.
Financial Implications and Risks
7.1
There are no financial implications or risks in relation to this consultation
paper.
8.
Sustainability
8.1
There are no sustainability issues in relation to this consultation paper.
9.
Equality and Diversity
9.1
There are no equality and diversity issues in relation to this consultation
paper.
10.
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
10.1
There are no crime and disorder issues in relation to this consultation paper.
31
Appendix D
Community Engagement Rights
The Communities and Local Government Committee today launches an inquiry into
community engagement rights.


Inquiry: Community Rights
Communities and Local Government Committee
Through measures such as the Localism Act 2011 the Government has introduced a number
of new ‘community rights’.
'Community rights' include:




the Community Right to
the Community Right to
the Community Right to
the Community Right to
Challenge;
Bid;
Build; and
Reclaim Land.
The Committee invites submissions from interested parties on the operation of these
‘community rights’. It wants to hear about progress made in allowing communities to use
these powers and intends to examine whether the legislation that delivers them is
operating effectively.
The Committee expects to cover the following matters:





What evidence is there that communities are aware of these rights and are using
them?
If communities are not using the rights, what is the reason?
How successful communities are in using them to achieve their objectives?
How helpful is the guidance and assistance that has been made available to
communities and local authorities to help them use and understand community
rights?
What more, if anything, might be required to encourage more widespread use of
these rights?
The Committee particularly welcomes any evidence from local authority scrutiny
committees and from local community groups.
Deadline




The Committee asks for written submissions in accordance with the guidelines
below by 2.00pm on Thursday, 4 September 2014. As a guideline submissions should
be no longer than 3,000 words.
Submissions should be uploaded onto the website in word format no later than the
deadline.
Link to submit your evidence
Link to guidance on submitting written evidence
If you have any problems with the web portal please contact David Nicholas, Senior
Committee Assistant, on 0207 219 4972.
Further information: About Parliament: Select Committees, Visiting Parliament: Watch
Committees
32
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
16 July 2014
Agenda Item. 16
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
Work Programme at Appendix E
1.
Introduction
The Scrutiny Update report is a standing item on all Overview and Scrutiny
Committee agendas. The report updates Members on progress made with
topics on its agreed work programme and provides additional information
which Members may have requested at a previous meeting.
2.
Progress on topics since the last meeting
2.1
Language Line
Following the recent request from Members for a breakdown of costs for the
use of language line for the Ambulance Service, the updated figure is:
The total Language line bill was £16,223.10 for the last 12 month period trust
wide. This includes direct calls from crews and the regional demand from the
3 control rooms.
Empty Properties premium
In relation to Cllr Seward’s question at the June meeting, the Revenues
Manager provided the following figures:
At 31 March 2014 there were 165 levy properties (charged 150%), the
districts share of income from these for a full year would be
approximately £9,640. These numbers will fluctuate as properties move
in and out of the levy charge period throughout the year.
3.
The Work Programme and Future Topics
As agreed at the last meeting, an additional committee meeting has been
scheduled for 22 July. This will focus specifically on housing.
3.1
On 15 October – Lucy Downing, Brand Manager for Visit North Norfolk and
Bruce Hanson, Broads Tourism Officer, will be attending the Committee
meeting to provide members with an overview of tourism across the District –
including the Broads. There will also be a report on leisure services coming to
this meeting.
3.2
Energy Strategy – this item will be coming to Scrutiny in September before
going to Cabinet in October.
3.3
Outside Bodies report – this will be coming before the Committee in
November.
33
Appendix E
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME 2014/2015
Period July 2014 – November 2014
July
Presentation on Broadband in Sheila Oxtoby
the District
County Council Representative
Chief Executive Request
Planning service – Overview
& future
Waste Update
Nicola Baker
Benjie Cabbell-Manners
Nick Baker
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Nick Baker
Sean Kelly
Tom FitzPatrick
Duncan Ellis
Rhodri Oliver
(Moved from March- at
request of HoS)
6 monthly cyclical
SCRUTINY
Darryl Cox (Victory)
Andrew Savage (Broadland)
Trish Worden (Flagship)
MEETING
Requested
Lisa Grice
Requested
Nicola Turner
Rhodri Oliver
Annual (Requested)
Business Transformation
Project
July
Community Engagement
Rights- Government
Consultation
HOUSING
Victory Housing, Broadland
Housing, Flagship HousingTo answer questions before
the committee and provide
information on passiv
housing
Homelessness Strategy
Housing Allocations Scheme
34
Requested by the committee
Cyclical
Requested by the committee
Sustainable Housing
Summary
Nicola Turner
Rhodri Oliver
Requested
Presentation on North
Walsham and the Dilham
Canal
Mental Health Update
Ivan Cane, Canal Trust Archivist
Maureen Orr (Norfolk County Council
HOSC Administrator)
Requested
Energy Strategy
Steve Blatch
Tom FitzPatrick
Budget Monitoring Period 4
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Nick Baker
Angie-Fitch Tillett
Council Decision
(Moved from May at request
of HoS)
Cyclical
September
Performance Management Q1
Financial Strategy
Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act- Policy
Cyclical
Cyclical
Annual
Moved to allow time for
inspection and collating the
report
October
Leisure Services – an
overview of the leisure
services across the District –
to include costings, input by
stakeholders, profit etc.
Also figures on running of
Karl Read
Glyn Williams
35
Requested by the committee
Pier Theatre and Openwide
contract
Profile of those using leisure
centres
Tourism- wider district
agenda and information from
the Broads Authority
Lucy Downing (North Norfolk Brand
Manager, Visit North Norfolk)
Bruce Hanson (Broads Authority)
November
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
TBC
Cyclical
Outside Bodies Report
Emma Denny
Benjie Cabbell Manners
Requested
Customer Service Update
Nick Baker
Glyn Williams
Nick Baker
Glyn Williams
Budget Monitoring Period 6
Treasury Management Half
Yearly Report
Citizens Advice Bureau
Cyclical
Requested
TBC
Customer Access Strategy
36
Annual