Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence from Members to determine the quorum of the meeting in accordance with Rule 7 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

An apology for absence was received from Councillors M L Darr and K J Loydall.

To appoint substitute Members in accordance with Rule 26 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Substitution Procedure Rules.

None.

Members are reminded that any declaration of interest should be made having regard to the Members’ Code of Conduct. In particular, Members must make clear the nature of the interest and whether it is 'pecuniary' or ‘non-pecuniary'.

None.

To read, confirm and approve the minutes of the previous meeting in accordance with Rule 19 of Part 4 of the Constitution.

By affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday, 6 February 2024 be taken as read, confirmed and approved.

There was no Action List arising from the previous meeting.

None.

To receive any Petitions and, or, Deputations in accordance with Rule(s) 11 and 12 of Part 4 of the Constitution and the Petitions Procedure Rules respectively.

None.

Report of the Interim Finance Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report (as set out at pages 2 – 7 of the agenda update), which sought approval to write off debts above £10,000 and gave an update on the status of debts written off under delegated powers.

It was moved by Councillor L A Bentley, seconded by Councillor G G Hunt, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The contents of the report be noted and the Non-Domestic Rates and Housing Benefit Overpayment write-offs that are above £10,000 be approved.

Report of the Revenue & Benefits Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 8 – 19 of the agenda reports pack), which sought the Committee’s approval to update the Council Tax Charges on Empty Property Policy to include Council Tax premiums for Second Homes.

It was moved by Councillor C S Gore, seconded by Councillor N Alam, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The amendments to the Council Tax Charges on Empty Property Policy (as set out at Appendix 1) be approved; and

ii)           The option at 3.1.2 to apply the second homes premium 12 months after the property becomes unoccupied to bring it in line with the long-term empty premium be approved.

Report of the Revenue & Benefits Manager

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 20 – 37 of the agenda reports pack), which sought the Committee’s approval of the updated Discretionary Payments Policy (2024/25).

It was moved by Councillor L A Bentley, seconded by the Chair, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The contents of the report and appendices be noted; and

ii)           The Discretionary Payments Policy (2024/25) (as set out at Appendix 1) be approved.

Report of the Principal Planning Policy Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 38 – 250 of the agenda reports pack), which sought the Committee’s approval to publicly consult on the emerging draft New Local Plan Preferred Options document for a 6-week period.

It was moved by the Chair, seconded by Councillor L A Bentley, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The emerging draft New Local Plan Preferred Options document be approved for the purposes of public consultation commencing on Wednesday, 3 April 2024 for a 6-week period.

Report of the Planning Policy & Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 251 – 267 of the agenda reports pack), which sought the Committee’s approval for the adoption of the revised Local Development Scheme as the Council’s most up to date Local Development Scheme.

It was moved by Councillor S Z Haq, seconded by Councillor L A Bentley, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

i)            The Local Development Scheme (Spring 2024) be approved.

Report of the Planning Policy & Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendices (as set out at pages 268 – 310 of the agenda reports pack), which highlighted the comments received during the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) public consultation and how they were taken into account in the final SCI.

It was moved by Councillor S Z Haq, seconded by Councillor L A Bentley, and

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The Statement of Community Involvement (as set out at Appendix 1) be approved for adoption.

Report of the Head of Law & Democracy / Monitoring Officer

The Committee gave consideration to the report and appendix (as set out at pages 311 – 321 of the agenda reports pack), which provided the figures for local determination of complaints and ethical indicators for Q3 2023/24.

By general affirmation of the meeting, it was

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED THAT:

The content of the report and appendix be noted.