Agenda and draft minutes

You are invited to declare any registerable and/or non-registerable interests in matters appearing on the agenda, and the nature of that interest.

You are also invited to disclose any dispensation in relation to any registerable and/or non-registerable interests that have been granted to you in respect of any matters appearing on the agenda.

Please complete the Declarations of Interests card available at the meeting and return it to the Democratic Services Officer before leaving the meeting.

Councillor K Clark declared a Registerable Personal Interest in Items 12 and 13 as she is a Director and Employee of Justice Prince CIC which receives funds and contracts with the Council.

Councillor P Earley declared a Registerable Person Interest in Items 12 and 13 as he is a trustee of North Tyneside Carers Centre.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14October 2024.

Resolved that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 October 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

To receive a verbal report on the latest activities of the Young Mayor and Young Cabinet.

The Young Mayor advised that his last update we have celebrated local democracy week, he has attended numerous awards ceremonies and completed his drug and alcohol survey for young people to take part in.

The Young Mayor advised Cabinet that Local Democracy Week was a success lots of positive feedback was received from young people and schools about the Young Person’s Question Time event and the introduction to democracy sessions for primary school children. It was great to make sure young people had their voices heard.

The Young Mayor advised that he and MYP John attended the NE Youth Awards this month, celebrating young individuals and youth projects across the Northeast. He advised how amazing it was to hear the success of so many young people, workers and groups across the region and how important youth action groups are.

That Young Mayor also advised that MYP John attended the UK Youth Parliament’s annual conference at Warwick University, where he worked with MYP’s from all over the country. John sat in two different workshops to finalise motions which all MYP’s then voted towards to complete their manifesto. The Young Mayor, John and Youth Council Member Sam, also attended a regional MYP event in Redcar. The young Mayor advised that they spoke to Riley Sweeney who is a Youth Advisor working for the Children’s Commissioner for England about the curriculum review and put forward their ideas around post 16 education, exams and supporting young people with SEND.

It was noted that Children in Care Council had their celebration event which was masquerade themed. All young people attending had an amazing evening with lots of music, food and awards being given out. Children in Care Council have been completing some work around transitions for young people who move from a placement to a home. A younger Children in Care Council group has also been established and their focus is working towards care bags for young people.

The Young Mayor wished everyone a lovely Christmas spending time with family and friends.

Mayor Redfearn thanked the Young Mayor for his update and advised him he was doing a great job and hoped he was still enjoying his time as Young Mayor.  Mayor Redfearn asked that thanks be passed on to

Councillor Earley expressed his thanks to all of the officers and young people who contributed to make the events a success.

In June 2023 and subsequently January 2024, new statutory guidance for all Local Authorities was published by the Department for Education (DfE), for the travel to school of children of compulsory school age.

The Authority’s current travel assistance offer to children and young people of compulsory school age, includes elements that exceed that which is specified in the updated statutory guidance.  As a result of this, a large increase in demand for the service and the impact of inflation, there is a significant 2024-25 forecast financial pressure on the home to school transport budget of £1.776.

It was therefore appropriate for the Authority to undertake a review of its Home to School Transport Policy (“the policy”) and Annual Post 16 Transport Policy Statement (“the statement”).  On 27 November 2023, Cabinet approved the commencement of a public consultation on a revised draft policy and statement, which returns the Authority to the provision of services in line with the new guidance and statutory requirements only.

Details of the responses to the consultation and the proposed changes to the policy are detailed in the report attached.

The Cabinet were presented with a report to provide an update on proposals in relation to Home to School transport and the Post 16 Annual Policy Statement.  It was noted that the Authority currently provides transport provision to children and young people over and above the statutory requirements placed upon it, and this is not sustainable financially.  The Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Annual Policy Statement presented to Cabinet for approval, will enable the Authority to provide an offer that is in line with statutory provision only. 

Following approval at Cabinet in November 2023, the Authority entered into an eight week consultation on a draft Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Annual Policy Statement.  This was a robust review where the Authority heard the views of children and young people, their families, schools and settings, and transport providers.  The Authority has carefully analysed feedback received and whilst a number thought the proposals were reasonable, with majority support for three of the five key proposals which this Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Annual Policy Statement will bring about, the Authority does recognise that there was concern raised about all five proposals. 

Cabinet were advised that the Authority has a £1.776 million forecast pressure on its home to school transport budget for 2024-25.  And, whilst it is recognised through this consultation that some are unhappy with the proposals, it is recommended, due to this budgetary pressure, that Cabinet approve this Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Annual Policy Statement, with those five key proposals which are set out within. 

The Home to School Transport Policy and Post 16 Annual Policy Statement include mitigations with the aim of reducing the impact of these proposals.  It is important to stress, for example, that although these proposed changes will be implemented in September 2025, all children and young people who currently receive travel assistance will continue to receive it until the end of their current phase of education. 

Cabinet Resolved to:

1.       Note the public consultation, and the summary feedback of that consultation, on the Draft Home to School Transport Policy and Draft Annual Post 16 Transport Policy Statement;

2.     Approve the Home to School Transport Policy at Appendix 1 of the report and the Annual Post 16 Transport Policy Statement at Appendix 2 of the report;

3.     In future years authorise the Director of Children’s Services to review the Authority’s Home to School Transport Policy and Annual Post 16 Transport Policy Statement as appropriate and following consultation with the Cabinet member for Education, Inclusion, Employment and Skills, the Director of Resources, and Head of Law, and if necessary, to amend and publish the Home to School Transport Policy and Annual Post 16 Transport Policy Statement.

4.     Authorise the Director of Children’s Services to take all necessary steps, including, but not limited to, undertaking any consultation that may be considered necessary by the Director of Children’s Services on the Authority’s Home to School Transport  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB69/24

The Authority operates a number of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems including those in and around the town centres, in some Authority buildings, body worn cameras and on refuse collection vehicles.

The report presents a revised CCTV Policy for approval by Cabinet.  The policy provides a framework to centrally co-ordinate the use of the Authority’s CCTV systems, therefore providing additional assurance for the Authority that the relevant compliance standards are being met.

Cabinet received a report to seek approval of the revised and updated CCTV policy, originally approved by Cabinet on 29 November 2021.

Cabinet were advised that the Authority operates a number of CCTV systems, including those in and around our town centres and in some of our council buildings.  It was noted that whilst North Tyneside is one of the safest places to live, the use of CCTV systems is a valuable tool for us. It assists with public safety, crime detection, prevention and community reassurance.

Cabinet were advised that all CCTV system installations are operated in line with extensive statutory requirements and associated guidance. This balanced the need for public protection against the need to respect the right of privacy for individuals.  Cabinet were also advised that A Secure North Tyneside is a priority of the Our North Tyneside Plan 2021 – 2025 to prevent and tackle all forms of anti-social behaviour in partnership with Northumbria Police. This is also a priority of the Safer North Tyneside Community Safety Partnership.

It was noted that the revised CCTV policy and associated equipment, will also play a vital role in capturing evidence for environmental crime offences. The Authority had static and deployable mobile cameras as well as mobile CCTV vehicles to monitor identified hotspots across the Borough.  Cabinet were advised that the update to this policy would enhance the Authority’s surveillance efforts whilst ensuring compliance with data protection laws and respecting privacy rights.

Mayor Redfearn commented that this policy will assist with incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour which residents have been asking for, for a long time.

Northumbria Police expressed their continued dedication to maintaining North Tyneside as a safe place to live and work and this policy is really important in their efforts to support this.

Cabinet RESOLVED to: 

1.          approve the Authority’s revised Policy on Closed-Circuit Television , appended to the report;

2.         authorise the Director of Resources to keep the Closed-Circuit Television Policy under review, and to take all steps necessary at the conclusion of such a review to make any amendments to the Policy following consultation with the Cabinet Members for Public Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Finance and Resources, Directors of Service and the Head of Law; and

3.        agree to receive a report every 3 years, or sooner if the Director of Resources considers it appropriate, on the use of the Closed-Circuit Television Policy to ensure Cabinet’s continued oversight of the Policy.

Reason for the Decision:

Although not a statutory requirement, the renewal of this Policy will continue to provide a framework to centrally co-ordinate the use of the Authority’s CCTV systems, therefore giving additional assurance to the Authority that the relevant compliance standards are being met.

The Authority’s Housing and Property Services are responsible for managing and maintaining over 14,000 homes and almost 1,000 leasehold properties.

Recent legislative and regulatory changes have strengthened the role of the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) and increased their power in ensuring that social housing landlords meet the new and revised requirements, particularly around the safety and quality of properties in the social housing sector, and the action that will be taken against social housing landlords if they do not meet these requirements.

To help the Authority make sure the homes for which it is responsible are well-maintained, safe and in good repair a new Repairs and Maintenance Policy and a new Condensation, Mould and Damp Policy have been developed. These two policies have been developed to set out the housing service’s approach and response to property repair requests, planned maintenance work, and how concerns about condensation, mould and damp will be resolved.

The policies ensure that tenants and leaseholders are aware of the repairs and planned maintenance service offer; what work is the responsibility of the Authority as landlord and what responsibilities the tenants and leaseholders have to the Authority.

The service takes its responsibilities towards the safety and quality of homes and its tenants and leaseholders seriously, and prior to the formal implementation of the policies, new and revised ways of working have already been introduced.  These include the creation of a dedicated property team with responsibility for condensation, mould and damp, improved tenant booklet and flyer covering tips to reduce condensation and mould issues, the introduction of a video diagnosis tool to assist with prioritising repairs when being reported, the roll out of officer awareness condensation, mould and damp training and the introduction of a new form to report any issues, when in a tenant’s home.

Cabinet were advised that the Authority’s Housing and Property Services are committed to providing safe, high quality and affordable homes that meet legislative and regulatory requirements.

Cabinet were presented with a report following work taking place over the last few months, following changes to the above requirements which have seen the introduction of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, that aims to improve the regulation of social housing. 

To support and monitor this, the role of the Regulator for Social Housing has been strengthened and their power increased to ensure that social housing landlords meet the new and revised requirements, particularly around the safety and quality of properties in the social housing sector, and the action that will be taken against social housing landlords if they do not meet these requirements.  This includes the introduction of an inspection programme for social housing landlords by the Regulator for Social Housing and consumer standards that focus on safety, quality and improved tenant protection.

The two policies presented to Cabinet have been developed to set out the service approach and response to property repair requests, planned maintenance work, and how concerns about condensation, mould and damp will be resolved.  The provision of the service offer in the two policies promotes transparency and consistency, that will benefit tenants, leaseholders, officers and anyone who comes into contact with the service.

It was noted that both policies are welcomed and they will have a positive impact on health inequalities which will support the Authority’s Equally Well Strategy.

It was noted that it is really important to keep the Authority’s houses free from damp and mould.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1.         Approve the Repairs and Planned Maintenance Policy at Appendix 1 of the report; and

2.         Approve the Condensation Mould and Damp Policy at Appendix 2 of the report.

Reason for the decision:

There is a risk that the service may not be delivered to the legislative and regulatory requirements if the policies are not in place that set out the service approach and response to repairs, planned maintenance and condensation, mould and damp.

Failure to deliver the service within required standards could result in measures including short notice inspections, unlimited fines, and the implementation of a performance improvement plan for the landlord to work too.

On 26 June 2023, Cabinet received a report that set out policy priorities for the North West of the Borough. These priorities were developed following engagement with the relevant ward councillors and have formed the basis of the North West Village and Transport Plans which are identified as a priority in Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025.

The three policy priorities approved by Cabinet were as follows.

·       Improve Transport Connectivity

·       Access to Local Services

·       Caring for the Environment and a Sense of Belonging

Since the policy objectives for the North West were agreed, three plans have been developed: Village Plan, Inner Area Plan and Transport Plan.

The purpose of the report is to seek approval from Cabinet on the Village, Inner Area and Transport Plans for the North West to enable progress to be made on the individual projects contained within them.

Cabinet were advised that the Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-25 gives a commitment to bring investment and improvements to the North West area of the borough and ensure that regeneration delivers ambition, opportunity and benefits for all of the Borough’s residents.

Officers have been working with the Deputy Mayor to better understand the opportunities and challenges in the North West which has been informed by the Big Community Conversation held in the Summer of 2022 where residents told the Authority what they wanted for their area.

Conversations have also taken place with Ward Councillors in the North West as well as partners such as Transport North East in order to help frame our work and future investment in the North West.

Cabinet were advised that the North West has a fantastic living offer based around its various settlements which have the advantages of a semi-rural setting. Through the Authority’s work, there is the opportunity to invest in places and communities in the North West and create outstanding places to live and spend leisure time.  However, in order to achieve this it was noted that there are challenges that need to be addressed if the North West is to be a thriving and family friendly location where people choose to live.

Cabinet were advised that specifically, transport connectivity is a major issue and that a lack of public transport provision, particularly buses, can leave communities isolated with residents unable to connect easily with services. Addressing this lack of transport connectivity and promoting sustainable alternatives, including cycling and walking, will be a key policy priority for the Authority.  

It is important that the Borough’s residents in settlements in the North West have easy access to range of local services including healthcare, education, retail and leisure and that these should be readily accessible for those residents who do not have access to a private car.  This may mean thinking differently about how the Authority deliver services in this part of the Borough in the future.

Cabinet were advised that our communities in the North West are passionate about the places they live and have a strong sense of belonging. However, the Authority was also aware that some areas within the North West would benefit from investment in green spaces and the public realm.

In June 2023, Cabinet agreed to a set of policy priorities for the North West. These were:

• Improve Transport Connectivity
• Access to Local Services
• Caring for the Environment and a Sense of Belonging

Since then, Village, Inner Area and Transport Plans have been prepared that reflect the Authority’s ambition for the North West and which, through a series of projects, will deliver on the three policy priorities. 

The report presented sought Cabinet agreement of the Village, Inner Area and Transport plans and to progress with the individual projects identified within them.

It was noted that should Cabinet agree to the Village, Inner Area and Transport plans set out in the report, the next phase of this work will be to:  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB72/24

Over 5 400 business operate in North Tyneside, together they create a vibrant economy and support our communities.  They make a difference every day.

Many of those businesses are also critical parts of the Council’s supply chain providing goods and services to help North Tyneside Council deliver for its customers.

Finally, just as the Council has a strategic approach to its work on customer service, it needs a guiding approach to engaging with North Tyneside Business.

The Business Engagement Strategy (“the Strategy”) looks to build upon and capture the great deal of successful business engagement activity taking place and improve on what already exists. It sets out a more coordinated and collaborative approach to business engagement with clear principles, reasons and routes for both parties.

This collaborative approach will provide improved outcomes and outputs associated with business growth and resilience, innovation and productivity, job creation and training opportunities and inward investment for the good of North Tyneside.

Cabinet were presented with a report seeking the agreement to an overarching approach to business engagement for the Authority with the aim of strengthening collaboration across services and across the business community to unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth.

Cabinet noted that businesses are a key customer to the Authority and business engagement runs through all aspects of what the Authority does,  whether it be in the direct provision of local services such as waste collection, street maintenance, planning services and revenues and benefits or through more strategic interventions like policy development, improving infrastructure or supporting the development of large-scale employment sites.

Cabinet were advised that there are around 5,405 businesses in the Borough employing 92,900 people. Those businesses range from large corporates employing hundreds of people across multiple sites to micro businesses and sole traders playing their essential part.  The business community are a significant contributor to the economy through their investment in sites and premises, their support to the local supply chain, their contribution to improving social value and though providing employment and training opportunities to the Borough’s residents.

Businesses provide a catalyst and an environment for innovation and new ideas; they help make our places an interesting and enjoyable place to be and they offer services that provide an essential lifeline to many people in the Borough.  The Authority is already working positively with businesses across services in a number of ways, but this strategy aims to build on that good work by setting out a more structured approach to engagement.

Cabinet were advised that this collaborative approach will provide improved outcomes associated with business growth and resilience, innovation and productivity, job creation and training opportunities and inward investment for the good of North Tyneside. 

It was noted that we have some fantastic businesses in North Tyneside doing great work and it is right that the Authority supports them as much as it can.

Mayor Redfearn expressed her thanks to officers for their work in building relationships with businesses to help them to grow and develop.

Cabinet RESOLVED to agree the proposed Business Engagement Strategy as appended to the report.

Reason for Decision:

The Strategy provides a framework for engagement with businesses to improve outcomes for the benefit of residents and businesses based in the Borough.

The report seeks Cabinet’s approval of the draft revised Contaminated Land Strategy (“the Strategy”) attached to this report as Appendix 1. The Strategy must be reviewed at least every five years, with the current Strategy having last been approved by Cabinet in January 2020. The Strategy sets out how the Authority will inspect for, identify, and deal with contaminated land within the Borough.

The updated Strategy has been reviewed in consultation with the Contaminated Land North East Regional Group and has considered updated government guidance, changes to land status and provides updates to the milestones and action plan attached to the Strategy. The Strategy was subject to a six-week public consultation which included neighbouring authorities, residents and Agencies. 

The purpose of the report was to advise Cabinet of the revised Strategy following the five yearly review of the North Tyneside Contaminated Land Strategy. The Authority is required to produce and publish a written Strategy at least every five years that sets out how the Authority will inspect, identify and deal with contaminated land within the Borough.

Cabinet were advised that contaminated Land is identified as land that is in such a condition that significant harm is being caused or there is a risk of such harm being caused due to substances in or under the land.

It was noted that the last Strategy took effect in January 2020. The next Strategy must be in place by January 2025.  This Strategy has been reviewed in consultation with the Contaminated Land North East Regional Group.  The review has considered any updated government guidance, changes to land status and progress of the set of contaminated land actions and milestones attached to the Strategy.  The Strategy reflects the remediation of land in the Borough between 2020 and 2024.

Cabinet were advised that the Strategy confirms that no sites in North Tyneside have been formally identified as contaminated land.  

Cabinet were also advised that the Strategy has been subject to a 6 week engagement exercise which included consultation with developers, local businesses and members of the public.  Consultation responses included detailed feedback and recommendations from the Environment Agency. These amendments have been incorporated into the Strategy and detailed at Appendix 2 to the report.

Cabinet noted that it was pleased to note that North Tyneside does not have any Contaminated land sites in the Borough.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the revised Contaminated Land Strategy attached to the report at Appendix 1 and agree to its publication.

Reason for the Decision:

The revised Strategy has been developed by an Officer Working Group. It is a statutory requirement to have an up-to-date Strategy in force that sets out the action the Authority will take concerning Contaminated Land.

The Strategy has been subject to engagement involving members of the public, developers and local businesses.  All consultees were given the opportunity of providing feedback and comments on the Strategy during the consultation period.  

The purpose of this report is to present the Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) Annual Information Report for 2024 to Cabinet. This fulfils the commitment to provide Cabinet with an annual information report outlining the highway and infrastructure work undertaken across the Borough over the last 12 months. It includes future planned work activities as well as other items of relevant interest.  The annual information report attached to this report is the eighth annual report presented since adoption of the HAMP.

Roads and pavements continue to be a priority of the Authority and the Mayor. The addition of an extra £2million of highway maintenance funding continues to enhance our network in respect of roads and pavements. This HAMP report has been produced with due consideration to the formation of the North East Combined Authority and the new Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the North East, and the return of the Capita Engineering team back to the management of North Tyneside Council.

Cabinet were advised that the highway network is a strategically important asset, and a well-maintained network is vital to support the local economy. The network is used by residents to travel to work and school in addition to providing access to the Authority’s tourist attractions to stimulate the local economy.

The Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP) 2017 to 2032, approved by Cabinet in September 2017, sets out the Council’s long-term approach to the maintenance and improvement of North Tyneside’s highway network.  The 2024 HAMP Annual Information Report is included within the Appendix to the report.  This provides a summary of progress made over the last 12 months along with other key information about the maintenance of our highway and infrastructure assets.

Cabinet were advised that in the life of the HAMP, 189km of road has been renewed and 94km of footways supported by Central Government funding and the Mayoral priority of proving an additional investment of £2million to address roads and paths. 

It is encouraging to see that the maintenance strategies set out in the HAMP are continuing to bring benefits.  Despite the continued funding and financial challenges caused by recent events outside of the Authority’s control, it was noted that the Authority has been able to keep the highway network in a serviceable state.  However, the information report did highlight future challenges that the Authority will need to meet in maintaining the network.

Cabinet noted that the Borough’s residents have said that footpath maintenance remains a high priority for them.  In response to this it was explained that the Authority has continued with its efforts around the improvement of footpaths and have maintained Mayoral priority investment in this area of work.  This has led to further visible improvements to footpaths across the borough and positive feedback being received from residents.

The information report contained a range of other information relating to the highway maintenance service.  This includes plans to return highway services to the Authority in January 2025 which will bring new opportunities for service improvements and a better customer experience.   An Overview & Scrutiny task and finish group has been undertaking further work to support this transition.

Cabinet noted that the additional and continued financial investment in highways which has been made in recent years has been of enormous benefit in terms of maintaining the highway network. However, sustaining a serviceable highway network will continue to be a challenge even with this additional investment in place. 

The North East Combined Authority has developed a Local Transport Plan for the region, and this provides the Authority with potential funding opportunities.  Cabinet were advised that this latest HAMP information report will assist Cabinet to make future decisions on highway maintenance so the Authority can continue to maintain the highways and infrastructure in the most effective way with the funding available.

Cabinet RESOLVED to note the content of the HAMP Annual Information Report 2024 attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Reason for the Decision

No alternative options have been outlined as  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB75/24

The report provides Cabinet with an overview of both the service delivery performance and budget position across the Authority as at 30 September 2024.  For performance it sets out the key areas of service delivery for Cabinet to note, including where this impacts in budget terms.  In terms of the budget, it sets out the forecast outturn position to 31 March 2025 for both revenue and capital.

Cabinet were presented with the latest Performance and Financial Management Report. 

Cabinet were advised that the report sets out the key areas of service delivery and the performance metrics that drive the financial forecast based on the position as at the end of September this year.

It was noted that performance across the Authority is on track, in particular delivery of the Our North Tyneside Plan 2021-2025 policy priorities. 

Cabinet were advised that Council Tax and Business Rates collection is performing well and comparable with metropolitan district and national performance.  

It was also noted that the Authority continues to manage a high level of demand including requests for Education, Health and Care Plan assessments, social care services and homeless presentations. 

Cabinet were advised that Our Children in Care and Children in Need figures are stabilising and coming in line with the MTFP assumptions, but reliance on external residential care and the high cost of individual placements are leading to financial pressures.  Cabinet were advised that this is being addressed through the MTFP programme.

It was noted that our “Home First” approach to hospital discharges and increase in commissioned homecare hours is continuing to reduce reliance on short-term residential care and promoting residents’ independence to remain at home with support.

Cabinet were advised that in line with previous reports, the Authority’s Safety Valve Management Plan is forecast to reach a positive in year balance by the end of 2027/28 in relation to high needs education.  The rate of growth for new EHCPs issued has decreased and is significantly better than regional and national comparators. 

Home to School Transport Service has a reported pressure of £1.8m partly due to increased inflationary costs, but mostly due to the high number of pupils with complex needs who need support with transport. Home to School Transport is being addressed as part of the MTFP programme and a report to Cabinet was on today’s agenda for discussion. 

There is further detail on performance contained within Annex 1 to the report.

As Cabinet has discussed in previous meetings, we know that there continues to be significant pressures in 2024/25 and into the medium term.

Cabinet were advised that driven by our current performance information, as summarised by the Deputy Mayor, the forecast net pressure for the General Fund is £9.5m, £4.477m better than the outturn position reported at the last Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet were advised that many of the pressures in the current year are consistent with those faced in recent years, and importantly form part of our existing Medium Term Financial Plan projects.  The pressures include the impact of inflation, on both in-house delivery and externally commissioned services, as well as rising demand and increased complexity for services within both adults and children’s social care.  Further detail on each service area is contained within Annex 2 to the report.

Cabinet will note that a programme of work is in place to both manage and mitigate the in-year pressures and the Senior Leadership Team has worked with  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB76/24

The report represents the key milestones in the development of the 2025-26 Budget and 2025-2029 Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as it sets out Cabinet’s initial Budget proposals for the next financial year and beyond.  The report also includes the Authority's approach to budget engagement and the Budget Engagement Strategy.

As discussed in the previous report Cabinet were presented with the initial Budget proposals for the next financial year.  It was explained that this year was the final year of the Our North Tyneside Plan which set out the Authority’s priorities for the Borough from 2021-2025.  

Cabinet were advised of the various budget proposal contained in the report.

It was noted that the Authority was in challenging financial times.  The Authority was seeing unprecedented demands and costs on its social care services.  Next year alone the Authority was forecasting an extra £33m of pressure mainly through pressures across social care. 

Cabinet noted that Government funding in the last 14 years has not increased at the same rate as the Authority’s costs, and that’s caused a growing gap in the Authority’s funding.  As a result, the Authority was forecasting an in-year shortfall of £9.5m.  It was noted that assuming the Authority achieve a balanced position, the shortfall for next year was projected to be £3.9m.

It was explained to Cabinet that these shortfalls existed despite significant savings already made through the Authority’s transformation programme to tackle financial pressure. This programme was projected to save £10m this year and another £28m over the next four years.

Cabinet were advised that a review of our workforce and external partnerships, including changes to the contract the Authority has with Capita and services we commission had been undertaken.

Cabinet were advised that the Housing Revenue Account – HRA – continued to face a number of challenges in common with the General Fund, but the Authority  continued to follow its long-term plan for the  HRA, seeking to invest in the Authority’s homes in a responsible and sustainable way and to create more much-needed affordable housing through the Authoirty’s new build programme, in line with the Authority’s green priorities.

It was noted that the Authority was proposing to increase rents for 2025-26 in line with the new Government’s national rent policy, which proposes that rents will increase by up to CPI + 1%, based on the CPI rate as of September 2024.

The recommended rent increase for 25/26 would therefore be 2.7%, which is a significantly lower increase from the previous two years which saw increases of 7% in 2023-24 and 7.7% for 2024-25. It is also proposed to bring service charges and garage rents will in line with the rent policy, increasing them by 2.7%.

It was noted that as a responsible landlord, the Authority will provide support to those tenants who need it and protect the most vulnerable tenants.  It was noted that to achieve this the Authority will continue to invest £3m of tenancy sustainment measures, which is factored into the HRA Business Plan that details how it can support the Authority’s objectives.  This includes an Investment Plan which identifies nearly £16m on new build projects over the next 5 years, as well as investing over £168m to maintain the Authority existing stock at a decent standard.  This includes continuing to support an  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB77/24

A report was presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee (OSCFC) on 12 February 2024 by the Authority’s Head of Highways and Transportation, and the Assistant Partnership Director (Capita), regarding the provision of the Authority’s Highways Service by its strategic delivery partner, Capita Property and Infrastructure Limited (“Capita”).  A further update report was provided to the OSCFC on 11 March 2024, when it was agreed that a cross-party Highways Scrutiny Task and Finish Group (“the Task and Finish Group”) would be established to take forward the matters set out in that report.

On 10 June 2024, a decision to transfer management and delivery of the Highways Service, from Capita to the Authority was agreed by the Authority’s Cabinet,, with effect from 1 January 2025.

The Task and Finish Group was initially established to review the provision and method of operation of the Highways Service function by Capita.  However, following the announcement of the transfer of the Highways Service function to the Authority’s direct control, the Task and Finish Group agreed that it would be appropriate for it to look at the best way of supporting that return.

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee was pleased to present at Cabinet to present this report.  Cabinet were advised that the report explains the outcomes from the most recent Task and Finish Group study from Scrutiny, regarding Highways Delivery.

The Study Group had scrutinised information relating to Highways regularly over the past year. 

Cabinet were advised that In March this year the main Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to set up Task and Finish Group.  This had been a cross-party Group.  The Task and Finish Group was to look at operation of the Highways function by our strategic partner, Capita.  However in June, the return of Highways service from Capita to the Authority was announced.  In view of this development, the Task and Finish Group agreed it could add most value by looking at how it could best support the return.  Having performed fieldwork and looking at the evidence, the report set out four main findings from Scrutiny, for Cabinet’s consideration, as follows:

·        Firstly, the transfer of Highways is an ideal chance to review existing processes.  The Authority can use the change to explore new ways of delivering the service, and identify what is best for North Tyneside.

·        Secondly, communication should be a key area of focus.  The Highways Service should improve its communication both with residents and with elected members. 

·        Thirdly, residents and elected members should be able to have a say on Highways.  The Authority should invite comment on how it performs on Highways.  This should cover performance and quality.

·        Lastly, there is strong support from the Task and Finish Group for the transfer of Highways functions to the direct control of the Authority.  The Authority should be ambitious in its aspirations for Highways delivery in the future.

Cabinet thanked the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee for his attendance and advised they would provide a response to the recommendations within the report.

Cabinet thought this was another excellent example of scrutiny working and asked that their thanks be expressed to all members of the group.

Cabinet thought that this was a valuable piece of work to inform discussions in particular in relation to Capita returning to the Council.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1.     Consider the findings and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee’s Task and Finish Group set out in its report appended to this report on the delivery of the Highway Services by the Authority, and

2.     Agrees that at its meeting in January 2025 Cabinet will agree its response to the findings and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordination and Finance Committee’s Task and Finish Group and indicate what action, if any, it proposes to take.

Reason for the Decision

As OSCFC has given notice by way of this report that Cabinet is required to provide a response to the findings of its Task and Finish Group’s report, Cabinet is obliged to accept the report and to formulate a response in accordance with  ...  view the full minutes text for item CAB78/24

At the Council Meeting in January 2023, a motion was agreed that sought the extension of the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings to include all meetings (Cabinet, Committees and Sub-Committees) in addition to Full Council Meetings, which is the current practice. 

Cabinet is requested to consider the Motion and the views of a Cross Party  Working Group convened to consider the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings.  In doing so, Cabinet is also requested to make a decision on the Authority’s approach to the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings.  This report recommends the extension of the livestreaming and recording of meetings to include Cabinet meetings only, in addition to Full Council Meetings.

Cabinet has the responsibility, by virtue of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Regulations made under that Act, to determine which of the Authoirty’s meetings should be recorded/livestreamed (if any) and the allocation of resources to support such arrangements.

Cabinet were advised that at the Council Meeting in January 2023, a motion was agreed that sought the extension of the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings to include all meetings such as Committees and Sub-Committees in addition to Full Council Meetings, which is the current practice. 

Cabinet was requested to consider the Motion and the views of a Cross Party  Working Group convened to consider the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings. 

In doing so, Cabinet was requested to make a decision on the Authority’s approach to the recording and livestreaming of the Authority’s meetings. 

This report recommended the extension of the livestreaming and recording of meetings to include Cabinet meetings only, in addition to Full Council Meetings.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1.    note the report and the views of the Cross Party Working Group which met on 20 August 2024;

2.   agree to the extension of the livestreaming and recording of meetings to include Cabinet meetings only in addition of Full Council Meetings;

3.   authorises the Director of Resources to take all necessary steps to   implement recommendation (2) above; and

4.   authorises the Director of Resources to advise all Members of the Council of Cabinet’s decision in relation to this matter.

Reason for the Decision

In agreeing to the extension of the livestreaming and recording of Authority meetings to include Cabinet meetings, in addition to the continuation of the livestreaming and recording of Full Council Meetings, a balance is being struck between increasing the visibility of decision-making within the Authority and the need to carefully manage Authority resources.

The report seeks Cabinet’s approval of the Authority’s Covert Surveillance Policy for 2024-25 (“the Policy”).  In accordance with the Statutory Codes of Practice that apply to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) the Authority is required to review its use of RIPA and set the general surveillance Policy at least annually.  

A copy of the Policy is appended to this report.  No changes have been made to the Policy since it was last reviewed in 2023. 

Cabinet were advised that the Authority’s current Surveillance Policy was approved by Cabinet in November 2023 and is subject to annual review. 

The proposed Policy had been considered by members of the Regulation and Review Committee and was now referred to Cabinet for approval.

No substantive changes have been proposed as the previously adopted Policy remains fit for purpose. 

The aims of the Authority’s Policy are to:

1.     Set out the Authority’s arrangements for complying with Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

2.   Give effect to the rights of citizens to respect for their private and family lives; and

3.   Protect the Authority from legal challenge when undertaking surveillance.

Cabinet RESOLVED to approve the Authority’s Policy on Covert Surveillance for 2024-25 as appended to the report.

Reason for the Decision:

Approving the Authority’s Policy on Covert Surveillance 2024-25 following the latest annual review will secure adherence to the recommended best practice contained within the Codes of Practice.  In particular, the Code of Practice – Covert Surveillance and Property Interference indicates that elected members should review the Authority’s use of Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and set the Policy at least once a year.

Thursday 19 December 2024 – 6.00pm – Extraordinary Meeting

Monday 20 January 2024 at 6.00pm – Ordinary Meeting

Extraordinary Meeting – 19 December 2024 at 6.00pm

Ordinary Meeting – 20 January 2025 at 6.00pm