In the last 7 days (since Saturday 15 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

Housing Committee - Tuesday 18 June 2024

The Housing Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including the Sea Cadets planning application, key performance indicators, and the housing budget outturn. Here are the highlights:

Sea Cadets Planning Application

The committee reviewed the progress of the Sea Cadets planning application for the site in Caterham. Initially, a budget of £50,000 was approved in March 2023 for consultants to develop a planning proposal. Since then, various consultants, including an ecologist, highways, and energy consultants, have been appointed. A pre-application advice meeting is scheduled for early July, with a public consultation planned for late July. Due to the nearly exhausted budget, an increase in funding is required for the next phase and planning application fees. The committee is awaiting the outcome of a bid to the Brownfield Land Release Fund (BLRF) for £250,000 to cover site remediation and demolition costs. If successful, the contract for funded works must be in place by March 2025.

An approval for a full budget will be brought to committee in autumn after we have learnt whether we have been successful with the BLRF bid. - Carol Snowden

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The committee reviewed the Q4 performance against key performance indicators for 2023/24. Four KPIs were not met, and narratives explaining the reasons were provided. The committee also discussed the risk register, council house building programme, and statutory tenancy satisfaction measures for 2024/25.

Housing Budget Outturn

The housing general fund outturn for the financial year ending March 2024 showed a small underspend of £45,000. The housing revenue account had a significant underspend of £1.8 million, primarily due to lower-than-expected depreciation and energy costs. This underspend will be recycled back into the housing revenue account for future housing development.

The actual under spend was just small bits and pieces. It wasn't any in particular. - Rona

Temporary Accommodation and Affordable Housing

The committee discussed the increasing demand for temporary accommodation, particularly for larger households. The council has secured three three-bedroom properties through the local authority housing fund. Additionally, there was a correction regarding the number of affordable units at Hilbury Road in Warlingham, clarifying that 45% of the 150 units will be affordable, equating to 67 units.

For more details, refer to the full Housing Committee meeting transcript.

Planning Policy Committee - Thursday 20 June 2024

The Planning Policy Committee meeting focused on the budget outturn, planning performance, local development scheme, housing delivery test action plan, and neighbourhood plans. Here are the key points:

Budget Outturn

The committee reviewed the 2023/24 financial outturn, noting an overspend of £404,000. The appeals budget was a significant contributor, with a total spend of £270,000 against a budget of £80,000. The budget for appeals has been increased to £200,000 for 2024/25.

Planning Performance

The committee discussed the Q4 planning performance, highlighting improvements in decision-making speed and quality. The council met the Government's required performance levels, with 89% of applications decided within the agreed timeframes.

Cumulatively, out of the 241 decisions issued in quarter 4, 89% were in time, which is a really good performance by the team. - Tom James

Local Development Scheme

The committee approved a new local development scheme, setting out the timetable for producing the local plan and other planning documents. The scheme is designed to be flexible, considering potential changes in national planning policy.

Housing Delivery Test Action Plan

The committee reviewed the housing delivery test action plan, noting an increase in housing delivery but challenges due to the district's constraints, such as Greenbelt and infrastructure limitations. The plan includes actions to improve housing delivery, such as the interim policy statement for housing delivery and regular updates to the Brownfield Land Register.

Neighbourhood Plans

The committee discussed the progress of various neighbourhood plans, including the successful completion of the Tatsfield neighbourhood plan, which received 90% support in a referendum. The plan will now be formally incorporated into the district's development plan.

Given this result, the council now has a duty to make the plan unless we have any concerns that it would breach retained EU obligations or any convention rights. - Katja Fox

For more details, refer to the full Planning Policy Committee meeting transcript.

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage housing development, improve planning performance, and engage with the community through neighbourhood planning initiatives.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 08 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

Investment Sub Committee - Friday 14 June 2024

The Investment Sub Committee convened to review the council's investment and borrowing positions, approve the Capital, Investment and Treasury Management Strategy for 2024/25, and discuss updates on investment properties. Here are the key decisions and discussions from the meeting:

Financial Performance and Strategy Approval

The committee noted the council's financial performance and recommended the approval of the 2024/25 Capital, Investment and Treasury Management Strategy, subject to ratification by the Full Council. The strategy outlines the council's approach to capital expenditure, financing, and treasury management activities for the upcoming year.

Investment and Borrowing Position

A report was presented detailing the council's investment and borrowing position as of 31st December 2023. Highlights included:

• Long-term treasury investments: £10.8 million
• Short-term investments: £20.5 million
• Non-treasury investments: £16.5 million
• Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) loans: £99.4 million

Despite a carrying loss of £1.3 million in market values, investment income was forecast to exceed the budget by £649,000 for 2023/24. The committee discussed the potential merger of the CCLA Diversified Income Fund with the Better World Cautious Fund, with Arlingclose advising no significant changes in risk or return.

Investment Property Updates

The committee moved into 'Part 2' to discuss commercial investment properties owned by the council and its subsidiary, Gryllus Properties. Key updates included:

• 80-84 Station Road East, Oxted: A new lease with the existing tenant was being negotiated.
• 30-32 Week Street, Maidstone: Terms had been agreed on a new letting.
• Castlefield House, Reigate: A rent review was due on 25th March 2024.
• Quadrant House, Caterham Valley: Following the letting to McDonald's, work was being undertaken to mitigate potential impacts.

Additionally, proposals for the lease of the Workary were accepted, and a £197,000 grant from Sport England's Swimming Pool Fund was allocated to offset increased energy costs at the Village Health Club, Caterham on the Hill. Local agents were instructed to market surplus space at the council offices in Oxted.

For more details, refer to the Annexe A - Summary of Investments Borrowing at 31 December 2023 and Annexe B - Market Value of Investments 31 December 2023.

Community Services Committee - Thursday 13 June 2024

The Community Services Committee meeting focused on several important topics, including community safety, public convenience refurbishment, and playground refurbishment. Here are the highlights:

Community Safety Review

Amanda Bird and Borough Commander Lindsay Watley presented an overview of community safety in Tandridge. They discussed the statutory requirement for a community safety agreement under the Crime and Disorder Act, which involves collaboration with various agencies such as the police, fire and rescue, probation, and health services. Key priorities included protecting the vulnerable from harm, addressing anti-social behaviour, and strengthening community relationships.

Public Convenience Refurbishment

The committee reviewed the progress of public convenience refurbishment across the district. Challenges included the age of the facilities and the high costs of maintenance and replacement. The committee agreed to assess sites using a prioritisation matrix and explore discussions with parish councils and local businesses for potential asset transfers.

Playground Refurbishment

The committee discussed the refurbishment of playgrounds within the district. A capital budget was agreed, but progress has been hindered by staffing resources. The committee recommended developing a playground strategy to set the strategic direction for ongoing maintenance and refurbishment, and to initiate discussions with parish councils and community groups for potential contributions.

For more details, refer to the full Community Services Committee meeting transcript.

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to manage its financial resources effectively, maintain and improve community facilities, and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents.

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 18 May 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

Full Council - Thursday 23 May 2024

The Full Council meeting on Thursday was significant, covering several key areas that will shape the upcoming year for Tandridge.

Election of New Chair and Vice Chair

Councillor Soo-Pha was elected as the new Chair of the Council for 2024-25, taking over from Chris Botton. Councillor Claire Blackwell was elected as the Vice Chair. The outgoing Chair, Chris Botton, was thanked for his service. He reflected on his tenure, emphasizing the importance of effective meetings and the quality of governance at Tandridge.

Introduction of New Councillors

Fifteen new members were introduced to the council following the all-district elections on May 2nd. The new councillors are:

• Councillor Chris Bassett (Oxford North)
• Councillor Ashley Bolton (Birstow, Horn and Outwood)
• Councillor Dino Klein (Whiteleaf)
• Councillor Julie Duggan (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Richard Fowler (Blettingley and Nutfield)
• Councillor Ben Horne (Portley and Queen's Park)
• Councillor Peter Killick (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Liz Lockwood (Lingfield and Crowhurst)
• Councillor Richard Mark (Portley and Queen's Park)
• Councillor James Rougebally (Westway)
• Councillor Ankita Sharma (Westway)
• Councillor Deborah Sherry (Woldingham)
• Councillor Sarah Sawamba (Westway)
• Councillor Robin Spencer (Harestone)

Allocation of Committee Seats and Appointments to Outside Bodies

The council agreed on the allocation of committee seats for the 2024/25 municipal year. Key appointments included:

• Gatwick Airport Outside Bodies: Councillor Sir Nicholas White was elected as the principal member, and Councillor Richard Smith as the substitute.
• Tandridge Health and Wellbeing Board: Councillor Louise Case and Councillor Lara Evans were elected as representatives.

Policy Statement by Councillor Sayer

Councillor Sayer outlined the administration's key aims for the upcoming year, focusing on financial stability, the development of a new local plan, council house building, and improving council services. She emphasized the importance of working together to deliver high-quality services to residents and highlighted the need for a new local plan to manage development pressures and protect the district's character.

We must work together to deliver high-quality services to our residents and develop a new local plan that manages development pressures while protecting the character of our district. - Councillor Sayer

Responses from Other Group Leaders

• Councillor Gray (Liberal Democrats): Emphasized the importance of a coherent political philosophy and criticized the Residence Alliance for lacking a clear political stance. He stressed the need for a local plan that serves the entire district and advocated for improved infrastructure and council services.
• Councillor Blore (Conservatives): Focused on reducing costs, developing a new local plan, and addressing the housing crisis. He called for increased resources for the planning department and emphasized the need for sustainable development with adequate infrastructure.
• Councillor Allen (Independent Group): Highlighted the importance of dealing with crime and anti-social behavior, protecting the Greenbelt, and improving council services. He called for a pragmatic assessment of council services and emphasized the need for financial prudence.

Conclusion

The meeting concluded with the appointment of chairs and vice chairs for various committees, including Community Services, Housing, Planning Policy, Strategy and Resources, Licensing, Planning, Standards, and Audit and Scrutiny. The new Chair, Councillor Soo-Pha, expressed her commitment to representing the council and raising funds for two charities: the Air Ambulance charity for Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and the Rainbow Trust Children's charity.

This meeting set the stage for the council's priorities and actions for the year ahead, with a clear focus on financial stability, development planning, and service improvement.