Decisions

The Leader, Councillor Simon Tagg stated that the Council’s main aim was to continue service delivery.

Over the last week, officers and Members had been preparing for staff absences, responding to daily government advice, and focusing on service delivery and that the democratic decision making process continues, using technology.  A Government announcement was expected to assist with that, in particular removing the need for the Annual Council meeting in May.

The Leader and Cabinet expressed their thanks to the Executive Management Team led by the Chief Executive to keep the Council in readiness to respond and to keep services functioning. The Council would play a key role in assisting businesses in line with announcements and government support.

This was a worrying time for everyone and the Leader added that the Council would do what it could to re-assure, co-ordinate and assist.

Councillor Helena Maxfield reiterated all that the Leader had said adding that the Council was doing a good job and that officers had the full support of Cabinet moving forward.

Councillor Trevor Johnson stated that the situation was being monitored at the depot in respect of waste recycling day by day to respond and keep on track.

Councillor Stephen Sweeney echoed all that had been said.

Councillor Jill Waring stated that she was confident that the Council were doing a great job in this difficult time.

That the work that has occurred to date since the last Cabinet meeting on this matter be noted and further endorse:

(i)            The scope of work that has been put forward by the Kidsgrove Community Interest Group in line with the expected 25 years life for the facility.

(ii)           The value of the target cost of £5.6m for the scheme that has been worked up with the building contractor, Willmott Dixon, and the Kidsgrove Community Interest Group.

(iii)          That an All-Party Cabinet panel will be convened on the 18^th March

2020 to consider and comment on the scope of works and the revised cost estimates.

(iv)          That further work is being undertaken to confirm the affordability and value for money offered by the scheme including consideration of whether the additional scheme costs can be accommodated within the 2020/21 capital programme through a combination of deferring or viring funding from other capital approved schemes. The local MP is also arranging a meeting with the Sports Minister to discuss additional funding that might be made available for the scheme.

(v)           That officers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate and Service Improvement, People and Partnerships will review all of the above with a view to making a recommendation for a contract award in a final decision report.

(i)    That Schedule 2 of the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 for application across the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme be adopted.

(ii)    That it be delegated to the Executive Director of Operational Services, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder Environment and Recycling, authority to amend the Council’s policies to set out a framework against which applications for consent will be determined.