Agenda and minutes

To receive any declarations of interest from Members

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive questions from the public under Rules 4j1.1 – 4j1.12

No questions relevant to the business of the meeting had been received.

To receive and, if approved, adopt the recommendations from the meeting of Cabinet held on 25 January:

(a)   Local Authority Housing Fund Top Up (report of the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources is available at: Agenda Item 7)

LOCAL AUTHORITY HOUSING FUND TOP UP

Councillor Mark Baynham, Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources introduced the report. Two rounds of funding had been received by the Government, to purchase properties to provide housing for refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine and to help with temporary accommodation. The Government announced that further funding was available, earlier this month, and invited Local Authorities to apply. An application had been made, and it was anticipated that a response would be received by 2 February.

As confirmation of the funding had not been received, the recommendations were amended to seek approval for the provision of up to 4 homes, and a capital spend of up to £1.78m. Any grant funding received would need to be spent by 29 March.

It was highlighted that the proposals would generate income and that properties could be purchased at 60% of the market rate. There was no financial risk as any unspent monies would be returned to the Government. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Sam Raby, who spoke in support and highlighted that the purchases would form part of the ongoing support offered to those in the District that needed housing.

RESOLVED

i)              Proceed with the application for, and receipt of, the grant allocation for the Council to provide or facilitate the provision of up to 2 large resettlement homes and up to 2 temporary accommodation homes.

ii)             That capital spend of up to £1.78m in the 2023/24 capital programme be approved, provided that the actual required spend, which is dependent upon the value of the unknown grant allocation, is reported to full Council at its next ordinary meeting.

REASONS

i)              To apply for, receive and use the grant to help purchase / provide more affordable homes for the district.

ii)             Full Council must approve the capital budget.

iii)           Subject to Council approval, to avoid the requirement to seek Cabinet’s approval for the purchase by Horsham District Council of each individual property that would otherwise be required to give effect to this initiative.

To receive the report of the Chief Executive

The Chief Executive introduced the report and advised that the Council were required to appoint a new member to the Independent Remuneration Panel. A successful candidate had been identified, following a full recruitment process and successful interview. The appointment was required to enable the Independent Remuneration Panel to undertake an interim review in the current financial year, to consider how to reflect the 2023/24 staff pay award in the Scheme of Members Allowances.

Councillor Martin Boffey, Leader of the Council, moved the recommendations, and Councillor Philip Circus seconded the motion. They spoke in support of the recommendations and highlighted the importance of an independent panel that make recommendations in relation to Members’ Allowances.

            RESOLVED

i)          That authority be delegated to the Monitoring Officer to appoint a panel member to sit on the Independent Remuneration Panel

            REASONS

i)              To ensure that the Council has a fully appointed IRP, in a timely manner, in order that it can undertake an interim review and proffer recommendations as to how to reflect the latest staff pay award in Members’ Allowances.