Agenda and draft minutes

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10 September 2024.

The Minutes of the Executive held on 10 September 2024 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

None.

To note forthcoming decisions anticipated on the Executive Forward Plan

RESOLVED that the forward plan be noted.

Members of the Public may ask questions of the Leader or an Executive Member. A maximum period of 15 minutes will be allowed with a maximum of period of three minutes per questioner.

None.

To consider the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 16th September, 2024,

RECOMMENDED to Executive that:

1.     The Council Tax Policy is amended to remove the 100% Council Tax exemption (1 month period) for empty, unfurnished properties.  This revokes a decision made by Full Council on 15 January 2013 and concerns only the Class C discount

2.     The Discretionary Non-Domestic (Business) Rate Relief Policy is amended to reflect the following changes:

a.     £1,500 Cap (no step or phasing) to be introduced across all discretionary relief regardless of organisation type

b.     50% maximum award for ‘Not for Profit’ Organisations (£1,500 Cap would also still apply)

c.     Maximum two years awards at any one time.  After that organisations must re-apply and then depending on circumstances relief can be re-awarded on a one or two year basis if eligible

d.     The policy will be strengthened to make it clear that Teignbridge District Council view Discretionary Rate Relief as a short-term assistance to allow the organisation to establish itself and achieve financial stability and are not minded to use discretionary rate relief as a financial top-up for organisations that are not otherwise financially viable.

3.     Councillors Community Fund to continue at £1,000 per annum per member with a minimum grant level of £150 to improve the benefits received by the applicant and to ensure that Council resources are used more efficiently

4.     All Service managers to present options for Fees and charges for their area of control to generate an additional 10% income (5% over the assumed MTFP level) from 1 April 2025 together with the implications.  In addition, the following charges will be implemented in all Teignbridge Council Car-Parks where the fees currently apply:

                           i.          Coach parking to be increased to a flat rate of £10 from £4 (Up to 4 hours) /£6 (All day transferable).  All tickets will be transferable between Teignbridge Car-Parks that have Coach Parking spaces

                          ii.          Sunday Parking to be increased to £2 from £1.20 (+67%) in all Car-Parks where that rate applies.  In the resorts, this is only during the low season of 1 November – 31 March as at other times of the year, charges apply Monday to Sunday

5.     Approval of Council tax increases at the maximum allowed, currently £5.70 (2.99%) in 2024/25.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chair/Task and Finish Group Chair presented the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 16th September, 2024, and thanks all Cllrs of the group and officers who had provided support.

In response to a question regarding details of the mitigation in relation to recommendation 2, it was noted that 21 of 25 cases that were currently capped would continue to be capped but that these businesses could apply for 75% retail and hospitality relief at present.

It was unanimously,

RECOMMENDED to Full Council that:-

1.    The Council Tax Policy is amended to remove the 100% Council Tax exemption (1 month period) for empty, unfurnished properties.  This revokes a decision made by Full Council on 15 January 2013 and concerns only the Class C discount

2.    The Discretionary Non-Domestic (Business) Rate Relief Policy is amended to reflect the following changes:

a.      £1,500 Cap (no step or phasing) to be introduced across all discretionary relief regardless of organisation type

b.    50% maximum award for ‘Not for Profit’ Organisations (£1,500 Cap would also still apply)

c.    Maximum two years awards at any one time.  After that organisations must re-apply and then depending on circumstances relief can be re-awarded on a one or two year basis if eligible

d.    The policy will be strengthened to make it clear that Teignbridge District Council view Discretionary Rate Relief as a short-term assistance to allow the organisation to establish itself and achieve financial stability and are not minded to use discretionary rate relief as a financial top-up for organisations that are not otherwise financially viable.

RESOLVED that:-

3.    Councillors Community Fund to continue at £1,000 per annum per member with a minimum grant level of £150 to improve the benefits received by the applicant and to ensure that Council resources are used more efficiently

4.    All Service managers to present options for Fees and charges for their area of control to generate an additional 10% income (5% over the assumed MTFP level) from 1 April 2025 together with the implications.  In addition, the following charges will be implemented in all Teignbridge Council Car-Parks where the fees currently apply:

                      i.        Coach parking to be increased to a flat rate of £10 from £4 (Up to 4 hours) /£6 (All day transferable).  All tickets will be transferable between Teignbridge Car-Parks that have Coach Parking spaces

                    ii.        Sunday Parking to be increased to £2 from £1.20 (+67%) in all Car-Parks where that rate applies.  In the resorts, this is only during the low season of 1 November – 31 March as at other times of the year, charges apply Monday to Sunday

5.    Approval of Council tax increases at the maximum allowed, currently £5.70 (2.99%) in 2024/25.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for additional Housing Management Policies to ensure the Council compiles with the expectations of the Housing Regulator in respect of its Housing Stock. The policies aligned with those of Teign Housing and Exeter City Council.

It was unanimously,

RESOLVEDthe following policies as appended to the agenda report be approved:-

1.    The Housing Adaptations Policy;

2.    The Housing Complaints Policy;

3.    The Housing Anti Social Behaviour Policy;

4.    The Housing Right to Buy Policy; and

5.    The Housing Mutual Exchange Policy

The Executive Member for Recycling, Household Waste and Environmental Health presented the report to consider the proposal to charge a fee for the provision of a pest control service for rats and mice control and to agree the fee.

It was unanimously,

RESOLVEDto:-

(1)                  Charge a fee for the provision of a pest control service for rats and mice control; and

(2)                  The fee is £72 per service request with a 50% reduction for those on Council Tax Reduction.

The Executive Member for Estates, Assets, Parking & Economic Development advised:

·      The completion of the major works on Queen Street by the end of November was on schedule. The construction works on Queen Street were progressing well including the reuse of the original granite curb stones, respecting the town’s heritage while upgrading its infrastructure. The widening of the footpath outside the primary school, as requested by the school was completed.

·      Bradley Lane development was progressing and would address both local housing needs for affordable and rented homes, and the government’s wider agenda for delivering affordable and social housing, particularly on brownfield sites.

·      Market traders were scheduled to relocate to the newly established Mini Market Hall, located in the former Post Office building, on 14th October 2024 with a formal opening on 16th October. The existing public toilets would be relocated to the ground floor of the refurbished Market Hall, improving accessibility for all.

RESOLVED that the update be noted.

Executive Member Decisions

The decisions were noted.