Meeting documents

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 April 2017, copy attached as an appendix.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of 11 April, 2017, be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of 11 April, 2017, be approved as a correct record.

Local residents and non-Cabinet Members were given an opportunity to ask questions of Cabinet Members and Directors.

A local resident commented on the apparently disjointed approach taken by Openreach to the provision of super fast broad band in the village.  It was reported that this had been provided as part of the first phase of the "connected counties" programme.  Officers would explore whether or not Openreach could be persuaded to return as the village had originally been included within the first phase but the provision had been inconsistent.  The County Council might be persuaded to meet the cost from the funds set aside for the first phase, although it was not possible to say whether or not this was a viable proposition.

As referred to elsewhere in these Minutes, a District Councillor who was a member of the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee referred to the discussions at the last meeting of the Committee concerning the provision of more electric vehicle charging points, perhaps via the emerging VALP.  These comments were dealt in connection with the consideration given later during the evening to the updated Sustainable Travel Plan.

Lastly, the Leader gave an update on the latest position concerning the bid to create two unitary authorities within Buckinghamshire – one based upon AVDC’s administrative boundary covering the north of the District and the other based on the combined boundaries of Chiltern, Wycombe and South Bucks District Councils, covering the south of the County.  The Leader thanked the Parish Council for its support for this Council’s position and indicated that nothing further had as yet been heard from the Secretary of State.  AVDC had however asked the DCLG to provide this Council with the same information apparently made available to Buckinghamshire County Council.

Councillor Mordue

Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Compliance

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Jan Roffe (01296) 585186

(a)          Decision(s)

That the recommendation of the New Homes Bonus Advisory Grants Panel to award a grant of £102,225 to Haddenham Parish Council for a community path be approved.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

The NHB Advisory Grants Panel had previously decided that the project should be supported but had felt that further detailed information was required before a firm recommendation could be made to Cabinet.  That information had now been received (as set out in the Cabinet report) and the Panel was satisfied that the project complied with the grants criteria.  Funds had been set aside in anticipation of the receipt of the additional information requested.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

Not to fund the scheme.  However, it was felt that the project now met the Panel’s requirements for the release of the grant funds and Cabinet concurred with this view.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

In September, 2016, the New Homes Bonus (NHB) Advisory Grants Panel had considered an application from Haddenham Parish Council for a grant towards the provision of a cycleway linking Haddenham with Aylesbury.  The Panel had supported the scheme, but had felt that the level of information was insufficient.  The Panel had ring fenced funds for the project, reserving its decision until receipt of the additional information required.

That information had now been provided and the scheme had been adjusted to the provision of a community path, with a shortened route.  Funding was now required to hard surface an existing section of bridleway to provide a 1km useable community path.  This would be used by pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists.  The path would also provide a safe route for residents of Stone and Dinton wishing to attend Haddenham medical centre.

The Panel had accordingly agreed to recommend a grant of £102,225 and Cabinet concurred with this recommendation.  It was therefore,

RESOLVED –

That a grant of £102,225 be made to Haddenham Parish Council for a community path as outlined above.

Councillor Mordue

Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Compliance

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Jan Roffe (01296) 585186

(a)          Decision(s)

(1)  That the original NHB funding scheme be continued without any change.

(2)  That the NHB funding scheme criteria be expanded to include a "microgrants" scheme as described in the Cabinet report, subject to a minor amendment to the proposed criteria to the effect that it would apply to projects costing up to £10,000, and the removal of the requirement that the project should demonstrate a link to growth, which in the case of small Parishes might preclude consideration for assistance.

(3)  That the operation of the "microgrants" scheme be reviewed in twelve months time.

(b)          Reason(s) for Decision(s)

The changes to the New Homes Bonus Scheme at a national level and the closure of the Community Chest scheme have presented an opportunity to review the NHB Parish Funding Scheme.  The above decision will enable the scheme to be more inclusive, allowing smaller Parishes to benefit from the funding available.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

To maintain the status quo.  However, it has been identified that amending the scheme as described in the Cabinet report will extend the range of Parish orientated organisations that might be helped.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Finance and Services.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

The Government had introduced the New Homes Bonus (NHB) in 2011.  The scheme had been designed to ensure that the economic benefits of housing growth were returned to those councils and communities where that growth had taken place.  Under the scheme, for every new home built and occupied in Aylesbury Vale, and for every long term empty home brought back into use, the Government would give the Council a non ring fenced NHB grant each year for six years.  However, following concerns as to the affordability of the national scheme, the Government had now reduced the number of years in which payments were made to five years in 2017/18 and to four years in 2018/19.

The decision to reduce the number of years during which payments were made affected the amount that the Council received and therefore the amount that the Council was able to pass onto communities under its NHB funding scheme.  The changes at a national level had presented an opportunity to review the NHB Funding Scheme.

Cabinet was reminded of the criteria for the original Scheme and the composition of the Panel, which included District and Parish Councillors.  The Panel submitted recommendations to Cabinet for formal approval.

A schedule of the schemes funded via the scheme since its inception was submitted from which it was noted that the level of grants had ranged from £2,600 to £500,000.  Initial observations on the operation of the scheme showed that for the most part, applications tended to be from the larger Parishes.  The resource requirements for compiling a compelling business case were fairly intensive.  Secondly, the impact of growth on individual communities was often difficult to determine objectively.  Thirdly, there was the issue of determining whether to fund schemes which could be viewed as the responsibility of another public agency.  Cabinet had thus far endorsed the view of the Panel that whilst a scheme might be the responsibility of another statutory agency, the rules permitted allocating funding.  Realistically there was often little chance of the other agency being in a position to fund such a scheme.

The Community Chest scheme had recently ended after ten years.  The scheme had been introduced as part of the arrangements for the housing stock transfer.  There was no successor scheme and it had become apparent that there was a need for the NHB scheme to be more inclusive, i.e. available to both large and small Parishes.  It had been recognised in particular that in smaller villages, it was often voluntary and community organisations that contributed towards/ provided the Parish infrastructure.

With this in mind, and having regard to the opportunity to review the operation of the NHB funding scheme in the light of Government changes, Cabinet considered a modification to the scheme to enable "microgrants" to be made towards smaller projects.  The scheme would be designed to be more inclusive of smaller Parishes and voluntary/community sector organisations, who had experienced difficulty benefitting from the current scheme.

The grants would be made available for such  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Alan Asbury (01296) 585112

(a)          Decision(s)

That the production of the updated Sustainable Travel Plan be noted and that the views expressed by the Environment and Living Scrutiny be taken into account in relation to the importance of ensuring that provision was made for the provision of electric charging points in new developments within the context of  the VALP. 

(b)       Reason(s) for Decision(s)

To facilitate continuance of the Council’s aspiration to pursue initiatives designed to mitigate climate change.

This matter was considered by the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee which had felt that the demand for EV charging points was likely to grow over the next few years and that there would be merit in emerging  planning policy documents taking account of this fact.  The Chairman of the Committee attended the meeting and elaborated upon the Committee’s deliberations.  Another Member of that Committee also attended and spoke on this item during the non-Cabinet Member question time.

It was confirmed that the emerging VALP would deal with the provision of EV charging points within new developments.  It was also noted that officers would, in partnership with other relevant agencies, actively pursue the collection of empirical evidence of the demand for more on street EV charging points, thus enabling full advantage to be taken of Government funding incentives.

Officers would also explore the feasibility of avoiding wherever possible the removal of EV charging points from new development schemes during negotiations around the facilities to be provided in accordance with S106 agreements.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

Not to update the travel plan, but this would be contrary to the Council’s aspirations as indicated in (b) above.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  As mentioned above that Committee had received a similar report at its meeting on 13 June, 2017, and  the above decision takes account of the views expressed by that Committee.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

Cabinet received a report, considered also by the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee on 13 June, 2017, and summarised in the Minutes of that meeting, concerning the updated Sustainable Travel Plan.

The Plan was in two parts – a travel plan and an action plan.  The former set out activities, measures and targets and the action plan set out the methods by which these aims would be achieved.  The Scrutiny Committee had been supportive of both documents, but had commented that it would be useful if the planning policy documents associated with the emerging Vale of Aylesbury Plan (VALP) made provision for the inclusion of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in new developments, given the likely increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road over the next few years.  The Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee and another member of that Committee elaborated upon the Committee’s deliberations.

The Cabinet Member for Strategic Growth confirmed that the VALP made provision for the inclusion of electric vehicle charging points in new developments.  It was confirmed also that officers, working in partnership with other agencies, would pursue the gathering of empirical evidence of the demand for on-street EV charging points, thus enabling full advantage to be taken of Government incentives.  It was further indicated that the feasibility of avoiding wherever possible the removal of EV charging points from new developments during discussions around the facilities to be included within S106 agreements would be explored.

Accordingly. It was,

RESOLVED –

(1)  That the updated Sustainable Travel Plan be approved for publication and the Officers continue to pursue the provision of more EV charging points in accordance with the discussions outlined above.

(2)  That the Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its helpful input to this particular subject.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Alan Asbury (01296) 585112

(a)          Decision(s)

That the position on the Council’s progress with addressing climate change through emission’s reductions be noted and officers be asked to continue to work towards seeking reductions in the Council’s carbon footprint and hence assist the Council to achieve significant financial savings.

            Reason(s) for Decision(s)

The Cabinet report provides all Members with an update on the progress made by the Council in this area of activity.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None as such.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  That Committee received a similar report at its meeting on 13 June, 2017.  The Committee had been supportive of the work being done to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

Cabinet considered a report also submitted to the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee on 13 June, 2017, and summarised in the Minutes of that meeting, giving an update on the achievements of the Council towards reducing Carbon Dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions against agreed climate change reduction targets.

The Council had committed to tackling climate change in 2008 following the publication of its first Carbon Management Plan. This had proposed a 22% reduction in Carbon Dioxide emissions by 2013.  This had been achieved one year earlier and the Council had then set itself an ambitious target of reaching a 34% reduction by 2020.  The most recently independently audited figures demonstrated that the Council had exceeded this target a full four years earlier.  As at April, 2016, the figure was 36.6%.

The Scrutiny Committee had been supportive of both the work already undertaken and that planned to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

RESOLVED –

That the position be noted and officers be asked to continue to work towards seeking reductions in the Council’s carbon footprint in order to address climate change and achieve financial savings to help sustain its operations.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Alan Asbury (01296) 585112

(a)          Decision(s)

That the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) update report be noted and published.

            Reason(s) for Decision(s

            Production and publication of the Council’s HECA report is a mandatory requirement for District Councils.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  That Committee had received a similar report at its meeting on 13 June, 2017.  The Committee had been supportive of the work being done by the Council to address issues such as affordable warmth and fuel policy.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

Cabinet received a report, also submitted to the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee on 13 June, 2017, providing an update on the production and submission of its Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA) report.

The production and publication of this report was a mandatory requirement for all district councils across the UK and had to be carried out every other year.  The Scrutiny Committee had been supportive of the work undertaken.

RESOLVED –

That the production of the updated HECA report be approved for publication.

Councillor Sir Beville Stanier

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Alan Asbury (01296) 585112

(a)          Decision(s)

That the updated Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) addressing climate change adaptation issues, be noted and published.

            Reason(s) for Decision(s)

            The report served as an update for all Council Members and advises of them about the work continuing to take place towards addressing solutions to improve the Council’s resilience to climate change.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Living.  That Committee received a similar report at its meeting on 13 June, 2017.  The Committee was supportive of the work being done by the Council.

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

Cabinet received a further report, also submitted to the Environment and Living Scrutiny Committee on 13 June, 2017, and summarised in the Minutes of that meeting on the production of the Council’s second Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP).

The LCLIP was a document first produced in 2008.  AVDC had been the first District Council  in the country to produce such a document.  The latest document covered the period 2008 to 2016.  The Scrutiny Committee had been supportive of the work being done to increase the resilience to changes and risks posed by climate change.

RESOLVED –

That the LCLIP update report be noted and approved for publication.

Councillor Mordue

Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Compliance

To consider the attached report.

Contact Officer:  Kate Mulhearn (01296) 585724

(a)          Decision(s)

That the Corporate Risk Register be noted and continue to be regularly reviewed by Cabinet, with particular reference to the most significant risks identified and the mitigation actions being taken.

            Reason(s) for Decision(s)

            The report provided Cabinet with an opportunity to review progress and actions associated with the Risk Register which Cabinet considered to be an essential element in the continued successful delivery and funding of services.

(c)        Alternative Options Considered

None.

(d)       Relevant Scrutiny Committee

None.  This is a matter which is reported regularly to the Audit Committee, which had previously recommended that Cabinet review risks at suitable intervals as part of its role in budget setting and monitoring.  (As this is a matter within the remit of the Audit Committee, it is not subject to call-in).

(e)        Conflicts of Interest / Dispensation(s)

None.

The Corporate Risk Register provided evidence of a "risk aware and risk managed organisation".  It recorded and considered significant risks that might affect the successful delivery of its statutory duties.  The Register reflected the risks that were on the current radar for Transition Board.  The Audit Committee had a role to monitor the effectiveness of risk management and internal control across the Council and regularly reviewed the Corporate Risk Register.  The Register was also reported to Cabinet to help inform the budget setting and monitoring process.

There were elements of the Register which were commercially sensitive and in accordance with Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public were excluded from the meeting during the consideration of these particular items.

Members commented in particular about the risks associated with business transformation but were assured that this would continue to be the subject of careful monitoring.  It was anticipated that the risks would reduce proportionately as the transformation programme became embedded within the Authority.

RESOLVED –

That The Corporate Risk Register be noted and reported regularly to Cabinet for review.