Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance updating Members on Section 106 Agreements (S106) and a report considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 27 February 2019.

The report provided details to demonstrate the Council’s preparation in terms of monitoring S106, forecasting S106 income and preparing Project Initiation Documents (PIDs) for all projects.  It was noted that regular meetings and communications were in place with all service managers and a communication channel between the Council, NHS England and Essex County Council (ECC) had been set up to ensure that all relevant information on S106 income was provided as soon as it became available.  Officers had also requested that ECC set up an infrastructure delivery programme to Education and Highways for the District as the importance of encouraging and participating in regular meetings with external stakeholders was noted.  This was to ensure that the District’s key infrastructure was included and programmed for delivery as soon as funds became available.

A lengthy debate ensued, during which the following points were raised and where appropriate information provided by the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance:

·                 Concern was raised regarding the allocation of some of the contributions detailed within Appendix 1 to the report and whether the use of these contributions was appropriate.  In response the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that contributions were agreed through negotiation and linked to recommendations from statutory bodies who oversee such matters.  He advised that what was reported could not be changed but Officers would look at how such contributions were dealt with in the future.

·                 Project H3 Provision of healthcare projects within the GP catchment area of Southminster (digitalisation of the records for the Trinity Medical Practice) - This project was discussed and reference was made to the S106 being for the provision of healthcare facilities in the village of Southminster and concern was raised regarding how this related to the digitalisation of medical records.  In response, the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised that the digitalisation was to free up space within the practice which could then be used to see additional patients. 

·                 Project A6 Provision / maintenance of allotments in Burnham-on-Crouch – it was questioned whether the sum of £8,000 was sufficient for an allotment and its ongoing maintenance.  The Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance advised he was happy to look at individual sums and would respond in writing to Members in respect of this.

·                 Some concern was raised regarding education and the provision of school places, in particular the need for ECC to review the cumulative impact of developments in the same areas rather than consider them individually.  Reference was made to persons having moved into an area and being told no places were available in the local school and how other local schools which did have capacity had funding issues around recruiting new staff.  Councillor Mrs Channer reported that ECC held meetings with planning portfolio holders, cabinet members, Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 929