This week, Rother Council held the following meetings:

Audit and Standards Committee on Monday, June 17, 2024

The Audit and Standards Committee covered several key topics, with significant discussions on the council's governance, risk management, and audit activities.

Code of Conduct Complaints

The committee reviewed the six-monthly report on Code of Conduct complaints. The report highlighted that 22 complaints were received, involving both district and parish councillors. The majority of these complaints were dismissed, while others resulted in training or apologies.

We are trying to resolve complaints at a local level rather than escalating matters. - Linda Walker, Interim Monitoring Officer

The council is focusing on training and awareness to help councillors understand their obligations under the Code of Conduct. This approach aims to reduce the number of complaints and improve overall governance.

Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Complaints

The committee also reviewed the six-monthly report on complaints to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Five complaints were received during the reporting period, with one being upheld. The upheld complaint related to a sensitive issue involving burial site management.

Attention to detail is critical when we review our complaints. - Mark Adams, Head of Digital Customer Services

The council is taking steps to improve its complaint handling processes, particularly in sensitive areas like burial site management.

External Audit Plan

Darren Wells from Grant Thornton presented the external audit plan for 2023-2024. The plan outlines the audit approach, significant risks, and proposed audit fees. The committee discussed the increase in audit fees, which is part of a national adjustment to ensure adequate audit coverage.

Audit fees needed to increase to address the state of local audit. - Darren Wells, Grant Thornton

The council is committed to maintaining up-to-date audits, a position that is increasingly rare among local authorities.

Internal Audit Annual Report

Gary Angel, the Council's Internal Audit Manager, presented the internal audit annual report and opinion for 2023-2024. The report provided an overview of audit activities, performance, and compliance with professional standards. The overall opinion was that the council's governance, risk management, and control framework is adequate and effective.

I'm still of the opinion that the Council's framework of governance, risk management, and control is adequate and effective. - Gary Angel, Internal Audit Manager

The report also highlighted the impact of staff resourcing issues on audit activities, a concern that the council is actively addressing.

Risk Register Review

Anna Everett presented the latest iteration of the risk register, highlighting changes to several key risks. The council is focusing on political changes, housing objectives, budget sustainability, and governance arrangements for the Blackfriars housing company.

We have mitigated risks as much as possible, but some remain high due to external factors. - Anna Everett, Corporate Program Risk and Improvement Manager

The council is committed to regularly reviewing and updating the risk register to ensure effective risk management.

Separation of Audit and Standards Committee

The committee discussed and approved the proposal to separate the Audit and Standards Committee into two standalone committees. This change aims to improve the focus and effectiveness of both audit and standards activities.

This is a practical way to deal with a heavy audit agenda and ensure standards issues get the attention they deserve. - Lorna Ford, Chief Executive

The new structure will be implemented from September 1, 2024, subject to full council approval.

Implications and Themes

The discussions and decisions made during this week's Audit and Standards Committee meeting highlight the council's commitment to effective governance, risk management, and audit activities. The focus on Code of Conduct complaints and ombudsman complaints reflects the council's dedication to transparency and accountability. The separation of the Audit and Standards Committee underscores the importance of specialized focus in these areas.

As these initiatives progress, it will be important to monitor their impact on the council's overall governance and risk management framework. The council's proactive approach to addressing resourcing issues and improving complaint handling processes will be crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring effective service delivery.

This week, Rother Council held a Cabinet meeting on Monday, June 10, 2024. The meeting covered several key topics, with significant decisions made regarding taxi fares and public spaces protection orders.

Hackney Carriage Fares

One of the primary discussions was about setting the maximum fares for Hackney Carriages. The council decided to maintain the current fare levels, as recommended by Richard Parker-Harding, Head of Service for Environmental Services, Licensing, and Community Safety. This decision was influenced by the recent reduction in fuel prices and the lack of requests from drivers for fare increases.

My recommendation is that we continue with the fares as they are. - Richard Parker-Harding

The council also discussed the cost implications of mandatory CCTV installations in taxis, which will be required from October 1, 2024. Despite the financial burden on drivers, the council decided not to increase fares at this time but left the door open for future adjustments if requested by drivers.

Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Beaches

The council approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order to control parking and camping on beaches, effective from July 1, 2024, for six months. This decision followed a public consultation that revealed significant support for the measure, particularly to address issues at Herbrand Walk.

The evidence to justify making a public space protection order is there. - Richard Parker-Harding

The PSPO aims to mitigate anti-social behaviour, including waste, fires, and noise, which have been problematic in areas like Herbrand Walk. The order will allow the council to authorize specific vehicles to park on the beaches, ensuring that emergency and essential services are not disrupted.

Public Spaces Protection Order for Anti-Social Behaviour

The council also discussed the renewal of the existing PSPO for anti-social behaviour, set to expire in January 2025. The proposal includes a public consultation to gather input on additional forms of anti-social behaviour that may need to be controlled.

We need to generate the views of the public about what are things which they are being impacted by anti-social behaviour. - Richard Parker-Harding

This PSPO currently includes bans on public drinking, aggressive begging, and sleeping in public places. The consultation will help the council identify new issues, such as problems associated with scooters, and ensure that the order remains relevant and effective.

Devolution of Sports Pitches and Facilities

The council approved the devolution of sports pitches, pavilions, and other facilities to local sports clubs. This move aims to address a £3.8 million gap in the grounds maintenance budget by transferring the responsibility for maintenance to the clubs.

We need to have a sustainable grounds maintenance contract going with the sports clubs. - Councillor Timpy

The council emphasized that the terms of the leases are flexible and open for discussion, allowing clubs to negotiate aspects of their agreements. This decision reflects the council's commitment to maintaining sports facilities while managing budget constraints.

Implications and Themes

The decisions made during this week's Cabinet meeting highlight the council's focus on maintaining public services and facilities while addressing budgetary challenges. The discussions on taxi fares and PSPOs reflect a balanced approach to governance, considering both financial implications and community needs. The devolution of sports facilities underscores the importance of community involvement in maintaining local amenities.

As these initiatives progress, it will be important to monitor their impact on the community and ensure that the council's goals of sustainability and public welfare are met.

This week, Rother Council held the following meetings:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, June 3, 2024

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from previous meetings and the handling of apologies and substitutions. Councillor Byrne disclosed an interest as a member of Bexhill Town Council.

Performance Report for Q4 2023-2024

The main focus was the performance report for the fourth quarter of 2023-2024. The report highlighted the council's key performance indicators (KPIs) and included both successes and areas needing improvement.

As you will see from the report, everything is going very well. There's lots of greens across the board. - Anna

Key points from the performance report included:

• Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests: The council's target is to achieve 95% compliance within 20 working days. The current performance is below target, but all legal requirements were met by requesting extensions.
• Customer Service Calls: There was an 8% increase in calls compared to the previous year, but the percentage of calls answered improved from 69% to 77%.
• Missed Bins: The number of missed bins per 100,000 was significantly below the target, reflecting good performance by the waste contractor.
• Homelessness Prevention: The number of households prevented from homelessness increased by 54% compared to the previous year.

Preventing homelessness and getting upstream of those issues is just so important. - Councillor Clark

State of the District Report 2024

The committee also reviewed the State of the District report, which provides a comprehensive overview of various aspects of the district, including population demographics, employment rates, and housing conditions.

The average age of Rother has increased by three years over the last 10 years. - Nicola

Key findings included:

• An increase in the average age of residents.
• A higher percentage of residents with disabilities compared to the national average.
• Lower average salaries compared to the national average.
• Improvements in broadband availability, though still below national rates.

Councillors discussed the implications of these findings, particularly the challenges posed by an aging population and the need for better employment opportunities and housing conditions.

We need to ensure our environmental initiatives also consider the community's mental well-being. - Councillor McGurk

Housing Ombudsman Special Report on Southern Housing

The committee briefly discussed the Housing Ombudsman's special report on Southern Housing, which highlighted significant issues with the housing provider. There was a consensus on the need to invite Southern Housing representatives to a future meeting to address these concerns.

Implications and Themes

The discussions during the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting reflect the council's ongoing commitment to transparency, performance improvement, and addressing community needs. The focus on KPIs and the State of the District report underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in local governance. The issues with Southern Housing highlight the need for accountability and effective management in social housing provision.

Future meetings will likely continue to address these themes, with a particular focus on improving service delivery, supporting vulnerable populations, and ensuring sustainable development.

This week, Rother Council held several meetings, with significant discussions and decisions taking place.

Council Meeting on Monday, May 20, 2024

The primary focus of this meeting was the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Council. Councillor Richard Thomas was elected as Chair, and Councillor Andrew Meer as Vice Chair. The minutes from the meetings held on February 26 and April 22 were approved unanimously.

Zane's Law

A major topic was the proposal of Zane's Law, introduced by Councillor Gray. This law aims to address the crisis of contaminated land in the UK, spurred by the tragic death of 7-year-old Zane Gbangbola due to hydrogen cyanide poisoning from a flooded landfill site. The motion proposes measures to improve the monitoring and management of contaminated land, including reinstating legislative provisions removed from the 1990 Environment Protection Act.

We must prevent environmental disasters like the one that claimed Zane's life. - Councillor Gray

The motion was debated extensively, with concerns about potential costs and impacts on local planning. Despite these concerns, the motion was passed, indicating a strong commitment to environmental safety.

Planning Committee Composition

Another significant discussion was about the size and composition of the Planning Committee. Councillor Jason proposed reducing the number of members from 14 to 10, ensuring a rural-urban balance, and excluding Cabinet members from serving on the committee. The amendments were debated, with concerns about the committee's effectiveness and representation. A motion to defer the decision for further discussion was passed, suggesting more information and debate are needed.

Other Business

The meeting also included:

• A vote of thanks to outgoing Chair Councillor Vicki Cook.
• Confirmation of appointments to various committees and outside bodies.
• Approval of the annual reports of the Member Development Task Group and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
• Adoption of correct delegations to officers with respect to the planning service.

Licensing and General Purposes Committee on Wednesday, May 22, 2024

This meeting focused on changes to taxi licensing policies and correcting an error in driver fees.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy

Richard Parker-Harding presented proposed changes to the taxi licensing policy:

1. Annual Refresher Training for Drivers: Despite opposition from drivers, the committee decided to proceed with annual refresher training due to passenger support.
2. Age Limit for Vehicles: The age limit for vehicles was extended from 10 to 15 years to encourage the use of electric, hybrid, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
3. Tinted Windows: The committee accepted a proposal allowing tinted windows with a minimum of 30% tint or the same tint front and rear.
4. Uniform Body Colour for Hackney Carriages: The proposal to make all Hackney carriages white was not approved but will be revisited in two years.

Dual Driver Fees

An error in the previous fees report was corrected, and a 5% increase in driver fees was approved.

Additional Discussions

Councillor Timpley raised the issue of limiting the number of taxi licenses. Richard Parker-Harding explained that legally, the number of Hackney carriage licenses can only be limited if an unmet demand survey proves sufficient numbers are operating, which is difficult to prove in district areas and would incur costs borne by the drivers.

Other Meetings

The following meetings were also held, but their notes have not yet been summarised:

• Audit and Standards Committee on Monday, May 20, 2024
• Licensing and General Purposes Committee on Monday, May 20, 2024
• Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, May 20, 2024
• Planning Committee on Monday, May 20, 2024
• Human Resources Committee on Monday, May 20, 2024

Implications and Themes

The approval of Zane's Law and the changes to taxi licensing policies reflect the council's ongoing commitment to public safety and environmental management. The debates around the Planning Committee's composition and the implementation of annual refresher training for taxi drivers indicate a focus on effective governance and community welfare. These themes, which we've discussed before, continue to shape the council's decisions and policies.

This week, Rother Council held a Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024. The primary focus was the approval and adoption of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan for 2019 to 2024. This plan has been a recurring theme in our discussions, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and regional planning.

High Weald AONB Management Plan 2019-2024

The plan was reviewed and recommended for approval by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on April 22. Councillor Paul Osborne, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, confirmed that the committee had no issues with the plan and recommended its approval. The plan aligns with both the adopted and emerging Rother Local Plan and has been endorsed by the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) for the High Weald AONB, which includes representation from Rother.

The committee had no issues with the plan and recommended its approval. - Councillor Paul Osborne

The council unanimously approved the plan, ensuring that the management strategies for the High Weald AONB are in place until 2024. This decision underscores the council's dedication to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the region.

Procedural Matters

The meeting also covered several procedural matters:

• Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on April 8.
• Noting apologies for absence from Lisa and another cancelled attendee.
• No additional agenda items or urgent decisions were introduced.
• A reminder for members to disclose any interests or dispensations related to the agenda items.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The council moved to exclude the press and public for a confidential item, citing exempt material under Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. The motion was approved, and the meeting concluded at 18:43.

Implications and Themes

The approval of the High Weald AONB Management Plan is a significant step in regional environmental planning. This plan will guide the conservation and enhancement of the AONB, ensuring that its unique landscape and biodiversity are protected. The unanimous approval indicates strong council support for environmental initiatives, a theme we've discussed before.

As we move forward, it will be important to monitor how the implementation of this plan interacts with other regional development goals. The council's commitment to aligning local plans with broader regional objectives is evident, and future decisions will likely continue to reflect this integrated approach to governance.

This week's meeting highlights the council's focus on procedural integrity and environmental management, reinforcing its role in balancing development with sustainability.

This week, Rother Council held three key meetings, each focusing on different aspects of local governance and policy.

The first meeting was the Council meeting on Monday, April 22, 2024, where the main agenda was the adoption of the Peace Marsh Neighbourhood Plan for 2021-2028. This plan, now approved, sets the development framework for Peace Marsh, aligning with broader regional planning objectives until 2028. Councillor Colleen emphasized the plan's significance, noting its development during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan's adoption ensures that future local developments are coordinated with the regional goals, which is crucial for cohesive community and infrastructural growth.

The alignment with the broader local development plan ensures a cohesive approach to our regional goals. - Councillor Colleen

Additionally, the meeting served as an introduction for Andrew Vallance, the new Deputy Chief Executive, marking a notable administrative update.

The same day, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss several reports and plans, including the High Weald AONB Management Plan for 2024-2029. This plan, which was recommended for approval, highlights the council's commitment to environmental and historical preservation. The committee's discussions also ventured into the impacts of Airbnb and second homes on the community, signaling a potential area for future detailed scrutiny. This reflects a growing concern about the balance between tourism-driven economic benefits and community welfare.

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Climate Change Steering Group convened to discuss environmental initiatives, notably the tree planting projects in commemoration of King Charles's coronation and the new Community Orchards Grant Scheme. The scheme, which supports the planting of fruit and nut trees in community spaces, demonstrates the council's proactive stance on environmental sustainability and community involvement. The meeting also reviewed feedback from the Southeast Climate Assembly, with discussions indicating a need for a more balanced approach to addressing climate issues and mental health in future events.

We need to ensure our environmental initiatives also consider the community's mental well-being. - Discussion during Climate Change Steering Group meeting

Each of these meetings underscores the council's ongoing efforts to address both immediate and long-term concerns, ranging from local development and environmental management to community well-being and economic impacts. As these themes develop, future council decisions will likely continue to reflect a balanced approach to governance, emphasizing both development and sustainability.