Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor C Donovan.

The minutes of the meetings held on 24 and 31 October 2023 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to an update on the Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme, which provides a summary of the progress that has been made and any changes to the programme that have occurred as it stands at the end of Quarter 2.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the revised programmes for 2023/24 as set out in

appendices A and B to the report be approved, noting that there may be a need to review these as the year progresses in line with available resources.

(ii)

That the Service Director, Highways and Waste, (and, in their absence, the Director of Environment & Fleet Management) be authorised to award the relevant works under the terms of the Highways, Drainage and Street Lighting Maintenance Contract.

(iii)

That the Service Director, Climate Change, Compliance, Planning & Transport be authorised to make changes to the

approved programme, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, as and when the need arises.

(iv)

That the indicative integrated transport and maintenance

programmes for 2024/25 as set out in appendices D and E to the report be approved as a basis for future planning.

The above decisions have been made to enable the design and implementation of transport schemes in support of the North East Transport Plan and the Council’s policy objectives. 

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024/25.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted,

included the adoption of a scheme, which offers less support by increasing the minimum contribution or more support to residents, by increasing at a greater rate the Council’s commitment of resources.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to:

(i)

approve the proposed scheme as set out in paragraphs 9 to

12 of the report; and

(ii)

give delegated powers to the Strategic Director, Resources and Digital to provide regulations to give effect to the scheme including publishing full details online.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To meet the statutory requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 in relation the establishment of a framework for Localised Council Tax Support.

(B)

To mitigate the impact of the increased cost of living on Council Tax support claimants.

(C)

To mitigate the impact of funding reductions on Council

finances.

(D)

To support the Council’s “Thrive” agenda.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to note a review Treasury Management performance for the six months to 30 September 2023, covering investments and borrowing.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to note the Treasury Management Performance to 30 September 2023.

The above decision has been made to contribute to sound financial management and the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the proposed Capital Strategy for 2024/25 to 2028/29, to support the framework used to set and monitor the Capital Programme.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to approve the Capital Strategy for 2024/25 to 2028/29 as set out in appendix 2 to

the report.

The above decision has been made to ensure that the Council fully complies with

the requirements of good financial practice in capital accounting.

Consideration has been given to the latest position on the 2023/24 Capital Programme and Prudential Indicators at the end of the second quarter to 30 September 2023.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council be recommended to approve all variations to the 2023/24 Capital Programme as detailed in appendix

2 to the report.

(ii)

That the Council be recommended to approve the financing of the revised programme set out in this report.

(iii)

That it be confirmed to Council that capital expenditure and financing requirements have been revised in line with the amended budget and none of the approved Prudential Indicators set for 2023/24 have been breached.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the optimum use of the Council’s capital resources in 2023/24.

(B)

To accommodate changes to the Council’s in-year capital expenditure plans.

(C)

To ensure performance has been assessed against the approved Prudential Limits.

Consideration has been given to the latest monitoring position on the 2023/24 revenue budget at the end of the second quarter and to an administrative budget

virement.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council’s revenue expenditure position at the end of the second quarter, as set out in appendices 1 and 2 to the report be noted.

(ii)

That the administrative budget virement transfer of £1.415m for supported housing as set out in the report and

appendices be approved.

The above decisions have been made to contribute to sound financial management and the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.

Consideration has been given to consultation on the draft revenue budget cuts

proposals for 2024/25.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the immediate commencement of consultation on the budget proposals set out in the report, to conclude on 15

January 2024 be approved.

(ii)

That the findings of the consultation, together with a

proposed budget for 2024/25 be considered at the Cabinet meeting on 20 February 2024, ahead of recommending this to Council on 22 February 2024.

(iii)

That further budget related reports be received throughout the financial year, including the outcome of specific consultation and engagement on individual proposals.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To contribute to the good financial management practice of the Council.

(B)

To maintain the financial sustainability of the Council over

the medium to long term.

Consideration has been given to an update on the progress made in the options

appraisal for the Gateshead International Stadium (GIS).

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the outcome of the stakeholder consultation process as set out in appendix 1, paragraph 12 and appendix 2 to

the report be approved.

(ii)

That the negotiations currently underway with Gateshead

College be noted.

(iii)

That ongoing further market investigation into a longer-term solution to put GIS (excluding sports pitches) to the open market to complement and enhance the education and sport offer be noted.

(iv)

That the inclusion of GIS within the agreed procurement process for the operation of the Council’s Leisure Centres

be approved.

(v)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in June 2024.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To enable the development of a proposal which achieves the cost neutral objective to the Council.

(B)

To ensure that any future recommendations for the use of the GIS are made following a thorough options appraisal process to identify an approach, which achieves a net zero budget, whilst considering the impact this may have upon the facility users, community groups and those users who are protected under the Equality Act.

Consideration has been given to financial contributions the Council has secured through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions and Section 106 agreements from new developments, for off-site infrastructure works and affordable housing and to the proposed Infrastructure Funding Statement for publication.

RESOLVED -

That the Infrastructure Funding Statement as set out in appendix 2 to the report be approved and published on the

Council’s website by the end of December 2023.

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To comply with Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations.

(B)

To continue to ensure that developer contributions received are published and spent in a transparent manner.

Consideration has been given to the nomination of Local Authority Governors to schools seeking to retain their Local Authority governor in accordance with The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations. 

RESOLVED -

That the nominations set out below be approved for a period of four years from the date shown, in accordance with the Schools’ Instrument of Government:

School

Nomination

Date from

Windy Nook Primary

Cllr Rachel Mullen

04/02/24

Bensham Grove Nursery

Cllr C Donovan

25/02/24

Rowlands Gill Primary

Mr J Park

14/11/23

The above decision has been taken to ensure the School Governing Body has full membership. 

RESOLVED -

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining items in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Consideration has been given to two bids for Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP) funding from the Department for Levelling Up Homes and Communities (DLUHC) and Homes England.

RESOLVED -

That the recommendations in the report be approved for

the reasons set out.

Consideration has been given to submit the relevant statements of assurance and

enter into funding agreements to access an allocation of funding in the combined sum of £8,956,626 from the Bus Service Improvement Fund to enable implementation of a pocket park and ride and bus priority schemes in Gateshead.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport, be authorised to approve the terms of the Grant Agreements with North East Combined Authority (NECA) as accountable body, for funding to support the detailed design and development of the Gateshead Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 schemes listed in appendices 2 and 3 i of

the report, following consultation with the Strategic Directors, Resources & Digital and Corporate Services &

Governance.

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Economy, Innovation and Growth be authorised to submit such statements of assurance as necessary for the Gateshead Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) schemes listed in appendices 2 and 3, to secure funding approval from the North East Joint Transport Committee, following consultation with the Portfolio holder for Environment & Transport and the Strategic Directors, Resources & Digital and Corporate

Services & Governance.

The above decisions have been made to enable the implementation of the Gateshead schemes which may receive a funding allocation from the Bus Service Improvement Plan Fund.

Consideration has been given to the disposal of 2.56 hectares (6.33acres) of land at Askew Road West, as shown edged black on the plan attached to the report, for housing development and to the proposed highway works to facilitate this development as set out in appendix 1 and as shown in appendices 4 and 5 to the report.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the disposal of the freehold interest of the subject site to Keepmoat Homes for a purchase price of the amount set

out in the report be approved, subject to the grant of planning permission and further site investigations

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Economy, Innovation & Growth following consultation with the Leader of the Council, be

authorised to negotiate a revised purchase price if necessary following further site investigations.

(iii)

That the proposed highway works to facilitate this development as set out in appendix 1 and as shown in appendices 4 and 5 to the report, at an estimated cost of

£3m be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To dispose of an asset and realise a capital receipt.

(B)

To enable development of 90 new homes in Gateshead.