Please contact: Tessa Gilder-Smith
Please email: Tessa.Gilder-Smith@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please direct dial on: 01263 516047
10 June 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 18th
June 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
(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.
4.
MINUTES
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 10)
(9.35 – 9.40)
To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme
11.
POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER – QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
(9.40 – 10.10)
For the Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Bett, to attend to answer questions and
hold an open discussion with the committee.
12.
OUTTURN REPORT
(10.10 – 10.15)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 6)
(Appendix A – p. 22) (Appendix B – p.23) (Appendix C – p.50) (Appendix D – p.53)
(Appendix E – p.59)
Summary:
This report presents the outturn position for the revenue
account and capital programme for the 2013/14 financial
year. Details are included within the report of the more
significant year-end variances compared to the current
budget
for
2013/14.
The
report
also
makes
recommendations for contributions to earmarked reserves
for future spending commitments. An update to the current
capital programme is also included within the report and
accompanying appendices.
Options considered:
The report provides a final budget monitoring position for the
2013/14 financial year. Whilst there are options available for
earmarking the underspend in the year or transferring the
underspend to the general reserve, the report makes
recommendations that provide funding for ongoing
commitments and future projects.
Conclusions:
The outturn position on the revenue account as at 31 March
2014 shows an underspend. The final position allows for a
number of underspends to be rolled forward within
earmarked reserves to fund ongoing and identified
commitments. The general fund balance is still forecast to
be below the recommended balance by 31 March 2015 and
therefore this report is recommending that the surplus is
allocated to the general reserve to mitigate this. The position
as reported will be used to inform the production of the
statutory accounts.
Recommendations:
Members are asked to consider the report and
recommend the following to Full Council:
a) The final accounts position for the general fund
revenue account for 2013/14;
b) The transfers to and from reserves as detailed within the
report (and appendix C) along with the corresponding
updates to the 2014/15 budget;
c) Transfer the surplus of £119,011 to the general reserve;
d) The financing of the 2013/14 capital programme as
detailed within the report and at Appendix D;
e) The balance on the general reserve of £1,745,452 at 31
March 2014 and forecast balance of £1,496,220 at 31 March
2015;
f) The updated capital programme for 2014/15 to 2015/16
and the associated financing of the schemes as outlined
within the report and detailed at Appendix E;
g) A capital budget of £30,000 for replacement hardware
storage as detailed within 7.2 of the report.
To approve the outturn position on the revenue and capital
accounts for 2013/14 that will be used to produced the
statutory accounts for 2013/14. To provide funding for
ongoing projects and commitments as detailed within the
report.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on the write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
Budget Monitoring Reports, NNDR3 return
Cabinet Member(s): Cllr
Wyndham Northam
Ward(s) affected All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Karen Sly, 01263 516243,
Karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
13.
DEBT RECOVERY ANNUAL REPORT
(10.15 – 10.25)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 68)
(Appendix F –p.74) (Appendix G – p.79) (Appendix H – p.81)
Summary:
This is an annual report detailing the council‟s collection
performance and debt management arrangements for
2013/14
The report includes a:
 A summary of debts written off in each debt area
showing the reasons for write-off and values.
 Collection performance for Council Tax and NonDomestic Rates.
 Level of arrears outstanding
 Level of provision for bad and doubtful debts
Recommendations:
Members are asked to:
 Approve the annual report giving details of the
Council’s write-offs in accordance with the
Council’s Debt Write-Off Policy and performance
in relation to revenues collection.
Cabinet member(s):
All
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
14.
All
All
Louise Wolsey 01263 516081
louise.wolsey@north-norfolk.gov.uk
TREASURY MANAGEMENT ANNUAL REPORT
(10.25 – 10.30)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 84)
(Appendix J – p.89) (Appendix K – p.90) (Appendix L – p.91)
Summary:
This report sets out the Treasury Management activities
actually undertaken during 2013/14 compared with the
Treasury Management Strategy for the year.
Options Considered:
Conclusions:
COUNCIL
DECISION
Recommendations:
Reasons for
Recommendation:
This report must be prepared to ensure the Council complies
with the CIPFA Treasury Management and Prudential Codes.
Treasury activities for the year have been carried out in
accordance with the CIPFA Code and the Council‟s Treasury
Strategy.
That the Council be asked to RESOLVE that The Treasury
Management Annual Report and Prudential Indicators for
2013/14 are approved.
Approval by Council demonstrates compliance with the
Codes.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected: All
Cllr W Northam
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Tony Brown, 01263 516126,
tony.brown@north-norfolk.gov.uk
15.
ANNUAL REPORT 2013/14
(10.30 – 10.45)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 95)
(Appendix M – ELECTRONIC)
Summary:
This report outlines the key elements of the Annual Report
2013/14 to be published by July 2014 for discussion and
eventual approval and presents the key contents of the
report. The Annual Report will present the delivery of the
Annual Action Plan 2013/14 and show achievement against
targets.
Options considered:
Publish a text only version of the Annual Report.
Publish a version of the report suitable for a public audience.
Conclusions:
The Annual Report 2013/14 concludes that North Norfolk
District Council delivered the Annual Action Plan and
delivered overwhelmingly improving performance against
performance indicators.
Recommendations:
1) That Cabinet note the contents of this report.
2) That Cabinet give authority to the Leader of the
Council and the Chief Executive to approve the final
public version of the report.
3) That Cabinet give authority to the Leader of the
Council and the Chief Executive to approve the
communications plan for the Annual Report 2013/14.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To comply with the provisions of the Council Performance
Management Framework and local government best
practice.
Cabinet
Member(s) All
Ward(s) affected All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
Helen Thomas, 01263 516214, Helen.thomas@north-norfolk.gov.uk
16.
CAR PARKING MANAGEMENT AND PRICING
(11.00 - 11.30)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 99)
Summary:
This report has been prepared at the request of Cabinet.
Officers have been asked to review the current charging
structure based on a Cabinet request to help support local
businesses. The report considers the current pricing
arrangements for the Council‟s car parks and makes
recommendations for changes for the 2014/15 financial
year.
Options considered:
The following options are considered within the paper;
1. Make no changes to the current pricing structure
2. Remove the evening charges from 6:00 pm
3. Allow £5 (24hr) pay and display (P&D) tickets to be
transferable to other Council owned P&D car parks
4. Consider free parking options, including free parking
between the hours of 9:00 am and 9:30 am
Conclusions:
Car parking income for 2013/14 was £2.2m and represents
a significant income stream for the Council. Car parking is
key to the function of many of our towns and villages
whether their primary use is for business or leisure pursuits.
Regular reviews of car parking are important to ensure the
Council is meeting the needs of all those people who use
our car parks.
There are a number of changes that could be made to the
pricing structure to better support local residents, local
businesses and visitors and these are discussed in more
detail within the main report.
Recommendations:
Reasons for
Recommendations:
1. Cabinet propose the following;
a) Removal of the evening charge from 6:00 pm
b) Allowing £5 (24hr) pay and display tickets to be
transferable to other P&D car parks
c) To delegate authority to the Chief Executive
Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder
for Assets and the Section 151 Officer, to agree
the free parking arrangements
d) Recommend that Full Council approve the
budget implications detailed within Section 6
To eliminate confusion over evening charges, to provide
greater flexibility for 24 hour tickets and to encourage people
to „pop and shop‟ during what is generally deemed a slow
trading period. These changes will better support local
residents, local businesses and visitors.
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)
Ward(s) affected;
Cllr Rhodri Oliver
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Duncan Ellis (Head of Assets and Leisure),
01263 516330, duncan.ellis@north-norfolk.gov.uk
17.
LOCAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY- REQUEST FOR LOAN FROM BROADLAND
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
(11.30 – 11.45)
(Cabinet Agenda Page 140)
(Appendix Q – p. 151) (Appendix R – p. 152) (Appendix S – p. 153)
(Exempt Appendix T – p. 154) (Exempt Appendix U – p.157)
(Exempt Appendix V – p.167) (Exempt Appendix X – p.176)
Summary:
In September 2013 Cabinet approved the Local Investment
Strategy to provide loans to Registered Providers (and where
needed their wholly owned subsidiaries) to support the
delivery of new housing across the district. Following this
decision the availability of the loan fund was advertised and a
formal request for a loan was received from Broadland
Housing Association. Broadland Housing Association has
requested a loan of £3.5m to be paid in 3 tranches to be
repaid 10 years after the payment of the final tranche. In
addition they have requested a loan of £0.75m which will be
for a period of up to 3 years is paid to their wholly owned
subsidiary Broadland St Benedicts, this loan will be repaid to
allow the final tranche of the loan to Broadland Housing
Association to be paid. This report considers this request
and recommends that this loan request is approved.
Options considered:
Two options were considered:
Option 1 – to recommend that the loan was not approved, this
option was discounted as the application has satisfactorily
passed the due diligence process and meets the
requirements of a loan set out in the agreed loan process.
Option 2 – to recommend the loan was approved. This option
is recommended as the application meets the requirements of
a loan set out in the agreed loan process. Whilst the loan
requested will commit all the funding that is currently available
for the provision of loans, no other loan requests have been
received. It is considered appropriate to commit the full
funding currently available.
Conclusions:
Following the approval in September 2013 of the Council‟s
Local Investment Strategy – Loans to Registered Providers,
the Council has received a formal bid from Broadland
Housing Association for a loan. The bid requests a loan of
£3.5m is provided to Broadland Housing Association and that
a loan of £0.75m is provided to their wholly owned subsidiary
Broadland St Benedicts, which is repaid in order for the final
tranche of the loan to Broadland Housing Association to be
paid.
The bid has been considered against the criteria agreed in
September 2013 and meets all the Council‟s requirements.
The due diligence process carried out by Arlingclose
concludes that there is some risk in providing a loan to
Broadland Housing Association, but there is a risk in all
investments. Arlingclose support the provision of a loan to
Broadland Housing Association and have made two
recommendations which require a minimum of 110% security
for the loan and a regular monitoring and reporting
requirement within the loan agreements. Whilst there is a risk
of providing a loan, this can be satisfactorily mitigated against
and the benefits of providing a loan in terms of the number of
additional dwellings it will provide and the interest payments
the Council will receive on the loan outweigh the inherent risk.
Recommendations:
Reasons for
Recommendations:
It is recommended that delegated authority is given to the
Head of Finance and the Portfolio Holder to approve the
loan request from Broadland Housing Association to
provide a loan of £3.5m to Broadland Housing
Association and £0.75m to Broadland St Benedicts which
will be repaid to allow the final tranche of the loan to
Broadland Housing Association to be paid, subject to:
1. The 3.5m available in the capital programme being
ring fenced for the provision of the agreed loans
to Broadland Housing Association and Broadland
St Benedicts.
2. The completion of loan agreements between the
Council and Broadland Housing Association and
Broadland St Benedicts in advance of any loan
payments being lent.
3. The required level of security for the loan being
provided as set out in this report being provided
immediately prior to the loan tranche payments
being lent.
4. Capital receipts from the repayments of principal
(which shall be on an Equal Instalment of Principal
basis) are applied to finance the Capital Financing
Requirement.
To increase the provision of housing, including affordable
housing across the district which supports the Corporate
Plan.
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on the write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
Cabinet paper: Local Investment Strategy – Provision of loans to Registered
Providers. 9 September 2013
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Nicola Turner, 01263 516222,
nicola.turner@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Malcolm Fry, 01263 516037, Malcolm.fry@north-norfolk.gov.uk
18.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
(11.45 – 11.50)
(Page 13)
(Appendix A- p. 14) (Appendix B – p. 18)
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 20 May 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 Corporate Director (NB), The Head of Assets and
Leisure, The Property Business Manager, The Growth and Communities
Manager, the Economic Development Officer, The Health and Communities
Officer, The Democratic Services Team Leader, The Democratic Services
Officer.
Members in
Attendance:
Mr T FitzPatrick, Mr M J M Baker, Mrs P Grove-Jones, Mr P W High, Mr G
Williams, Mr R Oliver.
Democratic Services Officer (TGS)
160. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received
161. SUBSTITUTES
None
162. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received
163. MINUTES
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds referred to point 4 on page 4 of the minutes under item 155,
querying if any progress had been made on getting information regarding the Language
Line. The Democratic Services Team replied they were still working on getting this
information.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
1
20 May 2014
Ms V Gay referred to point 2 on page 2 of the minutes under item 152, explaining that
she had not called NNDC the largest employer in the region but rather a large employer
in the district and asked for this to be amended as such.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then approved and signed by the Chairman
as a correct record of the meeting.
164. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
The Chairman brought to the attention of the committee the recent awarding of 5 blue
flags to beaches in the district. He commented that he was very proud of the district for
this achievement and provided excellent publicity for the district.
165. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Member(s)
Minute
Item
Interest
No.
Mrs A Green
171
Update on Tourism Across the
District
Pecuniary Interest:
Owner of a Bed and
Breakfast in the
district.
Mr P Terrington
175
North Norfolk Big Society Fund
Other Interest: Board
member of Homes for
Wells
166. PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The Democratic Services Officer explained one petition had been received and was
being held in Democratic Services. This petition was regarding fracking in the district
and currently held 380 signatures which did not meet the minimum amount for
consideration by an officer or by a committee. The Democratic Services Team Leader
also explained that she had replied to the petition author explaining that information
regarding fracking would be covered in the upcoming Energy Strategy item due to go to
Cabinet in July, at which point the petition author would be invited to attend committee.
Mrs B McGoun asked for Members to be provided with a factual explanation of fracking.
Mr R Reynolds queried whether the petition would be relevant as he believed that north
Norfolk was not currently a designated area for fracking exploration. The Chief
Executive explained that prior to the Energy Strategy going to Cabinet, the relevant
Corporate Director would put together some responses which could answer member
questions on the issue. Mr E Seward also commented, suggesting the area did not have
the correct geological strata for fracking but that when the issue came to committee,
officers should invite the petition author to attend. Mr M Baker commented that he was
on the relevant committee investigating fracking at the county council and agreed that
the district was not geologically appropriate for fracking. He explained that to extract gas
from the ground in the district, one would have to bore down far into the ground, which
was currently financially unviable.
The Chief Executive explained that the original enquiry regarding fracking from the
petition author was with regards to offshore gasification off the coast of Cromer.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2
20 May 2014
167. CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
None received.
168. RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None received.
169. THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
Mr M Baker referred to the June Cabinet item, „Car Parking Charges‟, and raised the
issue of free parking over the Christmas period. He asked that there be a consistent
approach to the free parking allowance, as well as having a considered consultation with
relevant groups, including the chambers of trade and business owners. He explained
that when the free parking had taken place on a Sunday, this had successfully spread
the impact on the town centre across the weekend, whereas free parking on a Saturday
had exacerbated problems. The Leader replied that there had been consultation with
chambers of trade previously, who had requested for the free parking to be extended
Saturday also. He explained that he wanted to avoid confusion in the district where
some areas were offering free parking on the Saturday and some on the Sunday. He
also explained that the Deputy Leader was in the process of arranging consultations
with the relevant bodies for the following holiday period.
The Committee noted the work programme and its content.
170. UPDATE ON TOURISM ACROSS THE DISTRICT
The Economic Development Officer introduced this item. He gave an overview of the
report, explaining that outlook for the 2014 season was positive. He also updated
members on the Visit North Norfolk website, which was due to be re-launched on the 1st
June, providing customers with a more accessible, responsive site. He further explained
that North Norfolk‟s Destination Management Organisation (DMO), Visit North Norfolk
Coast and Countryside, had outsourced their promotion, marketing and membership
services to Visit East Anglia, under the direction of new Brand Manager Lucy Downing,
and that the district maintained a service level agreement with them. He explained that
this should result in better and more collaborative promotion and marketing across the
district and the region. The Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1. Mr R Reynolds commented that tourism was the „lifeblood‟ of the district. He queried
why there was no mention of non-coastal towns in the report. He also commented on
specific funding that was yet to come through; the Leader replied that he was still
working on securing this from the county council.
2. Mrs B McGoun reiterated what Mr R Reynolds had said, discussing her local area of
Horning which had 4 large annual events, including the Horning boat show and the
annual international 3 rivers race. She wanted to know how to get these events
publicised further. She also queried why there weren‟t statistics of a wider range of
tourist attractions, such as Bewilderwood. The Economic Development Officer
commented that they could only input statistics where they were provided to the
authority and that the department was working to get more businesses to partake.
With regards to events in Horning, he commented that there was a lot of crossover
with the Broads Authority in this area of the district, who often did promotional
activity. The Chairman commented that figures and statistics were important to
improve publicity and promotion. The Leader commented that if any member wanted
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3
20 May 2014
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
an event publicised they should use the communications team at NNDC and inform
the Cabinet, who would do their best to promote the activity. He made specific
reference to the recent Pedal Norfolk event at Holkham hall which had been
particularly successful following public promotion and engagement.
Mr R Reynolds commented that it was not just important to bring people to the area,
but also to the district‟s town centres, many of which were struggling.
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds commented that she agreed with the comments already
mentioned. She also stated that when the tourism update had previously come to the
committee she had requested that in the future there would be consistent use of
colour so as not to be confusing for members, and it did not seem like this issue had
been addressed. She had also requested that abbreviations were used less and that
when they were unavoidable, they were either explained alongside the abbreviation
itself or explained in a glossary. She commented that this issue had not been
addressed either.
Mr P Terrington commented on the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for
North Norfolk, Visit North Norfolk Coast and Countryside (VNNC&C) which he
believed focused mainly on „large‟ attractions in the district and that most of the
tourism providers were small and bespoke. This meant that often the information
being circulated was not a true reflection of the district and that the DMO should work
on varying their promotion. He also commented on the traffic infrastructure in Wells,
which he believed to be inadequate, and would need to be dealt with to improve
tourist accessibility in the town. The Chief Executive replied to the concerns around
the DMO, explaining that previously they had had some employee issues however
that she was now very hopeful for an improved, dynamic service. She also explained
that NNDC and VNNC&C (the DMO) had a service level agreement, which meant
that whilst NNDC could not tell VNNC&C how to work as a business, NNDC could
monitor their performance. She also explained that she had heard excellent things
about the new Brand Manager Lucy Downing at Visit East Anglia, who all of the
DMO‟s promotional activity had been outsourced to. She also explained that as two
members, Russell Wright and Paul Williams sat on the board at the DMO, NNDC had
a lot of input and it was very much a collaborative effort.
Ms V Gay also commented on the Destination Management Organisation report,
querying why there was such an absence of information regarding arts and culture,
for example museum visitor numbers and arts events. She suggested that these
were an important part of the spectrum of tourism in the district and should be
included.
Mrs A Green asked why the networking event „Day Out in North Norfolk‟ was not
being run any more. The Economic Development Officer replied that whilst they
weren‟t holding the one day event any longer, they were holding a number of
networking events across the district, with the website launch date at Burnham
Market being the first of such events.
Ms V Gay queried if NNDC was still the largest contributor to the Destination
Management Organisation. The Economic Development Officer replied that yes they
were. Ms V Gay queried why, if this was the case, the launch event for the website
was being held outside of the district. The Economic Development Officer replied that
other areas contributed and that the event also had business sponsorship and
contributions from Visit East Anglia. The Chief Executive also explained that their
contributions to the DMO reduced over each budgetary year, and that as part of
outsourcing to the private sector, NNDC had less control over their activities but
could still monitor them. The Growth and Communities Manager also commented
that it didn‟t matter so much where the events were held so long as North Norfolk
was well represented at these events, to ensure effective promotion.
Mrs P Grove-Jones agreed with other comments around reports and activities
focusing on the „big 5‟ towns. She also commented that the Broads were not
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
4
20 May 2014
mentioned. The Leader agreed that these were all valid points and that he would
share members‟ concerns with the portfolio holder.
The Chairman thanked officers and members for their comments.
171. ADOPTION OF EGMERE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ORDER
The Leader of the council introduced this report. He explained that this report
recognised the final adoption of the development order which would bring business and
industry to the local area. He also explained the report was due for approval at Full
Council. The Chairman invited members to ask questions.
1. Mr P Terrington commented that he was happy to support the project, but also that
the authority should keep in mind any financial risk with regards to the project. Mr R
Reynolds agreed that he was also very supportive of the project and that it sat in the
Wells/ Fakenham corridor which would be beneficial for both communities. The
Leader echoed these comments, agreeing the project would be beneficial for the
district. With regards to the element of financial risk, he commented that this was at
a low level, as the district was not building anything, but rather enabling building. He
also explained they would continue to push for a speed limit reduction on the site.
The Chief Executive reiterated this, commenting that as it was recognised in the
LEP it was a good opportunity to attract inward investment.
The committee noted their support for the project.
172. NORTH NORFOLK ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Deputy Leader introduced this item. He explained that the plan was as tabled,
providing a framework to support communities and the budget via an efficient use of
assets. He explained that table 1 on page 47 detailed the number of assets which fell
under Good or Satisfactory condition, which was currently at a good level, particularly
considering the storm surge in December. The Chairman invited members to ask
questions.
1. Mr E Seward referred to page 42 of the Asset Management Plan, asking for more
information regarding development opportunities in North Walsham. He also referred
to page 56 which discussed value for money; querying what category C and D
referred to with regards to the North Walsham Barn and Yard. The Chief Executive
replied that with regards to development opportunities in North Walsham, they would
be considering the best use of assets with benefit to the community, encouraging all
the groups involved in asset holding to have a wider view of asset usage. She
explained that at the moment, there were no specific proposals for usage in place.
The Head of Assets and Leisure replied with regards to the North Walsham Barn
and Yard was an old depot which was currently used for storage which had potential
for development at the moment.
2. Mr P Terrington requested that local members be invited to the Asset board
meetings when there was a disposal in their ward. He also queried the council‟s
policy on acquisitions, asking if these were taking into account budgetary concerns.
The Head of Assets and Leisure replied with regards to the acquisitions policy,
explaining that the authority would have to be more inventive with their investments,
ensuring that there was value for money and they were creating an invest to save
opportunity. The Chief Executive commented that this was the early stages of the
property investment strategy, explaining they had a property portfolio already,
however none in the district. She further explained that they would only invest where
they could create a saving, for example where enforcement action had been taken.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
5
20 May 2014
3. The Chairman commented that it would be useful to revisit this item in due course,
particularly with regards to the attempts to get different groups (such as the county
council, the police and fire service and the district council) to work together for the
benefit of communities. The committee agreed with this.
The committee noted the details of the report.
173. CAR PARKING UPDATE
The Deputy Leader introduced this item. He explained the report outlined a
comprehensive overview following the Scrutiny request in February 2014. The Chairman
then invited members to ask questions.
1. Mr E Seward made an observation that this report included significantly more
information that previously. He commented that it was interesting that about 6 of the
car parks brought in approximately two-thirds of the income, whereas there was a
low level of profit in North Walsham. He suggested that members should apply more
sensitivity to charging, potentially considering a reduction at certain times of the year
and in different towns.
2. Mr P Terrington commended the report for its detail and reiterated his concerns
about infrastructure in Wells; whilst there were only 180 spaces the town produced
significant income. He explained that there was a need to look at the town in an
integrated way, particularly with ties into the asset plan. He also commented that
there was a need to consider appropriate traffic management in the town.
3. The Deputy Leader responded to both of these concerns in turn. With regards to Mr
E Seward‟s request that tiered parking be considered, he explained that this was
already in existence and this had to be balanced with a feeling of „fairness‟ for the
coastal towns which were levied at a higher charge. With regards to Mr P
Terrington‟s point regarding integrated working, he agreed that this was necessary,
and the district was currently in consultation with the County Council regarding on
street parking in Cromer and Sheringham, with a consultation for Wells coming later
in the year.
4. Mrs B McGoun referred to Albert Street car park in Holt, which showed a large
income, which, in comparison to Stalham, which had a very low income, did not
make paid parking seem worth it. The Deputy Leader commented that in towns
where there was no free parking it did raise the authority‟s income. This also took
place in towns, such as Sheringham where there was free parking but this reached
saturation, meaning visitors had to also use paid parking. He commented that
should Stalham see significant regeneration, it would improve their parking income.
5. Mr N Smith commented that comparatively, north Norfolk was a cheaper area for
parking. He also commented that in North Walsham, as there were two free car
parks there would be no need for visitors to park elsewhere.
6. Mr P High thanked the report authors for discussing Holt. He explained that there
were currently 5 proposals for new car parks in Holt, and queried if he could be
updated as to their status. The Chief Executive replied that with regards to the
Budgens car park, there had been no formally proposal formally lodged as of yet.
With regards to Station Yard, there was a general feeling that this would be a
preferable location for decking, however there was also no proposal for this site at
the moment; therefore the sequential test did not apply.
7. Mrs P Grove-Jones referred to parking in Stalham, commenting that she was
grateful for parking space in the town. She further commented that she believed
charging could be removed, or alternatively the assets could be sold to the town.
8. The Chairman queried what the cost of maintaining a parking space was, and
whether, in towns with a low income, this was worthwhile. The Chief Executive
replied that they could find out for the committee.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6
20 May 2014
9. Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds queried how the £5 tickets were promoted. The Property
Business Manager replied that they were promoted through leaflets and the website,
and that visitors could buy the ticket in any coastal car park and this would be valid
in any other coastal car park.
10. Mrs B McGoun commented at parking at NNDC, believing that members should
attempt to not park in the visitor car park, in order to leave these spaces open to
customers.
11. Ms V Gay commented on the report in general, thanking and commending officers
for providing what the committee had asked for.
The Chairman thanked officers for their hard work on the excellent report, commenting
that the committee was very grateful. The Committee noted the report.
174. NORTH NORFOLK BIG SOCIETY FUND
The Leader introduced this item in the absence of the portfolio holder. He explained that
the funding for the Big Society Fund was under threat as the county council was
considering rescinding their allocation to the district of the second homes money they
collected through council tax. He explained that he was lobbying the county in the hopes
of retaining this funding and would keep members up to date with progress. With
regards to the fund itself, the board had done some excellent work over the year and the
annual report recognised this.
1. Mr P Terrington declared an „other‟ interest as board member of Homes for Wells.
He went on to reiterate the Leader‟s comments, believing a loss of this funding to be
devastating to the district, particularly as it had allowed the building of affordable
homes in Wells.
2. Mr P High and Mr R Reynolds also reiterated the points of the Leader, wishing him
well in lobbying for the continuance of the funding.
3. Mr J Perry-Warnes commented that the Health and Communities Officer had
produced an excellent letter regarding the fund and queried if this had been sent to
parish councils. The Growth and Communities Manager replied that yes it had, but if
parishes had not received the letter it could be resent.
4. Mr E Seward commented that he had previously had a conversation with the Health
and Communities Officer, querying why there had been so little funding allocations
to the North Walsham area, and that the team should consider the issues towns face
in presenting a successful bid. He surmised that smaller villages seemed to have a
larger impact- and success rate- in the fund. With regards to the funding cut, he
commented that as no formal agreement existed between the county and district
council, which made the funding vulnerable, and there should be a clearer
agreement in the future. He commented that as a county councillor, if the budget in
the following year did not include provision for the district council‟s funding, he may
not support the budget.
5. Ms V Gay implored county and district councillors not to lose sight of why the district
was allocated the second homes funding in the first place; that, as a location with a
significant level of second homes as well as rural isolation, the funding acted as
compensation for losses in funding in other council tax returns.
6. The Chairman commented on Mr E Seward‟s previous remark regarding North
Walsham bids, suggesting that if the town had a low quality of bids then local
members should be assisting community groups in improving these bids to improve
their success rate.
7. Mr E Seward suggested that the approval of a formal motion regarding funding may
be useful. The following was proposed:
“The committee notes with concern the proposed cuts to second homes funding,
which is a very valuable source of income which the district can not afford to lose.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
7
20 May 2014
The committee asks that the Leader and other members of the council do whatever
they can to mitigate and lobby against this change in funding.”
Mrs B McGoun seconded this proposal and it was unanimously approved.
The committee noted the report.
175. ENFORCEMENT BOARD UPDATE
The Deputy Leader introduced this item. He explained that the report was as tabled and
that the Enforcement Board were currently doing an excellent job. The Chairman invited
members to ask questions.
1. Mr P Terrington requested that when the Enforcement Board was discussing an
issue in their ward that local members be invited. The Deputy Leader replied that as
it was information of a confidential nature, often members could not be invited. The
Corporate Director further commented that practically speaking, as the board
discussed anywhere up to 50 cases across the district at one time, inviting all those
local members to attend would not be suitable. However if local members did have
concerns or queries, they could be passed on to the board and dealt with quickly.
2. Mr E Seward made a number of observations regarding the update, commenting
there was significant progress on a number of properties. He explained that a
number of the properties, particularly where there were limited legislative powers to
enforce, presented the „unacceptable face of capitalism‟ and were damaging for
communities. The Corporate Director replied that with regards to one particular
property, 4a Market Street, they were making progress and were currently in contact
with the demolition company. There was hope that the details would be worked
through and progress would be made soon.
3. The Deputy Leader discussed the 150% council tax levy on empty homes,
explaining that at July last year there had been 197 properties which met this
requirement, and currently there were 171. However he explained that of these, 126
had left „empty homes‟ status and 100 had entered it, which he believed suggested
the 150% levy had significant impact and acted as an incentive for owners.
4. Mr R Reynolds commented that he dealt with the Enforcement Board a lot, and that
the whole team had been very effective and helpful when he had contacted them.
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds reiterated this, and thanked the Enforcement Board for
their exceptional hard work.
5. Mrs B McGoun asked for information regarding the Broads hotel. The Corporate
Director replied that the cottage on the site would be on the market from the 26 May,
and the same would be true of the hotel following a section106 agreement. He
commented that there were positive signs for a good chance of development.
6. Ms V Gay enquired if it was feasible to request the costs of enforcement action. The
Corporate Director replied that with regards to some, particularly those with charging
notices, this information would be in the public domain and easy to access. However
with other properties, where there had been numerous enforcement actions which
involved different departments, it would be more difficult to collate this information.
7. The Chairman commended the report but requested that the format of the report be
updated so that the most recent properties facing enforcement were highest on the
list. The Corporate Director replied that this would be looked into.
176. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
The Democratic Services Team Leader introduced this item. She drew attention the
additional scrutiny meeting input for the 22 July in order to cover the committee‟s
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
8
20 May 2014
requests for housing scrutiny, explaining that upcoming housing reports, as well as
attendance of the Victory Housing Trust, would take place at this committee meeting.
The Chairman commented it may be useful for other housing trusts to attend also.
The meeting concluded at 12.17pm
____________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
9
20 May 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)
10
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)
11
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)
12
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
18 June 2014
Agenda No. 18
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
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, a table is provided at
Appendix B.
3.
The Work Programme and Future Topics
The Work Programme is found at Appendix A. As agreed at the last meeting,
an additional committee meeting has been scheduled for 22 July. This will
focus specifically on housing.
The North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust has contacted us about
giving a presentation to members on the proposals for restoration of
through navigation of the canal. The Chairman has agreed that this
session will take place at the September meeting and it will be open to all
members.
13
Appendix A
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME 2014/2015
Period June 2014 – October 2014
June
Stephen Bett, Police and Crime
Commissioner
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Louise Wolsey
Wyndham Northam
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
Requested
Local Investment StrategyRequest for Loan from
Broadland Housing
Association
Car Parking Management and
Pricing
Nicola Turner
Wyndham Northam
Completion of Local
Investment Strategy
Duncan Ellis
Maxine Collis
Rhodri Oliver
Requested
Energy Strategy
Steve Blatch
Tom FitzPatrick
Planning service – Overview
& future
Nicola Baker
Benjie Cabbell-Manners
Council Decision
(Moved from May at request
of HoS)
(Moved from March- at
request of HoS)
Police and Crime
Commissioner Q and A
Outturn Report
Performance ManagementAnnual Report
Debt Management- Annual
Report
Treasury ManagementAnnual Report
Annual
Council Decision
Annual
Council Decision
Annual
Council Decision
Annual
Council Decision
July
14
Waste Update
Business Transformation
Project- Six Monthly Update
Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act- Policy
July
Nick Baker
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Nick Baker
Sean Kelly
Tom FitzPatrick
Nick Baker
Angie-Fitch Tillett
6 monthly cyclical
Requested by the committee
Cyclical
Annual
Moved to allow time for
inspection
MEETING
HOUSING
Victory Housing- To answer
questions before the
committee
Homelessness Strategy
SCRUTINY
John Archibald
Lisa Grice
Requested
Housing Allocations Scheme
Nicola Turner
Rhodri Oliver
Annual (Requested)
Sustainable Housing
Summary
Nicola Turner
Rhodri Oliver
Requested
Presentation on North
Walsham and the Dilham
Canal
Mental Health Update
Ivan Cane, Canal Trust Archivist
September
Maureen Orr
Environmental Health- update Steve Hems
following restructure
James Wilson
including provision of
Angie Fitch-Tillett
service, impact of inspections
15
Requested
Requested
on voluntary groups, and the
role of environmental health
in the tourist industry.
Budget Monitoring Period 4
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Leisure Services – an
overview of the leisure
services across the District –
to include costings, input by
stakeholders, profit etc.
Also figures on running of
Pier Theatre and Openwide
contract
Profile of those using leisure
centres
Karl Read
Glyn Williams
Requested by the committee
Budget Monitoring Period 6
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Performance Management Q1
Financial Strategy
Cyclical
Cyclical
October
November
Treasury Management Half
Yearly Report
Cyclical
TBC
Customer Service Update
Customer Access Strategy
Nick Baker
Glyn Williams
Nick Baker
16
Annual
Glyn Williams
17
Information for North Norfolk District Council Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Language Line
In 2011/12 the Trust spent £7,010.88 on language line. The cost per minute is £1.25.
North Norfolk performance and activity
A8 performance (%)
A19 performance (%)
Total number of red
calls
Total number of
green calls
Total number of GP
urgent calls
2008
57.25
84.87
3035
2009
54.98
83.65
4449
2010
51.95
82.72
5117
2011
52.11
80.60
4937
2012
48.64
72.40
4380
6201
9111
8873
9862
10288
1756
2456
2339
2007
1767
Ambulance deployed from outside Norfolk into North Norfolk
We can only extract information from our system that shows ambulances from outside the Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk area that are
deployed into North Norfolk. Since March this year, there have been eight incidents when an ambulance from outside the Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridgeshire area have been deployed into north Norfolk. All of these were stood down en route.
18