Approved.

Application was approved and funding of £2000 towards the design and manufacture of bespoke disability equipment for Watford residents.

Application was approved and funding of £454.76 towards a family fun day to be held at the Meriden Community Centre to engage with hard to reach families.

Application was approved and funding of £1739.17 towards the development of the school’s wildlife garden and an outdoor parents noticeboard.

To consider an application to the Small Grants Fund.

Application was approved for funding of £2,000 towards the Electric Umbrella Tour 2017.

Application was declined as the project did not meet the application criteria.  We cannot fund building adaptations or refurbishments.

Application was approved for funding of £2,000 towards new adaptable seating in the church.

Application was approved and funding of £2000 towards the provision of short term intensive tailored support to vulnerable and disadvantaged families.

To consider an application to the Small Grants Fund.

Application was approved for funding of £2,000 towards the purchase of a safety gas cage and tents for use by the beavers, cubs and scouts.

Application was approved and funding of £1990 to offer partner agencies additional training in the area of disability benefits.

Application was approved and funding of £2000 towards the introduction of a Watford support group.

Application was approved and funding of £1079.60 towards a community noticeboard in Goodwood Recreation Ground.

Application was approved and funding of £2000 towards the purchase of Essential Items Baby Boxes for vulnerable ‘mothers to be’.

Determination of Building Control applications between 1-31 January 2017.

Approved

To authorise the making of the BoW (Garston Lane, Watford) (Parking Bay) Order 2016.

Council received a report that had been considered at Cabinet on 16 January 2017 and Budget Panel on 10 January 2017.  The Cabinet minutes and Council Tax Resolution 2017/18 report were circulated separately to councillors. 

The Mayor moved the budget report which was seconded by Councillor Watkin.

Councillor Bell moved an amendment to the budget report, attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes, which was seconded by Councillor Asif Khan.  The amendment included the following proposals –

“ – cutting the costs of mayor’s office – saving £237k

- pegging the Mayor’s salary to the leader of HCC

- freeze council tax – not increased

- remove the council tax subsidised Mayor’s Lib Dem adviser £130k over 3 years

- cut to printing budget – saves £225k over 3 years

- work with children’s play workers to make it self-sufficient over 3 years

- consultants – freeze the costs

- freeze taxi and cemetery fees – this reverses all increases and leaves income budgets set at 2016/17 level

- scrap bulky white goods

Use of reserves to create a £1,000,000 earmarked reserve for the regeneration of St. Albans Road: this will be a transfer from the Economic Impact Reserve “

Members debated the original motion and the amendment.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 the votes were recorded as follows –

The amendment was then put to the vote

Those members voting in favour of the amendment

Councillors Bashir, Bell, Connal, Dhindsa, Joynes, Ahsan Khan, Asif Khan, Mauthoor, Shah and Turmaine

Those members voting against the amendment

Mayor Thornhill, the Chairman Councillor Walford, Councillors Barks, Bolton, Cavinder, Collett, Crout, Dychton, Fahmy, Grimston, Hastrick, Hofman,

J Johnson, S Johnson, Kent, Laird, Maestas, Rindl, Saffery, Scudder, Sharpe, Steele, Taylor, Watkin and Williams

The amendment was LOST by 10 votes to 25.  There were no abstentions.

The original motion was then put to Council.

Those Members voting in favour of the original motion:

Mayor Thornhill, the Chairman Councillor Walford, Councillors Barks, Bolton, Cavinder, Collett, Crout, Dychton, Fahmy, Grimston, Hastrick, Hofman,

J Johnson, S Johnson, Kent, Laird, Maestas, Rindl, Saffery, Scudder, Sharpe, Steele, Taylor, Watkin and Williams

Those Members voting against the original motion:

Councillors Bashir, Bell, Connal, Dhindsa, Joynes, Ahsan Khan, Asif Khan, Mauthoor, Shah and Turmaine

The original motion was CARRIED by 25 votes to 10.  There were no abstentions. 

RESOLVED –

1.      that the proposals recommended by Cabinet on 16 January 2017 be agreed:

         a)      that the council’s net General Fund expenditure for 2017/18 shall be £14,261,936.

         b)      that the Capital Programme shall be as set out in the Cabinet report.

         and in approving these recommendations

         c)      to have regard to the Director of Finance’s assessment of financial risks and the level of balances and provisions required, as set out in the Cabinet report.

2.      Setting the amount of Council Tax for Watford borough Council

         That Watford Borough Council’s Council Tax Base for 2017/18 has been calculated at 32,062.1 in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012 made under Section 31B (1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended.

3.      that the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2017/18 in accordance with Sections 31A to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:

4.      that a report including precepts of both Hertfordshire County Council and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire be presented to the Functions Committee on 28 February 2017 to set the total Council Tax.

5.      that the continuation of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017/18 be approved.  This will then be subject to a review which will be carried out in 2017/18 with the intention of implementing a new scheme from 2018/19 onwards.

6.      that the estimate of surplus and deficit position on the Collection Fund be approved.

7.      that the schedule of fees and charges be approved.

8.      that the strategy for flexible use of capital receipts be approved.

9.      that the increase of the Council’s Key Decision Limit to £0.25 million be approved with immediate effect.

10.    that the indicative budgets for 2018/19 and 2019/20, the Council’s future spending plans which are supported by internal borrowing (see paragraph 6.4 onwards of the main report) utilising the Council’s reserves and cash balances, be noted.

11.    that the Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18 be approved. 

Council received a report of the Head of Human Resources which included the Chief Officer Pay Policy.  The policy set out the council’s position in relation to specific areas, including remuneration levels, other payments, incremental progression, performance related pay, bonus payments, redundancy, severance/compensation and retirement payments.

RESOLVED –

that the Chief Officer Pay Policy be approved.

Council received a report of the Head of Democracy and Governance setting out an amendment to the council’s scheme of delegation following the appointment of the Deputy Managing Director Place Shaping and Corporate Performance.

RESOLVED –

1.      that the responsibility for Council Functions A2 – A14 and A26 – A34 relating to Town and Country Planning and Development Control be amended to insert the Deputy Managing Director Place Shaping and Corporate Performance.

2.      that the responsibility for Council Functions A15 – A25, A35, A37, B39, B40, B41 and I15 be amended to insert the Deputy Managing Director Place Shaping and Corporate Performance. 

Council received a report of the Audit Committee held on 7 December 2016 setting out its recommendation regarding the council’s requirement to appoint its own external auditor for the audit of the 2018/19 accounts.

RESOLVED –

that for the first round of appointments the council opts into the PSAA Appointing Person arrangement, subject to confirmation of the details of the scheme.

Council was informed that one motion had been received.

The following motion was proposed by Councillor Tim Williams and seconded by Councillor Stephen Cavinder

“This Council notes that high speed accidents are regularly occurring along the A405 from its junction with the A41 and its junction with St Albans Road (A412).  These accidents are often due to excessive speed along this stretch, and due to its close proximity of many local schools we call upon Herts County Council, as our Highways Authority to:-

1) Investigate and implement a safer traffic management scheme along this stretch in particular the junction with Greenwood Drive.

2) Investigate and implement a safer lighted pedestrian crossing point at the long-about outside the Woodside Leisure Park.

3) Investigate and implement other means of addressing the current level of excessive speed including reducing the speed to 40 mph for the whole stretch, installing Speed Indicator Devices and setting up Speed Camera’s.

4) Liaise with the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner in order for the police to attend regularly with speed cameras.

We call upon the Mayor to write to:-

i) John Wood, Herts County Council’s Chief Executive, to address the excessive speeding along this stretch, to implement a safer crossing point outside the leisure park and to establish a safer traffic management scheme at the junction of the A405 and Greenwood Drive

ii) David Lloyd, Police Commissioner for Hertfordshire, for the police to attend this stretch of the A405 with speed cameras.”

Members discussed the motion.

On being put to council the motion was AGREED.

RESOLVED –

this Council notes that high speed accidents are regularly occurring along the A405 from its junction with the A41 and its junction with St Albans Road (A412).  These accidents are often due to excessive speed along this stretch, and due to its close proximity of many local schools we call upon Herts County Council, as our Highways Authority to:-

1) Investigate and implement a safer traffic management scheme along this stretch in particular the junction with Greenwood Drive.

2)        Investigate and implement a safer lighted pedestrian crossing point at the long-about outside the Woodside Leisure Park.

3)        Investigate and implement other means of addressing the current level of excessive speed including reducing the speed to 40 mph for the whole stretch, installing Speed Indicator Devices and setting up Speed Camera’s.

4)        Liaise with the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner in order for the police to attend regularly with speed cameras.

We call upon the Mayor to write to:-

i) John Wood, Herts County Council’s Chief Executive, to address the excessive speeding along this stretch, to implement a safer crossing point outside the leisure park and to establish a safer traffic management scheme at the junction of the A405 and Greenwood Drive

ii) David Lloyd, Police Commissioner for Hertfordshire, for the police to attend this stretch of the A405 with speed cameras.

The Corporate Leisure and Community Client Section Head stated that following the report at the last meeting on the Commissioning Framework, different organisations would be invited to speak to the scrutiny committee about their role as a commissioned organisation.  At this meeting representatives were present from Watford and Three Rivers Trust and Watford Palace Theatre.  At the next meeting it was proposed to invite representatives from Shopmobility and Citizens Advice Watford.  In the new municipal year representatives from the community centre would be invited to a meeting.

Watford and Three Rivers Trust

Bob Jones, the CEO of Watford and Three Rivers Trust, provided information about the background of the Trust and its role.  He also explained about the voluntary sector in Watford.

Debbie Bezalel, the Director of Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), expanded on the work the trust carried out with local charities and groups.  The trust helped groups to identify their needs and how to become sustainable.  They assisted groups to develop business plans and find funding sources. 

Bob Jones informed the scrutiny committee that the trust had recently launched a new suite of websites.  The trust was also able to help groups develop their own websites.  The trust hosted Herts.Community, which included a social network platform.  He added that he would ensure all councillors would be sent an invite to join the network.

Following a question from the Chair about the council’s small grants fund, Debbie Bezalel confirmed the trust supported organisations with their applications; ensuring the application form included the right information.  There were occasions when the Small Grants team would refer a group to the trust for assistance.

The Corporate Leisure and Community Client Section Head stated that until recently only constituted groups were able to make applications to the small grants fund.  However this had recently changed and non-constituted groups could apply with Watford and Three Rivers Trust acting as their ‘banker’, who provided them with support and access to the funding.

Councillor Dhindsa congratulated the trust on its work with small groups who did not have a constitution.  He said that he felt the voluntary sector had died down over the years.  He asked how the trust engaged with the voluntary sector, particularly those from the black and minority ethnic (BME) community.  He understood that many in this community were not aware of the small grants fund.

Bob Jones commented that the sector had changed a lot over the years and he felt that the voluntary sector had possibly increased over the last 10 years.  He advised that an analysis of Watford’s voluntary sector had been carried out and aligned against the nine equality characteristics set out in the Equality Act.  It appeared that the BME community was struggling.  The trust contacted known groups to try to assist them; however he was aware that some groups had ceased to exist.  Outreach work had been carried out in the Muslim community.  The trust wanted to work with everyone and help the different communities.

Debbie Bezalel mentioned some of the BME groups she had worked with, including the Gurdwara, Multi Cultural Community Centre, the Polish Saturday School, the Portuguese group and the Italian Society.  There was a good relationship with members of the Hindu community.  A regular newsletter was circulated highlighting services, including the small grants fund.  The team was happy to meet any group.

Councillor Dhindsa suggested it would be useful if councillors could be given further information about the help the trust had given to BME groups, how it had engaged with them and the type of outreach work the trust carried out.  He added that the trust could contact the local councillors who may be able to provide contact information for different groups.

Councillor Martins asked if it was possible to explain the difference between the trust and CVS and how they interacted.  He had been struck by the level of volunteering in Watford and enquired whether the trust supported volunteers. 

Bob Jones explained that support for volunteers was the responsibility of the organisations.  Some of the organisations were very good but some did struggle.  The role of the trust was to support the organisations.  The trust was part of Team Herts which promoted good quality volunteer management.  There was also a collective volunteering agreement which provided back office support. 

Bob Jones explained that the difference in the names was more likened to a re-branding.  Previously he constantly had to explain what was meant by community and voluntary services.  When considering a new name it was felt ‘community trust’ was more appropriate.  Underneath the parent brand of the trust there were various projects including the CVS.

Councillor Collett, Portfolio Holder responsible for community, informed the scrutiny committee that she had visited many BME groups and had told them about the small grants fund.  In addition she advised them to contact the team if they had any problems.  She had done a radio interview on Three Counties radio and referred to the small grants fund.  She had been working with the Trust and it had been agreed that all councillors would be invited to the next Board meeting on 1 February to find out more about the trust and its work.

Councillor Mauthoor thanked the trust for their fantastic work and was pleased to hear the portfolio holder’s comments.  She asked that councillors were provided with more information about the trust at their induction as she felt she could have told different groups about the trust.

In response to a comment from Councillor Khan about outreach work, Debbie Bezalel explained that the team worked across the community, including with residents groups, older people and younger people.  As part of its duty to the council it reported back on a quarterly basis of the work it was doing.  They did not focus on one specific area; they worked with small and large groups.  They helped groups to find funding to meet their needs.  If councillors were aware of a group who may need support they could contact her or Bob Jones, who would then be able to assist the group and point them in the right direction.

Watford Palace Theatre

Brigid Larmour, Artistic Director and Chief Executive, and Jamie Arden, Executive Director of Watford Palace Theatre gave a presentation about the work of Watford Palace Theatre and some key statistics. 

Councillor Dhindsa congratulated the organisation on its excellent work and the great strides it had made with the Watford community. 

Councillor Mauthoor thanked the organisation for its work.  She had had the opportunity to participate in the community event, ‘Hello, Mister Capello’ at the theatre.  She asked whether the theatre carried out any outreach work in schools.

Jamie Arden responded that schools were considered to be extremely important and the organisation was working on ways to strengthen those links.  More schools had attended this year’s pantomime than in previous years.  Auditions were held in schools across Hertfordshire for the Herts Youth Theatre which was based at Watford Palace Theatre.  The theatre would continue to find ways to strengthen this work for the future.

Brigid Larmour added that due to funding cuts by the county council not as many workshops were carried out in schools.  However, the youth theatre production work continued. 

Councillor Martins commented that Watford Palace Theatre was the jewel in Watford’s crown.  When he had rotary guests visiting Watford they had often heard of the theatre.  It was the living theatre of the town.  He felt that Brigid’s work should be acknowledged.  It was a real showcase for the arts.  However, it was a shame the youth work had reduced.

Brigid Larmour explained that there were three youth groups each week and the Youth Theatre continued.  The theatre reached out to a range of age groups, encouraging participation.  The ‘Hello, Mister Capello’ production brought different people together.  The theatre intended to produce a community play every other year which would bring together diverse communities.

Councillor Khan asked if there were any areas the Artistic Director felt the theatre could improve.

Brigid Larmour advised that both she and her team had been asking themselves the same question.  One area for improvement would be to raise funding and sponsorship from the local business community and finding donors.  It was also felt that there had been some loss of the traditional theatre audience due to the newer work that had been introduced.  This had led to a mix of traditional and new works included in the programme.  The theatre had also improved in the analysis of the data it collected.

Jamie Arden added that comedy had been re-introduced.  The theatre wanted to reach different types of audiences.  They would also look at more ways they could go out into the community with events similar to the Big Events and Imagine Watford. 

Councillor Khan commented that the theatre attracted people who lived outside Watford.  He noted the comments about sponsors and asked how they could justify the benefits of the theatre to taxpayers compared to other services which were being cut.

Brigid Larmour responded that the theatre could change people’s perception of the town.  Socio-economic inclusion would be an important factor in the theatre’s work over the next three or four years.  The theatre was an active agent for community cohesion.  She regularly visited other theatres, including London, and it was not possible to limit visitors.  She said that she believed in a creative sector; it enhanced people’s lives.  Ticket pricing was set at an entry level and compared well as shown in the presentation.  Watford Palace Theatre was one of five most accessible priced theatres in the country.

Following a question from Councillor Williams about challenges ahead for the theatre, Brigid Larmour advised that the most significant was funding.  Another was to ensure the theatre remained relevant. 

Jamie Arden added that it was necessary to consider ways the theatre could be sustainable in the future.  The next business plan would include information about how the theatre could diversify income; encouraging more people to visit the theatre and spending once there.  It was intended to develop corporate sponsorship.  They would have a dialogue with Watford’s business community and show the value of culture in the town.  They would be able to show the positive impact Imagine Watford had on businesses in the town.  The theatre could be shared with other groups and organisations.  During the summer groups could hire the theatre to showcase their own events.  The theatre wanted to be part of the town and support the council. 

Councillor Dhindsa noted Councillor Khan’s comments and asked whether a membership scheme could be introduced for residents providing them discounts to shows.

Councillor Martins commented that he saw the funding to the theatre as an investment by the council.  It was important to look at the theatre in a wider context.  The theatre brought people into the town and encouraged community cohesion. 

The Corporate Leisure and Community Client Section Head said that he regularly attended Board meetings.  The Chair of the Palace Theatre Trust was from Warner Brothers.  Another board member worked at the BBC.  The types of people drawn to be part of the theatre gave the council confidence that direction and innovation was there.

Councillor Mauthoor suggested it might be useful to consider introducing a multi-ticket giving access to the theatre, Warner Brothers Studio and Watford football club.

The Chair thanked all the guest speakers for their presentations and taking time to respond to councillors’ questions.

RESOLVED –

1.      that Watford and Three Rivers trust provides information about the various groups it has helped.

2.      that an email be circulated to all councillors to enable them to sign up to the Trust’s newsletter.

3.      that information about Watford and Three Rivers Trust be given to new councillors at their induction.

The scrutiny committee received a report of the Committee and Scrutiny Officer including the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 5 December 2016, when the Neighbourhood Forum Task Group’s recommendations had been considered.

The Committee and Scrutiny Officer reported that Cabinet had reviewed the task group’s recommendations.  The Mayor had decided to create a small working group to further review the recommendations.  The group would comprise, the Mayor, Councillor Collett, portfolio holder for communities, Councillor Cavinder, Chair of the task group and the Head of Democracy and Governance.  The meeting was due to take place on Monday 23 January.

Following a question about the make-up of the working group and lack of an opposition councillor, the Committee and Scrutiny Officer explained that Neighbourhood Forums were an executive function and Cabinet had approved the Mayor’s suggestion about the working group.  Further information would be fed back to Overview and Scrutiny Committee once more details had been received.  Councillor Bell, group leader of the Labour group had been present at Cabinet.  The Committee and Scrutiny Officer agreed to contact the Head of Democracy and Governance about the make-up of the working group.

RESOLVED –

that an update be presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 23 March 2017.

Approved

Approved

Approved.

Approved.

Approve the acquisition of the property  to be used as temporary accommodation as recommended in the officer report.

To authorise a closure of roads & Public Footpaths in North Watford under s21 of Town Police Clauses Act 1847 to accommodate the funeral service of Graham Taylor OBE on Wednesday 1 February 2017.

A report was received from the Shared Director of Finance which asked Cabinet to consider the service level expenditure, funding and council tax levels for the medium term 2017/18 to 2019/20 including consideration of the use of reserves and balances.

The report had also been considered at the Budget Panel meeting on 10 January and the minutes were circulated at the meeting.

The Mayor introduced the item and thanked Budget Panel for their feedback.  The key purpose of Budget Panel was to scrutinise the sound position of the finances. It was an important role of the opposition to see whether the budget was sound and if the council had good financial health.   The result from Budget Panel’s discussion would suggest they had no issue with the building of the budget.

Councillor Watkin explained that the budget was fairly neutral as it was not making radical changes but instead was announcing a change to how the council would have to run its finances in the future as the government removed the Revenue Settlement Grant (RSG).  The council had to raise income or reduce costs in order to find £1m.  This budget was about launching the council to be ready to do this; it would be a year for planning and preparation.   The key items in the budget were about prudence and being in good shape for the future.

Councillor Watkin continued that for council tax there was a proposed increase of £5 or 2% which equated to 10p per week for a band D property.   Since the last council tax increase the Retail Price Index had increased by 19%.  There would continue to be council tax support for those disadvantaged members of the community.  There were small changes on fees and charges which would be reflecting inflation.  The key decision limit would increase to £250,000 in order to take account of increasing commercialisation and the need to react quickly to changing circumstances.

The Shared Director of Finance explained that there were other projects which had not yet been included within the budget such as further phases around the Watford Health Campus and more work on the joint venture with Watford Community Housing Trust.  Both of these would bring income for the council in the future.

The Mayor commented that, compared to many councils, Watford Borough Council was in a good place and had been working towards not relying on a grant from the government for many years.  There would be future uncertainty, particularly over business rates.  However, members could reassure residents that the budget was safe, prudent and entrepreneurial.  The council was therefore in a good position to meet the challenges ahead.  It would also be possible to continue with free fireworks and paddling pools which brought the community together.

In response to a question from Councillor Bell regarding risk, the Shared Director of Finance explained that the council would need to ensure that commercial income and income from property investments would continue and also to monitor dividends from Watford Health Campus.  The Mayor continued that it was important that the council continued to hold some funds in reserves.  Another risk was the new homes bonus and uncertainty over what the government would choose to do with this in the future.  There was an assumption by the government that councils would increase council tax as a result of the removal of the RSG.

In accordance with the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 the votes were recorded as follows –

Those in favour

Mayor Thornhill, Councillors Collett, Johnson, Sharpe, Taylor and Watkin

The resolutions as set out in the report were CARRIED by 6 votes to 0

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet:

1.         Delegates to the Director of Finance and Portfolio Holder the ability to amend the budget figures in accordance with decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting and any minor variations that may occur before the Council meeting.

That Cabinet recommends to Council:

That Council:

1.         Resolves in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amount calculated by Watford Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the year 2017/18 is 32,062.1 as outlined in the report.

2.         Approves the continuation of the Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2017/18.  This will then be subject to a review which will be carried out in 2017/18 with the intention of implementing a new scheme from 2018/19 onwards.

3.         Approves the estimate of surplus and deficit position on the Collection Fund.

4.         Approves the budget as laid out in the report, including:

•          the base budget estimates

•          The growth and savings

•          The Capital Investment Programme 2016-2020

5.         Approves the schedule of fees and charges.

6.         Approves the strategy for flexible use of capital receipts.

7.         Approves an increase in the annual Council Tax for a Band D property of £5.00 (2.00%) in 2017/18.  This percentage increase will apply to all other bands.

8.         Approves the increase of the Council’s Key Decision Limit to £0.25 million with immediate effect.

9.         Approves the key risks identified and has regard to the advice provided by the Director of Finance on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of reserves.

10.      Notes the indicative budgets for 2018/19 and 2019/20, the Council’s future spending plans which are supported by internal borrowing (see para 6.4 onwards of the main report) utilising the Council’s reserves and cash balances.

11.      Approves the Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18.

A report was received from the Planning Policy Section Head on the Authority’s Monitoring Report which was produced annually to outline the progress made on the local plan timetable and assess the effectiveness of planning policies against various targets to see whether the local plan objectives were being achieved.  Part of the work included mandatory information in accordance with current planning regulations.

The Mayor explained that it was important for the council to measure demographic change in order to know how Watford’s population was changing and therefore what services to provide.  The Local Plan 2 would also need to take account of changes within the town.

Councillor Sharpe commented that although there was no legal requirement for the report to come to Cabinet it was felt that the very thorough report should have a wider exposure and it was an opportunity for Cabinet to consider the purpose of the report.  It also allowed Cabinet to see whether planning policies were being implemented successfully, whether changes were needed and to have a wider contemplation of planning situation in Watford.  Planning was important to building a successful environment and ensuring areas were successful.  The council was required to work to a national framework and expected to provide for housing and employment growth.  It was therefore necessary to adapt and change or decline and decay.  To be a successful town and manage that success.  The council was ahead of housing completion targets and a dip in housing numbers this year had been offset by over achievement in other years.  There was continued progress on economic development and creating jobs. 

Councillor Sharpe continued that the current government was driving towards a growth agenda without investing in infrastructure.  The council had invested in infrastructure by building Thomas Sawyer Way which was key to maintaining the hospital.  The council would also continue to press towards the Metropolitan Line Extension in order to expand the rail network and tackle traffic congestion.  Nationally there had been a period where urban areas were declining in favour of out of town shopping; it was now the case that urban areas had rallied but looking to the future it would be necessary to fight to get the infrastructure needed to support this. 

Cabinet further discussed the report and recognised challenges such as the removal of subsidies for social housing and a struggling infrastructure.  However, these were also national issues and the council was trying to work to address them.  Within the town there was only one area in Central Ward which was on the national deprivation ranking.

The Planning Policy Section Head commented that a key challenge was affordable housing as small houses had seen a £100,000 increase in property prices since early 2014.   He drew to Cabinet’s attention that nearly all the development in the town had been on previously developed land (brownfield sites) so the town was looking after its green spaces.

Cabinet thanked officers for the report.

RESOLVED -

That Cabinet notes the information provided by the AMR 2016.

Cabinet received a petition regarding parking in Rose Gardens.  Mr Stuart Taylor attended to present the petition to Cabinet.  At the time of publication of the agenda the petition contained 37 signatures.

The Mayor thanked Mr Taylor for attending the Cabinet meeting.

Mr Taylor explained he had been a resident in Rose Gardens since 1999.  He was a parent of two children, one of whom attended Laurance Haines School.  There was a continuing parking issue when parents were dropping children off and picking them up from the school.  Mr Taylor had written to the school and the parking shop, however, the problem was escalating.  There would also be a new underground station opening close to Rose Gardens. Mr Taylor had started the petition after talking to residents about the problems they were experiencing, such as motorists parking on residents’ gardens and over dropped kerbs.  The local newspaper was interested and had published a picture of Mr Taylor’s partner and children.  The Cassiobury estate had parking restrictions and Rickmansworth Road had a restriction to stop cars turning left at a certain time of the day.  Mr Taylor was proposing that there should be no parking permitted for 1 hour at 8-9am and 3-4pm for any residents including permit holders. 

The Mayor responded that there were parking issues around schools across Watford.  Within current parking regulations there was a 10 minute grace period which could be time for a parent to drop off their child and made parking enforcement difficult.  With regards to the opening of the new station, the Mayor agreed to look at protection for residents around both the new stations.  The Mayor explained that there were different parking restrictions across the Town as each situation would be looked at on its own merits; there was not a ‘one size fits all’ approach.   With regards to Rose Gardens the council needed to look at who was parking there and take account of the potential commuters and then make proposals.

Councillor Bell thanked Mr Taylor for bringing the petition.  He agreed there was a particular problem with Rose Gardens and that there would need to be a survey carried out.  With a lack of school places within the Borough there were more parents who lived further away from the school.  A year ago 80-85% of children were travelling to school on foot as they lived locally but now more parents were driving to school as they lived further away. 

RESOLVED - Cabinet asks officers to look into the issues experienced by Rose Gardens residents and to also take into account the impact of the future Metropolitan Line Extension station.

Cabinet received the report of the Head of Democracy and Governance regarding appointing the Deputy Managing Director, Place Shaping and Corporate Performance to the Partnership Board of the Watford Health Campus LLP.  Following the departure of the Head of Regeneration and Development there was a vacancy on the Partnership Board so the Deputy Managing Director would be the third Council representative on the Board.

The Mayor introduced the report and welcomed the Deputy Managing Director to the Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED -

1.        That Nick Fenwick be appointed as the third Council representative on the Partnership Board of the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP.

2.        That the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP be informed of the appointment.

Cabinet received a report of the Head of Community and Customer Services regarding an exemption to contract procedures for the procurement of Housing Stock Modelling Exercise.  There was a requirement for local authorities to understand the condition of their housing stock (all tenures) and to develop strategies to address issues of concern.

Councillor Johnson introduced the report and explained that the council was going for a different model since the last time the exercise was carried out in 2009.  Using The Building Research Establishment (BRE) would mean that instead of the usual survey of around 800 households, this time would be about being smarter with data collection using sources such as the Ordnance Survey in a stock modelling service.  It would also help to identify Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO).  The results of the survey would be more reliable data but would cost less with BRE than the previous survey had in 2009.

The Energy and Housing Renewal Surveyor explained that the exercise would be about helping us to understand what housing stock the town had, and how much it had changed in 8/9 years.  This would give huge potential for future strategies on fuel poverty and housing efficiency and would help the council to attract funding.

In response to a question from the Mayor, the Deputy Managing Director agreed to look into whether it would be possible to track changes made to properties through permitted development rights e.g., offices into residential.  He would circulate any information to members.

RESOLVED -

1.        That Cabinet notes the approved exemption to the Council’s Procurement Procedures in relation to the appointment of the BRE to carry out the specialist stock modelling exercise.

2.        That the Deputy Managing Director circulates information to members on whether it was possible to track changes to properties made under permitted development rights.