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Weekly updates

Tandridge Council: Financial Surplus & New Tax Scheme

In the last 7 days (since Saturday 22 June 2024), the council has held the following meetings:

Strategy & Resources Committee - Thursday 27 June 2024

The Strategy & Resources Committee convened to discuss several key issues, including the Council's financial outturn for 2023/24, a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme, the Future Tandridge Programme, the Corporate Plan for 2024-2028, and procurement updates. Here are the highlights:

Financial Outturn 2023/24

The Council achieved a revenue surplus of £179,000 against a net revenue budget of £11.9 million, representing an underspend of 1.5% before contingencies. However, there was a significant overspend of £404,000 in the Planning Policy Committee, attributed to recruitment challenges.

The overall out turn on the revenue budget is a good step forward. That's not bad. However it conceals an appalling result on planning policy. An overspend of 404,000 which is over 30% of the budget. - Councillor Bloch

The surplus will be added to the general fund reserve, and a contingency of £721,000 will be retained to cover potential risks, including planning appeals and enforcement action.

Revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme

The committee approved plans to consult on a revised Council Tax Reduction Scheme. The proposed changes aim to simplify the scheme and reduce administration costs while minimizing the impact on claimants. Key proposals include moving to an income banding system and aligning self-employed earnings with DWP and HMRC rules.

The problem is it's set aside for planning appeals and enforcement. On enforcement I think that would be quite a good idea is there any chance of us actually getting some because in my ward I'm not seeing any evidence of it. - Councillor Gray

The committee decided to commence consultation while simultaneously modeling the scheme to minimize the impact on individual claimants.

Future Tandridge Programme

The committee received an update on the Future Tandridge Programme (FTP), which has achieved £3.2 million in savings since its launch in 2022. The next phase will focus on defining the Council's role, strengthening talent management, enhancing customer contact strategy, and embracing continuous improvement.

There are non statutory services like for example toilet provision that we believe our communities be very very keen to see maintained so I think that the argument about statutory and non statutory is a very nuanced and finessed finessed one. - Councillor Gray

The report noted a projected budget gap of £2 million over the next two financial years, beginning in 2025/26.

Corporate Plan 2024-2028

The committee considered a draft Corporate Plan 2024-2028, outlining the Council's strategic direction over the next four years. The plan includes six priorities: Protecting the Environment, Delivering Affordable Housing, Putting Residents at the Heart of What We Do, Encouraging Economic Growth, Building a Safe and Healthy Community, and Maintaining a Financially Sustainable Council.

On the introduction, point one, protect the environment, deliver affordable housing and boost the local economy. I'm sure that all of us had some version of that in our election leaflets. But it is contradictory. It's an impossible circle to square. If you can do that, I'd want to know where you bought your magic wand. - Councillor Peirce

The committee approved the draft Corporate Plan and recommended its approval to the full Council.

Procurement Update & Contract Standing Orders

The committee received an update on the Public Procurement Bill, which aims to streamline procurement processes and promote innovation and social value. The committee also approved amendments to the Contract Standing Orders to increase efficiency and agreed to take on responsibility for approving the Council's annual pay award to officers.

These discussions and decisions reflect the Council's ongoing efforts to manage financial resources effectively, improve service delivery, and engage with the community. For more details, refer to the full Strategy & Resources Committee meeting transcript.

Key Budget Decisions and Housing Updates: Tandridge Council Highlights

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.

Tandridge Council Approves 2024/25 Financial Strategy and Advances Community Safety 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:

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.

New Leadership, Fresh Faces, and Strategic Plans: Tandridge Council's Pivotal Week

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.

Recent meetings
Strategy & Resources Committee

Strategy & Resources Committee - Thursday, 26th September, 2024 7.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 26, 2024
Audit & Scrutiny Committee

Audit & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 24th September, 2024 7.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 24, 2024
Planning Policy Committee

Planning Policy Committee - Thursday, 19th September, 2024 7.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 19, 2024
Licensing Committee CANCELLED

Licensing Committee - Wednesday, 18th September, 2024 7.30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

September 18, 2024
Investment Sub Committee

Investment Sub Committee - Tuesday, 17th September, 2024 6.30 pm

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

September 17, 2024
Housing Committee

Housing Committee - Thursday, 12th September, 2024 7.30 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

September 12, 2024
Standards Committee CANCELLED

Standards Committee - Tuesday, 10th September, 2024 7.30 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

September 10, 2024
Planning Committee

Planning Committee - Thursday, 5th September, 2024 7.30 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

September 05, 2024
Community Services Committee

Community Services Committee - Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024 7.30 pm

The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.

September 03, 2024
Committee

Housing Forum

We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.

August 22, 2024
Upcoming meetings

No meetings found.