Agenda and minutes

To authorise the Chairman to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14 December 2021.

RESOLVED – That the Chairman be authorised to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Council held on 14 December 2021.

To receive the following Emergency Non-Executive Decision taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution 3. (B 1) (11.1) and to note any spending outside any budgetary provision:-

RESOLVED – That

(1)        the following Emergency Non-Executive Decision taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution 3.(B 1) (1.1) be received:-

•           023 19-01-22 Business Support Grants – Omicron Response January 2022; and

(2)        any spending outside any budgetary provision be noted.

Any member of the public who wishes to ask a question, make representations or present a deputation or petition at this meeting should apply to do so by no later than 0:01am (one minute past midnight) two working days before the meeting.  Information on how to make the application can be obtained by viewing the Council’s Website www.southlakeland.gov.uk or by contacting the Committee Services Team on 01539 733333.

(1)        Questions and Representations

            To receive any questions or representations which have been received from members of the public.

(2)        Deputations and Petitions

            To receive any deputations or petitions which have been received from members of the public.

No questions, representations, deputations or petitions had been received from members of the public in respect of this meeting.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda and to consider any dispensations.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests.  (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.)

Members may, however, also decide, in the interests of clarity and transparency, to declare at this point in the meeting, any such disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, as well as any other registrable or other interests.

If a Member requires advice on any item involving a possible declaration of interest which could affect his/her ability to speak and/or vote, he/she is advised to contact the Monitoring Officer at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

The Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) drew Members’ attention to the following dispensation provided by herself and the Independent Person under Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution, Responsibility for Functions, paragraphs 2.7 and 4.12, on 18 February 2020 for a four year period ending in 2024:-

“Members of Council who are Parish Councillors who may have a DPI in relation to the Parish Budgets that will be funded through the Parish precept and Council Tax.

Members who are County Councillors who are involved in the setting of the County Council budget and the consideration of the County Council element of Council Tax.

Members who are appointed to Outside Bodies and who may have DPI interests as a result of these appointments (due to receiving any allowance, payment or indemnity) elements of the budget relate directly to the organisation’s to which they are appointed.

Members who are dual and triple hatted and who may have a DPI due to receiving any allowance, payment or indemnity from the County and Parish / Town Councils.

Members living in Council accommodation and who are affected by plans or programmes in the budget “housing matters where the member is a tenant of the Council, provided the budget item does not relate to the member’s tenancy or lease.”

Members of the Council who receive Independent Remuneration Panel Members Allowances.”

To consider whether the items, if any, in Part II of the Agenda should be considered in the presence of the press and public.

There were no excluded items on the Agenda.

To receive announcements by the Chairman.

The Chairman took the opportunity to thank officers, community groups and Members for their work in trying to keep communities safe during the recent storms.

Further to the appointment of Committee Memberships at the Annual Meeting of the Council in May 2021, to receive a change proposed by the Liberal Democrat Group that Councillor Helen Ladhams will take the place of Councillor Susanne Long on the Lake Administration Committee for the remainder of 2021/22.

This item was withdrawn from the Agenda.

To receive a verbal update on any matters relating to Local Government Reorganisation, including the Judicial Review.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder, referred to regular information and updates being shared with Members in relation to Local Government Reorganisation, also drawing attention to the dedicated Website for members of the public in relation to the process.  He further drew attention to the legal hearing which had taken place earlier in the day relating to the Cumbria County Council Judicial Review, informing Members that the judge had comprehensively dismissed the claim of Cumbria County Council.  The judgment had shown that the six districts, of which South Lakeland was one, were correct in their approach to the Court proceedings.  The process, in respect of local government reorganisation, should now continue free of legal challenge and, hopefully, this drew a line under this particular matter.

Councillor Mark Wilson was pleased that the application for Judicial Review had been put forward although was less pleased with the outcome.  He felt that this had been an important step to take in terms of due diligence and clearly drawing a line in the sand.

Councillor Roger Bingham having asked if there had been any mention as regards who was responsible for the costs of this action, the Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) undertook to respond separately to Members on the matter pending receipt of the formal judgment of the Court.

Councillor Ben Berry referred to Windermere and Bowness Town Council’s bid to take over the ownership and management of the bed of Lake Windermere and sought Councillor Brooks’ thoughts, including on whether he supported such action.  The Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) informed Members that she was not aware of any recent formal approach or communication, however, advised that officers had met with the Town Council.  This had been a positive meeting and the latest position was that a meeting with Government officials regarding the Consequential Order and how the Lake would be treated was awaited.  She was not aware of any communications since that meeting a few weeks ago but indicated that she would be happy to pick this up outside of the meeting.

Councillor Kevin Lancaster referred to issues which had been reported to the Audit Committee regarding the situation with Copeland Borough Council and asked if these issues had been resolved.  The Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) drew attention to recent council budget meetings that had taken place throughout Cumbria and explained that this was a matter for Copeland Borough Council.  Officers were working on papers that would come forward to Joint Committees and Shadow Authorities regarding financial sustainability for the new authorities moving forward.

To consider the establishment of the Westmorland and Furness Joint Committee.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of the Council and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder presented a report which recommended that a Westmorland and Furness Joint Committee be established by the Councils making up the Westmorland and Furness Council.

As part of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process, the Council had a requirement to establish a Westmorland and Furness Joint Committee within fourteen days of the Structural Changes Order (SCO) coming into force, with the Joint Committee being dissolved in accordance with the SCO, on the day following the first Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council meeting.

Councillor Brook informed Members that the Cumbria Monitoring Officers had recommended that one authority should host the Joint Committee and that South Lakeland District Council had agreed to host the Joint Committee meetings for Westmorland and Furness.  He added that the suggested terms of reference had been attached at Appendix 1 to the report and were based on the content of the SCO laid before Parliament on 24 January 2022.

The report set out the Membership requirements of the Joint Committee, which would be comprised of three nominated persons from each District Council as well as the County Council.  For South Lakeland District Council, the political balance of appointments was two Liberal Democrats (with one being an Executive Councillor) and one Conservative.  Councillor Brook informed Members that the nominations had now been received and that those Councillors were himself and Andrew Jarvis for the Liberal Democrats and John Holmes for the Conservatives.

Together with the nominations for the three Members as outlined above, Councillor Brook moved the recommendations contained within the report, those having been recommended to Council by Cabinet.  He was seconded by Councillor Tom Harvey, Leader of the Opposition, who welcomed the balanced political representation and the fact that the Members nominated had a wide variety of real world experience.

Councillor Mark Wilson expressed disappointment that the Council had not taken its usual view and had not included Members from all political parties.  He further questioned the Terms of Reference and the Joint Committee’s purpose to establish a proposed Calendar of Meetings for the Shadow Council for adoption at its inaugural meeting, saying that it was not yet known what shadow committees would be formed.  The Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) explained that all of these matters had to go through both the Joint Committee and the Shadow Authority, and could change depending on how the Constitution was set up.  At the moment, she said that the Calendar included the Shadow Executive, Shadow Authority, Shadow Scrutiny and the potential for task and finish groups.  Approval would first have to be sought on this and Members of those committees would direct accordingly.  Councillor Mark Wilson referred to a recent County Council Health Scrutiny Board meeting and the importance of integrated care systems and the need for scrutiny arrangements to be maintained and improved in the new Authority.  The Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) reminded Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/99

To consider the Council’s interim priorities and a request that the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority considers the priorities and proposals set out in Appendix 1 to the report in developing the Policy Framework for the new authority.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder, presented the report which was concerned with South Lakeland’s legacy.  It sought to make sure that, in the Council’s final year, during the transition to the establishment of Westmorland and Furness Council, efforts were focused on critical areas of delivery which would be a strong legacy and provide firm foundations on which the new authority could build.  It sought to ensure that the Westmorland and Furness Shadow Authority gave full consideration to the vision and priorities of South Lakeland and its communities in developing its strategy and policy framework.  The report highlighted the method and criteria, which involved a Project Portfolio Management Approach which had been adopted in prioritising the Council’s work during the remainder of its existence.

Councillor Brook drew attention to a number of key priorities which were intended to be completed by vesting day:-

•           the final few stages of the Customer Connect project including the completion of the final phase of the refurbishment of South Lakeland House;

•           Covid response including Track and Trace and the distribution of grants;

•           the master plan for the GSK site in Ulverston;

•           the completion of the roundabout at Cross-a-Moor, Swarthmoor;

•           the completion of works to New Road and Gooseholme Bridge; and

•           Phase 1 of the provision of EV charging points.

Councillor Brook took the opportunity to confirm that the suite of legal agreements for the Cross-a-Moor junction improvement project had been completed on the previous day.  Together with the Growth Deal Funding Agreement from 2021, the suite comprised three agreements for the Council’s receipt of external funding and one agreement for the outgoing contribution to National Highways.  All agreements had required skilful negotiation because of their interdependencies and the need to manage the risks in the project’s delivery.  With the completion of the agreements, the Council will receive external funding of £5.2m and contribute up to a maximum of £6.3m to National Highways.   National Highways will contribute £4.9m towards the scheme.  Councillor Brook thanked all the officers involved in this complex process and for work with the Council’s partners.  South Lakeland District Council had been fundamental in assembling the funds without which the scheme would not have proceeded.  Once completed later this year, it would unlock the allocated development sites, enabling the delivery of around 1,000 homes of which 355 would be affordable.  Councillor Brook felt that this was a great example of the ambition of this Council to deliver the best outcomes for its communities and for its tenacity in seeking to deliver those ambitions, even when there were significant challenges.  It was exactly this spirit and ability that the Council wanted to see transfer to the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

Some other projects likely to be completed included disabled toilet improvements at Millerground and Cartmel, Kendal Market Lift, the conversion of redundant premises at Ellerthwaite depot to offices, improvements to Rothay Park toilets, flood alleviation works at Windermere Road, Grange and  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/100

To note the projected year end position based on performance to the end of Quarter 3 2021/22 and officers’ planned actions to ensure a balanced budget by the end of the financial year.

The Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, Councillor Andrew Jarvis, presented the third quarter financial monitoring report of 2021/22.  The report provided the projected year end position based on performance to the end of Quarter 3 and officers’ planned actions to ensure a balanced budget by the end of the financial year.

The report and appendices included details relating to the revenue budget, capital expenditure, collection of Council Tax and business rates and the Council’s current position with regard to debt collection.

Appendix 1 set out the revenue variances to date, highlighting the best estimate of additional costs and loss of income from Covid-19 for 2021/22 which were £570,600 which suggested a saving against the contingency budget of £126,900.  Regarding the Business as Usual (BAU) position, there was a projected overspend of £46,000 which was likely to be closed as the year end approached.

Appendix 2 set out the position on the capital programme.  Following a review of the capital programme in the autumn of 2021, the programme was now valued at £14.602 million for 2021/22, with nearly £5 million being spent as at 31 December 2021.  It was felt that most of the budget would be spent before the end of the financial year due to grants where agreements had been close to being finalised.

Table 4 in the report set out Local Taxation Collection rates which remained low but included more payment plans.

Councillor Jarvis, in closing, said that the report highlighted that the Council continued to be in a good financial position, despite the impact of the pandemic, and was heading to close to a balanced budget in the year.  He thanked officers for their work on this and moved the recommendation contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor Doug Rathbone.

Councillor David Webster referred to Appendix 2 to the report and reference to the Ulverston Bank Clock, expressing concern that the scheme appeared to be in the budget for 2023/34 by which time South Lakeland District Council would no longer exist.  The Chairman undertook to ensure that a written response was provided.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report and Appendices 1 to 3 thereto be noted.

To consider approving the receipt of a financial contribution from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Councillor Robin Ashcroft, Economy, Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder, presented the report informing Members that, following Cabinet’s consideration of the Ulverston Leisure Site at its meeting on the 9 February 2022, Cabinet had recommended to Council that it consider approving the receipt of a financial contribution of £2 million from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).  Approval would see the first phase of development progress which would enable the relocation of uses from the GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) sports site to Priory Road.  This would release land for future employment use.  Further project development work on phases 2 and 3 would enable the Westmorland and Furness Council to determine an appropriate strategy for provision and reinvestment in leisure facilities.

The rationale for the scheme was summarised as:-

•           Investment in Place – providing a good leisure and sports offering, promoting the benefits of Ulverston as a place to live, work and invest.

•           Improving Health – providing facilities and programming which promote active lifestyles

•           Employment Land Use – opportunity for the re purposing of land at the GSK site to support future employment use, enabled by the relocation of facilities at Priory Road.

•           Sustainable Facilities – addressing reinvestment in aging facilities, reducing cost and environmental impact, extending community participation in the provision and operation of facilities.

•           Responding to Current Circumstances – as part of proposals which mitigate the impacts of change at the GSK site

Recent study work had recommended a phased approach to the proposals. In summary:-

Phase 1 would include; the provision of three football pitches, changing facilities, remodelling of the indoor tennis centre, provision of the crown green bowling green, and the informal running route.  This was estimated to cost in the region of £1.8m and would be enabled by the GSK financial contribution.  A delivery period of circa 12-15 months would be required from commencement to all the facilities being available.

Phase 2 would include; the provision of the swimming pool, car parking re modelling, and further internal work to the tennis centre.  This was estimated to cost in the region of £5.4m and would require the new facility’s business plan to provide revenue which supports prudential borrowing, together with potential for grant funding.  A delivery period of circa 18 months would be required from commencement.

Phase 3 would include; refurbishment of the existing all weather hockey pitch and refurbishment of the outdoor tennis courts.  This was estimated to cost in the region of £0.3m and would require the new business plan to provide revenue which supported prudential borrowing, together with potential for grant funding.  A delivery period of circa 2 months would be required from commencement.

As part of the process of Local Government Reorganisation, Government was likely to make Directions on the expenditure of the existing Councils for the period between the Structural Changes Order coming into effect and prior to vesting day.  The effect of these Directions would likely require the written consent of the Shadow Authority’s Cabinet prior to entering contracts which involved capital expenditure  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/102

To consider retention of the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for the financial year commencing 1 April 2022.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, presented a report informing Members that on 1 April 2013, the national Council Tax Benefit Scheme had been abolished and replaced with a locally-determined scheme known as the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme.  South Lakeland District Council had introduced a scheme that mirrored the previous national scheme, which meant that nobody was worse off under the Local Scheme and that the most vulnerable people in the District were protected from any reductions in support.

After considering options for change, including the additional income, costs and risks associated with any changes, it was expected that the current Scheme would continue unchanged for the financial year 2022/23.  This was with the exception of applying the annual upratings and other minor income and capital disregards.

The report had also been though Cabinet which had recommended that Council approve the Scheme.

Councillor Jarvis felt that approval of the Scheme was critical as it provided vital help to many of the poorest and most vulnerable members of South Lakeland’s community.  He moved the recommendations contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor David Webster.

Members expressed strong support for the Scheme and in particular Councillor Suzie Pye, Health, Wellbeing and Poverty Alleviation Portfolio Holder, who drew attention to the fact that South Lakeland District Council remained one of only a handful of local authorities offering up to 100% Council Tax reduction, which went beyond its statutory obligation.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED – That

(1)        the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme be approved and adopted, it being the most appropriate scheme for this Council for the financial year commencing 1 April 2022, subject to the Finance Lead Specialist (Section 151 Officer), in consultation with the Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, being authorised to:-

(a)        make all necessary updates to this Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme to comply with any statutory requirements that may be issued by Central Government;

(b)        make all necessary amendments to the Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme to uprate the allowances and premiums in accordance with the HB Circular A11/2021 regarding annual upratings issued in December 2021 by the Department of Work and Pensions; and

(c)        publish the updated scheme in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 2012; and

(2)        any work on a further Scheme be carried out as part of the Local Government Reorganisation work streams for the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

Councillor David Webster having proposed, Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, having seconded, and a vote having been taken, the meeting adjourned for a break at 8.05 p.m. and reconvened at 8.15 p.m.  A roll call was taken and the same Members were present, with the exception of Councillors Caroline Airey and Roger Bingham.

Note – In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and the consequential change to the Council’s Rules of Procedure, this item will automatically be subject to a recorded vote in respect of the adoption of the Budget and on any amendments proposed at the meeting.

To consider the recommendations from Cabinet to determine the Council’s Budget for 2022/23 onwards, including fees and charges, the Capital Programme, the Pay Policy Statement and the Chief Finance Officer’s Advice on the Robustness of Estimates and the Adequacy of Reserves.

The Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, Councillor Andrew Jarvis, took pleasure in presenting the 49^th and final budget of South Lakeland District Council.  He was pleased to say that the budget showed that the Council continued to be in good financial health, continued to deliver a high level of services and would keep investing for the residents in its area.  Councillor Jarvis drew attention to the unusual situation whereby this Council would not continue in its current form beyond 1 April 2023.  However, it was still necessary for the Council to plan, agree and monitor a budget for next year while the Council retained its role.  Furthermore, planning for subsequent years was an important input into building the budget of the new Westmorland and Furness Council.

The report firstly considered the Chief Finance Officer’s advice on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of reserves under the requirements of the Local Government Act 2003.

After consideration of the above, Council was being asked to consider the recommendations from Cabinet to determine the Council’s 2022/23 Five Year Budget, including fees and charges, the capital programme and the pay policy statement.  A balanced budget for 2022/23 was presented, including an increase in Council tax of 1.5%.

The expected outcome was that Council will be in a position to deliver the priorities set out in the Council Plan within its resources.

Cabinet, on 14 December 2021, had approved the re-profiling of the 2021/22 – 2025/26 capital budgets which formed part of the draft capital programme.  The final draft revenue budget and capital programme had been considered by Cabinet on 9 February 2022.  The local government finance settlement had been announced in late December and, as expected, delayed the reduction in income expected as part of reform of local government funding until at least April 2023.

The successful implementation of staffing changes as part of Customer Connect had permanently delivered savings of over £1.5m.  However, subsequently, the Council had seen one-off costs around Covid-19 and Local Government Reorganisation, short-term, demand-driven pressures and inflation, particularly on fuel, which had created significant new pressures and gaps in the budget.  The budget presented a balanced budget for 2022/23, with significant deficits from 1 April 2023.  Options were being developed to balance future budget deficits.

Councillor Jarvis referred to Recommendation (5) in the report regarding the latest Collection Fund Estimates and advised that there were no changes to report regarding the Cumbria County Council and Cumbria Police element.

Councillor Jarvis summed up, saying that despite the many challenges faced by the Authority, this budget showed that the Council was entering into reorganisation in sound financial health, whilst not increasing Council Tax by the maximum permitted by statute.  This confirmed the Section 151 Officer’s statement in Section 9.12 of the report.

Councillor Jarvis moved the recommendations contained within the report, thanking officers for their work on ensuring that the Council had a strong and robust programme and the Finance Team for preparing this budget.  He  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/105

Note – In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and the consequential change to the Council’s Rules of Procedure, this item will automatically be subject to a recorded vote in respect of setting the Council Tax and on any amendments proposed at the meeting.

To consider a report to enable the Council to calculate and set the Council Tax for 2022/23.  (At the time of printing the Agenda, formal confirmation of the precepts from Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner are awaited and, if these differ from assumptions, revised figures will be issued as soon as possible.)

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, presented a report to enable the Council to calculate and set the Council Tax for 2022/23.

The precepts from Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner had been confirmed, at the values previously proposed, on 10 and
16 February 2022 respectively.

As the billing authority, South Lakeland District Council was required to undertake a series of calculations in order to determine the Council Tax to be set for each parish within the District.  Once the Council Tax had been approved, Council Tax bills would be issued to each household in South Lakeland during March 2022 in accordance with the amounts set, subject to any reductions for discounts, exemptions or reliefs.

Councillor Jarvis drew attention to the impact on the average Band D Council Tax which would rise from £2,014.68 to £2,060.66.  Of the increase of just under £46, 65% was accounted for by the Adult Social Care Charge for Cumbria County Council, 22% by the Police and Crime Commissioner precept, with the remainder split equally between South Lakeland District Council and parishes.

Councillor Jarvis moved the recommendations contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and the Council’s Rules of Procedure, a recorded vote was taken on the recommendations as follows:–

The following Members voted in favour (37) – Councillors Giles Archibald, Robin Ashcroft, Pat Bell, Jonathan Brook, Helen Chaffey, Ben Cooper, Brian Cooper, Jonathan Cornthwaite, Tracy Coward, Philip Dixon, July Filmore, Fiona Hanlon, Tom Harvey, Eamonn Hennessy, Hazel Hodgson, Chris Hogg, Rachael Hogg, John Holmes, Kevin Holmes, Vicky Hughes, Helen Irving, Ali Jama, Andrew Jarvis, Helen Ladhams, Malcolm Lamb, Kevin Lancaster, Susanne Long, Pete McSweeney, Ian Mitchell, Suzie Pye, Doug Rathbone, Matt Severn, Peter Thornton, Heather Troughton, David Webster, Ian Wharton and Mark Wilson.

There were no votes against.

There were no abstentions.

Note - Those Members in attendance at the start of the meeting and who are not accounted for in the recorded vote above had left the meeting prior to consideration of this item of business.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED – That

(1)        it be noted that on 17 December 2021, under powers delegated under Paragraph 3.1 of Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution, the Finance Lead Specialist (Section 151 Officer) calculated the Council Tax Base for the financial year 2022/23 by means of an Administrative Decision:-

(a)        for the whole of the District as 46185.17 (Item T in the formula in Section 31(B) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (”the Act”), as amended); and

(b)        for each part of the Council’s area:-

To consider the Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23 – 2025/26 and the Capital Strategy for 2022/23 – 2033/34.

Councillor Andrew Jarvis, Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, presented a report setting out the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2022/23 to 2025/26 and the Capital Strategy for 2022/23 – 2033/34.  The Strategies had been updated to reflect the 2022/23 Budget and Capital Programme which had been considered earlier in the meeting.

The draft strategies had been considered by both the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet prior to this version being presented to Council for approval.

Councillor Jarvis thanked all officers who had worked on the strategies, in particular the Finance Specialist who led on the work in this area and who had prepared the report.  He moved the recommendations contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor Doug Rathbone.

Members expressed thanks to the Finance Lead Specialist (Section 151 Officer) for wise investment and for keeping the Council’s money safe and sound.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED – That the following be approved:-

(1)        the Treasury Management and Capital Strategies attached as appendices of the report; and

(2)        the authorised and operational borrowing limits set out within the report.

To consider the Procurement Schedule 2022/23.

The Deputy Leader and Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder, Councillor Andrew Jarvis, presented the Procurement Schedule for 2022/23.  There were 82 procurement projects identified, which was considerably lower than the 135 procurement exercises originally approved for 2021/22.  It was thought that Local Government Reorganisation had focussed the departments on what was important in terms of Business as Usual.

Councillor Jarvis pointed out that the Schedule reflected the amount of work still being carried out by the Council.  He thanked officers for their work and the Procurement Specialist specifically for her report which had also been reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet and recommended to Council without comment.

Councillor Jarvis moved the recommendation contained within the report and was seconded by Councillor Giles Archibald who recommended that all Councillors review the contents of the Schedule which provided a view of what the Council was doing.

It was unanimously

RESOLVED – That the Procurement Schedule for 2022/23 attached at Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

To consider urgent items, if any.

There were no urgent items for consideration at the meeting.

To receive announcements from the Leader and, in accordance with Paragraphs 10.2 and 10.3 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, to deal with any questions to the Leader and/or Portfolio Holders on any topic which is within the jurisdiction or influence of the Council and is relevant to their Portfolio.  Any Member who poses a question will be entitled to ask one supplementary question on the same topic.

Members are encouraged to give 24 hours’ written notice of questions to the Monitoring Officer of questions to be raised under the Agenda Item.  If no notice is received, then the Portfolio Holder can reserve the right to give a written answer.  Where written notice of questions has been given, these will be taken first.  Should a Member wish to ask more than one question, questions should be listed in order of priority.  If more than one Member sends in a question, these will be taken in alphabetical order of Members’ names, alternated from meeting to meeting.  Each question and each response is restricted to three minutes.

Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader and Promoting South Lakeland and Innovation Portfolio Holder, indicated that he had no further announcements to make this evening.

In accordance with paragraphs 10.2 and 10.3 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, the following written questions had been submitted to the meeting and were answered accordingly:-

From Councillor Vicky Hughes to Councillor Robin Ashcroft, Economy, Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder - Could the portfolio holder of economy culture and leisure please update us on what the outlook for the SL economy is and what thinking is there behind its future?

Councillor Ashcroft informed Members that the outlook was brighter for South Lakeland’s economy than was first anticipated during the early stages of the pandemic.  Covid-19 has undoubtedly had an impact, although some of this has been temporary and mitigated by financial support.  The 40,000 grant payments made to businesses by the Council, totalling over £150m, had played a significant part in safeguarding jobs.  Interestingly, there were now more businesses and jobs in South Lakeland than pre-pandemic levels.

The easing of Covid restrictions and greater clarity about the future had aided business planning and, according to the Council’s latest annual business survey, 80% of businesses said they now felt confident about the next 12 months, compared to 50% the previous year.

However, while business resilience had been strong and consumer demand remained high, there remained challenges to business in terms of increased energy bills, cost of materials, importing and exporting goods, premises availability and staffing.  Recruitment was reported as the biggest obstacle to growth across all sectors, with 10-20% of current vacancies unable to be filled.

While post Covid societal changes and the impact of Brexit had undoubtedly had an impact, it was recognised that there were systemic issues and South Lakeland had a particular millstone with the prevalence of second homes.

The Council saw addressing the declining working age population as a priority, and the attraction and retention of human capital as equally important as investment in physical infrastructure.  The Council continued to work collaboratively with partners on the issue of skills and employment, as well as a number of strategic projects around the district, including Kendal Vision, GSK Ulverston, Cross-a-Moor Roundabout, Kendal Flood Scheme, Windermere Gateway and Grange Lido, all bringing millions of pounds of investment into the wider community of South Lakeland.

Placemaking was at the heart of the Council’s thinking and it worked to enable groups such as Morecambe Bay Partnership, Kendal Futures, Sedbergh Economic Partnership and the Ulverston Town Team (Borderlands) to deliver on collective plans for the area.  The Council saw cultural regeneration and the repurposing of empty spaces as key to sustaining town centre vibrancy and providing the creative spaces and housing its communities needed.

The Council also focussed on rural communities, an example being Grizedale Arts and their innovative work through the Farmer’s Arms and the Valley Project on forward looking sustainable rural economies.

The Council strove to create the right conditions for business, through the delivery of strategic  ...  view the full minutes text for item C/110

To deal with any questions under Rule 10.6 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure, of which due notice has been given and/or the Chairman allows as a matter of urgent business and which are in relation to any matter over which the Council has powers or duties or which affect the area.

No questions had been received under Rule 10.6 of the Council’s Rules of Procedure.

In accordance with Paragraph 17.3 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, to receive details of any urgent Executive Decisions  taken since the meeting of Council on 11 November 2021.

RESOLVED – That the details relating to an urgent Executive Decision taken since the meeting of Council on 11 November 2021, namely CEX/84 (2021/22) (Contract Award for Scaling On Street Charging Infrastructure), be received.

To note the following Emergency Delegated Executive Decision taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with the Leader’s decision noted by Cabinet at CEX/104 (2019/20):-

RESOLVED – That the following Emergency Delegated Executive Decision taken by the Chief Executive, in accordance with the Leader’s decision noted by Cabinet at CEX/04 (2019/20), be noted:-

•           018 19-01-22 Business Support Grants – Omicron Response January 2022.