To receive a report from the leader on the activities of the executive (cabinet) since the meeting of Council in July 2020 and to receive an annual report (since May 2019) on the priorities of the Cabinet and progress made in meeting those priorities.

Council received and noted the Leader’s report providing an update on the work of the Cabinet since the previous ordinary meeting of Council and an annual report on the priorities of the Cabinet and the progress made in meeting those priorities. The Leader introduced his report which included the following points:

·         There was excitement over the project at Maylords and it was important to remain flexible with the rents chargeable to new tenants.

·         There had been pleasing cross-party engagement on the phosphate issues and it was recognised that the issue was having a significant impact on house building targets.

·         The work of the council and its response to the COVID-19 pandemic had been recognised at a national level.

The following principal points were raised during the debate:

·         What responses had been received from business to shape developments at Maylords? The Leader explained that social engagement was being undertaken and one unit at the centre was to be for wider community use. The Cabinet Member Commissioning, Procurement and Assets explained that a common theme in the feedback referred to a need to improve the street scene in the area and improvements to Brewer’s Passage were planned.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the reason to not repay the £3.8m to the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership. The Leader explained that the council did not want to repay the money and was attempting to use it in accordance with the initial objectives. The Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Transport explained that the outcomes for which the funding was allocated, including the creation of jobs, would be achieved but in a different manner to that proposed by the previous administration.

·         The Leader was encouraged to work with other areas to put pressure on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to resolve the phosphate issue. It was acknowledged that the issue needed action from the government to enforce restrictions on the use of land immediately adjacent to rivers.  The Leader explained that it was an issue for the whole county; its impact was also economic as it prevented development in the Lugg catchment which restricted growth. The Cabinet Member Infrastructure and Growth explained that the issue was being taken seriously by Powys and Natural Wales. Local MPs were helping represent the issue to government and it was agreed that pressure should be put on Defra. The new agricultural bill sought to provide subsidies to farmers for enhancements to the natural environment and to set land aside.

·         It was noted ceilings had collapsed on three occasions at Shirehall and it was queried when works would be completed. The Leader explained that a precise date was not available and the repairs required to the Shirehall represented a long term maintenance issue. The Cabinet Member Commissioning Procurement and Assets explained that she would share the plan for the repairs to the Shirehall in an update to members.

·         The Leader was asked what losses would be associated with Maylords due to uncollected rent. The Leader explained that a written response would be provided. The Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services explained that nationally rent collection in commercial properties stood at 35 – 41%; rent collection at Maylords was at 61% and concerns over Maylords had been addressed with the member concerned.

·         People moving into the county with a greater buying power than local residents was raised and the impact this placed on the availability of affordable housing. The Leader recognised that more people wishing to relocate to the area put more pressure on local housing; the administration planned to build 1,000 more units of social housing.

·         The review of the public realm services contract was raised and whether contract management officers would be retrained and the project management team brought back in-house? The Leader explained that there was an intention to develop project management at the council and it was recognised that the management of the contract had been poor. The Cabinet Member Finance and Corporate Services explained that the council would ensure value for money on the contract with more competitive tendering, particularly for local businesses. Shortcomings in the management of the contract would also be addressed.

·         Concerns were raised regarding the impact of the pandemic on children and the increase in demand for local services. The Leader explained that there was a programme of cultural change in effect in children’s services with the introduction of signs of safety. The new approach would help address an increase in demand and it was recognised that there may be a lag in the reporting of issues to social services. The Cabinet Member Children and Families explained that there were new approaches to ensure safety of children and young people including signs of safety and the location of the domestic abuse hub in the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub.

·         The construction of smaller and more sustainable housing was raised. The Leader explained that it was important to work with local communities to understand what housing was preferred. The council was investigating best practice around the country with respect to principles concerning the construction of housing.