Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bensley.

Councillor Thirtle declared an interest in the item relating to the Property Acquisition and Disposal Property by virtue of having a property portfolio and being a Member on the Board of Nplaw but was allowed to speak and vote on the matter. 

Her Worship the Mayor reminded members of the Fundraising event at St George's Theatre on  11 May at 7.30pm. 

Her Worship the Mayor then thanked Councillors and Officers, both past and present, who had supported her in her role as a Councillor and more latterly as Mayor. She invited all for drinks in the Assembly Room at the conclusion of the meeting.

Councillors Plant, Wainwright, K Grey and B Coleman all spoke and thanked Councillors and Officers, both past and present, those Councillors not standing again or who would not be re-elected for their contribution and dedication to the Borough of Great Yarmouth.

There were no items of urgent business.

Council considered the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2019.

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Grant 

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on the 19 February 2019 be approved subject to under apologies for absence it be "K Grey" not "K Gray" and that in the third paragraph of Community and Voluntary Sector Grants item it be "2019/20" not "209/20".

CARRIED

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Wainwright

That in recognition of the eminent and valuable services rendered to the people of the Borough of Great Yarmouth and the County of Norfolk over a period of fifteen years by Sir Richard Jewson, KCVO, JP, a Lord Lieutenant  during which time Sir Richard has been instrumental in securing many Royal events to take place in Great Yarmouth.  The most notable in 2012 with The Prince of Wales including a visit to the Minster, Palmers Department Store, St George’s Chapel, Great Yarmouth College and to launch Visit England at the Tourist Information Centre.   Sir Richard has historical ties with Great Yarmouth from the family timber trade and links to Eastport.    In 2015 he arranged a visit to Great Yarmouth with his Deputy Lieutenants including a briefing by the Borough at St George’s Theatre and a tour of historic Great Yarmouth accompanied by Henry Cator, High Steward.

The Council hereby confers upon the said Sir Richard Jewson, KCVO, JP the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Great Yarmouth and hereby admits him to be an Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

CARRIED 

Council considered the Service Committee Decision List for the period 6 February 2019 to 1 April 2019.

Councillor T Wright requested updates as to where we are with the key projects on the Marina Centre and Winter Gardens. Responses were provided.

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Smith 

That the Service Committee Decision List for the period 6 February 2019 to 1 April 2019 be received.

CARRIED 

Council considered the Capital Projects and Senior Accountant's report seeking approval to the Council's Investment Strategy for 2019/20. The document provides a framework that informs decisions in relation to the Councils investments and supports other strategies including the treasury management strategy.

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Smith 

That the Investment Strategy for 2019/20 as contained in the report be approved.

CARRIED 

Council considered the Housing Growth Manager's report outlining a proposed Property Acquisition and Disposal Policy which would replace the existing disposal of Surplus and Underused Land and Property Policy. The disposal element of the new policy has been updated to provide scope for the Council to dispose of residential property to yield a capital receipt for commercial gain.

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Smith 

(1) That the Property Acquisition and Disposal Policy as contained in Appendix 1 to the report be approved subject to the addition of the following words to the final paragraph of 7.5 " and any comments or feedback taken into consideration before a decision is made."

(2) That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Directors, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer to approve the acquisition of property purchases from the open market and the disposal of properties in line with the agreed budget and strategy.

CARRIED

Council considered the report of the Housing Growth Manager on a Housing in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and Guesthouse purchase scheme. The scheme would require an initial capital budget of £2m which would be used to purchase carefully selected residential properties, renovating them and bringing them back into use as houses or flats in an improved condition. Confidential information was contained in the appendix included in the confidential part of the agenda. There were no questions from Members regarding the confidential appendix. 

Proposer : Councillor Plant

Seconder : Councillor Bird

(1) That a Housing in Multiple Occupation (HMO) and Guesthouse purchase scheme outlined in the report be approved.

(2) That an initial capital budget of £2m be used to deliver the purchase and repair scheme. 

CARRIED 

There were no items of any other business.