This report seeks approval of a Commercial Strategy for the Council.

In accepting the report, Cabinet will approve and recommend to Council the Commercial Strategy and the approach to generating income; the increase in the establishment to employ a Head of Service – Commercial and Programme Manager and a supporting graduate officer as detailed in paragraph 9.1 of the report and that the Financial Strategy 2018/19 to 2027/28 report will identify budgets associated with the Commercial Strategy as detailed in paragraph 9.2 of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval of a Commercial Strategy for the Council.  The purpose of the Commercial Strategy was to address the income generating financial challenge, focus on improved efficient and effective ways of working, and concentrate on the capability and capacity of the organisation, the deployment of resources and doing things differently.  A copy of the Commercial Strategy was attached at Annex A to the report.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the Commercial Strategy would support the finances of the Council through the financial budget and 10 year plan which assisted in ensuring the Council’s services were effective and efficient whilst it contributed to the achievement of the priorities set out in the Council Plan.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council:-

(1)     the approval of the Commercial Strategy and the approach to generating income;

(2)     the increase in the establishment to employ a Head of Service – Commercial and Programme Manager, and a supporting graduate officer as detailed in paragraph 1.8 of the report; and

(3)     that the Financial Strategy 2018/19 to 2027/28 report will identify budgets associated with the Commercial Strategy as detailed in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

To confirm the decisions of the meeting held on 10 October 2017 (CA.24 - CA.31), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the decisions of the meeting held on 10 October 2017 (CA.24 – CA.31), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

This report seeks confirmation for Hambleton District Council to be part of an application to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for a North Yorkshire and East Riding 100% Business Rates Retention Pilot in 2018/19.

In accepting the recommendation, Hambleton District Council will be part of the North Yorkshire submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government to become a 100% Business Rates Pilot in 2018/19.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought confirmation for Hambleton District Council to be part of an application to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for a North Yorkshire and East Riding 100% Business Rates Retention Pilot in 2018/19.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that, if the application to participate in the 100% Business Rate Retention Pilot in 2018/19 was successful, this would inform how this major income receipt for the Council was shaped in the future to help sustain the Council’s financial resilience.

THE DECISION:

That Hambleton District Council is part of the North Yorkshire submission to the Department for Communities and Local Government to become a 100% Business Rates Pilot in 2018/19.

This report seeks approval of the applications for the Making a Difference Grants.

In accepting the recommendation the grants proposed in Annex A of the report will be approved; the retrospective amendment to the timescales reported in the Cabinet report of 9 June 2016 will be approved as stated in paragraph 1.5 of the report and future Making a Difference grant programme timescales will be considered and aligned with the fiscal year.

The subject of the decision:

In July 2017 Cabinet agreed to re-invest £125,000 of windfall revenue savings back into the community and create another one-off ‘Making a Difference’ community grants scheme.  £25,000 had been allocated directly to the five community libraries in Bedale, Easingwold, Great Ayton, Stokesley and Thirsk.  The remaining £100,000 had been allocated to finance the 2017/18 Making a Difference Grants Fund.  This report sought consideration of the recommendations from each of the five decision making panels made up of Elected Members from each of the sub-areas.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the recommendations from the panels supported the Council’s priorities and adhered to the principles of the grants programme which would make a difference to the quality of life for the residents of Hambleton.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     the grants proposed in Annex A of the report be approved;

(2)     the retrospective amendment to the timescales reported in the Cabinet report of 9 June 2016 be approved as stated in paragraph 1.5 of the report; and

(3)     future Making a Difference grant programme timescales are considered and aligned with the fiscal year.

This report provides an update on the present position with and proposed steps for the Sowerby Sports Village development.  The report outlines the suggested phased approach for delivery of the village and proposes recommendations in order to achieve this.

In accepting the recommendations, Cabinet will approve the submission of a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund for Sowerby Environmental Space Project (phase 1 detailed in 1.11); the waiving of Council procurement rules to allow the continued appointment of Glenrate Project Management Limited to provide technical and design advice and support including project management to completion of phase 1; that tenders are sought for phase 1 works subject to the award of sufficient external grant funds; to include Sowerby Sports Village in the capital programme to fund expenditure for grants that have to be claimed retrospectively or to meet costs should the developer contribution thresholds not be met in a timely fashion; and that further reports are submitted for Cabinet consideration with regards to subsequent phases and project progress in June 2018.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided information as to the position with and proposed steps for the Sowerby Sports Village development.  The report outlined the suggested phased approach for delivery of the village and proposed recommendations in order to achieve this.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The sports village was a key component part of the Sowerby Gateway scheme.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves:-

(1)     submission of a grant application to the European Regional Development Fund for the Sowerby Environmental Space Project (phase 1 detailed in paragraph 1.11 of the report);

(2)     the waiving of Council procurement rules to allow the continued appointment of Glenrate Project Management Limited to provide technical and design advice and support included project management to completion of phase 1;

(3)     that tenders are sought for phase 1 works subject to the award of sufficient external grant funds;

(4)     phase 1 of Sowerby Sports Village in the Capital Programme to fund expenditure for grants that have to be claimed retrospectively or to meet costs should the developer contribution thresholds not be met in a timely fashion, subject to consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader; and

(5)     a further report be submitted to Cabinet with regards to subsequent phases and project progress in June 2018.

This report seeks endorsement of the refreshed Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plan for Crakehall.

In accepting the recommendation, the refreshed Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plan for Crakehall attached at Annex B of the report will be endorsed.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought endorsement of the refreshed Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plan for Crakehall.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the Council's legal responsibility to ensure funding is used in a way consistent with the individual S106 Agreements.

THE DECISION:

That the refreshed Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plan for Crakehall attached at Annex B of the report be approved.