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.

To consider and approve, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting

held on 13 September 2016.

The minutes of the meetings held on 13 September 2016 were submitted,

approved and signed by the Chairman.

Report C/16/69 The Dover Road Bin Pilot Scheme is a project that has sought to address the ongoing waste and fly tipping issues in 45-95 Dover Road. Following an investment of £20,000 towards the scheme, this report now presents a scheme evaluation and conclusion.

Report C/16/69 The Dover Road Bin Pilot Scheme is a project that has

sought to address the ongoing waste and fly tipping issues in 45-95 Dover

Road. Following an initial investment of £20,000 towards the scheme, this report now presents a scheme evaluation and conclusion.

Members asked a number of questions relating to the following:

·         Additional budget of £20,000 was put aside to support the Dover Road bin pilot scheme but only £13,000 was spent due to a solid procurement process.

·         Additional cameras would provide more surveillance and continue to help reduce fly tipping and aid investigations for prosecution purposes. The existing hotspot camera is currently overseen by Lifeline. The cameras are not monitored on a continuous basis. Footage is only reviewed if an incident is reported. Maintenance issues are minimal and covered from existing resources once the guarantee had come to an end.

·         The Dover Road Community hub in partnership with the Waste Services team will continue to provide information and leaflets to local residents. Waste Services will ensure bins are clearly marked with visual pictorial information informing residents of what can and cannot go into them.

·         Members were encouraged by the introduction of a £300 FPN for fly tipping. There is no current facility to have a reduction in early payment of Fixed Penalty Notices, which falls in line with the Council’s Enforcement Policy.  Most fly tipping is as a result of business waste and the FPN will provide a quick and effective tool for enforcement.

Officers continue to monitor and investigate issues across the district. Local intelligence helps highlight any hot spot areas. Whilst CCTV provides a good determent to fly tipping, it is appreciated that CCTV cannot be installed everywhere in the district. Councillors expressed a number of issues and asked that particular attention is paid to Cheriton and Romney Marsh wards.

Proposed by Councillor David Owen

Seconded by Councillor Peter Gane and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/69.

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 2)

Report C/16/56 sets out to review and improve the allocation, administration and effectiveness of Council expenditure to ensure better transparency, value for money, sustainability and more positive and targeted outcomes led by ward members in partnership with their communities.

Report C/16/56 sets out to review and improve the allocation,

administration and effectiveness of Council expenditure to ensure better

transparency, value for money, sustainability and more positive and

targeted outcomes led by ward members in partnership with their

communities.

Officers presented members with the background to this report explaining that following a survey of members and officers, Ward Profiles are currently underused with data quickly becoming outdated. Only 4 of the 13 wards had completed Ward Plans and applied for funding.  It is therefore the intention to develop one district wide profile, working alongside other colleagues and professionals to identify priority issues for the district’s communities.

Members asked to be involved in the future task and finish group  to establish an online community asset resource.

Members were pleased to see an increase in ward budgets to £3000 and although the Community Chest will continue, albeit at a reduced rate, members were pleased to see this will continue in the district for a further year.

Members were pleased to see an additional £35,000 allocated to provide support for those wards and communities where inequalities and deprivation are at the highest level.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Claire Jeffrey

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Rodica Wheeler and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/56.

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 2)

Report C/16/61provides a projection of the end of year financial position of the General Fund revenue budget, based on expenditure to the 31 August 2016.

Report C/16/61provides a projection of the end of year financial position of

the General Fund revenue budget, based on expenditure to the 31 August

2016.

Members noted the significant movements outlined in the report paying particular attention to the following:

·         Housing Benefits budgets – it was noted that claims are in-line with previous years and the DWP have provided reassurances in respect of reimbursing the council, officers have taken into account the level of income expected with no significant changes.

·         Revenues and Benefits administration – members were informed that the new structure will deliver budget savings, anticipated early 2017.

·         Reduction in interest and investment income – members were informed that Oportunitas are still searching for the right opportunities and investments and the intention is still to use money appropriately for returns to Council.

·         Hythe Pool – the final figure in respect of repair costs to date will be provided to members following the meeting.

Proposed by Councillor Clive Goddard

Seconded by Councillor Mrs Claire Jeffrey and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/61.

(Voting: For 6; Against 0; Abstentions 2)

Report C/16/62 provides a projection of the latest financial position for the General Fund capital programme, based on expenditure to 31 August 2016. The report identifies variances on planned capital expenditure for the General Fund in 2016/17.

Report C/16/62 provides a projection of the latest financial position for the

General Fund capital programme, based on expenditure to 31 August

2016. The report identifies variances on planned capital expenditure for

the General Fund in 2016/17.

Proposed by Councillor David Owen

Seconded by Councillor Peter Simmons and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/62.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

Report C/16/63 provides a projection of the end of year financial position for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue expenditure and HRA capital programme based on net expenditure to 31 August 2016

Report C/16/63 provides a projection of the end of year financial position

for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue expenditure and HRA

capital programme based on net expenditure to 31 August 2016.

Members noted the projected outturn and the projected decrease in net expenditure as shown in the report.

Proposed by Councillor Peter Simmons

Seconded by Councillor David Owen  and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/63.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

Report C/16/60 provides an update on the council’s treasury management activities that have taken place during 2016/17 against the agreed strategy for the year. The report also provides an update on the prudential indicators for capital expenditure, borrowing and treasury approved by Council earlier this year.

Report C/16/60 provides an update on the council’s treasury management

activities that have taken place during 2016/17 against the agreed strategy

for the year. The report also provides an update on the prudential

indicators for capital expenditure, borrowing and treasury approved by

Council earlier this year.

Officers provided members with an overview highlighting the following:

·         Economic update – the economic outlook changed significantly following the EU referendum but current levels are being met.

·         Debt and borrowing – this is within the limits set.

·         Investments – CCLA Local Authority Property Fund, some reductions to reflect concerns but still in-line with targets.

Proposed by Councillor Peter Simmons

Seconded by Councillor David Owen and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/60.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 0)

Report C/16/67 provides an update on the Council’s performance for the first quarter of 2016/17, covering 1^st April 2016 to 30^th June 2016.  The report enables the Council to assess progress against the approved performance indicators for each service area. 

Report C/16/67 provides an update on the Council’s performance for the

first quarter of 2016/17, covering 1st April 2016 to 30th June 2016. The

report enables the Council to assess progress against the approved

performance indicators for each service area.

The Committee paid particular attention to:

·         PCN’s issued to foreign vehicles and agreed that officers provide a more detailed indicator in future. It was requested that officers look at the legislation with regard to clamping foreign vehicles and feedback.

·         Benefits performance – members were informed that benefit officers were working more effectively and working over and above targets set.

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Rodica Wheeler and

Resolved:

1.         To receive and note Report C/16/67.

(Voting: For 8; Against 0; Abstentions 0)