At a meeting of the Bassetlaw Council Cabinet, councillors discussed a range of issues including housing, planning, and financial matters, and approved a new contract for AI and data upskilling. They also endorsed a food safety service plan and discussed improvements to the Carlton Forest Depot.

Houses in Multiple Occupation

The cabinet addressed the regulation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in the district. They approved a review of the existing Worksop Central Area Article 4 Direction¹ and supported undertaking evidence work to inform options for a new Article 4 Direction Area relating to HMOs. The members also approved community and stakeholder consultation for the draft Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The document provides guidance on how local plan policies should be interpreted for HMOs that require planning permission. Councillor Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Identity, Planning & Place, was delegated authority, in conjunction with the Head of Planning & Place, Alastair Curran, to approve any non-fundamental amendments to the draft SPD prior to publication.

Householder Extensions Supplementary Planning Document

The members approved community and stakeholder consultation for the draft Householder Extensions Supplementary Planning Document. Councillor Steve Scotthorne, in conjunction with Alastair Curran, was delegated authority to approve any non-fundamental amendments to the draft SPD prior to publication.

Bassetlaw Self Build Register

The cabinet approved the introduction of a local connection test for entries onto Part 1 of the Bassetlaw Self Build Register, as well as a financial solvency test for entries onto the register. They also agreed to introduce self build register fees onto the council's fees and charges schedule. The local connection test would be the same as that used for discounted market housing, and would apply to applicants who:

• Have lived in the district for the last three years
• Have been permanently employed in Bassetlaw for the last three years
• Have lived in the district for at least 5 out of the last 15 years and have close family who have lived in the district for the last five years
• Are serving members of the armed forces, spouses, or civil partners of current members of the armed forces, spouses, or civil partners of a deceased member of the armed forces, and veterans within five years of leaving the armed forces.

Carlton Forest Depot Infrastructure Improvement

The cabinet approved the allocation of an additional capital budget of £1.3 million, funded from borrowing, for infrastructure improvement works at the Carlton Forest Depot. They also approved the commissioning of a fully costed project delivery plan prior to works commencing, which will be procured in line with the council's contract procedure rules. Authority was delegated to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources, Karen Ludditt, for the monitoring of project expenditure and reporting of revenue implications through the council's medium term budget plan.

The report noted that the improvements were required to support changes in waste management brought about by Simpler Recycling legislation², including kerbside glass collection from 2026 and weekly household food waste collections from 2027.

Food Safety Enforcement Delivery Plan

The cabinet endorsed the Food Safety Service Plan 2025-26 and referred it to the council for approval and implementation. The plan is required by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) framework agreement on local authority food law enforcement .

Budget Monitoring and Capital Programme Update

The cabinet noted the projected position on the 2025/26 general fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue and capital budgets as of 30 June 2025. They approved the procurement of an ICT services contract at the business centres and that any additional revenue costs are included in the 2026/27 budget setting process to be reported to council in February 2025.

The members also approved the planned use of reserves and necessary budget virements³ to service budgets as required, as well as the variations to the 2025/26 capital programme and the proposed resourcing of the capital programme. They noted the quarterly update on performance against the approved treasury management prudential indicators for the period ending 30 June 2025.

Lease Renewal - Kilton Forest Golf Course

The cabinet approved, in principle, the renewal of the lease at Kilton Forest Golf Course. They delegated authority to the S151 Officer⁴ to approve the detailed terms of the lease, following the outcome of negotiations with the landholder.

Key Performance Indicator Report and Council Plan Update

The cabinet approved the suite of key performance indicators (KPIs) and noted the scorecard and appendices analysing the council's strategic performance and council plan progress at Q1 2025/26. They determined that cabinet members will work with the director or head of service for each service area to identify and address areas of underperformance.

Multiverse - AI & Data Upskilling

The cabinet approved the contract and delivery of up to 25 data and AI apprenticeships as part of the 2025 cohort, and delegated authority to the Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Resources to approve further apprenticeship cohorts under this contract, subject to satisfactory evaluation and continued alignment with organisational priorities. They noted the intention to fund the programme primarily through the apprenticeship levy, with up to £22,500 expected to be offset through external levy donations.

Local Government Outcomes Framework

The cabinet approved the introduction of the new Local Government Outcomes Framework and noted its priority outcomes and timescale for delivery. They delegated authority to the (Interim) Head of Performance & Engagement to provide supportive written feedback to the government in consultation with the Leader of the Council, Councillor Julie A Leigh. A further report will be presented to cabinet in early 2026 to update the council's performance management framework.

Joint Employee Council - Update to Sick Absence Policy and Procedure

The cabinet noted the updates and approved implementation of the revised sick absence policy and procedure, which had been amended following comments by the Joint Employee Council to change the wording to 'formal notification of concern' to replace 'formal warning'.