There were no apologies received for the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest declared at the meeting.

The Leader advised that there were no items of urgent business to be considered.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 5 November 2024 were confirmed as a true and accurate record.

Cabinet received and considered the Information Governance Lead's report.

The Leader presented the report to the meeting and advised that it presented an update on performance for the second quarter of 2024/25 (July to September) where progress is assessed against Targets which are set at the start of the financial year.

He advised that the report also provided an update on the position of key projects that are linked to the corporate priorities from ‘The Plan 2020-2025’ and that, the project highlight report detailed in Appendix 1 provided a summary of the project, milestones and achievements, alongside open issues, mitigation and a financial summary.

It was advised that each report had a current status, which can be green, amber or red. Out of the 10 projects, 9 have a current green status defined as no problems or minor issues and 1 has an amber status, defined as having problems which have been identified but with a contingency plan in place. The performance measures, detailed in Appendix 2, gave a comprehensive overview of how the authority as a whole is performing and cover most Council functions

In total there are 40 targeted and 37 monitored measures reported in the second quarter performance report. The monitored measures are reported for contextual information, this data is important information for the Council as the actions of the Council may make improvements however there is not sufficient control over the outcome to set a target.

The Leader advised that Information was not available for 2 of the targeted measure but of the remaining 38 targeted measures 24 are Green whereby performance had been met or exceeded target, 5 are Amber whereby performance is below target but within tolerance and 9 are red whereby performance is below target and tolerance. Each of the red measures has a commentary explaining the reasons behind the performance and the actions being taken to bring performance back on target.

Cabinet RESOLVED to :-

1. Agree that all measures to be monitored during the next quarter.

    

2. Agree that all key projects will continue to be monitored over the next quarter with the aim of maintaining a green status and where possible attaining a green status for those key projects which are currently amber.

The Cabinet received and considered the Head of Customer Services report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that the report sought approval of the recommended Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26.

He reported that in recognition of the Councils financial position, it was recommended to continue with the current scheme for 2025/26. It is also important that a hardship fund would be available to help mitigate the impact of the scheme on vulnerable households.

The Leader advised that it was proposed to make a minor adjustment to the scheme to introduce Universal Credit income thresholds, this adjustment would affect all working age recipients in receipt of Universal Credit and would simplify the administration and provide more clarity for customers. The Equality Impact Assessment recognises the impact of this change on individuals and households, however, also concluded that working age households on low income eligible for Council Tax Support are likely to be similarly impacted to those with additional disability financial support to help with day to day living.

Cabinet were advised that it is recommended to continue to provide a hardship scheme in the sum of £200,000 to help support individuals and households who may be in more financial difficulty. The scheme would only be eligible to working age recipients of Council Tax Support with an eligibility criterion prioritising the most vulnerable groups.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Growth, Councillor Candon advised that he welcomed the scheme coming forward and continuing, and that he noted the adjustment made for Universal Credit income thresholds. He also noted and referred to the utilisation of newly available software and hoe this would provide for the scheme to be more cost effective moving forward.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Wells, asked how the hardship scheme had operated during the current year. The Head of Customer Services advised that a Member Working Group had been established to look at cases and that there was approximately £100,000 left to spend. She advised that the process had seen a slow start at the beginning of the year. It was reported that there was no formal application process, the process would just see conversations take place to identify those in need of the scheme.

Councillor Williamson commented that he was impressed with how the scheme had been managed and thanked the Head of Customer Services and her team for their work on this matter.

Cabinet RESOLVED to :

(1) To retain the current Council Tax Support Scheme 2025/26 with the inclusion of a minor adjustment to introduce Universal Credit income thresholds

(2) To make provision for a hardship scheme of £200,000 funded by NCC

(3) To delegate the ability for the Head of Customer Services & Revenue & Benefits Service Manager to make any smaller adjustments to the scheme that may be required to align to the wider welfare benefits system for 2025/26.

Cabinet received and considered the Head of Environment and Sustainability's report.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment, Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, Councillor Wells, presented and advised that the report presented proposed changes to charges relating to Fixed Penalty Notices.

He advised that the Borough Council was able to deal with certain environmental offences via the use of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s). In many cases the Government allows the Council to set the value of these FPN’s within a certain range. Many of these FPN’s have been in place for a number of years the Government has recently introduced legislation to increase the range of fines these FPN’s can be set at.

Cabinet were advised that Officers had reviewed the FPN’S that are at their disposal and proposed updated values that these fines are set at, and that this report sought Member approval for these changes.

Councillor Wells reported that the new proposed fine level set for each FPN had been significantly increased but had been set at a level where we would hopefully maintain a good payment percentage keeping these matters out of the court process, saving both officer time and costs for the Council. However, the levels had been set to act as a deterrent for future offending too.

Councillor Candon commented on his dislike to those that fly tip, he further commented that those individuals choosing to flytip which in turn sees the Borough with rubbish dumped in places were breaking the law. He commented that he was pleased to see the current government were mirroring the previous governments pledge in tacking this crime, and he advised that it was good to see the Council's own Corporate Plan also looked to tackle this.

The Portfolio Holder for Operational Property and Asset Management and Deputy Leader, Councillor Plant referred to 4.2 within the report which showed that the Council had a good compliance rate of 80% for payments, but commented that there was a need for tackling of the crime to continue as it was the tax payers that were ultimately impacted.

Councillor Williamson advised that he was aware that the local Caister recycling centre was not using a booking system to attend to dispose of rubbish, and therefore sought clarification on what measures had been considered in case of an increase in flytipping due to the new rules in place. Councillor Wells advised that this situation was being monitored closely. 

Councillor Plant commented that the booking system had been newly implemented but followed suit of what other local Council's already had in place, and where these systems have worked well. He advised though in his opinion regardless of systems in place if someone is minded to fly tip they would fly tip and that it flytipping from commercial causes caused the most problems.

The Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Coastal, Councillor Bensly commented that the newly implemented system was still evolving and would likely evolve further as the system moved forward. He advised that the "SCRAP" Flytipping campaign aimed to fight flytipping across the County and had been introduced in light of some of the busier recycling sites seeing some challenges. He commented that with the introduction of booking systems at sites, these were designed to be there to provide for a smooth operation and reduce queues at sites. He commented that he felt the campaign was a good scheme and would ensure data on flytipping as kept up to date and accurate.

Councillor Wainwright commented that 115 Fixed Penalty Notices being issued over a 4 year period, saw on average only 30 being issued annually, he asked as to whether dog fouling came under the issue of littering offence, and he was advised that dog fouling was dealt with as a separate offence under a Public Space Protection Order. The Head of Environment and Sustainability advised that anyone breaching this PSPO was subject to an £180 fine, although he advised it is difficult to witness this offense taking place, but reassured Members that the Environmental Rangers were available 7 days a week so were tackling issues on the ground.

The Head of Environment and Sustainability advised in relation to the number of Fixed Penalty Notices that had been issued, that these could only be issued when evidence was available, and that the notices issued varied year on year.

Councillor Wells commented that he felt the Council did reasonably well in it's issuing of notices and advised that Officers had been able to use correspondence such as ring door bell footage in the capturing of evidence.

Councillor Plant advised that the Council was taking a no tolerance approach and that anyone caught committing an offence would be prosecuted.

Cabinet RESOLVED to :

Agree the proposed charges relating to these FPN’s as covered within the table under point 4.5 within the Head of Environment and Sustainability's report.

Cabinet received and considered the Executive Director, Resources report.

The Leader presented and advised that the report presented an update to the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2025/26 to 2027/28.

It was reported that the update of the Medium Term Financial Strategy provided a key document to inform the forth coming budget setting process. It presented Members with an overview of the latest financial position and the priorities for setting the budget. The forecasts have been updated in light of known spending pressures taking into account the wider economic context including revised interest and inflation forecasts and known impacts from the October budget announcements.

The Leader advised that the MTFS set out the context within which the financial planning for the Council is undertaken and the priorities (the business strategy) that will mitigate future funding gaps. The MTFS also included the latest financial projections for the three years from 2025/26 that are covered by the strategy and have been informed by known pressures in the current year and levels of inflation and interest rates. This is ahead of the provisional settlement announcement which is expected ahead of Christmas and the detailed work on the service budgets for 2025/26.

Cabinet were advised that there continues to be significant uncertainties around funding for Local Government. There will be a one year finance settlement for 2025/26 and now expected multi year settlements from 2026/27. Financial challenges continue to face the sector as a whole, whilst the Borough Council is not unique some of the challenges are similar and the financial resilience across the sector is not consistent.

The economic climate of high inflation and interest rates and demand for services for example temporary housing has impacted on the financial position of the Council in a significant way. It is a legal requirement to set a balanced budget each year and there will be a need to identify and deliver significant savings and additional income in the short term to medium term in addition to using reserves to manage the risks.

The assumptions included in the MTFS will be subject to review as the detail of the 2026/26 budget is finalised.

The report is recommending to Council a number of savings to be delivered from April 2025, the reason for approving them ahead of the budget in February allows for implementation where applicable. The report and strategy still highlights further work required on setting a balanced budget for 2025/26 for which work is still ongoing.

Councillor Plant commented that there appeared to be lots of waiting to be done around confirmation of any government payments currently, he advised that what the Council didn't want to do was make cuts to services where there did not need to be cuts made, but that the Council was finding themselves in a difficult position. He advised that he felt the strategy was good and held in abeyance what the Council did not know.

The Executive Director, Resources advised that since publication of the report there had been a Local Government Finance policy released. She advised that this had seen the removal of the Rural Services Grant, confirmation of 1 year additional new homes bonus, no changes to Council Tax, Government funding for the levy charges from the Internal Drainage Boards, although it was advised that there had been no details provided on how this would be allocated or who would receive funding. The Executive Director advised that a Government financial provisional settlement is expected pre Christmas.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Communities, Councillor Flaxman-Taylor, proposed an amendment to Appendix A within the report, to see the removal of introduction to car parking charges at Marine Parade in Gorleston. Councillor Flaxman-Taylor advised Cabinet of her concerns in the introduction of any charges and the potential impact this could have and commented that she felt Gorleston needed protecting to avoid people not wanting to come and visit.

Councillor Wells commented that he was aware the Council was going to have to make some difficult decisions moving forward, he made particular reference to the National Insurance contributions which were likely to have a significant impact on the Council particularly on the Great Yarmouth Services and his concerns in relation to this and commented that it was hoped that lobbying could be completed on this to look at mitigation.

Councillor Wells here seconded the proposal of the removal of introduction to car parking charges at Marine Parade in Gorleston, he commented that he simply did not think that charging for parking at Gorleston , Marine Parade would see the desired increase in income.

Councillor Candon commented with regard to the lifeguard provision detailed within the savings report, and advised that he had been made aware that the Bid had been approached for a funding contribution for this provision. He commented that he hoped the Bid would give consideration to this urgent resource when considering the request for funding and work with the Council on this matter.

Councillor Candon advised that he fully supported the efforts in the removal of car parking at Marine Parade Gorleston and questioned the figure that had been quoted as achievable income and how this had been calculated, He commented that he felt if parking charges were to be introduced at this location parking would be pushed back onto the residential streets.

Councillor Candon commented that there was need for the Council to consider all proposals that came forward as there was a need to find more money and it was getting increasingly difficult, he commented that he hoped that the public were able to see the work that goes into the budget setting and the difficult decisions that the Council are faced with.

Councillor Bensly raised concern with regard to the Internal Drainage Board funding assumptions and the unfair burden this had put on Local Councils. whilst he acknowledged that this matter was being looked into he felt this needed to be addressed as a priority.

Councillor Wainwright made reference to the previous government that had been in place and had caused in his opinion 14 years of Austerity of which the new government where having to work. He referred to the savings listed within Appendix A and commented that approximately £306,000 had been estimated under various structural, he commented that could potentially result in peoples jobs. He therefore, raised his concern about the removal of the proposal for introduction of car parking at Marine Parade, in that he was sure this would result in income and in his opinion could then potentially prevent the loss of jobs.

Councillor Wainwright advised that he had been informed that the Bid were not prepared to fund any contribution towards the provisions of the lifeguards. The Leader commented that it was hoped the Bid would reconsider this once this matter is discussed with them.

Councillor Wainwright asked with regard to the second homes bonus and whether this matter had progressed. The Leader advised that there were ongoing discussions about this matter.

 The Leader commented in reply to Councillor Wainwrights previous comments that he was unhappy with the comments that had been made regarding austerity.

The Leader commented on the issues with adding parking charges to Marine Parade in Gorleston, as he felt that due their being so many green spaces available, people would just simply park anywhere and on the green open spaces rather than pay for the parking.

Councillor Plant, commented that in light of there being a number of free parking spaces available along Marine Parade in Gorleston, in his opinion the introduction of a car park charge at the cliff top would only redistribute cars elsewhere, he therefore advised that he supported the recommendation for this proposal to be removed.

Councillor Plant referred to comments that had been made with regard to austerity, whereby during this time the Council had saved in the region of £9m and become more efficient.

Reference was also made to the National Insurance hikes in which the Council would result in a significant impact for the Council.

Councillor Plant commented on the need for the Council to think about its staff and the services provided for the residents, he advised that he did not become a Councillor to reduce services, however the Council was being pushed into making difficult decisions.

The Leader advised that similarly to last year the Council could only raise the Council tax amount by the maximum of £5 per household, he advised for reference that the significant increase in levy from the Internal drainage Boards last year, which had been received after the Council had set its budget had meant that the Council only received around £27,000 from this increase.

Councillor Candon commented that whilst he agreed jobs were of the upmost importance, these only amounted to a small piece of the puzzle. He advised that was a need for residents views and wishes to be taking into consideration. 

Councillor Wells advised that he genuinely believed that the National Insurance contribution expectations for companies had been an oversight of the Government and therefore suggested that lobbying be continued with Central Government to re look at the National Insurance contributions for companies.

The Leader in reference to earlier comments made regarding the car parking at Marine Parade, Gorleston asked the Head of Customer Services if she would be able to supply calculations for the projected income proposal in relation to charging through the summer period. The Head of Customer Services advised that charging would be based on a long stay car park scheme similar to that at St Nicholas Car park in Great Yarmouth, charges would be in place from the 1st April to 31st October, based on a 214 days charging and 65% occupancy for standard days, 80% occupancy for Bank Holiday Weekends, she advised that tariff would be £9.50 all day, 4 hours at £6.

Councillor Wainwright asked for clarification of the expected value of national insurance contributions for GYS, it was advised that this was expected to be around £80,00 but exact figure would be confirmed.

Councillor Wainwright sought clarification on the number of car parking spaces available at Marine Parade, Gorleston, it was confirmed that there were 78 spaces.

Cabinet RESOLVED to recommend to Council :-

1) The updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the key themes of the business strategy as outlined at Section 8;

2) The savings and additional income proposal as outlined at Appendix A for implementation for the budget for 2025/26 to mitigate some of the funding gap for 2025/26, with the removal of the introduction of parking charges at Marine Parade, Gorleston for seasonal parking.

Cabinet RESOLVED :-

"That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972,the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12(A) of the said Act."