Agenda and minutes

The Chair announced that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council. All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speaker in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

None

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2023 be approved as a correct record.

In response to comments made regarding the work programme, the Leader advised that a process had now been established whereby the Chairs of each Select Committee would be appointed at Annual Council which would then enable them in meet in advance of the first meetings of each committee to start to develop the work programmes, which would include both standard items and more accurate planning for other items.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee Work Programmes be noted.

The Committee considered the Council’s Annual Report for 2021/22, which is a core document which compares High Peak’s performance and costs with councils in the East Midlands region and nationally.

Specific reference was made to Freedom of Information enquiries which were increasing in terms of required resources and various matters were being examined to make the process less onerous.

Regarding empty homes, members were advised that the relevant policies had just been updated and there had been more investment in additional resources to enable the council to be more proactive in dealing with empty homes.  Relevant information had also been distributed with the annual Council Tax bills.  Comments were also put and responded to around the number of properties meeting the Decent Homes Standard.

It was requested that mention be made of accelerating the delivery of the Climate Change Plan, including the new priority actions, which was agreed.

Other issues discussed including planning matters, and a request for additional cameras and enforcement officers to deal with litter, fly tipping etc, and members were advised that the numbers of officers who can spot and report matters have been increased but the enforcement process still had to be followed.  The use of covert cameras could only be employed if the correct permissions had been obtained.

RESOLVED:

That the findings of the benchmarking exercises be noted.

The Corporate Challenge Joint Action Plan was considered. 

The Leader added that the re-visit had not been undertaken to date and a date would be arranged in due course.  Members challenged the value of the process and suggested that the Team not be invited to undertake a further visit.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Joint Action Plan be noted;

2.    That it be recommended that the Review Team not be invited to undertake a further visit.

The Committee considered a report which reviewed and updated the Business Rate Reliefs Policy and the Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions and Levies Policy. 

In presenting the report, the Head of Revenues and Benefits added that when granting discretionary business rates relief, evidence will be gathered by senior officers and the final decision made by the Head of Revenues and Benefits and Executive Director (Finance and Customer Services).  This will be added into the policy subject to members’ approval.

Regarding holiday homes, members were reminded of the recent decision taken by Full Council in anticipation of the bill being approved, regarding the imposition of a council tax premium on second homes, the level of which is yet to be determined, but will need to balance with the economic case for holiday lets in the area.  More stringent letting measures were also applied to holiday lets.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to approve the updated Business Rates Relief Policy and the Council Tax Discounts, Exemptions and Levies Policy.

The Committee considered the annual health and safety report which provided and update on the key aspects of health and safety which occurred across the two Councils during the period from April 2021 to March 2021.  The report also provides detail on training information, emerging risks and supporting statistical information as shown in the appendices.

Members thanked the Corporate Health and Safety Advisor for his excellent work.

RESOLVED:

That the 2021/22 Annual Health and Safety Report be noted.

None.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as set out in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 6 February 2023 be approved as a correct record.