Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

None.

To approve as a correct record and the Leader to sign the attached Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 23 January 2025.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 January 2025 were approved as a true record, subject to it being recorded that Councillor S Pickering rented a house from Rykneld Homes Ltd instead of Councillor J Birkin.

Report of Councillor N Barker, Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance.

RESOLVED That progress against the Council Plan 2023-2027 objectives be noted.

REASONS FOR DECISION – This is an information report to keep Cabinet informed of progress against the council plan objectives.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – Not applicable to this report as providing an overview of progress against the council plan objectives.

This was not a Key Decision and so can be implemented with immediate effect by officers.

Cabinet considered a report which set out progress on the objectives that underpinned the Council Plan for the period October to December 2024 (Quarter 3).  The report highlighted notable achievements, along with any targeted metrics which had been flagged as not on target.

Attached to the report was Appendix 1, which set out details of what had been achieved and progressed by objective, strategy, and tactic.

Cabinet agreed that the report showed that good progress was being made towards the Council Plan. It was shared that the refurbishments made to Council facilities across the district had received positive feedback. Particular attention was drawn to Eckington Active in this regard.

RESOLVED That progress against the Council Plan 2023-2027 objectives be noted.

REASONS FOR DECISION – This is an information report to keep Cabinet informed of progress against the council plan objectives.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – Not applicable to this report as providing an overview of progress against the council plan objectives.

Report of Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance

RESOLVED That Cabinet note the report concerning the Council’s Treasury Management report for Quarter 3.

REASONS FOR DECISION – To ensure that the Cabinet is kept informed of the latest position concerning treasury management.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – This report is concerned with monitoring the position against the Council’s previously approved treasury management strategy. Accordingly, the report does not set out any options where a decision is required by Members.

This was not a Key Decision and so can be implemented with immediate effect by officers.

Cabinet considered a report which summarised the treasury management position for the first three quarters of 2024/25.

Attached to the report was Appendix 1, which set out the treasury management monitoring report for Q3 of 2024/25, and Appendix 2, which set out the prudential indicators monitoring report for Q3 of 2024/25.

Cabinet welcomed the report.

RESOLVED That Cabinet note the report concerning the Council’s Treasury Management report for Quarter 3.

REASONS FOR DECISION – To ensure that the Cabinet is kept informed of the latest position concerning treasury management.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – This report is concerned with monitoring the position against the Council’s previously approved treasury management strategy. Accordingly, the report does not set out any options where a decision is required by Members.

Report of Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance.

RESOLVED That Cabinet note the report and make any comments that they believe to be appropriate with regards to the budget monitoring position outlined.

REASONS FOR DECISION – The report summarises the financial position of the Council following the first quarter’s budget monitoring exercise for the General Fund, the Housing Revenue Account and Capital Programme.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – This report is concerned with monitoring the position against the Council’s previously approved budget. Accordingly, the report does not set out any options where a decision is required by Members.

This was not a Key Decision and so can be implemented with immediate effect by officers.

Cabinet considered a report which outlined financial position of the Council following the monitoring exercise for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and the Capital Programme in Quarter 3 of 2024/25. The report summarised the key figures from the monitoring exercise and explained the reasons for variation against the budget.

Cabinet considered the report. Some Members had questions around the impacts of salary underspends. It was shared that the situation was being monitored, it was not anticipated that there would be any difficulties in filling vacant posts. 

RESOLVED That Cabinet note the report and make any comments that they believe to be appropriate with regards to the budget monitoring position outlined.

REASONS FOR DECISION – The report summarises the financial position of the Council following the first quarter’s budget monitoring exercise for the General Fund, the Housing Revenue Account and Capital Programme.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – This report is concerned with monitoring the position against the Council’s previously approved budget. Accordingly, the report does not set out any options where a decision is required by Members.

Report of Councillor J Barry, Portfolio Holder for Growth & Assets.

RESOLVED

(1)      That Cabinet approve the proposed North East Derbyshire 2025-26 UKSPF programme.

(2)      That approval of variations to the final Investment Plan is delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Assets and Managing Director, should amendments be required by EMCCA.

(3)      That Cabinet agree that NEDDC remains the accountable body for the multi-Authority Derbyshire Accelerator contract for 2025-26, subject to receiving a 4% administrative contribution from participating Local Authorities.

REASONS FOR DECISION 

(1)      Approval of the Investment Plan will enable timely submission of a balanced programme of activity that can respond at pace to meet the needs of the District and accesses additional investment of £1,050,067 UKSPF resources for local determination.

(2)      Delegating responsibility to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader and Managing Director, to approve any amendments to the final Investment Plan submission enables any requirements raised by EMCCA to be addressed at pace.

(3)      Extending the Councils leadership of the Derbyshire Accelerator contract ensures continuity of the business advisors and programme currently working in the localities, derisking the concern that skilled and experienced support will be lost to the local business base.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED 

(1)      Not to approve the proposed Investment Plan. The Plan has been developed and based upon engagement with officers and stakeholders in terms of what activity can realistically be delivered at pace and ensure appropriate positive impact within the 12-month operational period. Budget allocations are based upon experience and identified costs. Approving the Investment Plan would enable access to UKSPF resources for local benefit.

(2)      Not to delegate the authority to approve necessary amendments to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Managing Director, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Assets and Leader of the Local Authority, would result in delivery delays which could impact the success of activity currently being mobilised subject to final approval by EMCCA. The UKSPF Investment Plan will support cross-District, cross-Portfolio activity and be compliant with established financial regulations. It is prudent that the Section 151 Officer has this responsibility should it be required.

(3)      To withdraw the Council’s role as accountable body for the Derbyshire Accelerator would destabilise the continuity of quality business support at a time when it is particularly required by the sector.

This was a Key Decision.  The call-in period for this decision will run until Monday 10 March 2025

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2025-26 Investment Plan. The report highlighted the amount of money that had been allocated to the Council, and the investment priorities that the District’s approach should reflect.

A supplementary agenda had been circulated that included Appendix 3 to the report, which set out the proposed North East Derbyshire UK Shared Prosperity Fund Investment Plan 2025-26.

Cabinet welcomed the report and Investment Plan. It was noted that the funding that had already been received under the UKSPF had been spent positively.

RESOLVED

(1)      That Cabinet approve the proposed North East Derbyshire 2025-26 UKSPF programme.

(2)      That approval of variations to the final Investment Plan is delegated to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Assets and Managing Director, should amendments be required by EMCCA.

(3)      That Cabinet agree that NEDDC remains the accountable body for the multi-Authority Derbyshire Accelerator contract for 2025-26, subject to receiving a 4% administrative contribution from participating Local Authorities.

REASONS FOR DECISION 

(1)      Approval of the Investment Plan will enable timely submission of a balanced programme of activity that can respond at pace to meet the needs of the District and accesses additional investment of £1,050,067 UKSPF resources for local determination.

(2)      Delegating responsibility to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Leader and Managing Director, to approve any amendments to the final Investment Plan submission enables any requirements raised by EMCCA to be addressed at pace.

(3)      Extending the Councils leadership of the Derbyshire Accelerator contract ensures continuity of the business advisors and programme currently working in the localities, derisking the concern that skilled and experienced support will be lost to the local business base.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED 

(1)      Not to approve the proposed Investment Plan. The Plan has been developed and based upon engagement with officers and stakeholders in terms of what activity can realistically be delivered at pace and ensure appropriate positive impact within the 12-month operational period. Budget allocations are based upon experience and identified costs. Approving the Investment Plan would enable access to UKSPF resources for local benefit.

(2)      Not to delegate the authority to approve necessary amendments to the Director of Finance and Resources and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Managing Director, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Assets and Leader of the Local Authority, would result in delivery delays which could impact the success of activity currently being mobilised subject to final approval by EMCCA. The UKSPF Investment Plan will support cross-District, cross-Portfolio activity and be compliant with established financial regulations. It is prudent that the Section 151 Officer has this responsibility should it be required.

(3)      To withdraw the Council’s role as accountable body for the Derbyshire Accelerator would destabilise the continuity of quality business support at a time when it is particularly required by the sector.

To consider any other matter which the Leader is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with the provisions of Statutory Instrument 2012 No 2089, Regulation 11.

None.

The Leader to move:-

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).  [The category of exempt information is stated after each item].

Private Session

RESOLVED – that the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of the following items of business to avoid the disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

Report of Councillor P R Kerry, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategic Leadership & Finance.

(Paragraph 3 & 5)

RESOLVED That Cabinet agrees to write off the amounts in respect of council tax, business rates and rents.

REASONS FOR DECISION – All available options to recover this debt have been explored with write off being the final option in the debt management process.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – These are outlined in the main body of the report.

This was not a Key Decision and so can be implemented with immediate effect by officers.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the proposed write off of debts in respect of council tax, business rates, housing benefit overpayments and rents.

RESOLVED That Cabinet agrees to write off the amounts in respect of council tax, business rates and rents.

REASONS FOR DECISION – All available options to recover this debt have been explored with write off being the final option in the debt management process.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED – These are outlined in the main body of the report.

To consider any other matter which the Leader is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with the provisions of Statutory Instrument 2012 No 2089, Regulations 5 and 11.

None.