Agenda and minutes

Members of the Council should declare any interests which fall under the following categories:

a)   disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b)   other significant interests (OSI);

c)   voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations of interest at the meeting.

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2020.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 July 2020 were submitted, approved and signed by the Chairman.

This report sets out the Council’s policy on the use of directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

The report set out the Council’s policy on the use of directed surveillance and covert human intelligence sources under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Proposed by Councillor Field,

Seconded by Councillor Peall; and

RESOLVED:

1.         That report C/20/34 be received and noted.

2.         That the RIPA policy and procedure, set out in appendix 1 to the report be endorsed.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

REASON FOR DECISION:

The Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations, in order to endorse the policy.

The Chairman of Oportunitas will be in attendance to present this report which  proposes a Business Plan from the Board of Oportunitas Ltd (“the company”) covering its activities through to 31 March 2022. The report also provides a summary of the company’s provisional financial outturn position for 2019/20 as well as a trading update for 2020/21. The report is in-line with the requirement contained in the Shareholder’s Agreement between the company and the Council.

The report proposed a Business Plan from the Board of Oportunitas Ltd (“the company”) covering its activities through to 31 March 2022. The report also provided a summary of the company’s provisional financial outturn position for 2019/20 as well as a trading update for 2020/21. The report is in-line with the requirement contained in the Shareholder’s Agreement between the company and the Council.

Proposed by Councillor Monk,

Seconded by Councillor Peall; and

RESOLVED:

1.           That report C/20/32 be received and noted.

2.           That the Business Plan for Oportunitas Limited be agreed for the period through to 31 March 2022.

(Voting figures: 7 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinet was asked to agree the recommendations because the Shareholder’s Agreement between the company and the Council requires a Business Plan to be approved for the next trading period.

This paper outlines the vision for the new Housing Management Service; describing the delivery principles that will provide operational clarity and accountability.  The Vision is the long term destination for the Service; the initial work being to ensure the service is built on sound systems, processes and staff on which the culture and values will be shaped and embedded within the council. The paper considers consultation feedback from the Tenant and Leaseholder Liaison Board and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The paper outlined the vision for the new Housing Management Service; describing the delivery principles that will provide operational clarity and accountability.  The Vision is the long term destination for the Service; the initial work being to ensure the service is built on sound systems, processes and staff on which the culture and values will be shaped and embedded within the council. The paper considers consultation feedback from the Tenant and Leaseholder Liaison Board and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Godfrey,

Seconded by Councillor Collier; and

RESOLVED:

1.           That the report be received and noted.

2.           That the consultation responses from the Tenant and Leaseholder Liaison Board and feedback from Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

3.           That the amendment to the Vision be noted.

4.           That the draft Vision for the Housing Management Service be approved.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstention).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

Cabinet were asked to consider the feedback from the Tenant and Leaseholder Liaison Board and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the minor amendments to the draft Vision for the Housing Management Service and approve the draft document which sets out clear principles of how the Council will operate and manage the Housing Management Service.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) is consulting on ‘Changes to the current planning system: Consultation on changes to planning policy and regulations’. The consultation sets out proposed changes to planning guidance and regulations covering: the method for assessing housing numbers; delivering affordable homes through a new First Homes scheme; supporting small- and medium-sized developers; and extension of the Permission in Principle consent regime. The report sets out draft comments, which, if approved by Cabinet, would be sent to MHCLG as the council’s response to the consultation.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) is consulting on ‘Changes to the current planning system: Consultation on changes to planning policy and regulations’. The consultation sets out proposed changes to planning guidance and regulations covering: the method for assessing housing numbers; delivering affordable homes through a new First Homes scheme; supporting small- and medium-sized developers; and extension of the Permission in Principle consent regime. The report set out draft comments, which, if approved by Cabinet, would be sent to MHCLG as the council’s response to the consultation.

Proposed by Councillor Wimble,

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Hollingsbee; and

RESOLVED:

1.          That report C/20/33 be received and noted.

2.          That the draft consultation comments set out in Appendix 1 be approved for submission to MHCLG, with any final amendments or additions agreed by the portfolio holder, in consultation with the Leader.

(Voting figures: 9 for, 0 against, 0 abstentions).

REASONS FOR DECISION:

That Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s views on the consultation are provided to MHCLG so that they can be considered by Government before any changes are introduced.