Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Hugh Mason.

For transparency Councillor Vernon-Jackson informed those present that in relation to agenda item 10 (Solent Freeport Full Business case) he is a Council appointed director of the Solent Freeport Consortium and as such this does not constitute an interest.

A copy of the record of the previous decisions taken at Cabinet on 30 November 2021 and 8 February 2022 are attached.

The record of the previous decisions taken at Cabinet on 30 November 2021 and 8 February 2022 were approved as a correct record.

Purpose

To:

·       Enable the City Council to adopt a long term Capital Strategy from 2022/23 onwards.

·       Inform members and the wider community of the Council's Capital Strategy.

·       Ensure that Members are aware of the overall strategy, governance procedures and risk appetite.

·       Highlight the inter-relationship between business planning the Capital Strategy, Capital Programme, the Revenue budget, the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Treasury Management.

·       Ensure the council has sufficient liquidity to meet the cashflow arising from the capital programme.

RecommenDED

1.    That Part I of the Capital Strategy (Capital Expenditure and Aspirations) be approved including:

a)   The Short / Medium / Long-term Aspirations set out in Appendix 1.

2.    That Part II of the Capital Strategy (Borrowing and Investing) be approved including:

a)   The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for Debt Repayment Policy (Part II, (paragraph 2.5)

b)   The investment indicators in Part II - Appendix 2 (Part II, paragraph 3.5)

c)   That the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) will bring a report to the next Cabinet and City Council if (Part II, paragraph 3.5):

(i)  The Council's gross General Fund (GF) debt exceeds 500% of GF net service expenditure or;

(ii) Overall investment income from investment properties and long term treasury management investments exceeds 7.5% of GF net service expenditure.

1.    That Part I of the Capital Strategy (Capital Expenditure and Aspirations) be approved including:

               i.         The Short / Medium / Long-term Aspirations set out in Appendix 1.

2.    That Part II of the Capital Strategy (Borrowing and Investing) be approved including:

               i.         The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for Debt Repayment Policy (Part II, (paragraph 2.5)

              ii.         The investment indicators in Part II - Appendix 2 (Part II, paragraph 3.5)

             iii.         That the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) will bring a report to the next Cabinet and City Council if (Part II, paragraph 3.5):

a.    The Council's gross General Fund (GF) debt exceeds 500% of GF net service expenditure or;

b.    Overall investment income from investment properties and long term treasury management investments exceeds 7.5% of GF net service expenditure.

Purpose

1.    The purpose of this report is to obtain the Council’s approval of the updated Treasury Management Policy Statement (attached) which includes the Annual Investment Strategy.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That the upper limit for principal sums invested for longer than 365 days contained in paragraph 4.7 of the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement be approved;

2.    That the upper and lower limits on the maturity structure of borrowing contained in appendix 5.1 of the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement be approved;

3.    That the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement including the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 be approved;

4.    That the following change compared to the previous Annual Investment Strategy be noted:

(i)     that the UK Infrastructure Bank be added to the approved sources of borrowing as set out in paragraph 3.9 of the Treasury Management Policy Statement;

5.    As set out in paragraph 1.4 of the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) and officers nominated by him have delegated authority to:

(i)      invest surplus funds in accordance with the approved Annual Investment Strategy;

(ii)    borrow to finance short term cash deficits and capital payments from any reputable source within the authorised limit for external debt of £963m approved by the City Council on 9 February 2021;

(iii)   reschedule debt to even the maturity profile or to achieve revenue savings;

(iv)   to buy and sell foreign currency, and to purchase hedging instruments including forward purchases, forward options, and foreign exchange rate swaps to mitigate the foreign exchange risks associated with some contracts that are either priced in foreign currencies or where the price is indexed against foreign currency exchange rates; 

6.    That the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) has the power to delegate treasury management operations to relevant staff;

7.    That the Chief Executive, the Leader of the City Council and the Chair of the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee be informed of any variances from the Treasury Management Policy when they become apparent, and that the Leader of the City Council be consulted on remedial action (paragraph 1.2.2 of Treasury Management Policy Statement).

1.    That the upper limit for principal sums invested for longer than 365 days contained in paragraph 4.7 of the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement be approved;

2.    That the upper and lower limits on the maturity structure of borrowing contained in appendix 5.1 of the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement be approved;

3.    That the attached Treasury Management Policy Statement including the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy for 2022/23 be approved;

4.    That the following change compared to the previous Annual Investment Strategy be noted:

                        i.         that the UK Infrastructure Bank be added to the approved sources of borrowing as set out in paragraph 3.9 of the Treasury Management Policy Statement;

5.   As set out in paragraph 1.4 of the Treasury Management Policy Statement, the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) and officers nominated by him have delegated authority to:

                        i.         invest surplus funds in accordance with the approved Annual Investment Strategy;

                       ii.         borrow to finance short term cash deficits and capital payments from any reputable source within the authorised limit for external debt of £963m approved by the City Council on 9 February 2021;

                      iii.         reschedule debt to even the maturity profile or to achieve revenue savings;

                     iv.         to buy and sell foreign currency, and to purchase hedging instruments including forward purchases, forward options, and foreign exchange rate swaps to mitigate the foreign exchange risks associated with some contracts that are either priced in foreign currencies or where the price is indexed against foreign currency exchange rates;

6.    That the Director of Finance and Resources (Section 151 Officer) has the power to delegate treasury management operations to relevant staff;

7.    That the Chief Executive, the Leader of the City Council and the Chair of the Governance and Audit and Standards Committee be informed of any variances from the Treasury Management Policy when they become apparent, and that the Leader of the City Council be consulted on remedial action (paragraph 1.2.2 of Treasury Management Policy Statement).

Purpose

To provide information to the Cabinet and Council on the approach that is being taken for the carbon management process, and the method being used to develop future carbon targets to meet the 2030 net zero targets for the Council and city.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet

Notes the contents of this Report and that it proceeds to Full Council to further note.

The Cabinet recommends the contents of this report be referred to Full Council for noting.

The report is for information only and not subject to call-in.

Purpose

To present to the Cabinet the Health and Wellbeing Strategy (HWS) for 2022-2030 for approval.

RECOMMENDED

That Cabinet and Council approve the Health and Wellbeing Strategy attached at Appendix 1.

The Cabinet recommends the Health and Wellbeing Strategy (HWS) for 2022-23 attached at Appendix 1 of the report be referred to Full Council for approval

Purpose

To update councillors on the work undertaken to develop the telecare service into a new Safe At Home service, including the new branding, service contractors, service offer and plans to maintain a sustainable service.

RECOMMENDED

1.    That councillors recognise the developments in the Telecare service, the new service offer, and agree to the changes proposed.

2.    Approve the financial fees for the new service, that are set on a cost recovery basis.

3.    That officers bring back an update report before the end of 2022 on the progress of the new service, and also outline how community and voluntary groups could be used to support service users to stay safe in their own home.

1.    That Councillors recognise the developments in the Telecare service, the new service offer, and agree to the changes proposed.

2.      To approve the financial fees for the new service, that are set on a cost recovery basis.

3.      That officers bring back an update report before the end of 2022 on the progress of the new service, and also outline how community and voluntary groups could be used to support service users to stay safe in their own home.

Purpose

To provide an update on the progression of the new Portsmouth Local Plan following public consultation in September/ October 2021 and to seek approval for the revisions to the Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet

1.    Notes the progression of the draft new Portsmouth Local Plan and the summary of responses to the 'Regulation 18' consultation during September-October 2021.

2.    Approves the revised Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

3.    Grants delegated authority to Assistant Director Planning & Economic Growth to make minor amendments to the LDS and Development Plan Document timetables as necessary.

1.    Noted the progression of the draft new Portsmouth Local Plan and the summary of responses to the 'Regulation 18' consultation during September-October 2021.

2.    Approved the revised Local Plan timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

3.    Granted delegated authority to Assistant Director Planning & Economic Growth to make minor amendments to the LDS and Development Plan Document timetables as necessary.

Purpose.

1.1          The Council as a partner and director of Solent Freeport Consortium LTD (SFCL) is required to have approval to the Solent Freeport Full Business Case (FBC) by Cabinet and Full Council before the submission of the FBC to Central Government can be made. The deadline for submission of the FBC to Central Government is 15 April 2022.

1.2          By gaining approval to the FBC by Central Government the Solent Freeport officially exists with all customs and tax powers for a period of 25 years. The main body of this report has been produced by the SFCL to ensure a consistent approach to approval by all Councils.

1.3          The Council is a major beneficiary of the Solent Freeport in that it is the owner of the Portsmouth International Port, a proposed custom site, and owner and developer of Dunsbury Park, a proposed tax site, both within the Solent Freeport.

1.4          It is also noteworthy that Portsmouth City Council is the Accountable Body for the SFCL.

RECOMMENDATION:

      Cabinet approves that this report to go on to Full Council on the 15 March 2022  

      for approval.

Full Council approves:

To delegate to the Chief Executive and the S.151 Officer in consultation with the  

Deputy Leader of the City Council to approve the Solent Freeport Full Business Case

(FBC) on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, and to see it submitted to Central

Government following consultation with the S.151 and Monitoring Officers of

each of the tax sites.

Recommends that this report be referred to Full Council on the 15 March 2022 for approval.

The Cabinet recommends that Full Council agrees to delegate to the Chief Executive and the S.151 Officer in consultation with the Deputy Leader of the City Council to approve the Solent Freeport Full Business Case (FBC) on behalf of Portsmouth City Council, and to see it submitted to Central Government following consultation with the S.151 and Monitoring Officers of each of the tax sites.

Purpose

1.    This report sets out the role the city centre plays, in accommodating the Cities growth needs.

2.    The development of the city centre, has for many years been a Council priority, defined in the current and emerging local plans as an area of housing and economic growth with the areas of City Centre North identified for regeneration and redevelopment.

3.    The report provides an update to the 13 October Council decision and asks members to note progress made on the new masterplan, and planning applications which are due to be submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in early Spring.

4.    The report seeks Cabinet approval of a series of recommendations to ensure progress from planning to the delivery stages of an extended City Centre Regeneration project also known as City Centre North.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet

1.    Notes the progress made on land assembly to support the development in paragraph 7 of this report and that land assembly continues as approved by Full Council on the 13 October 2021.

2.    Notes work done by officers to support the wider City Centre's economic recovery through the multiple workstreams listed below and the role of the new City Centre North development in that programme of work.

3.    Notes the progress of all work to complete the planning application and submit it in Spring 2022.

4.    Delegates authority to the Director of Regeneration and the S151 officer to deliver meanwhile uses in all PCC owned assets where possible and viable to do so, to further support the economic recovery of the City Centre. 

5.    Delegates authority to the Director of Regeneration and S151 Officer on the advice of the City Solicitor in consultation with the Leader to investigate funding and delivery options including internal delivery and potential partnering options for the City Centre North Development.

1.    Noted the progress made on land assembly to support the development in paragraph 7 of this report and that land assembly continues as approved by Full Council on the 13 October 2021.

2.    Noted work done by officers to support the wider City Centre's economic recovery through the multiple workstreams listed below and the role of the new City Centre North development in that programme of work.

3.    Noted the progress of all work to complete the planning application and submit it in Spring 2022.

4.    Delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and the S151 officer to deliver meanwhile uses in all PCC owned assets where possible and viable to do so, to further support the economic recovery of the City Centre.

5.    Delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration and S151 Officer on the advice of the City Solicitor in consultation with the Leader to investigate funding and delivery options including internal delivery and potential partnering options for the City Centre North Development.

6.    Noted that the way retail operates has changed nationally and recognises that while Commercial Road is adapting to modern needs to deliver the stronger retail offer that residents want, it might be possible to help accelerate this. Therefore, to help this transition the Council will work with landlords and retailers to ensure that the city centre becomes the vibrant and engaging high street residents want and that the shopping offer is as strong as possible. 

7.    Agreed that the Culture & Leisure and Children, Families and Education directorates continue to work with colleagues within the Regeneration directorate to ensure the regeneration of the city centre is culturally led and meets the needs of young people.

Purpose

To share the findings of the recent consultation to inform thinking around the Museums Strategy. 

RECOMMENDED

1.      That the number of people contributing their views and the findings of the consultation are noted.

2.      That the Museums Strategy 2022-2026 is approved without further change.

1.    That the number of people contributing their views and the findings of the consultation are noted.

2.    That the Museums Strategy 2022-2026 is approved without further change.

Purpose.

To update the Cabinet on work that is taking place to achieve greater integration of commissioning and governance arrangements between Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group (PCCG) and Portsmouth City Council (PCC), in the light of the new operating context for health services and to seek agreement to enter into a s75 agreement in respect of these arrangements.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Cabinet is recommended to:

·       Note the work undertaken to bring about greater integration of health and care services in the city

·       Approve in principle (on the basis of the summary document  attached) the s75 agreement between Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group, with delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive to agree final amendments and to authorise the execution of the agreement in final form.

·       Delegate authority for associated schedules to be completed and signed off by the relevant Director in consultation with the s151 officer or his authorised delegate.

1.    Noted the work undertaken to bring about greater integration of healthand care services in the city.

2.    Approved in principle (on the basis of the summary document attached) the s75 agreement between Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group, with delegated responsibility to the Chief Executive to agree final amendments and to authorise the execution of the agreement in final form.

3.    Delegated authority for associated schedules to be completed and signed off by the relevant Director in consultation with the s151 officer or his authorised delegate.

Purpose

To update Cabinet following the request made at the extraordinary City Council meeting on 7 December 2021 for the "Cabinet to conduct a “Safety Audit”, allowing residents to share their views about how public lighting and CCTV could be improved to promote safer streets and a safer public domain for women and girls".

RECOMMENDED

1.    For a further report to Cabinet with an update on the outcome of the community safety survey.

The Cabinet agreed for a further report to Cabinet with an update on the outcome of the community safety survey.

Purpose

To review the progress since the Cabinet approved the Council's Skills Strategy in November 2020.

The Cabinet noted the report which is for information only and is not subject to call-in.

Purpose

1.    This report follows on from the previous Cabinet and Full Council decision to setup the Ravelin Group of companies, most recently (15^th December 2021) where the Five-year Business Plan and the Investment & Development Plan for Ravelin Housing Limited (RHL) were approved.

2.    The Report seeks to provide members with further information and oversight on RHL's growth and development plans while also providing further clarity on how and when the Company will engage with its Shareholders and Directors.

3.    The report also provides an update on RHL company business and any delegated decisions taken since the last report.

RECOMMENDED that Cabinet

1.    Notes the proposed future changes to the Ravelin group of company's directorships; and

2.    Delegates authority to the Director of Regeneration in consultation with the Leader and the Council’s Monitoring Officer, to make changes to the directorship of the Ravelin group of companies, where such changes involve the appointment or removal of Council officers.

3.    For the avoidance of doubt, the delegation at 2 (above) would not apply in relation to the appointment or removal of directors to the Ravelin group of companies who are independent non-executive or executive directors and who are also not Council officers. Such appointments would need to be agreed by Cabinet as shareholder.

1.    Noted the proposed future changes to the Ravelin group of company's directorships; and

2.    Delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration, after consultation with the Group Leaders and the Council’s Monitoring Officer, to make changes to the appointment or removal of Council officers as directors of the Ravelin group of companies, and ensure the Group Leaders are kept informed of all changes made.

3.    Noted, for the avoidance of doubt, the delegation at 2 (above) would not apply in relation to the appointment or removal of directors to the Ravelin group of companies who are independent non-executive or executive directors and who are also not Council officers. Such appointments would need to be agreed by Cabinet as shareholder.