Decisions

Resolved: That

(a) The scheme to provide a residents funeral service, including a direct cremation option, be approved.

(b) Authority be granted to the Head of Operations to invite tenders for the service and to accept the lowest suitable tender received.

Resolved: That

The Executive Director for Commercial Development and Economic Growth in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources and Support Services and the Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage be authorised to enter into a contract with Sandycroft Building Construction Ltd following a compliant procurement process, to undertake the alterations and extensions to Brampton Museum.

Resolved: That:

(a)  The Sustainable Environment Strategy and Action Plan for the Council

and Borough be approved.

(b) views and support for the Strategy and Action Plan be sought from key local partners and the Economy, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee

Resolved: That:

Cabinet supports the option of commencing work on a Borough Local Plan, and agrees to

-       Commission further advice on the impact of COVID and BREXIT on the local economy, and the local planning process; and

-       Engage with the stakeholders identified in this report to better understand their position regarding a Borough Local Plan

Resolved: That:-

(a) The comments made in relation to the North Staffordshire Local Air Quality Plan from Economy, Environment & Place Scrutiny Committee held on 12 November 2020 be received.

(b) The Outline Business Case for the North Staffordshire Local Air Quality Plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide exceedances, including technical addenda, as contained in Appendices C and D, be approved for submission to Government, in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 1995 (Implementation of Measures for Nitrogen Dioxide Compliance) Air Quality Direction 2018 (the “2018 Direction”) and subsequent amendments by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

(c) Subject to approval of (b), Cabinet request a further report from the Head of Environmental Health Services in June 2021, setting out the Full Business Case, including the detailed costs and proposed funding bid to Government.

(d) Subject to approval of (b), that Cabinet delegates authority to the Director of Operational Services alongside Portfolio Holder for Environment & Recycling to enter into a legal agreement with Staffordshire County Council (SCC) and Stoke-on-Trent City Council (SOTCC) to jointly submit the Full Business Case and deliver the preferred option in line with the requirements of the Environment Act 1995 (Implementation of Measures for Nitrogen Dioxide Compliance) Air Quality Direction 2018 and subsequent amendments by the Secretary of State for the Environment.

(e) The Chief Executive be authorised to enter into a contract to complete the Full Business Case (and inform the Cabinet Member for Environment and Recycling), by direct award to the supplier for the delivery of the Outline Business Case for the North Staffordshire Local Air Quality Plan.

(f) The progress made in relation to the delivery of the Ministerial

Direction requiring a bus retrofit scheme for busses operating on the A53 be noted.

(g) Cabinet supports an exemption for ultra-low emission vehicles to drive through the bus gate on the A53 Etruria Road and that this is in place from the implementation date.

(h) The Leader write to the local MP, A Bell, to request his support in urging the Government to reconsider the necessity for the works under the two ministerial directions due to the impact of Coronavirus on transport movements and air quality levels.

Resolved: that:

1. The first draft proposals as set out in the Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to the report be noted.

2. The amendment to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) funding gap as a result of public sector pay freeze assumptions be noted.

3. The first draft proposals be referred to the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee for their views.

4. A supplementary revenue estimate of £250k be approved for the blueprint and mobilisation phase of the “One Council” programme.

Resolved: that the report be noted and the work undertaken in response to the Coronavirus restrictions be endorsed. 

There was no Urgent Business.

There were no apologies for absence.

Resolved: that the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th November be agreed as a correct record. 

There were no declarations of interest stated.

Resolved: That the Forward Plan be received.