Apologies for absence were received from Ms S Oxtoby (Chief Executive Officer) & Councillor Bensly (Portfolio Holder for Coastal, Tourism & Culture).

Councillor Candon declared a personal interest in item 8 as he is the Chair of Town Centre Partnership.

Councillor Wells declared a personal interest in item 8 as he is a Director of GYS.

Councillor Plant declared a personal interest in item 7 as he was Chair of the Committee at Norfolk County Council which would determine the item and item 8 as he is a member of the Town Centre Partnership.

However, in accordance with the Council's Constitution, they were allowed to both speak and vote on the item.

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

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2025 were confirmed as a true record.

Cabinet received and considered the report from the Information Governance Lead & Data Protection Officer and the IMT Manager.

The Leader reported that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming services globally, offering opportunities to improve efficiency, inform decision-making and strengthen engagement. To ensure GYBC harnesses the full potential of this technology, an AI Policy and User Guide has been developed.

This report proposes the introduction of a formal AI policy for Great Yarmouth Borough Council ensuring that AI technologies are deployed ethically, transparently, and in alignment with public values. The policy (Appendix 1) will serve as a framework for responsible innovation, risk management, and governance.

To complement the introduction of a GYBC AI policy, a AI User Guide for staff has been drafted and can be found at (Appendix 2).


Cabinet are therefore, as detailed on page 11, of the agenda, RECOMMENDED to :-


Review, comment and approve an GYBC Artificial Intelligence Policy

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet review, comment and approve a GYBC Artificial Intelligence Policy.

Cabinet received and considered the report from the Project Manager, Property & Assets.

Councillor Plant reported that this report sets out recommendations relating to two pieces of Banksy artwork created in August 2021 that are in Council ownership.

The Beach Shelter artwork is currently protected by Perspex sheets, offering short-term safeguard but not a sustainable conservation solution, as ongoing exposure to moisture and debris may cause deterioration, this report proposes that we engage a conservation expert to provide options for it’s future protection to safeguard it. 

In January 2022, Hirst Conservation extracted the Yacht Pond artwork from the sea wall at a cost of £14,105, with additional repairs to the wall costing £7,623. The artwork is now securely stored, incurring monthly storage and insurance fees of £246.60 (ex VAT). Attempts to find a permanent local display have been unsuccessful due to sensitivities around the artwork’s depiction and its similarity to actual events, particularly in venues frequented by children.

Alternative options considered include asset disposal, with proceeds potentially allocated to a community fund for Gorleston. 

The primary market for Banksy’s work is Sotheby’s, but the lack of formal Pest Control authentication rules out this route. Other auctioneers, including Richard Hessink, John Brandler, and Julien’s Auctioneers, have been consulted and further details on the outcomes of these consultations can be found within the report. 

Auction sales could generate more public interest, but are subject to market fluctuations and additional PR costs, while private sales offer discretion, quicker transactions, and lower fees but may require constitutional justification.

Cabinet are therefore, as detailed on page 22 of the agenda, RECOMMENDED to :

1. Note the costs and advice set out in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.7 and agrees the retention and long-term protection strategy for the Beach Shelter Banksy. 
2. Note the costs and advice set out in paragraphs 2.8 to 2.17 and formally engages Richard Hessink to set out a disposal strategy for the Yacht Pond Banksy currently in secure storage in Lincolnshire; 
3. Agree the allocation of any remaining funds for a ringfenced community fund for initiatives and projects in the Gorleston area.

Councillor Plant reiterated the sensitive issue surrounding the Banksy but that he was pleased that the proceeds of the sale would be ringfenced to benefit the residents of Gorleston.

Councillor Candon & Flaxman-Taylor reported that they endorsed Councillor Plant's sentiments.

Councillor Wells reported that he thought that the sale was a "no-brainer" and that he was pleased that the proceeds would benefit the residents of Gorleston.

The Leader reported that it had been muted to put the work on display at the Time & Tide Museum but that this was deemed to be inappropriate.

Councillor Wainwright asked if the money would be able to be used in the Magdalen and Claydon Wards. The Leader confirmed that these wards would be eligible.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

(1) Note the costs and advice set out in paragraphs 2.1 to 2.7 and agrees the retention and long-term protection strategy for the Beach Shelter Banksy,

(2) Note the costs and advice set out in paragraphs 2.8 to 2.17 and formally engages Richard Hessink to set out a disposal strategy for the Yacht Pond Banksy currently in secure storage in Lincolnshire; and

(3) Agree the allocation of any remaining funds for a ringfenced community fund for initiatives and projects in the Gorleston area.

Cabinet received and considered the report from the Executive Director - Place & the Strategic Planning Manager.

Councillor Candon reported that the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (also known as the ‘LNRS’) is a statutory document setting out the priorities for nature recovery. It maps the most valuable existing habitat areas and identifies opportunities to enhance habitats to meet wider environmental goals across the county. The strategy has been prepared by Norfolk County Council, working with various stakeholders including engagement with officers from the Borough Council.

Once adopted, the Council will have a duty to have regard to the strategy. In practice, it will be useful to inform planning matters around nature recovery and biodiversity net gain. But crucially, it will not place new restrictions on developing land or act as a specific barrier or blocker for proposals, or place specific requirements on landowners to make land use changes.

The strategy has already been subject to full public consultation with final changes made to the pre-publication draft. As a ‘supporting authority’ the Borough Council has 28 days to consider whether it effectively endorses the strategy or objects by serving a ‘publication advisory notice’ on the basis that the strategy cannot be justified following the results of consultation, or otherwise is ‘materially deficient’. 

The report discusses these options and explains that officers consider that the strategy has been prepared correctly, and that it is not materially deficient, and therefore recommend that the strategy is supported to enable Norfolk County Council to adopt the strategy.


Cabinet are therefore as detailed on page 28 RECOMMENDED to :-

Endorse the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and authorise officers not to submit a publication advisory notice, enabling Norfolk County Council to adopt the strategy.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet endorse the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and authorise officers not to submit a publication advisory notice, enabling Norfolk County Council to adopt the strategy.

Cabinet received and considered the report from the Head of Environment & Sustainability.

Councillor Wells reported that this report outlines the Council's response to feedback from Great Yarmouth residents, highlighting that the town's appearance and public safety are their top concerns. Despite the introduction of a revised Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in April 2025 to address antisocial behavior, the Council recognises the need for further action, particularly regarding fly tipping, waste management, street scene improvements, and the management of empty and poorly maintained properties. 

To address these priorities, the Council proposes the creation of a taskforce utilising funding from both the Plan for Neighbourhoods and the Extended Producer Responsibility fund. The taskforce will focus on delivering key outcomes that directly target these issues, aiming to enhance the overall environment and sense of safety in Great Yarmouth.


Cabinet are therefore, as detailed on page 33 of the agenda, RECOMMENDED to :-


1) Note the contents of this report

2) Approve the use of plan for neighbourhoods funding as detailed in section 5 and Extended producer Responsibility funding of £250,000, as outlined in this report to create a taskforce aimed at addressing priority areas and complement existing council resourcing and services.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

(1) Note the contents of this report; and

(2) Approve the use of Plan for Neighbourhoods funding as detailed in section 5 and Extended Producer Responsibility funding of £250,000, as outlined in this report to create a Taskforce aimed at addressing priority areas and complement existing council resourcing and services.

Councillor Wells reported that the Council was responding to feedback from residents who wanted the Town Centre to be a priority by ensuring it was clean and safe. The Taskforce would add another layer to the enforcement of the PSPO in the area.

The Leader reported that all Councillors agreed that the Town Centre was a priority area and that the PSPO and now the Taskforce would make a difference in the area and encourage more residents to visit and dwell in the Town Centre and Market Place.

Councillor Candon reported that he endorsed the comments made by Councillor Wells and the Leader. The Council must enforce, enforce & enforce and work in partnership with the Police and put out the message of zero tolerance for ASB in the Town Centre.

Councillor Plant reported that residents felt unsafe when they visited the Town Centre and encountered homeless people begging in shop doorways which gave a poor impression of the Town Centre. Targeted campaigns had taken place in Cobholm & Churchill Road/Walpole Road which had cleaned up the areas and weeds would now be sprayed twice a year to make the town look better cared for.

Councillor Wells extended his thanks to Norfolk Police and the Town Deal Board for their support.

The Leader thanked the Head of Service and his team for all their hard work, all our stakeholders, the Town Deal Board and Norfolk Police for their ongoing work, support and commitment to improve the public' perception of the Market Place.

The Head of service reported that the Taskforce would result in a high profile, uniformed presence in the Town Centre that would enforce ASB in a safe way. A press release would be issued in the next few days in relation to a recent court case success.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

1) Note the contents of this report; and



(2) Approve the use of Plan for Neighbourhoods funding as detailed in section 5 and Extended Producer Responsibility funding of £250,000, as outlined in this report to create a Taskforce aimed at addressing priority areas and complement existing council resourcing and services

Cabinet received and considered the report from the Housing Strategy & Development Manager.

Councillor Flaxman-Taylor reported that each financial year, Council approve an over-arching Affordable Housing Programme budget. A delivery programme funded by this budget, is agreed by Cabinet.

This important work-stream aims to deliver much needed affordable and specialist housing, utilising grant funding where possible, and supports objectives within the Housing and Homelessness Strategies.

This report provides Members and the public with an update on current Council housing development programme. These projects highlight the ongoing efforts of the Council to deliver additional housing to meet housing need.


Cabinet is therefore, as detailed on page 40 of the agenda, RECOMMENDED to :-



1) Note the updates to the Affordable Housing Delivery Programme;

2) Agree to the increased spend, as set out within the confidential appendix;

3) Agree to the appropriation of the South Yarmouth Housing Office to the Housing Revenue Account for nil consideration; and

4) Agree to submit a planning application for demolition and replacement scheme at 11 Southgates Road.

RESOLVED:-

That Cabinet:-

(1) Note the updates to the Affordable Housing Delivery Programme;

(2) Agree to the increased spend, as set out within the confidential appendix;

(3) Agree to the appropriation of the South Yarmouth Housing Office to the Housing Revenue Account for nil consideration; and

(4) Agree to submit a planning application for demolition and replacement scheme at 11 Southgates Road.

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.