Decisions

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking confirmation of the appointment of Steven Linnett as the Council’s section 151 Officer.

Councillor Andrews proposed a motion to support the recommendation in the report.

Councillor Bolton said she was delighted that Steven Linnett was on board, and seconded the motion.

Councillor Goldspink said she was very happy to support the motion.

On being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion to support the recommendation was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the appointment of Steven Linnett as the Council’s Chief Financial Officer and Section 151 Officer be approved.

Councillor Haysey presented the recommendation which was referred to in the Executive report of 6 October 2020, regarding amendment of inaccuracies in the adopted East Hertfordshire District Plan Policies Map. 

Councillor Devonshire, as the Ward Member for the area affected, proposed that the recommendation in the Executive report (at Minute 201 above), be supported.

Councillor Goodeve seconded the proposal.

Councillor Goldspink said the Liberal Democrat Group were happy to support the motion.

The motion to support the recommendation having been put to the meeting, and a vote taken, was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - that the amendments at Appendix B to the report be noted and approved to form part of the adopted East Herts District Plan 2018 Policies Map.

The Leader presented the recommendation from the Executive on in principle agreement to use compulsory purchase order powers to secure land for the delivery of transport infrastructure in the Gilston Area allocation in the East Hertfordshire District plan. The powers would only be required if agreement with landowners could not be negotiated. She proposed a motion to support the recommendation.

Councillor E Buckmaster seconded the proposal.

Councillor Goldspink said her Group supported this proposal.

On being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED. 

RESOLVED – that (a), in principle, (and subject to Harlow District Council resolving to follow the same course of action) the Council be prepared to use powers available to it under section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to compulsorily purchase land in the Gilston area, as generally shown on the plans at Appendix 1 to the report to the Executive on 6 October 2020, to enable the construction of transport infrastructure to support the  delivery of the Gilston Area allocation in the East Herts District Plan (The Gilston Area Allocation) and the achievement of the wider strategic planning benefits referred to in the report; and

(b) to note that Officers will undertake the work needed to prepare for a possible Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) together with the associated documentation and, if  necessary, will bring a further report back to the Executive and Council seeking authority to make a CPO.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods proposed the recommendation made by the Executive, as referred to in the Executive report of 6 October 2020, in respect of new housing standards enforcement powers. The measures, which had been developed with other local authorities, would help improve housing standards and would provide for civil penalties to be imposed in a consistent way. He proposed a motion to support the recommendation.

Councillor Symonds said these measures had been anticipated for a considerable time. She seconded the motion.

Councillor Goldspink said the Liberal Democrat Group supported the policy, but she questioned what would happen to tenants affected by banning orders. She asked whether a small amendment could be made to ensure the Council confirmed it would be alert to the needs of tenants.

Councillor Redfern supported Councillor Goldspink’s comments.

Councillor Boylan said he took note of the point raised, but that there was no need for an amendment, as Officers would take all due consideration required in applying the policies.

The motion to support the proposal having been proposed and seconded, it was put to the meeting. Upon a vote being taken, it was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that the following policies relating to housing standards enforcement, using powers introduced in the Housing and Planning Act 2016 be adopted, as set out in Appendix C to the report submitted to the Executive on 6 October 2020:

(1)        Issuing of civil penalties;

(2)        Applications for rent repayment orders;

(3)        Applications for banning orders; and

(4)        Use of the Rogue Landlords and Property Agents Database.

The Executive Member for Neighbourhoods said he was delighted to propose this item. The guidance reflected national guidance and now included additional areas such as management of VIP visits and safer recruitment. The item had been supported by the Executive with no amendments.

Councillor Curtis seconded the proposal.

Councillor Goldspink said the Liberal Democrat Group were happy to support the proposals, which were comprehensive.

A motion to support the recommendation having been proposed and seconded, after being put to the meeting and a vote taken, it was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – to adopt the updated Safeguarding Policy, as set out at appendix A in the report to the Executive on 1 September 2020.

The Executive Member for Financial Sustainability proposed a motion to support the recommendation of the Executive to Council on continuation of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22. He said the arrangement helped the most financially vulnerable citizens in the District, and he was pleased to recommend that it should continue unchanged.

Councillor Kemp seconded the motion.

Councillor Goldspink confirmed her Group’s support for this item.

On being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED - to continue the current local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2021/22.