Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Bensly, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture & Coastal.

Councillor Flaxman-Taylor declared a personal interest in item no 17 as she is the owner of an Equinox Enterprises Ltd built property which is in dispute.

Councillor Candon declared a personal interest in item no 17 as he is the Chair of Equinox Enterprises Ltd & Equinox Property Holdings.

Councillor Wells declared a personal interest in all items relating to GYS which received funding from the Council as he was a member of the GYS Board. Councillor Wells declared a personal interest in item no 15 as he knew socially one of the Directors of Willmott Dixon.

However, in accordance with the Council's Constitution and having taken legal advice from the Monitoring Officer, they were allowed to both speak and vote on the items.

The Leader of the Council reported that there were no items of urgent business for consideration at the meeting.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 January 2025 were confirmed as a true record.

The Leader of the Council reported that this report provides an update on performance for the third quarter of 2024/25 (October to December) where progress is assessed against targets which are set at the start of the financial year. The report also provides an update on the position of key projects that are linked to the corporate priorities from ‘The Plan 2020-2025’. 

The Leader reported that the project highlight reports detailed in Appendix 1, provide a summary of the project, milestones and achievements, alongside open issues, mitigation and a financial summary. Each report has 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 Leader reported that the performance measures, detailed in Appendix 2, give 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 third quarter performance report. Information is not presently able to be extracted for HN04 as the NEC Housing System is being rolled out for the Repairs & Maintenance Service. 

The Leader reported that a breakdown of the 39 targeted measures is as follows :-

25 are Green whereby performance had been met or exceeded target, 7 are Amber whereby performance is below target but within tolerance and 7 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.


The Leader requested that Cabinet, as detailed on page 15 of the agenda report, are recommended to:-

(i) Agree that all measures to be monitored during the next quarter; and

(ii) 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.

Councillor Wainwright was concerned that the information contained in the report in regard to risk with the Wintergardens project was out of kilter with the information they had received at the Wintergardens Member Working Party meeting yesterday. The Chief Executive Officer reported that the information aligned with the project plan and there was a series of further works to be undertaken which did not effect the project risk register.

Councillor Candon, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Development & Growth, highlighted the need for improved communications with the Market Traders in respect of the Market Place Public Realm works especially via the Council's social media channels. The Leader informed Cabinet that a regular monthly catch-up meeting was held with the Market Traders. The next meeting was planned for the end of February/beginning of March.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

(i) Agree that all measures to be monitored during the next quarter; and



(ii) 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.

Councillor Wells, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability, Licensing & Waste, reported that under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 local councils may charge for the licensing of Hackney Carriages and Private Hire a fee which is sufficient to cover their reasonable costs. The fees and charges have been calculated to ensure that they are set at an appropriate level to support the recovery of the cost associated with providing the service and increased this year in line with the councils fees and charges policy where appropriate.

Councillor Wells informed Cabinet that before fees are increased there is a requirement to advertise the proposals and in the event of objections they must be reviewed before implementing the increases with or without modifications. As is required, a notice of intended fees was advertised in the local paper on 6 December 2024,  giving 28 days for any representations to be received. Three comments were received and a summary is attached at appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Wells requested that Cabinet are, as detailed on page 56 of the agenda report, asked to recommend to Council to approve the proposed fees for Hackney Carriages and Private Hire without modification for 2025/2026. 

RESOLVED:-

Councillor Candon, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economic Development & Growth, informed Cabinet that this report recommends that Cabinet endorses the individual Statements of Common Ground that have been prepared between the Borough Council and the Broads Authority, and the Borough Council and East Suffolk Council. 

Councillor Candon reported that both Statements of Common Ground will help the Borough Council to demonstrate compliance with the ‘duty to cooperate’ which must be met for a plan to be legally compliant at examination. Once endorsed, the portfolio holder for Economic Development and Growth will be asked to sign each Statement of Common Ground.
The relevant portfolio holder at the Broads Authority and East Suffolk Council signed their respective Statement of Common Grounds at their meeting held on the 7th February. 
Both Statements of Common Ground will continue to be regularly reviewed and republished to demonstrate continued cooperation between both the Broads Authority and East Suffolk Council with the Borough Council on strategic and cross boundary planning matters, and therefore will also help inform future Local Plan reviews. 

Councillor Candon requested that Cabinet are therefore, as detailed on page 60 of the agenda report, recommended to:-

1. Endorse the agreements of the separate Statements of Common Ground between the Borough Council and East Suffolk Council, and the Borough Council and the Broads Authority; and

2. Agree that Statements of Common Ground are reviewed and re-published as and when necessary to demonstrate continued cooperation.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

(i) Endorse the agreements of the separate Statements of Common Ground between the Borough Council and East Suffolk Council, and the Borough Council and the Broads Authority; and



(ii) Agree that Statements of Common Ground are reviewed and re-published as and when necessary to demonstrate continued cooperation.

Councillor Flaxman- Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Communities informed Cabinet that as the Local Housing Authority, Great Yarmouth Borough Council is responsible for producing an overarching housing strategy for the district. 

Councillor Candon thanked the Cabinet Portfolio Holder and the Housing officers for producing an excellent strategy which sets out the Council's statutory responsibilities and gets it spot on. Councillor Candon singled out the revised Allocation Policy Scheme for praise which highlighted local democracy to meet local needs which was laser focussed on the residents of the borough.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet adopt the final draft Housing Strategy 2024-2029 as attached at Appendix 1.

The Leader of the Council reported that a new Corporate Plan (2025-2030) has been created to give a strategic vision, context and priorities for the Borough as well as for the organisation over the next five years running to 2030. 

The Council has continued with the same four key priorities and outcomes, these being:-
• A strong and growing economy
• Improved housing and strong communities
• A quality and sustainable environment
• An efficient and effective council.

The Leader reported tht the Council’s Corporate Plan (2025-2030) has been shaped through a combination of evidence, community consultation and cross party member workshops to refresh the strategy and ensure it remains ambitious but achievable in a difficult financial climate. On adoption of the Corporate Plan, the Council will produce an Annual Action Plan describing the work that the Council will undertake during the year. The Annual Action Plan will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval in May 2025.

The Leader reported that Cabinet, as detailed on page 143 of the agenda report, is recommended to formally endorse a draft of The Plan 2025 – 2030 to initiate an engagement exercise with stakeholders across the Borough.

The Leader reported that The Plan might not run to 2030 as a result of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) but that the Council must carry on working hard for its residents.

Councillor Candon suggested an amendment to the wording at paragraph 2.2 to change the word "conditions" to "opportunities".

Councillor Wells reported that he had no issues with the proposed change in wording. Councillor Wells advised Cabinet that LGR might not happen and a strong Plan was a "bible", an essential framework to guide the new Council.

Councillor Plant reported the salient themes of "The Plan 2025-2030" which were detailed on page 151 of the agenda report which covered areas such as The Place, Gateway improvements to the Town Centre along North Quay & The Conge including the provision of 70 new homes, a strong Heritage Offer, the GYBID working on a year round tourism offer, the South Denes & Energy Zones & the O & M Campus, and that he approved the strategy.

Councillor Wainwright highlighted that all Members and Officers worked professionally and honestly to provide the best outcomes for the residents of the borough which was not reflected in current social media posts which were both disappointing and upsetting as they were so far from the truth.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet formally endorse a draft of The Plan 2025 – 2030 to initiate an engagement exercise with stakeholders across the Borough.

The Leader of the Council reported that this report presents for approval the Council’s Capital Strategy, Investment Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26. These strategies provide a framework that gives a high-level overview of how capital expenditure, capital financing and treasury management activity contribute to the provision of local public services along with an overview of how associated risk is managed and the implications for future financial sustainability. They also highlight how the Council’s decisions on capital spend has financial implications for the future and the financial planning of the Council.

The Capital Strategy for 2025/26 is attached at appendix A and covers capital expenditure and financing, treasury management and commercial activities. It reflects how previous capital investment decisions and those taken as part of the 2025/26 budget setting have ongoing implications for the Council and its financial position in the future. 

The Investment Strategy for 2025/26 is attached at appendix B and focuses on how the Council can support local services by making service or commercial investments. 

The Council is required to determine annually its Treasury Management Strategy (TMS). The TMS for 2025/26 financial year is attached at appendix C and includes the following: 
• Annual Treasury Investment Strategy 
• Operational Boundary and Authorised Limits.

The Leader reported that the strategies are presented in line with the approved 2025/26 budget as presented for approval in February 2025. As decisions are made in the year, this may impact on the strategies and the respective decision making and recommendations will take into account the strategies and recommend changes to them as applicable. 

The Leader requested that Cabinet, as detailed on page 159 of the agenda report, are to recommend to Council:-

• The Capital Strategy for 2025/26,

• The Investment Strategy for 2025/26; and

• The Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26, including:-

(a) The Treasury Investment Strategy (section 4),

(b) Prudential Indications (section 5); and

(c) Operational Boundary and Authorised Limits (Appendix C).

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet recommend to Council:-

• The Capital Strategy for 2025/26,


• The Investment Strategy for 2025/26; and


• The Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 2025/26, including:-



(a) The Treasury Investment Strategy (section 4),


(b) Prudential Indications (section 5); and


(c) Operational Boundary and Authorised Limits (Appendix C).

The Leader of the Council reported that this report presents the 2025/26 budget for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account for approval including the capital programme for both. The report will be considered by Scrutiny on 11 February 2025 and recommendations will be made to Council on 20 February 2025 to inform the setting of the council tax for 2025/26. 

The Leader reported that the 2025/26 medium term financial strategy was presented to Members in December 2024 and at that time set a savings/income target of £1.5million for the 2025/26 financial year, with a further £1.5million target in 2026/27 and £1 million in 2027/28. This along with a reducing reliance on the use of reserves over the short term was part of the financial strategy to produce a balanced budget for 2025/26. This was ahead of the detailed work on the service budgets and the outcome of the finance settlement. As part of the approval of the MTFS members approved savings and additional income totalling £583,500 which had been considered as part of cross party budget meetings to inform the budget.

The Leader reported that the provisional Local Government Financial Settlement for 2025/26 was announced on 18 December 2024. The final settlement is due to be confirmed in early February and any changes will be updated as part of the budget reports to Members in February. The provisional settlement followed the publication of the Local Government Finance Policy Statement 2025/26 announced at the end of November.

The Leader reported that the Council must present for approval a balanced budget each year. Despite the slightly improved finance settlement for 2025/26 above the level previously forecast the budget is reliant on the use of reserves as it would be in the medium term. This is not a sustainable position for the long term and when the outcomes of the future funding review are known this will assist Local Authorities with the longer-term financial planning for the provision of services and the MTFS will be updated accordingly. 

The Leader reported that the budget report will be considered by the Scrutiny Committee ahead of approval by Council on 20 February 2025 to inform the setting of the council tax for 2025/26. 

The Leader reported that the report and appendices present the detailed budget considerations for 2025/26. Whilst the report presents a budget for 2025/26 for approval only it does flag a funding gap of £1.1 million in 2026/27 for which early work will commence on addressing this gap in 2025/26 and be informed by the funding reforms for local government.

The Leader requested that Cabinet are, as detailed on page 199 of the agenda report, asked to recommend to Council:-

1) The general fund revenue budget as detailed at Appendix A, as amended;

2) The Council Tax for 2025/26 for the Borough Council tax be £192.49 (for an average Band D); 

3) That the demand on the Collection Fund for 2025/26 be: 
a. £6,076,332 for the Borough Council purposes; 
b. £857,560 for Parish Precepts now amended following receipt of the final parish precepts;

4) The amendment to the fees and charges as outlined at paragraph 3.6 in relation to the provision of six free parking spaces limited to 30 minutes in the Great Yarmouth Marketplace Car Park be approved; 

5) The reserves statement and movement on the reserves as detailed at Appendix E and within section 4 of the report; 

6) The Policy framework for reserves as detailed at Appendix F; 

7) The updated Capital Programme and financing for 2024/25 to 2025/26 as detailed at Appendix G and within section 6.4; 

8) The new capital bid proposals at Appendix H; 

9) The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2025/26 as included at Appendix I. 

10) The housing revenue account budget as detailed at Appendix J. 

11) The housing revenue account capital programme and financing for the revised 2024/25 position and 2025/26 – 2029/30 as detailed at Appendix K. 

12) An increase to all housing rents of 2.7%, new Affordable Rents to be set at the lower of 80% of the applicable Open Market Rent or 130% of Local Housing Allowance, new social rents where supported to include 10% premium and service charges and other charges at Appendix L and M.

Councillor Candon reported that all residents were feeling a financial pinch in their pockets and the Council therefore had to prioritise its spending and spend its resources wisely and provide value for money. Fuel poverty in the borough was the highest in Norfolk and this situation had been made worse by the Government's removal of the Winter Fuel Payments. Councillor Candon reported that the budget had been reached via cross party working and he thanked the members concerned and the Section 151 officer and her team for the production of a sound budget.

Councillor Candon informed Cabinet that they wished to go back to grass roots and he proposed the re-introduction of the Ward Budgets at £2k per Councillor from the General Fund to allow Councillors to carry out grass root community works specific to their wards. This motion was seconded by Councillor Plant who reported that this small sum had proved to be very useful to all Councillors in the past. The Leader reported that there would be strict criteria drawn up for their use.

Councillor Wells reported that he supported the re-introduction of the Ward Budgets and informed Cabinet that lifeguard provision at our beaches was not statutory. However, as the beaches at Great Yarmouth, Gorleston & Hemsby were family friendly, lifeguard provision was paramount for their safety which in turn supported the local economy but must be justifiable and affordable for the forthcoming years and he proposed that the Council must continue to look for other funding.

Councillor Flaxman-Taylor reported that she echoed Councillor Wells' sentiments and she seconded the proposal to continue to source funding for the lifeguard provision.

Councillor Plant reported that the Council was still in conversation with GYBID in regard to the funding of lifeguard provision.

Councillor Wainwright reported that he was amazed that Cabinet had proposed to reintroduce Ward Budgets at £2k per Councillor which totalled £78k when the Council was short of funds, Ward Budgets, however useful, would add to the Council's debt. 

In addition to the recommendations 1 to 12 as detailed above, Cabinet also resolved to recommend that Council consider:-

1) The re-introduction of Ward Budget of £2,000 per Councillor; and

2) That the funding for the Lifeguard Provision continues to be reviewed in order for this service to be retained.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet recommend to Council:-

1) The general fund revenue budget as detailed at Appendix A, as amended;

2) The Council Tax for 2025/26 for the Borough Council tax be £192.49 (for an average Band D); 

3) That the demand on the Collection Fund for 2025/26 be: 
a. £6,076,332 for the Borough Council purposes; 
b. £857,560 for Parish Precepts now amended following receipt of the final parish precepts;

4) The amendment to the fees and charges as outlined at paragraph 3.6 in relation to the provision of six free parking spaces limited to 30 minutes in the Great Yarmouth Marketplace Car Park be approved; 

5) The reserves statement and movement on the reserves as detailed at Appendix E and within section 4 of the report; 

6) The Policy framework for reserves as detailed at Appendix F; 

7) The updated Capital Programme and financing for 2024/25 to 2025/26 as detailed at Appendix G and within section 6.4; 

8) The new capital bid proposals at Appendix H; 

9) The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2025/26 as included at Appendix I. 

10) The housing revenue account budget as detailed at Appendix J. 

11) The housing revenue account capital programme and financing for the revised 2024/25 position and 2025/26 – 2029/30 as detailed at Appendix K. 

12) An increase to all housing rents of 2.7%, new Affordable Rents to be set at the lower of 80% of the applicable Open Market Rent or 130% of Local Housing Allowance, new social rents where supported to include 10% premium and service charges and other charges at Appendix L and M.

In addition to the recommendations above, Cabinet also resolved to recommend that Council consider:-

1) The re-introduction of Ward Budget of £2,000 per Councillor; and

2) That the funding for the Lifeguard Provision continues to be reviewed in order for this service to be retained.

The Leader of the Council reported that this report provides an update in relation to The Conge Capital Project and seeks authorisation to appropriate an area of land for planning purposes under s122 of the Local Government Act 1972 and to authorise the use of s203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override easements, rights, interests and restrictions as to user of land arising by virtue of contract which are impeded or interfered with by the redevelopment of The Conge. 

The Leader requested that Cabinet, as detailed on page 259 of the agenda report to:-

1) Agree, to the appropriation under s122 of the Local Government Act 1972 for planning purposes of the land as shown edged blue, red and green on the aerial view of the Conge as shown Appendix A of this report (together “the Land”).

2) Agree that Council officers take all appropriate actions necessary in negotiating the voluntary. extinguishment of rights, interests or restrictions as to user of land arising by virtue of contract over or related to the Land where known that would be breached, infringed, impeded or interfered with by the construction, operation, use or maintenance of the re-development of the Conge, prior to the operation of s203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016


3) Agree, subsequent to the appropriation of the Land and on grant of the planning permission for the re-development of the Conge, to the use of the Council’s powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override any and all relevant rights or interests unders203 (including but not limited to easements) or restrictions as to user of land arising by virtue of contract over or related to the Land that would be breached, infringed, impeded or interfered with by the construction, operation, use or maintenance of the re-development of the Conge on the Land.


4) Delegate authority in relation to points 1, 2 and 3 to the Executive Director - Major Projects and Section 151 Officer.

Councillor Wells reported that he fully supported this project which was an example of a pro-active LA demonstrating the provision of good quality housing in an urban area and that this was a fantastic initiative.

Councillor Plant proposed that recommendation 4 should include the Leader of the Council.

The Monitoring Officer reported tht the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance & Major Projects had not been included in the recommendation as it involved operational issues/decisions only but she had no objections for the leader to be added.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

1) Agree, to the appropriation under s122 of the Local Government Act 1972 for planning purposes of the land as shown edged blue, red and green on the aerial view of the Conge as shown Appendix A of this report (together “the Land”),

2) Agree that Council officers take all appropriate actions necessary in negotiating the voluntary. extinguishment of rights, interests or restrictions as to user of land arising by virtue of contract over or related to the Land where known that would be breached, infringed, impeded or interfered with by the construction, operation, use or maintenance of the re-development of the Conge, prior to the operation of s203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016,


3) Agree, subsequent to the appropriation of the Land and on grant of the planning permission for the re-development of the Conge, to the use of the Council’s powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to override any and all relevant rights or interests unders203 (including but not limited to easements) or restrictions as to user of land arising by virtue of contract over or related to the Land that would be breached, infringed, impeded or interfered with by the construction, operation, use or maintenance of the re-development of the Conge on the Land; and


4) Delegate authority in relation to points 1, 2 and 3 to the Executive Director - Major Projects and Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council reported that Great Yarmouth Borough Council (GYBC) were successful in securing Town Deal Funding and Levelling Up Funding 2 (LUF 2) to regenerate North Quay. GYBC has embarked on delivering this ‘gateway destination’ via a mixed-use commercial, leisure, retail and residential regeneration project. GYBC are currently awarding a contract to the preferred master developer. 

The Leader reported that to mitigate risk at a future Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Public Inquiry, it is essential that GYBC engages external development expertise that supports a vision for the regeneration of North Quay and delivers a comprehensive masterplan with planning permission to deliver economic growth. 

The Leader reported that it is recognised that a key component of North Quay regeneration is the linkage that the Grade II listed Vauxhall Bridge provides between the town, The Conge, North Quay and the railway station. The bridge is owned by Railway Paths Ltd (RPL) and the asset will continue to be owned by the registered charity.

The Leader requested that Cabinet as detailed on page 269 of the agenda report are asked to:-

1) Approve GYBC entering into negotiations and an agreement to commission and deliver the renovation works to Vauxhall Bridge on behalf of Railway Paths Ltd as a service provider, providing a 30-year life,

2) Approve funding allocated from LUF 2 Programme for the renovation of the bridge structure, to be expended before the programme completion date of March 2026. The confidential addendum details the approved programme funding and estimated capital cost plan,


3) Approve Officers explore alternative funding sources e.g. English Heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, (if possible) to support the costs, thus releasing funding for the North Quay project,

4) Approve Officers commence procurement of a specialist team and main contractor procurement,

5) Approve Officers to engage with Norfolk County Council as Highways Authority and authority responsible for bridge infrastructure and the public highway (footway and cycleway) to formulate a management plan; and

6) Approve Officers to engage with Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust for assistance on heritage matters and forming a long-term management plan. 

Councillor Candon reported that he was disappointed that the two western bays could not been put into use including pedestrian traffic. Councillor Plant reported that he had spoken to County Highways officers in regard to this matter and this was because there was no guarantee of access over the 30 year period but it would still remain open for the public to cross.

The Executive Director - Major Projects confirmed that the public highway would remain open but the bays were a contractual matter.

The Leader asked for confirmation as to the amount of funding. The Executive Director - Major Projects reported that it was £3 million. Councillor Plant reported that he supported this on condition that the Council spent all of the £3 million funding pot.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

1) Approve GYBC entering into negotiations and an agreement to commission and deliver the renovation works to Vauxhall Bridge on behalf of Railway Paths Ltd as a service provider, providing a 30-year life,


2) Approve funding allocated from LUF 2 Programme for the renovation of the bridge structure, to be expended before the programme completion date of March 2026. The confidential addendum details the approved programme funding and estimated capital cost plan,


3) Approve Officers explore alternative funding sources e.g. English Heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, (if possible) to support the costs, thus releasing funding for the North Quay project,


4) Approve Officers commence procurement of a specialist team and main contractor procurement,


5) Approve Officers to engage with Norfolk County Council as Highways Authority and authority responsible for bridge infrastructure and the public highway (footway and cycleway) to formulate a management plan; and


6) Approve Officers to engage with Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust for assistance on heritage matters and forming a long-term management plan. 

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.