Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2019 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The Board received the annual report of Halton Housing Trust, which provided an update on progress in 2019.

A verbal update was provided for the Board by new Chief Executive, Liz Haworth, with Deputy Group Chief Executive, Neil McGrath and new Chair, Clive Deadman from Halton Housing Trust. They reported on progress to date in delivering some key achievements, partnerships and strategic priorities.

It was reported that some of the key organisational achievements, detailed in the report were an additional £6.4m of investment in improvements to homes and neighbourhoods; completion of 32 new homes; achieved 96.3% of collectable income; and embarked on a transformational project – ‘Customeyes’ - which would transform services to a pre-emptive approach. In addition, they had continued to actively support and contribute to a wide range of local strategic partnerships across Halton and the wider City Region.

Also noted were the organisational changes to the management structure at the Trust during 2019.

Having dealt with Members’ questions, all were thanked for attending.

            RESOLVED: That the progress report be noted.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which explained the practicalities of implementing the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

At its meeting on 22 March 2019, the Board requested that a report be brought to Members on the practicalities of the Council introducing a CIL. The Board was advised that CIL was introduced by the Government in 2010. Its purpose was to generate additional funds to pay for infrastructure that was required to support new development, to show communities tangible community benefits from accepting new development.

It was reported that CIL permitted planning authorities to impose a charge on new development in their area to raise funds for local infrastructure. Those items of infrastructure permitted to be funded were set out in a pre-determined list, known since September 2019 as an ‘Infrastructure Funding Statement’. A local authority wishing to introduce a CIL had to set out a Charging Schedule which indicated the types of development where a Levy would apply, which would then be mandatory on qualifying developments. It was reported that, unlike Section 106 Agreements which were considered on a site by site basis, a CIL was non-negotiable.

The report set out details of the operation of the CIL and the potential introduction in Halton. It was noted that a Whole Plan Viability Study and review commissioned by Halton was available to view online. The scope for CIL had been reviewed and found not to be viable when all other policy requirements or asks had been met, which was a priority under Government guidance.

            RESOLVED: That, given the information provided, a Community Infrastructure Levy not be introduced at this time but that the matter be reviewed if changes in the Section 106 arrangements or other economic circumstances change.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which sought approval of two documents relating to the Spatial Planning Statement of Common Ground.

            The Board was advised that Statements of Common Ground (SoCG) were introduced in the 2018 update to the National Planning Policy Framework. Local Planning Authorities were to set out an agreed record of strategic matters between authorities together with details of how these matters would be addressed. It was reported that these new documents had to be formally endorsed on behalf of the Council, although they were not directly covered by either the Constitution or by schemes of delegation. It was noted that SoCG’s did not take away or diminish the planning powers of the local planning authority; they provided the primary evidence of compliance with the duty to co-operate.

The report sought endorsement of the first two such documents prepared with, or presented by, neighbouring authorities, together with approval for subsequent documents and updates to be authorised by the Operational Director in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Physical Environment.

            RESOLVED: That

1)    The Liverpool City Region Spatial Planning Statement of Common Ground be approved, and there is an agreement to sign the final document on behalf of Halton Borough Council;

2)    Delegate the Divisional Manager, Planning and Development, to hold the authoritative powers to agree minor wording changes to the LCR Statement of Common Ground if proposed by the other Liverpool City Region local authorities or the Combined Authority during the approval process; and

3)  Approve the ongoing delegation of power to the Divisional Manager, Planning and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for Physical Environment to approve further Statements of Common Ground, or revisions to those previously endorsed with appropriate bodies.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which presented the findings of the Scrutiny Topic Group report on “Better Jobs to Make Better Lives”.

The Chair  of the Employment, Learning and Skills and Community Policy and Performance Board, Councillor MacManus, advised Board Members that the Scrutiny Topic Group had considered how and to what extent any jobs created in the Borough were accessible to local people. It was noted that Members had evaluated the services provided by the Council and, identified the opportunities and challenges in delivery.

The report acknowledged the positive work undertaken to support residents into training or employment. It also considered actions already taken and actions that could be implemented to increase the number of residents accessing jobs in the future. The report set out a number of recommendations for Members’ consideration.

Councillor MacManus, having dealt with questions from Members, was thanked for his attendance.

RESOLVED: That the Board approves the conclusions and recommendations contained in the report.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the Halton Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Constitution.

The Board was advised that the broad role of a SACRE was to support the effective provision of Religious Education and collective worship in schools. Each local education authority should work with its SACRE to review existing provision and consider if any changes were required to the agreed syllabus or in the support offered to schools. It was noted that a SACRE comprised of four groups representing Christian denominations, the Church of England, associations representing teachers and the local education authority. The Halton SACRE required a constitution to ensure it operated efficiently and fulfilled its statutory duties.

            RESOLVED: That Council be recommended to approve the Halton SACRE Constitution.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services, on an extension to a Joint Working Agreement (JWA) between Halton Borough Council and the NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

At its meeting on 14 March 2019, Executive Board approved an extension of the current JWA to allow for a full review to be undertaken. A further report was considered by the Board on 19 September 2019 following the review and options for future working arrangements. Approval was given for the separation of the Continuing Healthcare and Community Care elements of the pooled budget. It was reported that, during a six month extension, work would be undertaken to ensure that the necessary changes were made to operational systems and processes, such as the financial systems, that supported the joint working arrangements.

      RESOLVED: That

1)    the contents of the report be noted; and

2)    a six month extension of the current Joint Working Agreement be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health on the development of Halton’s Healthy Weight Strategy (the Strategy).

            The Board was advised that the Strategy was Halton’s first whole systems approach to addressing healthy weight issues. The approach would enable the identification of the broad and interlinking factors that influenced lifestyle, and to work with new partners to create a health enhancing environment to help find solutions.

            It was reported that over the past ten years there had been a huge amount of work to help Halton residents maintain a healthy weight. The Strategy aimed to build on the success of programmes such as the Heathy Child Programme; Healthy Schools Programme; workplace health initiatives; and Sure Start to Late Life. The report set out details of the whole system approach, working in partnership with Leeds Beckett University; the priorities for action; and how success would be measured.

Reason(s) for Decision

To provide the Executive Board with the opportunity to comment on the Healthy Weight Strategy.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

There was no alternative option considered. The option of not having a Healthy Weight Strategy would not be in the interests of the population.

Implementation Date

November 2019.

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be noted.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on progress against key milestones/objectives for the first quarter of 2019/20.

            The Board was advised that the Directorate Performance Overview Report provided a strategic summary of key issues arising from performance in the relevant quarter for each Directorate, being aligned to Council priorities or functional areas. The Board noted that such information was key to the Council’s management arrangements, with the Board having a key role in monitoring performance and strengthening accountability. Performance management would continue to be important in the demonstration of value for money and outward accountability.

            RESOLVED: That the report and progress and performance information be noted.

MINUTES ISSUED:  22 October 2019

CALL-IN: 29 October 2019 at 5.00 pm.

Any matter decided by the Executive Board may be called in no later than 5.00pm on 29 October 2019.