Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Catherine Donovan and Councillor Gary Haley.

Cabinet is asked to approve the minutes of the last meeting held on

The minutes of the last meeting held on 18 March 2025 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cabinet members to declare an interest in any particular agenda item.

There were no declarations of interest.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities

Consideration was given to the report on additional services to be added to the fees and charges for 2025/26. The purpose of the report was to agree on the additional fees and charges for the new digital system installed in Saltwell and Birtley Crematoria.

RESOLVED:

i)                  Cabinet agrees to the recommended additional fees for the new digital system services.

The above decision was made for the following reason:

a)                 To support the delivery of the Council’s budget and the strategic approach to making Gateshead a place where everyone thrives.

Report of the Director of Public Health

Consideration was given to the report on the Gateshead Domestic Abuse Strategy. The purpose of the report was to update Cabinet members on the progress of the Domestic Abuse Strategy for Gateshead.

RESOLVED:

i)                 Cabinet approves the Gateshead Domestic Abuse Strategy and Action Plan.

ii)                Cabinet supports the strategic vision and aims of the Strategy to reduce domestic abuse by prioritising prevention and holding perpetrators to account.

iii)              Cabinet supports the Council’s responsibility in making domestic abuse a corporate priority and key role in the delivery of the strategic action plan.

The above decision was made for the following reasons:

a)               To support the Domestic Abuse Partnership to meet its statutory duties.

b)               To support the Domestic Abuse Partnership to implement the Strategy and improve the response to domestic abuse across the borough.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities

Consideration was given to the report on the revised Community Asset Transfer policy. The purpose of the report is to seek Cabinet approval of the revised policy and recommend that full Council agree the Policy prior to implementation.

RESOLVED:

i)                 Cabinet agrees the revised Community Asset Transfer policy.

ii)                Cabinet recommends that full Council agree the Policy prior to implementation.

The above decision was made for the following reasons:

a)               To manage resources and rationalise the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

b)               To demonstrate that the Council has taken reasonable steps to ensure that VCSE sector organisations are delivering services safely and effectively from Council properties.

Report of the Chief Executive

Consideration was given to the report on the Corporate Plan 2025-2030. The purpose of the report was to recommend to Council the updated Corporate Plan titled "The strength of Gateshead is the people of Gateshead.”

RESOLVED:

i)                 Cabinet agrees ‘The strength of Gateshead is the people of Gateshead’ as its corporate plan for 2025-2030.

ii)                Cabinet agrees the accompanying Corporate Plan Action 2025/26 and recommends it to Council.

The above decision was made for the following reasons:

a)               To prioritise and guide the council’s activity in response to borough-wide need.

b)               To provide an agreed set of priorities which the council will respond to, and which resource can be aligned.

Report of the Strategic Director, Resources and Digital

Consideration was given to the report on Counter Fraud and Corruption Arrangements. The purpose of the report is to recommend Council approval of the revised Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy and Policy.

RESOLVED:

i)                 Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy.

ii)                Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the Counter Fraud and Corruption Policy.

The above decision was made for the following reasons:

a)             Compliance with best practice to support strong internal governance and controls.

b)             The proposals are considered to be the optimum arrangement for the achievement of value for money and deliverability.

Report of the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance

Consideration was given to the report on the Menopause Policy. The purpose of the report is to agree on a new Menopause Policy for approval by the Council.

RESOLVED:

i)                 Cabinet agrees the Menopause Policy and refers it to the Council for approval.

The above decision was made for the following reason:

a)                 To ensure that the Council has an appropriate policy in place within its human resources framework.

Report of the Interim Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Healthy Communities

Consideration was given to the report on the proposed surplus declaration of the communal lounge at Redheugh and Eslington Court. The purpose of the report is to declare the communal lounge as surplus to requirements and proceed with its demolition to facilitate redevelopment.

RESOLVED: 

i)                 Cabinet agrees that the communal lounge at Redheugh and Eslington Court is declared surplus to requirements.

ii)                Cabinet approves the demolition of the property to facilitate redevelopment.

The above decision was made for the following reasons:

a)               To rationalise Council assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

b)               To facilitate the decommission, demolition and redevelopment of Redheugh and Eslington Court.