Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Northcott.

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved:     That the Minutes of the meeting held on 16 October, 2019 be

agreed as a correct record.

(i)            That the successful progress achieved in protecting the Boroughs public spaces from unauthorised encampments be noted.

(ii)          That the County-wide protocol proposed by Staffordshire Police be endorsed.

A report was submitted to Cabinet updating Members on the management and enforcement activity regarding unauthorised encampments across the Borough.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling, Councillor Trevor Johnson advised that the number of travellers incursions had reduced significantly since 2017.

Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 2 which listed where preventative measures had been taken, the type of deterrent and costings.

Reference was made to the draft Protocol that had been circulated to all Staffordshire District Councils for consultation.  Members were advised that the protocol was largely based on the successful approach adopted by Newcastle Borough Council over recent years.

A copy of the draft protocol was attached at page 19 of the agenda.

The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg thanked Councillor Johnson, stating that it was a work in progress with Howard Place, Westlands now being considered for preventative measures.

The stumps had made a difference.  They were a deterrent and, while some people may move them, the police had powers to evict.

Members welcomed the report and thanked the Executive Director for Operations – Dave Adams and Councillor Johnson for their work on this matter.

Resolved:     (i)         That the successful progress achieved in protecting the

Borough’s public spaces from unauthorised encampments

be noted.

(ii)          That the County-wide protocol proposed by Staffordshire Police be endorsed.

(i)        That the prospectus attached at Appendix 1 of the agenda report be approved.

(ii)       That a briefing be arranged for all members of the council on the work of Aspire Housing and its associated companies, PM training and Realise Foundation.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval of a prospectus setting out agreed areas for collaboration between the Council and Aspire Housing.

The Leader introduced the report stating that the Council had a very close working relationship with Aspire.

The Council and Aspire are keen to work closely on streetscene issues.

The new Administration wanted to build an even closer relationship, working with the LAP’s and also, PM Training who had produced artwork on the roundabouts round the town centre.

Aspire would be taking a seat on the LEP.  They are a voice both locally and nationally.

A copy of the Prospectus was attached at page 49 of the agenda.

Members welcomed the report.

Resolved:     (i)         That the prospectus attached at Appendix 1 of the agenda

report be approved.

(ii)          That a briefing be arranged for all members of the council on the work of Aspire Housing and its associated companies, PM training and Realise Foundation.

A verbal update will be given.

That the information be received.

The Leader gave a verbal update on the current position regarding Kidsgrove Sports Centre.

The Kidsgrove Sports Centre Refurbishment – Cabinet Panel met for its first meeting on 5 November, a site visit had also taken place that morning led by Mr Dave Rigby of the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group..  

The meeting had included a verbal update from Mr Rigby, a presentation from The Council’s Chief Executive Martin Hamilton and consideration of a confidential document.

The Leader was pleased with the cross-party approach of the Cabinet Panel and all Members felt encouraged by the site visit. 

Members were surprised at the sound structure of the building although the plant and equipment did need replacing.  The size of the structure in terms of its activity rooms was also encouraging.

The Leader advised that information on the Sports Centre would be included in his Statement to Full Council on 20 November.

Resolved:     That the information be received.

That the contents of the agenda report be noted and that Members continue to monitor and challenge the Council’s performance alongside its financial performance for the same period.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Stephen Sweeney updated Members on the revenue aspect of the report. Members’ attention was drawn to paragraph 3 of Appendix A which showed the Revenue Budget position and the reasons for the variance.

The Leader sated that it was a positive report for this quarter.

Councillor Sweeney referred Members to page 59 of the agenda report advising that a total of £92,500 had been invested in ‘A town centre for all’.

The Leader spoke on the performance part of the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Recycling – Councillor Trevor Johnson stated that all of the indicators relating to his Portfolio were on target.

The Leader advised that all Customer and ICT indicators were also on target. Absence figures were also improving with the Sickness Management Policy embedding into the Authority.  In addition, a new HR Manager had been appointed and would be starting work early in the new year. 

Councillor Sweeney advised that the Revenue and Benefit’s indicators were also good.

The Leader advised on the indicators for Planning on behalf of the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Growth, Councillor Paul Northcott, stating that the indicators were fairly fluid with none that were not on target where targets had been set.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, Councillor Jill Waring sated that the indicators were good.  The Leader added that the Community Safety Team had been working with partners and the numbers of rough sitters and Anti-Social Behaviour incidents had fallen.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage, Councillor Mark Holland advised that issues with J2 had impacted upon the growth of membership at the facility.  The Council had contracted Alliance Leisure to increase and retain the membership.

The Leader added that steps were being taken to deal with the condition of the building and thanked Mr Hamilton for his work on the matter.

Members’ attention was drawn to page 73 of the agenda – ‘a town centre for all’.  The Leader wanted to see businesses doing well on the run up to Christmas.  Councillor Sweeney advised Members of the free parking for late night shopping and the switching on of the Christmas lights and also the reduced rate after 3pm.

The Leader advised that the new Town Centre Officer was now in post and was already helping to invigorate the market.

Resolved:      That the contents of the agenda report be noted and that

                        Members continue to monitor and challenge the Council’s

                        performance alongside its financial performance for the same

                        period.

That the Forward Plan be received and noted.

Consideration was given to the Forward Plan which listed upcoming key decisions to be made by the Cabinet.

Resolved:     That the Forward Plan be received and noted.

There was no Urgent Business.