To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies from members of the cabinet.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Schedule 1, Schedule 2 or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023.

Resolved:       That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 February 2023 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairperson.

To receive questions from members of the public.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 1 to the minutes.

Cllr Davies arrived at 2:40pm.

To receive questions from councillors.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 2 to the minutes.

To receive reports from the Council’s scrutiny committees on any recommendations to the Cabinet arising from recent scrutiny committee meetings.

There were no reports from scrutiny committees for consideration at this meeting.

To approve the draft ‘Hereford City Masterplan a Vision for Our City in 2050’ attached at appendix 1 for consultation in June 2023.

Cabinet members considered a report seeking approval to begin consultation on the draft Hereford City Masterplan. The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report and explained the importance of a long term plan for the city.

Cabinet members discussed the draft plan and noted that:

·       While the plan focusses on the city, what happens there does impact on the wider county’;

·       Wide ranging consultation is important and particularly with young people as this plan sets out a long term vision;

·       The plan will support future bids for grant funding, aligning with government priorities.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The overall aspiration of the plan was welcomed but concerns were expressed about some elements. In particular transport schemes and the reliance on public transport and active travel measures caused concern for some groups while others wanted to see more emphasis on park and ride schemes. In response to queries raised it was noted that:

·       the plan will be refined based on the consultation feedback received;

·       there will still be disabled parking bays and parking provision in the city centre for those that need it;

·       the plan seeks to encourage visitors to the city to stay longer;

·       the plan links into other strategic documents such as the Big Economic Plan.

The ward member for the central ward welcomed the plan and the prioritisation of public transport and active travel options. It was recognised that some schemes will need to be brought forward ahead of others and that it would be useful to see details of the implementation plan.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)             The Cabinet approve commencement of consultation in respect of the Draft Hereford City Masterplan; and

b)             To delegate to the Corporate Director Economy and Environment authority to agree minor amendments prior to formal publication of the draft plan, subject to consultation with the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and transport.

This report seeks Cabinet approval of the scheme objectives included in the body of the report which sets out the progress made to date in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case.  The report also identifies the interrelationship with the Hereford City Masterplan and the Local Transport Plan, and suggests a broad timetable to take the scheme through to construction and operation.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out for approval the project objectives of the proposed Eastern River Crossing and Link Road. The strategic outline business case is in development and the agreed objectives will form the basis against which the scheme will be assessed as it is progressed.

The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report and highlighted the importance of the additional river crossing for resilience. An eastern crossing will provide access to the enterprise zone at Rotherwas and links to the most densely populated quadrant of the city. The link road will not cross the sensitive environments of the Lugg flats and will not be a bypass.

Cabinet members discussed the report and noted that the timescales set out in the report were cautious but based on the known processes required by the Department for Transport. Cabinet members stressed the need for dedicated support from officers and consultants to ensure the project stayed on track.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. There was general support for a river crossing to the east of the city, but views differed as to whether this should form part of a wider package with a western crossing and bypass. Concerns were raised by some groups that the proposed eastern link road will not relieve congestion in the city and will not attract government funding. Others believed that the eastern crossing is the right solution when supported by wider investment in transport schemes across the city.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)             Cabinet approves the project objectives as set out in this report;

b)             Cabinet notes the progress in developing the Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for the Eastern River Crossing and Link Road; and

c)             The Service Director for Highways and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure is authorised to take operational decisions associated with progressing the SOBC in respect of the project.

The report seeks agreement to the approach to the development and delivery of the new Local Transport Plan, including the anticipated timeline.  Delegated authority for operational decisions is sought to assist with the timely delivery of the Local Transport Plan.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out the proposals and proposed timetable for development of the new Local Transport Plan. The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report and highlighted that all councils were required to have a Local Transport Plan and to keep it under review. The LTP will reflect the current government direction on travel, de-carbonisation and model shift. A Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) will be included for the first time to provide a strategic, prioritised plan in support of improving levels of active travel across the county.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. In response to queries raised it was noted that:

·       There is still some space remaining to be developed at the Hereford Enterprise Zone and this will be supplemented by employment land in the market towns brought forward as part of the market town investment plans;

·       A business and industrial sector similar to the enterprise zone is being explored for the west of Hereford in conversation with major employers;

·       The allocation of employment land will also be dealt with through the local plan and these documents will fit together.

It was unanimously resolved that cabinet:

a)             Approves the draft timescale for producing the new Local Transport Plan;

b)             Notes the proposals for developing the new Local Transport Plan; and

c)             Agrees to delegate the authority to take operational decisions during stages 1 to 4 as set out in the report associated with the development of the Local Transport Plan to the Service Director for Transport and Highways in consultation with the Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure.

A review has determined that the council’s current public realm services and contracting arrangements will not deliver the council’s medium to long term aspirations.

The council’s vision is to design and deliver new public realm services that are fit for the future embracing technology and digital innovation, a transition to electric plant, vehicles and new materials to meet net zero carbon by 2030, investment in our people that support development and innovation enabling the service to continually improve, maximising resources and opportunities to best meet the needs of local residents and communities.

To achieve this vision the council, working in partnership with the Public Realm Service Contractor, seek approval to select and develop a Future Operating Model that has been determined as the best model to deliver this vision while minimising service and financial risks during this period of change.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out the outcome of the midpoint review of the public realm services contract and a proposal that the future operating model be selected as an in house client and technical staff, with the existing provider for top up professional services and works.

The cabinet member infrastructure and transport introduced the report and explained that issues had been raised about value for money, quality of work and client control. Extensive discussions had taken place regarding the key objectives of the council and which operating model would best meet these. Best efforts were made to ensure that as many councillors as possible across all parties were able to contribute.

Cabinet members discussed the report and it was noted that:

·       There was nothing essentially wrong with the current contract but the key performance indicators were now out of tune with the county plan and the operating model needed adjustment;

·       Officers and the contractor have engaged positively in the discussions;

·       The proposed model will give tighter control of quality and a friendly but sufficiently tense relationship between the council and the contractor;

·       Locality stewards are highly valued;

·       The contractors involved are all keen to do more to support the council’s priorities around social value and role as a corporate parent in generating opportunities for young people;

·       The proposed change to the operating model will not resolve all the issues identified in the past but will give the council the ability to check and challenge the work done by the contractor.

Group leaders generally welcomed the report and the closer monitoring that the proposed operating model will allow. In response to queries it was noted that the new contract model has flexibility to get more local suppliers involved and to work with parish councils to do some of the smaller jobs differently. The council will have to take back some risk but this approach presents opportunities for delivering parts of the public realm programme differently.

The chairman of the connected communities scrutiny committee commented on the discussion held at the scrutiny committee as part of the discussion of the options for the future operating model. The committee flagged the importance of clarity on who was responsible for what and that communication with the public is absolutely key. The proposed option was seen as a step in the right direction.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)             Cabinet note the outcome of the midpoint review of the public realm services contract;

b)             Cabinet approve the selection and development of Future Operating Model Five being “In house client and technical staff with existing provider (single contract) for top up professional services and works”;

c)             Cabinet note and support the commitments and initiatives in paragraph 28 a-h to be developed between the council working in partnership with the Public Realm Services Contractor;

d)             Cabinet delegate the design and development of Future Operating Model Five to the Corporate Director of Economy & Environment in consultation with the s151 Officer and the three Cabinet Members for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 222.

Following approval of Section 106 Portfolio of Works Cabinet Report  (Thursday 25^th November 2021), this report seeks to obtain further appropriate delegation to approve the spend, processes and resources required in connection with the delivery of the Section 106 schemes.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out an update on delivery of the Section 106 portfolio of works in relation to the decision taken by Cabinet in November 2021, and seeking further appropriate delegations to approve the spend, processes and resources required in connection with the future delivery of Section 106 schemes.

The cabinet member finance, corporate services and planning introduced the report and explained that this decision adds the contributions received since the last decision into the pipeline for delivery and delegates authority to the relevant directors for delivery of projects within the various categories of contribution received.

Cabinet members discussed the report and it was noted that:

•                the mitigation required for development sites should be considered as they are identified;

•                the local plan is in the process of being updated and it is important that communities respond to consultations to identify what is needed;

•                parish councils can update their wish lists to inform the contributions sought and infrastructure needs can also be recognised as part of the neighbourhood planning process;

•                the council has made changes to its financial rules so that it is able to deliver improvements alongside developments, rather than in arrears;

•                the webpages are being improved and updated to show more information and to make it easier to access than before;

•                the neighbourhood development process needs to strike a balance between satisfying growth needs with a single larger development which will generate contributions rather than multiple small sites which are below the threshold for contributions.

It was suggested and agreed that the delegation for public art contributions should sit with the service director communities as they are responsible for culture.

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The improvements in the process were welcomed and the need to progress spend of contributions promptly and in consultation with communities was emphasised.

It was unanimously resolved that:

a)             Cabinet approves the implementation of the new delivery proposals, as set out in Section 106 Delivery Proposals, including the resources required, to spend all Section 106 developer income and future income received;

b)             The council scheme of delegation is updated to authorise the spend of section 106 monies and to delegate all operational decisions relating to the above recommendation in accordance with the table at appendix 1, with an amendment to delegate responsibility for public art planning contributions to the Service Director Communities.

The meeting adjourned at 4:47pm and resumed at 4:57pm.

This report seeks to update Cabinet on the significant progress made by the Cabinet Commission presenting a Strategic Business Case (SBCO) for progressing river restoration and to seek authorisation to further develop an Outline Business Case (OBC) for submission to Defra and Welsh Government for a Phosphate Trading Scheme, encompassed by a binding legal agreement, which has the potential to lead to further steps including a Water Protection Zone in the event that nutrient reduction targets are not met by means of the voluntary scheme.

Cabinet members considered a report setting out the progress made by the Cabinet Commission on Restoring the Wye and seeking approval for further development of an Outline Business Case for submission to DEFRA and the Welsh Government. The cabinet member finance, corporate services and planning introduced the report and explained the background to the establishment of the Cabinet Commission and the progress to date.

The cabinet member highlighted that:

·       The aim of the commission is to develop a strategic plan to restore the river catchment to favourable conservation status, working with the three other councils with responsibility for parts of the Wye catchment;

·       The commission has met four times to receive evidence and information from experts, and reports from officers on progressing the commission’s objectives with government departments, agencies and regulatory bodies;

·       The report sets out the case for exploring more robust monitoring and regulatory options, with a  further progress report to follow in July 2023;

·       Insufficient progress has been made through the nutrient management plan and the report recommends that the plan is significantly revised and a reconstructed nutrient management plan delivery vehicle be proposed;

·       Herefordshire Council unanimously voted to petition the Secretary of State at DEFRA to implement a full Water Protection Zone (WPZ) but this request was refused as being premature or without required justification, so the council needs to make progress by other means;

·       The report sets out options which show potential to achieve nutrient certainty and the recommendations to Cabinet for this meeting seek approval for the next steps to explore, amongst other things, whether there is a willingness and commitment for all stakeholders and agencies to work to achieve a regulated voluntary scheme which is compliant with statutory requirements;

·       Should the necessary progress not be made through co-operation then the regulatory threat of a WPZ remains and the work done with partners and stakeholders will provide evidence to build a robust case and show that we have explored and dismissed the reasonable alternatives;

·       The pollution of the river is damaging for the communities of Herefordshire, its environment and its economy, and on the council through lost revenue from council tax;

·       There is no suggestion that the council should fund a scheme for farmers or assume any of the powers belonging to the regulators and other statutory bodies, the report proposes that the council make some contribution to the work that needs to be done to put a better scheme in place while continuing to encourage and challenge government and regulators to exercise their statutory powers to their full extent;

·       The next steps are to explore whether more regulated options are feasible and deliverable including, as a particular solution, a regulated voluntary scheme across the Wye catchment farming community and a further report will come to cabinet in July 2023.

Cabinet members discussed the report. Some cabinet members did not believe the proposed approach to be the best way forward and argued that the money set aside by the council should be invested in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 224.