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Horsham Council Boosts Housing Budget and Green Initiatives

This week, the Horsham Council held two meetings:

Cabinet Meeting - Key Decisions

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024 was the most impactful of the week, covering several significant topics.

Increase in Housing Service Budget

The Cabinet recommended that the full Council approve an increase in the Housing Service 2024/25 revenue budget by £266,546 to receive a central government Homelessness Prevention Grant. This grant is aimed at enhancing the Council’s Homelessness Prevention and Relief Service. The report highlighted the importance of this grant, stating:

The additional grant will allow the Council to provide appropriate housing options and prevent homelessness, thereby reducing the impact on the General Fund.

This decision aligns with the Council's ongoing efforts to address homelessness, as seen in previous meetings where similar grants were discussed¹.

Purchase of New Refuse Collection Vehicles

The Cabinet approved the purchase of two new 15-tonne refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) to replace older vehicles nearing the end of their working lives. The new vehicles will feature safety improvements following an accident involving one of the current vehicles in December 2023. The report noted:

Following an incident in December 2023, the new vehicles would feature a redesigned structure to mitigate the risk of accidents.

This decision reflects the Council's commitment to ensuring the safety of its staff and improving service reliability.

Refuse Vehicle Refurbishment Contract Award

The Cabinet awarded a contract for the refurbishment of the Council's 13 other refuse collection vehicles to Colas Limited. The refurbishment is expected to extend the vehicles' usability for another six years, providing an opportunity for alternative fuel options to become more accessible at a reasonable price.

Retender of the Arboricultural Contract

The Cabinet approved the retendering of the contract for arboricultural services on Council-owned land. The decision was necessitated by the termination of the previous contract by mutual agreement. The report explained:

A new contractor needed to be procured and Cabinet sought approval for a retender process to commence, and to enter into the associated contract to reduce the delay in the new contract starting.

This move aims to ensure continuity in maintaining the Council's green spaces.

Adoption of the Greenspaces Strategy

The Cabinet adopted the new Greenspaces Strategy, which aims to meet legal obligations related to biodiversity net gain and improve the quality of green spaces for residents. This strategy has been a focal point in previous discussions about enhancing local green infrastructure.

Task and Finish Group - Fair Space

The Task and Finish Group - Fair Space meeting on Monday 24 June 2024 focused on reviewing how people aged 11-19 use Horsham town centre.

Public Survey

The Group discussed and amended the draft survey intended for public input. The survey will be built using the Council’s software, and Members will have an opportunity to test it before it goes live. The decision on how to publicise the survey was deferred to the next meeting.

Focus Groups

The Group agreed to hold focus groups at Collyer’s, The Weald School, Horsham Youth Forum, and potentially Steyning Grammar School. The format of these focus groups is yet to be decided.

Implications and Observations

The decisions made during the Cabinet meeting reflect the Council's proactive approach to addressing both immediate and long-term needs. The increase in the Housing Service budget and the purchase of new refuse collection vehicles highlight the Council's commitment to social welfare and operational efficiency. The retendering of the arboricultural contract and the adoption of the Greenspaces Strategy underscore a continued focus on environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The Task and Finish Group's efforts to engage young people in the planning process through surveys and focus groups demonstrate the Council's commitment to inclusive governance and community engagement.

Overall, this week's activities illustrate a balanced approach to governance, focusing on both infrastructure improvements and community support.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is a UK government department responsible for housing, communities, and local government. ↩

Horsham Council Approves New Homes in Partridge Green and Introduces Pavement Licensing Policy

This week, the Horsham Council held two meetings:

Planning Committee (South) - Key Decisions

The Planning Committee (South) meeting on Tuesday 18 June 2024 was the most impactful of the week, focusing on a significant planning application in Partridge Green.

Approval of Semi-Detached Houses in Partridge Green

The committee approved the planning application for the construction of two semi-detached houses on a parcel of land between 16 and 20 Mayers Wood, Partridge Green. This decision follows a detailed review of the site's constraints and the existing extant permission for a building comprising two flats.

The proposal would sit more comfortably within the plot and the street scene compared to the extant permission, with a better relationship to the trading estate to the rear, explained the officer presenting the application.

The approval is subject to several conditions, including the protection of tree preservation orders (TPOs) on adjacent trees and the inclusion of mechanical ventilation to mitigate noise from the nearby Star Road Trading Estate.

Licensing Committee - Key Discussions

The Licensing Committee meeting on Monday 17 June 2024 focused on the policy for licensing tables and chairs on pavements across the district.

Pavement Licensing Policy

The committee discussed the implementation of a new pavement licensing policy, which will allow the council to license tables and chairs on pavements throughout the district. This policy formalizes the temporary measures introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to support local businesses by providing a clear framework for outdoor seating.

The vast majority of our licenses are within Horsham itself, but there are one or two outside. However, that may change, noted the officer presenting the policy.

The policy includes an application fee of £500 for new licenses and a renewal fee of £350, with licenses now valid for two years instead of one. The committee also discussed the importance of ensuring adequate space for pedestrians and the need for regular compliance checks.

Implications and Observations

The approval of the semi-detached houses in Partridge Green reflects the council's commitment to thoughtful development that respects both the existing built environment and the needs of the community. This decision aligns with Policy 3 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (HDPF), which supports development within defined built-up area boundaries.

The introduction of the pavement licensing policy highlights the council's efforts to support local businesses while maintaining public safety and accessibility. The move to a two-year license period provides stability for businesses and reduces administrative burdens.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a balanced approach to development and community support, with a focus on sustainable growth and effective governance.

Horsham Council's Week: Electric Vehicle Event Success & New Homelessness Prevention Grant

This week, the Horsham Council held four meetings:

Council Meeting - Key Discussions

The Council meeting on Wednesday 05 June 2024 was the most impactful of the week, covering several significant topics.

Electric Vehicle Event Success

Councillor Blackman announced the success of an electric vehicle event held on 24 May 2024. The event, organized by Horsham District Council's Environmental Health, Sustainability, Economic Development, and Communications departments, showcased 26 vehicles from 11 local dealers, with 13 available for test drives. The event aimed to promote electric vehicle uptake among residents and local businesses, aligning with the council's climate action strategy.

The event demonstrated that electric vehicle uptake is very much on the minds of our residents and local businesses, said Councillor Blackman.

This event's success highlights the council's commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach to community engagement on environmental issues.

Homelessness Prevention Grant

Councillor Sam Raby presented a recommendation to approve the receipt of an additional homelessness prevention grant of £266,546 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. The grant will be used to prevent and relieve homelessness in the district.

It's one of the most important things that we can do as a district council is to help people who get into difficulty, emphasized Councillor Raby.

The approval of this grant underscores the council's dedication to addressing urgent social issues and supporting vulnerable residents.

Implications and Observations

The electric vehicle event's success and the approval of the homelessness prevention grant reflect the council's ongoing efforts to address both environmental sustainability and social welfare. These initiatives align with broader themes of community support and proactive governance.

The focus on electric vehicles ties into previous discussions about the council's climate action strategy, highlighting a consistent commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. The homelessness prevention grant approval continues the council's pattern of securing and effectively utilizing external funding to support essential services.

Overall, this week's council activities demonstrate a balanced approach to addressing immediate community needs while planning for long-term sustainability and resilience.

Horsham Council's Strategic Moves: Refuse Vehicles, Housing Grants, and Community Asset Transfers

This week, the Horsham Council held three meetings:

Cabinet Meeting - Key Discussions

The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 22 May 2024 was the most impactful of the week, covering several significant topics.

Drill Hall Transfer

The first stage of transferring ownership of the Drill Hall to Life Spring Church has passed. The Hall is a registered asset of community value, and no community groups submitted an Expression of Interest by the deadline. The sale is expected to conclude in the autumn. This move aligns with the council's ongoing efforts to repurpose community assets effectively.

Purchase of Refuse Collection Vehicles

Councillor Jay Mercer introduced a report seeking authority to purchase two new 15-ton refuse collection vehicles. These vehicles will replace older ones, one of which was involved in an accident in December 2023. The new vehicles will have a redesigned structure to mitigate the risk of future accidents. The budget for this purchase is $140,000, and no additional funds are requested. The recommendation was unanimously approved.

Refuse Vehicle Refurbishment Tender Award

Councillor Jay Mercer also discussed the need to award a new contract for the refurbishment of refuse collection vehicles. The previous contractor failed to meet deadlines and quality standards, leading to the termination of the contract on May 3, 2024. A new procurement exercise identified a replacement contractor. Councillor Serkis raised concerns about the lack of full indemnification for the breach of contract and the need for vehicle modifications for future food waste collections. The recommendation to award the new contract was unanimously approved.

Retender of Arboricultural Contract

Councillor David Skipp introduced a report on retendering the arboricultural contract for tree inspection and works on council-owned land. The previous contract was terminated by mutual consent due to the contractor's inability to deliver services as per the contract terms. An interim solution using local contractors is in place. The new contract will be advertised in October, with the award expected in December or January. The recommendation to approve the procurement exercise was unanimously approved.

Housing Grants Approval

Councillor Sam Raby introduced a report seeking approval for an additional budget to receive a homelessness prevention grant of £266,546 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities¹. The grant will be used to prevent and relieve homelessness. The recommendation to approve the receipt and budget increase was unanimously approved.

Use of Chief Executive's Emergency Powers

The Director of Resources reported on the use of the Chief Executive's emergency powers to award a one-year extension on the insurance contract due to expire on March 31, 2024. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will review this matter in detail. The report was noted.

Implications and Observations

The discussions around the refuse collection vehicles and the arboricultural contract underscore the council's ongoing efforts to refine procurement processes and manage risks effectively. The move towards framework agreements reflects a strategic shift to enhance resilience and ensure service continuity, a theme we've discussed before.

The approval of the homelessness prevention grant highlights the council's commitment to addressing urgent social issues, aligning with broader themes of community support and welfare.

The transfer of the Drill Hall to Life Spring Church marks a significant step in repurposing community assets, ensuring they continue to serve local needs effectively.

The use of the Chief Executive's emergency powers to extend the insurance contract raises questions about the council's contingency planning and risk management strategies, which will be scrutinized by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is a UK government department responsible for housing, communities, and local government. ↩

Horsham Council Tackles Contract Failures and Community Initiatives: Key Updates Inside

This week, the Horsham Council held four meetings, though only one provided substantial updates. The meetings were:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Key Discussions

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday 13 May 2024 was the most impactful of the week. Several significant topics were discussed, with the return of the arboricultural contract being the focal point.

Arboricultural Contract Issues

The council delved into the reasons behind the failure of the arboricultural contract, which was initially awarded in April 2022. Despite the contractor scoring highest on both price and quality, issues emerged by November 2022, leading to the contract's termination in December 2023. Helen, a director, explained:

The successful contractor was not the lowest bidder but scored highest on both price and quality. - Helen, Director

The council received compensation from the contractor, and future procurement will involve a framework agreement to mitigate risks by involving multiple suppliers. This approach aims to avoid a single point of failure, a theme we've discussed before regarding risk management in council contracts.

Councillor Circus raised pertinent questions about the decision not to seek full recompense and the criteria for judging contractor quality. The response highlighted the pragmatic approach taken to avoid prolonged negotiations and the involvement of a team, including the procurement team and the arboricultural officer, in quality assessments.

Refuse Vehicle Refurbishment Tender

Another significant topic was the termination of the refuse vehicle refurbishment tender due to non-performance, which impacted the revenue budget as additional vehicles had to be hired. The council plans to seek a new contractor through the framework to ensure timely and quality refurbishment.

Annual Report and Task Groups

The committee also reviewed its annual report, highlighting activities over the past year. Updates were provided on task and finish groups, including one led by Councillor Bateman on outdoor sports and leisure for teenage girls, and another by Councillor Walters on lease contracts.

Work Program and Urgent Business

The work program and cabinet forward plan were reviewed, focusing on past decisions and future policies. An urgent business item involved examining the use of emergency powers for an insurance contract, with a task and finish group set up to investigate.

Implications and Observations

The discussions around the arboricultural contract and refuse vehicle refurbishment underscore the council's ongoing efforts to refine procurement processes and manage risks effectively. The move towards framework agreements reflects a strategic shift to enhance resilience and ensure service continuity.

The updates on task and finish groups indicate a continued focus on specific community needs, such as outdoor sports for teenage girls, which aligns with broader themes of inclusivity and community engagement we've discussed before.

The cancellation of the Planning Committee (North) meeting on Tuesday 14 May 2024 and the lack of available broadcasts for the Policy Development Advisory Group meetings on Wednesday and Thursday limit the insights we can draw from those sessions.

Overall, this week's council activities highlight a blend of addressing immediate contractual issues and planning for future resilience, with a continued emphasis on community-focused initiatives.