Agenda and minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 6 June 2023 subject to an amendment to minute no.31 to read 4 April 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cllr Hook declared an interest in respect of minute no.44 - Developer contributions funding for improvements to Highweek Scout hut for wider community use – as she is an unpaid Director of the Newton Abbot Community Interest Company she would leave the meeting for the consideration of this item.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated on the Executive Forward Plan

The Leader stated that the following items would be added to the Forward Plan with dates to be confirmed in due course.

Asset Management Strategy – particularly differentiating Commercial and Community Assets

Capital Programme Review

Community Powered Council Policies

Rent Subsidy Policy

Council Strategy Update

Communication Strategy

Modern 25 Programme

Commercial Property Investment Board Governance

RESOLVED that the Forward Plan be noted.

The Executive Member for Corporate Services presented the report to update Members on the principal areas where there were likely to be departures from the 2023/24 budget and summarise those variations to the end of May 2023. The update also included progress with the capital programme and funding and any amendments to the lending list for treasury management purposes.

RESOLVED to:-

(1)                      The revenue budget variations as shown at appendix 1 be approved;

(2)                      The updated capital programme as shown at appendix 2 be approved; and

(3)                      The use of £103,090 of Strata revenue savings identified in 2022/23 to be reinvested in the delivery of information technology support in 2023/24 be approved.

The vote was unanimous.  

The Executive Member for Homes & Communities presented the report which sought approval for the revision of the Council’s Housing Grants and Loans policy 2018, so that it becomes the Housing Financial Assistance Policy for Loans and Grants 2023.

RESOLVED the Housing Financial Assistance Policy for Loans and Grants 2023 (Appendix 1) be adopted.

The vote was unanimous.  

Cllr Hook left the meeting for consideration of this item.

The Executive Member for Planning presented the report which sought approval for the expenditure of up to £175,000 grant from developer contributions to fund improvements to the existing Highweek Scout Hut facility, creating an improved community building for public hire.

He proposed an amendment that recommendation (2) be in consultation with relevant Executive Members. The Leader proposed that the amendment read the Executive Member for Planning and the Executive Member for Homes & Communities to sign off the necessary legal agreements. The Executive Member for Planning accepted this and Executive supported this amendment.

A Local Ward Member spoke in support of this proposal.

RESOLVED to:

(1)                      Agree the approval of up to £175,000 grant funding to be paid to Highweek Scouts for improvements to the Scout Hut; and

(2)                      Grant delegated authority to the Head of Place and Commercial Services to enter into the necessary legal agreements, with the Executive Member for Planning and the Executive Member for Homes & Communities to sign off the necessary legal agreements, associated with funding the project and securing ongoing community access; and

(3)                      The funding agreement will be contingent on the building being available for wider community hire as set out in Appendix A be noted.

The vote was unanimous. 

The Executive Member for Economy, Jobs and Culture presented the report which sought to provide an update on the progress of the Future High Street Fund Newton Abbot.

Executive Members did not support moving to quarterly updates preferring to stay with the monthly update to Executive. Therefore, this part of the recommendation was not voted on.

RESOLVED that the updates be noted.

The vote was unanimous.