Councillor Peter Harris

Cabinet endorsed a post-project review of Sunspot Workspace, Jaywick Sands, noting its success and lessons learned. Cabinet agreed to fund additional costs of up to £100,000 by transferring funds within existing HRA Capital Programme or wider HRA revenue budgets.

Cabinet decided on 11/04/2025 to approve the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy 2025 – 2028 for recommendation to Full Council. The decision noted the success of the Community Safety Partnership, considered recommendations from the Community Leaderships Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and agreed four strategic priorities: tackling ASB, high harm violence, drug and knife enabled serious violence, and emerging threats.

Cabinet decided to approve and adopt the revised Under Occupation Transfer Incentive Policy and the new Housing Compensation Policy on 11/04/2025. The Under Occupation Incentive Policy will be funded by refocusing the existing cash incentive scheme budget of £0.060m. The Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing, is authorised to make future updates and amendments, including an annual review of the Housing Under Occupation Transfer Incentive.

Cabinet noted current pressures and spending on the homelessness function. Cabinet endorsed the setting up of a Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Working Group, chaired by the Portfolio Holder for Housing & Planning, to explore measures to relieve pressure and spending. A report on the working group's initial outcomes is to be presented to Cabinet within six months.

Cabinet decided on 11/04/2025 to no longer pursue negotiations with the current bidder for the former Weeley Council Offices site due to ongoing delays and costs. Cabinet also requested officers explore alternative disposal options and report back.