The Leisure Centre remains closed due to water damage. Both insured and uninsured re-instatement works are well underway however to ensure the Centre can be re-opened the uninsured elements of the regulatory electrical, emergency lighting and fire alarm installations need to be improved and made compliant. This decision approves spending a further £50,000 on top of the £170,000 approved here http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50088618/Decision%20to%20fund%20uninsured%20regulatory%20works%20at%20Bromyard%20Leisure%20Centre.pdf

Vandalism to the roofing and subsequent water ingress has caused the Leisure
Centre to remain closed due to water damage to the emergency lighting, fire
alarm, and electrical installations in a number of locations necessitating partial
replacement of the water damaged components and wiring, funded by
insurers. As a consequence of replacing these sections of the installations the
current regulatory conditions required a whole replacement of the systems to
meet current regulations in order to achieve final certification.

Both insured and uninsured re-instatement works are well underway however
to ensure the Centre can be re-opened the uninsured elements of the
regulatory electrical, emergency lighting and fire alarm installations need to
be improved and made compliant.

The unadopted areas of footway in Commercial Road are thought to have their origins in historic shop frontage use of these areas. This practice has long since ceased, and the areas are now virtually indistinguishable from the adjoining sections of adopted footway. Members of the public use both adopted and unadopted sections to pass and repass along Commercial Road, and are unaware of any difference in status. The commercial premises which front onto these areas are also thought to be unaware of their potential liability for them, and a check with Land Registry confirms that none of the private premises have registered title to them.

Given that these areas are used by the public to pass and repass, and as such are almost certainly subject to public rights, it makes sense to formally adopt them as publicly maintainable for the benefit of the public.

To make appointments to the committees of the Council and outside bodies in line with the rules of political proportionality.

Government requires neighbouring local authorities to agree Statements of Common Ground in order to demonstrate effective and on-going joint working by strategic plan-making authorities. The statements should identify any strategic cross-boundary matters and document the cooperation between plan making authorities in addressing any such issues.

Shropshire Council is reviewing its local plan and will submit it to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for examination in the near future. Discussions have been ongoing between officers of Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils and it is concluded that there are no strategic cross boundary issues to address. However, the SOCG sets out the commitment to continue to work together as the Local Plans progress to adoption. A further SOCG will be required as the Herefordshire Local Plan review is developed.

In 2020, Covid-19 caused the largest contraction in the UK economy
for over 300 years. Although the implementation of the vaccination
programme and the announcement of the ‘lockdown road map’ by
the government has offered more immediate hope about the road to
recovery, the impact of the pandemic on businesses, jobs and
households will continue to be felt in the months and years ahead.
Already, we have seen the existing inequalities widening, with the low-paid and already vulnerable groups disproportionately affected across a range of socio-economic and health measures.
Before the pandemic, the decline of the UK’s high streets is well documented. The growth of out-of-town shopping centres and internet shopping has led to absentee landlords, empty shops and a stifling of choice at the heart of our communities. The pandemic has therefore accelerated the need to think differently about how we design and create vibrant, thriving high streets across the county.
The council recognises that our market towns and high streets play a critical role in the county’s economy and in our communities. While the composition and size may vary, they are often a point of community focus and for generations have been the place where people go to shop, meet or work. They are an economic, social and cultural hub that shapes the vibrancy, wellbeing and prosperity of where we live and work. In addition, they are the key interface between the wider rural areas and connectivity to and from Hereford.
Providing support to our market towns and high streets to enable recovery as soon as possible is therefore one of the Council’s immediate priorities. Cabinet Members have a vision for Herefordshire to join the growing number of Councils and organisations that have a bespoke digital platform linked to local businesses that offers our residents incentives and encouragement to shop and play.
Project management resource will be provided to support the implementation of the Loyal Free App.

To continue to contract with Quicksilva to enable the implementation of the unique number identifier via the NHS spine through the mosaic system for a period of 3 years until 28 April 2024 at a total cost of £10,800 excluding any annual inflations.

The Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste is authorised to accept the ERDF funding and to implement the Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings project in accordance with the following decision: http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50035112
Approval of Grants by the Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste forms part of our agreed Governance process with the managing authority, Ministry of Housing, Communities

To utilise Ringo (the cashless provider) to provide season ticketing on council car parks. Customers will pay Ringo directly for this service, as they do with other parking sessions on the following rates (where taken up by the council):

• Monthly (7 days p/w) £1.40
• Quarterly £2.00
• Annual £3.20

The virtual season tickets will increase security by significantly reducing the risk of fraud by copying or amending permits, and restrict use to one vehicle per permit. They will also increase the flexibility to be able to be offered as currently monthly permits are not available (due to processing costs) and therefore these can be an expensive one off purchases for some.

Ringo will deliver this service using the existing infrastructure in place for cashless parking payments.

Delivering season tickets through this platform will be at zero cost to the council saving and reduce the processing of paper permits.

Following the above referenced decision procurement activity has been undertaken in accordance with the council procedures. This activity has been confirmed as being compliant within the councils Contractual Procedural Rules by Procurement and Legal officers.

An invitation to quote was placed on the approved council procurement systems where 22 bids for the specified works were received. UK Signs Ltd were evaluated against the other 21 and scored the highest in terms of the price and quality when assessed.

The quote provided is confirmed as being within the budget set aside from the above decision for this part of the implementation work.

New signage has been designed by the councils internal design team and will contain the corporate text and logos, as required. Additionally, this new signage will be larger, easier to read and provide more localised information.

Temporary signage will be in place immediately after the new car park charges take effect on the 17 May 2021. New signs will be replaced in the days following this.

There is a need to engage an external provider in order to progress the design and statutory approvals, and to provide professional support through the construction phase.
A competitive procurement exercise was undertaken in accordance with Council procurement procedures. The tender return from Berrys was the most favourable when assessed against quality and cost criteria.

Cabinet confirmed its preferred transport options for Hereford following the completion and findings of the Hereford Transport Strategy Review 2020 (HTSR).

Cabinet was able to make its determination based on the technical information included in the HTSR. This included high level costings of options alongside technical assessment of impacts (carbon, economic, environmental and societal).

The total capital cost estimate for cabinet’s preferred transport strategy is £131m and annual revenue operating costs are £5.5m.

Further technical work is now required to identify the revenue development costs of the 11 individual options selected by cabinet to ensure that cabinet understands the financial consequences of any decision it takes to progress any or all of these options.

In May 2018 The public spaces protection order regarding alcohol control in that any person who without reasonable excuse continues drinking intoxicating liquor in the restricted area when asked to stop by an authorised officer, commits an offence or fails to surrender any intoxicating liquor in their possession when asked to do so by an authorised Officer, commits an offence was created for 3 years. Under the legislation the council can extend the order for a further 3 years. The issue around antisocial behaviour linked to consuming alcohol is particular issue in the local community and gives the enforcement agencies the ability to take action where necessary.

To award a contract to Robothams Architects Ltd for the completion of a feasibility study to explore options and make recommendations for the improvement of Westfield Special School, Leominster. The appointment to be based on an initial cost of £11,950 plus associated surveys, contingency, statutory and professional fees. A total cost up to the value of £75,000.

To delegate authority to the senior project manager to authorise spend and manage the budget up to a value of £75,000 for the services described in (1) above.

To recommend the implementation of a 30mph Speed Limit and a Prohibition of Overtaking restriction on B4214 and The Crest at Edwyn Ralph, Herefordshire.

The extents of the proposed restrictions and signage are set out in detail in Recommendations below and shown on drawing 3409-96 in Appendix A.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 places specific responsibilities on organisations to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not exist within its supply chain or in any part of its own business. Though some people may be more vulnerable to exploitation than others, it is not restricted by age, gender or background. The term ‘modern slavery’ captures a whole range of exploitation, which may occur together to have a combined effect on people’s rights and liberty.
This statement is made in relation to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and explains the commitments of Herefordshire Council in its efforts to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking within the organisation, its sub-contractors, partners or supply chains.
This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 and will be reviewed annually.
In 2019 the council made the follow commitments which are reflective of the 2021-22 statement:
Proactive – improve awareness, understanding and identification of modern slavery with council staff and members being proactive in reporting suspected incidents.
Protect – safeguard children and adults to not be at risk of modern slavery, and support victims with care and services.
Partnership – to work in partnership with other agencies, residents and businesses to address the causes and effects of modern slavery on people.
Providers – create effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place through the contracts we hold.
Prosecute – to work with agencies to gather evidence to hold perpetrators to account.
Policies – to have in place the policies and practices that enable the reporting of modern slavery and reduces the exploitation of people in the first place.

Due to the recent storms (Bella and Christoph), there has been significant damage caused to Mill Lane, Little Cowarne which has resulted in the road being closed. The damage has resulted in lack of access to the farm, which is also affecting a landowner’s ability to access and tend to their livestock. Temporary access is required to enable access to the farm for the resident and service vehicles. Access is also required for commencement of the investigations/designs to review temporary and permanent solutions, works will be funded within the Public Realm Contract Annual Plan.

Fastershire the deployment of broadband across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, using public funds where commercial providers wouldn’t invest independently because of the cost of delivery would be more than their return on investment.
The decision was made by both Herefordshire Council and Gloucestershire County Council in December 2019 to increase the budget of the Gigaclear contracts by up to 10% in order to reach more premises.
http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6494
The recommendations were that:
(a) £1.8m of additional subsidy is used to extend the scope of the Gigaclear contracts (subject to state aid approval), in order to extend the full fibre broadband network to no less than 5,485 extra premises of which at least 872 premises do not currently receive superfast broadband;
(b) The Assistant Director Corporate Support be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendation.
It is the premises with under 30Mbps (referred to as NGA White) that the funding was targeted to reach with the additional ‘NGA Grey’ premises (already able to access 30Mbps) receiving an uplift from FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) to FTTP (fibre to the premise). This ‘overspill’ will ultimately reduce the longer term challenge as the target moves from superfast to full fibre capability in the future.
Following an adaption of the project finance models to cater for BDUK’s request to focus the contracts on a subset of 493 benefitting premises, the required funding has reduced to £1.55m and an increase in Gigaclear’s proposed contribution by £189k. Aside from the ‘white’ premises, a further 4,993 will also benefit. A total of 835 of the 5,486 benefitting premises do not currently have access to superfast broadband.
Note: report contains table with Lot information
It is agreed that these changes be formally encapsulated in a series of Deeds of Variation. It is also agreed that the changes proposed within the Lot 3d area are incorporated into the Lot 3d Deed so it does not inhibit the closure of the near complete Lot 3d.

1. Government published Bus Back Better: National Bus Strategy for England 15 March 2021. This set out requirements for English local transport authorities to develop Bus Service Improvement plans and progress establishment of Enhanced Partnerships with local transport providers to be able to access future funding to support local bus services and secure existing funding support (Bus Service Operators Grant).
2. Government made available a flat grant (capacity fund) of £100k for local authorities if they wished to secure funds to support the requirements set out at 1.
3. The grant had to be claimed by 16 April 2021. The council has claimed and secured this grant.
4. Whilst the council is not compelled to progress the proposals set out in the National Bus Strategy it is considered essential that current government funding (BSOG) is retained and the opportunity to bid for additional funds protected.
5. The approach set out in the National Bus Strategy is consistent with the council’s aspirations for improving bus use as indicated during the recent Hereford Transport Strategy Review. Cabinet determined to progress a package assessed in the review which would seek to increase patronage, encourage school journeys by bus, progress uptake of electric buses and also consider demand responsive transport. These are all aspects highlighted within the National Bus Strategy. Hence, progressing with this procurement will assist the council in progressing its transport ambitions.
6. The optional extension, if required and triggers met would provide ongoing support which it is anticipated may be required to help establish the operation of the Enhanced Partnership in the first year it is introduced.

To ensure that families in Herefordshire who have been adversely affected by the recent Covid19 pandemic know where they can find help for financial and mental well-being support.

Kimbolton to Meadow Bank
Risbury Mill to Pencombe
S.278 - Crumplebury
Lynch Lane
Stockley Cross
High Street Leominster
Mill bank to Garnstone
Clifford from B4350
Pole Replacement 128
nimrod drive
C1197 from A438 to Stretton Sugwas
U75004 Olchon Valley Road, Longtown (TTRO21-107)
U71603 The Thorn & Little Birch Road, Kingsthorne (TTRO21-113)
C1007 from Birtley Cross to Upper Kinsham Farm, Lingen (TTRO21-122)
U65005 Lockhill, Upper Sapey
Pembridge Pt 2
U73004 Crowmoor Lane Tillington
U71224 Road from C1248 to Little Trewen Lane, Llangrove (TTRO21-112)
U71211, Langstone Lane (South), Llangarron (TTRO21-514)
U65618 Tanhouse Lane
C1120 from A49 to Old School House via Moreton-on-Lugg, Moreton-on-Lugg (TTRO21-114)
U92215 Church Street, Leintwardine
C1114 from C1110 to Hollybush Cottage, Pencombe (TTRO21-102)
Lyonshall Fibre Pt 3
C1105 Hyde Ash Leominster
U72205 Sufton Lane Mordiford
C1190 from Ower House to The Boat House - Breinton
Leadon Way Phase 1 S38
television filming at Eastnor

West Street
Widemarsh Street Conningsby Street Covid 19 improvements Final ML2
C1185 from B4352 to Brobury Lane - Road Closure
A4103 from Moorend Wychend Road to Grove Farm Road
C1110 - Risbury, Leominster from 10th May to 20th April
Staunton on Wye Fibre Pt 2
C1173 from B4220 to junction with C1174

C1097 from The Steps to Bishon Lane via Bishopstone, Bishopstone


Broad Street Parking Restriction (TTRO21-007)


C1206 Newton St Margaret's, Hereford

U92207 Kinton Lane, Whitton, Leintwardine


Parking Restriction - U80012 Gaol Street, Hereford (TTRO21-517)

U94205 The House Pudleston Leominster

U91416, Noke Lane, Staunton On Arrow (TTRO21-518)

U65201 Wacton Lane Bredenbury, Bromyard

30 Grove Road, Hereford

C1177 from B4220 to C1165

U65615 Frome Manor Acton Beauchamp, Hereford



U70233 Chapel Lane Gorsley Hfd

U70200 The Old Rectory, Hope Mansell, Hfd

TCO MD17

C1162 Mathon Road, Colwall

C1110 Corbett’s Orchard, Pencombe Lane, Winslow, Hereford

U73048 - 1 Dovecote Lane, Credenhill.

U70230 Quarry Road Linton

Fuel Poverty affects an estimated 10,682 households in the county (12.9%). This figure is higher than the national level of 10.3% and reflects the challenges that the county faces in relation to the energy efficiency of properties including a large proportion of older, hard to treat ‘solid wall’ properties and restricted access to mains gas due and therefore expensive heating fuel systems due to the rural nature of the county.

The fund, administered by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is allocating funding to be used to improve the energy efficiency of low-income houses living in Herefordshire and Shropshire as well as supporting the green recovery in response to Covid-19.

The project will allow an estimated 100 Herefordshire and Shropshire households to access fully funded renewable Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) systems/Solid Wall Insulation (SWI) and/or energy efficient glazing and doors.

To award the contract to Udall-Martin Associates, following the Council’s
Contract Procedure Rules with an Invitation to Quote issued via email to at
least three suppliers.

To authorise the expenditure of up to £7,350 for the ecology surveys and
preparation of derogation licence at Michaelchurch Escley Primary School,
to include a contingency of up to £2,000.


To authorise the expenditure of up to the value of £1,000 for professional
fees.

To add this emergency works scheme to the 2021-2023 maintenance
programme.

Responsibility for monitoring the project to be carried out by the Capital
Project Manager within the spend budget.

To agree the appointment arrangements for an acting or interim director, adults and communities.

In order to effectively manage the councils highway network in respect of parking, occasionally a Penalty Charge Notice needs to be issued to a vehicle. Where payment is not made in respect of these the relevant legislation provides for debt to be pursued.

In order for the council to continue to exercise its public duty, and recover all associated costs with the enforcement of parking contraventions, and to ensure that the principles of enforcement are not undermined, it is appropriate to take all legal and necessary steps to obtain payment.

Notwithstanding a review of any correspondence received against any of these matters, and the councils underpinning duty to protect those that are vulnerable, the following documents have been served in accordance with legislation in the last period.

March 2021
Charge Certificate – 118
Order for Recovery – 30

In the same period 151 were warrants were executed for the councils contracted Enforcement Agency (Bailiffs) to, in accordance with the relevant legislation, make enquires and enforce the outstanding debt.