Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs Linda Neal.

(Enclosure)

The minutes of the meeting held on 1st July 2013 were agreed as a correct record of the decisions taken subject to CO10 2) being worded:

• Cabinet approve the inclusion of the additional lender Teachers Building Society having taken into consideration the information provided in the report.

None disclosed.

Report ENV588 from the Operations Director.

(Enclosure)

Decision:

Cabinet notes the outcomes of the consultation process and approves the Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy for 2013-2018.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)    Report ENV588 from the Operations Director.

2)    The policy covered assistance for the most vulnerable, encouragement for empty homes to get back into use and guarantees that standards were maintained in private rented and registered social landlord accommodation through advice and enforcement.

3)    The policy supported the delivery of relevant outcomes contained in the Housing Strategy and the Council’s priority of Good Housing.

4)    Consultations were under taken with the Communities PDG, the Community Focus Forum, e-mails with landlords and consultation with the wider public through the website.

5)    Key elements within the policy were advice, enforcement and financial assistance.

6)    The policy would replace the decent homes grant with essential home repair assistance.

7)    A Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy is required under the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) Order 2002.

8)    Comments made to clarify the lien on properties by the Portfolio Holder Good Housing.

9)    Comments made by the Environmental Health Team Leader (Private Sector Housing on both discretionary and mandatory grants.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED

None: Authorities have a general power to provide financial assistance.  In accordance with the Regulatory Reform (Housing Assistance) (England and Wales) Order 2002 authorities are required to give assistance in accordance with a published policy. Government guidance suggests that they would consider that an authority was failing in its duty as a housing enabler and in its responsibility to consider the condition of the local private sector stock if it did not make some provision for assistance. It states that “a blanket ‘no assistance policy’, whether for grants, loans or both, would therefore be unacceptable.

Report HOF245 from the Head of Finance.

(Enclosure)

Decision:

1)              That Cabinet approves the establishment of a small business loan scheme and allocates up to £100K, from the provision agreed in the 2013/14 budget for the formation of a fund. 

2)              A Board for considering applications to be established. Membership to comprise of the Grow the Economy - Economic Development Portfolio Holder, Well Run Council- Strategic Resources Portfolio Holder, the Chairman of the Resources PDG or a Member nominated by him and an officer from Economic Development.

3)              That the proposed criteria contained within report HOF245 be approved in respect of applications for Hardship relief.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

1)              Report HOF245 from the Head of Finance.

2)              Council, at its meeting on 1 March 2013, approved the introduction of a budget in order to assist and respond to the local economy during the current financial climate and allocated up to £100K.   

3)              Small Business Loan Scheme - 15% of businesses in South Kesteven were small or medium sized with the majority employing less than 16 people.

4)              Due to the current financial climate many SME businesses were suffering from a lack of access to finance as banks had been reluctant to lend money.  The proposed scheme would be used to match similar levels of capital investment by firms and banks with the Council contributing one third.

5)              Hardship relief – this initiative complimented a suite of Economic Development and business development packages being delivered by the Council.

6)              The Council had a discretionary power under Section 49 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, in exceptional circumstances, to reduce all or part of a business rates bill.

7)              Comments made about the need to promote both schemes.

8)              Comments made about the financial impact of the hardship scheme across the County.

9)              Comments made about the composition of the board and substitution.

The Portfolio Holder Healthy Environment informed Cabinet that he had made an Urgent Non Key Decision.

Decision:   

To grant approval to award the contract for the provision of Receiving, Sorting and Marketing of Materials for Recycling for South Kesteven District Council for the period of 5th August 2013 to the 2nd August 2014 to Mid UK Recycling Limited.

As this was an Urgent Non Key decision the call-in procedure did not apply and the decision was effective from:

5th August 2013.

Decisions CO15 and CO16 as made on 5th August 2013 can be implemented by Wednesday 14th August unless subject to call-in by the Scrutiny Committee Chairman or any five members of the Council from any political group.

Decision CO17 is effective from 5th August 2013 and due to urgency is not subject to the call-in procedure.