Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Paul Wells.

Councillor Plant declared a personal interest on item 8 in his capacity as a Member on the GYTABIA Board.

Councillor Plant declared a personal interest on item 13 his capacity as Chairman of the Great Yarmouth Sports and Leisure Trust.

Councillor Candon declared a personal interest on item 8 in his capacity as Chairman of the Town Centre Partnership, and advised that he would be speaking on the item but would not partake in the vote on the matter.

Councillor Candon declared a personal interest on item 9 in his capacity as Chairman of Equinox Enterprise Ltd.

Councillor Bensly declared a personal interest on item 8 in his capacity as a Member on the GYTABIA Board.

There were no items of business to be discussed.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 2 December 2025 were confirmed.

Cabinet received and considered the Head of Customer Services Report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that the report sought Cabinet endorsement and Council approval of the recommended Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27.

He advised that the current scheme was introduced from April 2024 where the maximum award of Council Tax Support is 80% of the Council Tax Liability in relation to working age customers.

The report followed a public consultation with a proposal to retain the current scheme for 2026/27.

The Leader reported that Section 4 of the report provided a summary of the consultation outcome which included a report to Scrutiny Committee on the proposals which was considered at the 21^st October Committee.

It was advised that by retaining the current scheme, provision of a council tax hardship scheme would also continue for 2026/27 with a fund of £200,000, funded by Norfolk County Council.

Cabinet resolved to recommend Council :-

(1) To retain the current Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27

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

(3) To delegate the ability for the Head of Customer Services, Health & Communities & 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 2026/27

Cabinet received and considered the Head of Customer Services Report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that the report recommends the council tax discount levels for 2026/27, proposing no changes to existing discounts and premium rates for unoccupied properties, empty properties, and second homes.

It was advised that in respect of Long-Term Empty Property Premiums, since 2013, Councils have had the discretion to add a premium to properties empty for over two years, with increased powers since 2019.

The Leader reported that Table 1 at section 2.2 of the report showed the current long term property premiums that apply

100% premium for homes empty between 1 and 5 years

200% for homes empty between 5 and 10 years, and

300% for homes empty over 10 years

It was advised that Appendix 1 of the report provided an analysis of the number of empty properties in the borough that are subject to the premium.

The Leader further reported that in respect of the Second home Premium, from April 2025, a 100% premium has been charged on unoccupied, furnished properties deemed as second homes, following new legislation. It was advised that there are exceptions that apply, for example job-related dwellings, annexes, properties for sale/let, probate cases and seasonal homes, and these are detailed in section 3.2 of the report.

Members were advised that Appendix 2 of the report detailed the number of second homes in each council tax band, the estimated income for 2025/26 as a result of applying the premium and the current collection position in relation to the properties that are subject to the premium.

With section 4 of the report providing the full table of recommended discounts and premiums that will apply for 2026/27.

Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council :-

(1) Approval of the Council Tax discounts as shown in the table at section 4 of the report which will apply for 2026/27.

Cabinet received and considered the Head of Customer Services Report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that this report sought a recommendation from Cabinet for the calculation of the 2026/27 tax base.

It was advised that the Council Tax base is a technical calculation that must be formally set each year. It is the first stage of the Council Tax setting process that will be finalised once the budgets have been agreed.

The Leader reported that the tax bill for each band is calculated in proportion to band D, which is deemed to be the average for these purposes. Accordingly, a taxpayer whose home is in band A will pay two-thirds of what someone whose home is in band D will pay; a taxpayer whose home is in band H will pay twice what someone whose home is in band D will pay.

Councillor Plant raised some concern with regard to the final settlement from Government that the Council was likely to be awarded and how this would impact budgets moving forward. The Executive Director Resources advised that work was ongoing with relation to budgets for 2026/27 and the impact of the fair funding review and that briefings were due to be held with Members to discuss these matters and look at the budget for 2026/27. The Chief Executive Officer advised that settlement figures have been difficult to work through due to factors such as the new food waste burdens not being taken into consideration when settlements given.

Councillor Wainwright commented on the need for the budget workshops to take place in order to look at the budget moving forward as he felt it was premature to blame the Government before the figures were looked at in detail.

Cabinet resolved to recommend to Council :-

(1) The calculation of the 2026/27 tax base totalling 32,033 which represent an increase of 466 in the tax base and the estimated tax bases for the Borough and for each parish, as shown in Appendix A.

Cabinet received and considered the Executive Director, Place’s report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that this report outlined the preparations and proposals for the fifth term of the Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) managed by the Town Centre Partnership Company (Great Yarmouth) Limited (TCP). The BID operates as a not-for-profit company representing 209 levy payers in Great Yarmouth Town Centre, with an additional Tourism BID in the area. The TCP, established in 1997, has successfully completed four BID terms following ballots in 2006, 2011, 2016, and 2021.

He advised that the BID renewal process had commenced, with statutory notification to the Borough Council and Secretary of State provided on 15th October 2025. With the ballot for the fifth BID term scheduled between 19th February and 20th March 2026 and If approved, the fifth term would begin on 1st April 2026.

The Leader reported that due to local government reorganisation and recent investments in the Town Centre and Seafront, it was recommended to extend the fifth BID term until 30th September 2029 to align with the Tourism BID renewal date. This alignment would create opportunities for a future merger of the Town Centre BID and the Tourism BID, aiming for greater impact, improved financial resilience, and unified management across both areas.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Growth, Councillor Candon advised that a draft business plan had been created and was included within the agenda pack and that the plan would be reflective of what the Cabinet decided upon today. Councillor Candon introduced Mr Jonathon Newman, Town Centre Manager to the meeting.

Jonathan Newman advised the Cabinet that the Business Plan had been updated and would now cover a shorter period of time as requested by the Council. He advised that he felt the Executive Director, Place had provided a comprehensive report for the Cabinet to consider. Mr Newman advised the Cabinet of the timetable for the ballot process and a brief summary of the process itself.

Mr Newman advised that the Business Plan was completed following consultation and advised that the feedback from consultation was predominately approval and support.

Councillor Candon further commented that he felt the Business Plan showed strength in collaboration and that the priorities aligned with those local representatives such a the Local Council and Local Police. Whilst he acknowledged there were some issues he also advised that there were also big opportunities. He commented that whilst he could see both positives and negatives in the merging of both BID's he felt this provided for an opportunity.

Cabinet resolved to :

(1) Note that the information has been supplied by Great Yarmouth Town Centre BID renewal (Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership) to the council as Billing Authority in respect to the information listed under Regulation 4 Schedule 1 of The Business Improvement Districts (England) Regulations 2004.

(2) Note the timetable for the proposed BID renewal detailed in Appendix 1

(3) Approve the draft Business Plan proposed by Great Yarmouth Town Centre Business Improvement District as at Appendix 2.

(4) Approve the Council’s support for Town Centre BID renewal (Great Yarmouth Town Centre Partnership) in relation to its ballot for a 5th BID term, for a period to 30th September 2029, aligning the renewal dates of the two BIDs.

Cabinet received and considered the Monitoring Officer’s report.

The Leader presented the item and advised that Cabinet are asked to consider the appointment of replacement Company Directors for Equinox Enterprises Limited and Equinox Property Holdings Limited.

He advised that the replacement appointments for both are in accordance with article 17 of the companies’ respective Articles of Association as detailed within the report.

Councillor Plant asked for further clarification over the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer to this role. It was advised that whilst this was not an ideal appointment it was hoped this would be a short term appointment of the CEO to allow for support to the Council Homes Director initially as they would have only just commenced in their role.

Cabinet resolved to :-

Appoint Sheila Oxtoby (Chief Executive) to replace Paula Boyce as Director of Equinox Enterprises Limited.

Appoint Charlotte Smith (Council Homes Director) to replace Nicola Turner as Director or Equinox Enterprises Limited.

Appoint Sheila Oxtoby (Chief Executive) to replace Paula Boyce as Director of Equinox Property Holdings Limited.

Appoint Charlotte Smith (Council Homes Director) to replace Nicola Turner (former Head of Housing Assets) as Director of Equinox Property Holdings Limited.

Cabinet received and considered the Chief Executive Officer’s report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel is a joint committee hosted by Norfolk County Council. The Home Office provides a grant to host authorities to maintain the Panel, and this allocation has remained unchanged since its establishment in 2012.

It was advised that the grant is now issued under a three-year agreement, reflecting the government’s plan to end the Police and Crime Commissioner model in 2028. At that point, governance functions will transfer to Mayors or local council leaders, and Police and Crime Panels will be replaced.

For the first time, forecast expenditure for 2025–26 is expected to exceed the Home Office grant due to inflation and pay awards.

At its meeting on 28 October 2025, the Panel considered several savings proposals, but not all were accepted, resulting in an anticipated overspend.

It was advised that Norfolk Leaders have agreed in principle that their councils will contribute towards costs above the Home Office grant for the current three-year period. They specified that the total overall additional contribution is to be capped at 20% of the grant allocation and apportioned between local authorities as set out in the Panel Arrangements. This decision effects Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s contribution.

Councillor Candon advised that he fully supported the report and commented that he agreed with the Government's proposals to abolish the Police and Crime Commissioners.

Cabinet resolved to :-

Approve Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s contribution towards any Police and Crime Panel costs which exceed the Home Office grant for 2025–28. The total overall additional contribution is to be capped at 20% of the grant allocation and apportioned between local authorities as set out in the Panel Arrangements.

Cabinet received and considered the Executive Director, Resources report.

The Leader presented the report and advised that this report recommends for approval the schedule of fees and charges for the 2026/27 financial year which have been set in line with the fees and charges policy 2025/26 to 2029/30.

The Council approved a fees and charges policy in August 2024 covering the period 2025/26 to 2029/30. This policy is part of the financial planning process within which the Council’s fees and charges would be set annually. Income from fees and charges provides a key source of income to the Council for the provision of its services.

Fees and charges set within the framework are reported to Cabinet for approval as part of the annual budget setting process, those that are outside of the frame will form a recommendation to Council.

The proposed fees and charges for 2026/27 have been calculated based on the current fees and charges policy and also reflecting increased cost and inflationary pressures on the Council. The additional income will deliver help to mitigate some of the funding gap currently forecast and mitigate additional costs of service provision. The proposals have been factored into the detailed budget for 2026/27.

The Leader advised Members of the discussions that had taken place with Caister Parish Council and the proposed fees for Caister Beach Road Car Park. The Head of customer Services advised that she had contacted Caister Parish on the 28^th November 2025 following discussions with the Parish Council and Members earlier in the year to talk about the tariffs for Caister Beach Road Car Park. The Parish Council had responded to this email on the 29th December 2025. The Head of Customer Services advised that she had updated the Parish Council on the 9th January 2026 to inform them that a proposed tariff change had been included within the Cabinet report for Members to further consider.

The Leader sought clarification on page 93 within the appendix B of the report where fees for the car parking at Caister had been incorrectly listed and needed to be amended to fall in line with proposed fees at Appendix A, he advised of the following amendments :-

Caister 

 Summer – up to 4 hours – be amended to £2.00 for 2026/27

 Summer – over 4 hours – be amended to £3.00 for 2026/27

Councillor Plant commented that he felt the fees and charges were proportionate considering the inflation being seen. Councillor Plant sought clarity on the fees and charges proposed for tonnage as these remained as to be confirmed within the report. it was advised that these costs were awaited information but once received would be included within the fees and charges.

Cabinet resolved to :-

(1) Approve the schedule of fees and charges for 2026/27 as detailed in Appendix A of the report as per the fees and charges policy from 1 April 2025.

2) Note the fees and charges that will be recommended to Council as part of the approval of the budget for 2026/27 (Appendix B).