Decisions

Consideration was given to a report requesting that the Committee adopt the Managing Conflict Policy.

The policy had been designed to encourage free communication between employers and their managers to enable a quick resolution of any problems.

The Council’s Head of Human Resources,  Sarah Taylor advised Members that this had already been happening in practice but a Policy was required.   

Managers would receive training on the Policy so that they would be in a position to deal with any conflicts should they arise.

Resolved:    That the Managing Conflict Policy, as appended to the agenda, be approved.

(i)            That the Council renew its support and maintenance contract for its EDRMS with Northgate Public Sector for a further period of three years.

(ii)           That the Council conduct a full re-procurement exercise for its EDRMS software to commence approximately one year before the renewed contract ends.

(iii)          That the Council procures additional licences for the Northgate Office Connect product.

(iv)         That the Council waives its own standing orders regarding procurements over £50,000.

That the information be received.

(i)    That civil penalties for housing offences in appropriate circumstances be adopted.

(ii)   That the charging system set out in appendix A of the agenda report , which sets a civil penalty of £5000 for a first offence with multipliers of up to

£30, 000 for serious offences and reductions for some special circumstances, be approved.

(iii)  That the scheme of delegation be amended to “Power to authorise the institution / enforcement of civil proceedings under section 126 and Schedule 9 Housing and Planning Act 2016” to Head of Housing Regeneration and Assets and appropriately qualified housing officers.

(iv)That the updated Housing Enforcement Guidance 2017, set out in Appendix B of the agenda report,  to include use of civil penalties and rent repayment orders also introduced by the Housing and Planning Act 2016, be approved.

(i)            That the disposal of the land at Birch House Road, Crackley to Aspire Housing for the development of affordable housing be progressed alongside further discussions with Aspire on the nominations process and possible Local Letting Plan.

(ii)           That the Executive Director for Regeneration and Development be authorised in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing to finalise the Local Lettings Plan and nominations process with Aspire Housing.

That Option two, as outlined in the agenda report – to create a shared legal service with Stoke-on-Trent City Council be progressed.

That the contents of the agenda report be noted and the recommendation that the Council continues to monitor performance alongside the latest financial information for the same period be agreed.