Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor J. Watson.

Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 17 January 2023, as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 17 January 2023, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

Unless already entered in the Council’s Register of Members’ interests, members are required where a matter arises at a meeting;

a.         Which directly relates to Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (‘DPI’) as set out in Appendix B, Table 1 of the Code of Conduct, to disclose the interest, not participate in any discussion or vote and not to remain in room. Where members have a DPI or if the matter concerns an executive function and is being considered by a Cabinet Member with a DPI they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with the matter.

b.         Which directly relates to the financial interest or well being of a Other Registrable Interest as set out in Appendix B, Table 2 of the Code of Conduct to disclose the interest and only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak at the meeting but otherwise must not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not remain the room.

c.         Which directly relates to their financial interest or well-being (and is not DPI) or the financial well being of a relative or close associate, to declare the interest and members may only speak on the matter if members of the public are also allowed to speak. Otherwise, the member must not take part in discussion or vote on the matter and must leave the room.

d.         Which affects the financial well-being of the member, a relative or close associate or a body included under the Other Registrable Interests column in Table 2, to disclose the interest and apply the test set out at paragraph 9 of Appendix B before deciding whether they may remain in the meeting.

e.         Where Members have or a Cabinet Member has an Other Registerable Interest or Non Registerable Interest in a matter being considered in exercise of their executive function, they must notify the Monitoring Officer and arrange for somebody else to deal with it.

NB Any member needing clarification must contact monitoringofficer@northumberland.gov.uk. Members are referred to the Code of Conduct which contains the matters above in full. Please refer to the guidance on disclosures at the rear of this agenda letter.

Councillor H.G.H. Sanderson declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item no. 4 as his spouse worked part time for Northumberland County Council.

Budget 2023-24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023-27 for the Housing Revenue Account

The report seeks Cabinet approval for the updated Budget 2023-24, Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2023-27 and 30-year Business plan for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (Appendix A).

Budget 2023-24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023-27 for the Housing Revenue Account

The report asked for Cabinet’s approval for the updated Budget 2023-24, Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2023-27, and 30 year Business Plan for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix B.)

The Leader reported that Northumberland County Council’s proposed increase in Council Tax was 4.6% and that this included 2% for Adult Social Care.  This increase was well below inflation.  Account had been taken of savings and efficiencies across the Council, however front-line services would not be cut.  He added that he was deeply grateful to all staff who worked so hard across all services.

Three key priorities would be ensuring that Northumberland’s residents received value for money for their Council Tax by ensuring that services were delivered as well as they could be or improving them where necessary.  Addressing inequalities would aim to ensure that all residents, regardless of where they lived in Northumberland, would receive the same opportunities and chances.  Support for businesses would include free parking in town centres which it was hoped would further encourage visitors to Northumberland’s towns and help local businesses.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     Approve the Housing Revenue Account 2023-24 budget as detailed within Appendix 1, which will reduce the balance on the HRA reserve from £29.809 million at 31 March 2023, to £29.121 million at 31 March 2024; and note the indicative budgets to 2026-27 which will reduce the balance of the HRA reserve to £9.294 million.

2.     Note that from 1 April 2023, due to current rises in inflation, the government has imposed a rent cap on social housing rent increases of 7.0%, moving away for one year from the previously agreed Rent Standard of consumer price index (CPI) +1.0% (11.1%). The budget detailed in Appendix 1 assumes that rents will rise by the revised Government capped rate of 7.0%, with recoverable service charges rising by CPI 10.10% plus 1.0% for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024.

3.     Approve the increase of 7.0% for Housing rents from 1 April 2023.

4.     Approve the increase of 11.1% for Housing Service Charges from 1 April 2023.

5.     Approve the Non-Recurrent Growth item Hardship fund of £0.350 million for 2023-24 to support NCC tenants who may, due to their income, not be eligible to receive any financial assistance through existing benefits (Housing Benefit/Universal Credit/Discretionary Housing Payment) (detailed in point 9 &16).

6.     Note the indicative 30-year Housing Revenue Account business plan as detailed within Appendix 1.

7.     Approve the estimated pay inflationary increase for 2023-24 of 4.0% totalling £0.418 million (detailed in point 15).

8.     Approve the Non-Pay Inflation Schedule for 2023-24 totalling £0.738 million (detailed in point 15).

9.     Approve the Recurrent Growth as follows:

        a.     Housing Disrepair of £0.250 million for 2023-24 to cover costs of housing disrepair mitigation/resolution (detailed in point 16).

        b.     Additional staffing budget of £0.424 million for 2023-24 (detailed in point 16).

10.   Approve the Recurrent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

Budget Consultation 2023-24

This report provides a summary of results of the budget consultation undertaken between 6th December 2022 and 17th January 2023. The budget consultation helps to inform the Council’s Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (Appendix B).

Budget Consultation 2023-24

Members received a summary of the results of the budget consultation undertaken between 6 December 2022 and 17 January 2023.  The budget consultation helped to inform the Council’s Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix B)

The Leader reported that it was hoped to increase public interest going forward and obtain more public input into the process.  As part of the consultation process both he and the Deputy Leader had attended all of the Local Area Councils and spoken to local business leaders.

RESOLVED to note the summary results of the budget consultation undertaken between 6th December 2022 and 17th January 2023 as well as wider engagement undertaken.

Budget 2023-23 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2023-27

The purpose of this report is to enable the Cabinet to make formal budget recommendations to the County Council. The report provides the Revenue Budget for 2023-24 and Revenue Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2023-27 and the Capital Budget for 2023-24 and Capital MTFP 2023-27, following the Government’s Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, and the publication of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement on 19 December 2022. It is important to note that there may need to be some revisions to the figures following receipt of the Government’s February 2023 Final Local Government Finance Settlement figures. It is proposed that any changes to the figures as a result of this announcement, which impact on the Budget 2023-24 and MTFP 2023-27 are delegated to the Council’s Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services (Appendix C).

Update to the Budget 2023-24 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023-27 Report

The purpose of this report is to update Members with matters relating to the Budget 2023-24 which have arisen following publication of the report which was presented to the all-Member Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 13 February 2023 and then Cabinet on 14 February 2023.

Budget 2023-23 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2023-27

The purpose of the report was to enable the Cabinet to make formal budget recommendations to the County Council.  The report provided the Revenue Budget for 2023-24 and Revenue Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP 2023-27 and the Capital Budget for 2023-24 and Capital MTFP 2023-27, following the Government’s Autumn Statement on 17 November 2022, and the publication of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement on 19 December 2022.  (Copy of report attached to the signed minutes as Appendix C.)

A report from the meeting of the Corporate Services and Economic Growth Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13 February 2023, to which all members had been invited, was circulated at the meeting.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes.)

RESOLVED to make the following recommendations to the County Council:

1.     Note that the figures contained within the Budget 2023-24 within Appendix 1 are based on the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement of 19 December 2022.

2.     Approve the revenue budget for 2023-24 including, the budget balancing target totalling £17.045 million contained within Appendix 1.

3.     Note the Revenue MTFP covering the period 2023-27 detailed within Appendix 1 and the requirement to deliver budget balancing measures of £9.564 million in 2024-25, £18.508 million in 2025-26, and £8.954 million in 2026-27.

4.     Note the estimated receipt of Revenue Support Grant of £12.430 million for 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

5.     Note the estimated retained Business Rates and the Top-Up grant funding to be received by the Council for 2023-24 of £94.805 million and £307.453 million over the remaining period of the MTFP contained within Appendix 1

6.     Note the estimated deficit from prior years on Collection Fund Business Rates balances of £1.944 million in 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

7.     Note the estimated receipt of Rural Services Delivery Grant of £2.745 million in 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

8.     Note the estimated receipt of the New Homes Bonus of £0.961 million for 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

9.     Note the estimated receipt of Improved Better Care Funding Grant of £12.496 million for 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

10.   Note the estimated receipt of Social Care grant funding of £22.056 million for 2023-24 contained within Appendix 1.

11.   Note the estimated receipt of Adult Social Care Discharge Grant funding of £1.752 million in 2023-24 and £2.920 million in 2024-25 contained within Appendix 1.

12.   Note the estimated receipt of Adult Social Care Market Sustainability and Improvement grant funding of £3.563 million in 2023-24 and £5.357 million in 2024-25 contained within Appendix 1.

13.   Note the estimated receipt of the Services Grant of £2.787 million in 2023- 24 contained within Appendix 1.

14.   Approve a 2.99% increase in Council Tax for 2023-24, noting that this is in line with the Government’s assumptions regarding the Council’s Core Spending Power: and, within the Government’s referendum limit of 3.00%.

15.   Note that the MTFP 2023-27 includes a 2.99% annual increase in Council Tax for 2024-25 and then 1.99%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91.

Council Tax Discretionary Discount and Council Tax Support Hardship Schemes 2023-24

The purpose of this report is to propose that Members implement:

a)       a one-off discount equivalent to a 1.00% reduction in Band D council tax (Northumberland County Council element of council tax only) for households that do not receive Council Tax Support (subject to a number of exclusions shown at paragraph 4.9). The discount will be equivalent to £17.21 in 2023-24 and will be applied to council tax bills once all other discounts have been applied.

b)       a Council Tax Support Hardship Scheme for 2023-24 where a reduction of up to £175 will be made to council tax bills for all working age Council Tax Support claimants; and those pensionable age Council Tax Support claimants that do not receive 100.00% Council Tax Support, once all other discounts have been applied

c)       These reductions to the council tax bills will be made in order to alleviate financial hardship and cushion the impact of the Government’s recommended 2.99% council tax increase.

d)       The discount and hardship payments will be funded from the surplus remaining in the Collection Fund Smoothing Reserve which the Council was required to set aside as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is proposed that a reserve entitled Council Tax Support Hardship and Discretionary Discount Schemes Reserve is created to cover the cost of these schemes (Appendix D).

Council Tax Discretionary Discount and Council Tax Support Hardship Schemes 2023-24

Members received a report proposing implementation of a Council Tax Discretionary Discount and Council Tax Support Hardship Scheme 2023-24.  (Copy of the report attached to the signed minutes as Appendix D.)

RESOLVED that the Cabinet agree

1.     a Council Tax Support Hardship Scheme, where a reduction of up to £175 is made to council tax bills for all working age Council Tax Support claimants, once all other discounts have been applied.  The cost of this scheme will be £2.633 million.

2.     a Council Tax Support Hardship Scheme, where a reduction of up to £175 is made to council tax bills for all pensionable age Council Tax Support claimants, once all other discounts have been applied.  The cost of this scheme will be £0.551 million.

3.     that a local discretionary discount equivalent to 1.00% of the proposed Band D council tax for 2023-24 (Northumberland County Council, council tax element) is applied to council tax bills in 2023-24 (only), following the application of all other discounts, for all households not in receipt of Council Tax Support; and excluding the exemptions shown in paragraph 4.9.  The discount equates to £17.21 per household.  The cost of this scheme will be £2.140 million.

4      to transfer the balance of £6.588 million from the Collection Fund Smoothing Reserve in financial year 2022-23 to a reserve entitled Council Tax Support Hardship and Discretionary Discount Schemes Reserve to cover the cost of these schemes.

5.     to fund the proposed Council Tax Support Hardship Schemes described in 2.1 and 2.2 above, up to a maximum of £3.184 million from the Council Tax Support Hardship and Discretionary Discount Schemes Reserve for 2023-24.

6.     to agree to fund the proposed Local Discretionary Discount as described in 2.3 above, up to a maximum of £2.140 million from the Council Tax Support Hardship and Discretionary Discount Schemes Reserve for 2023-24.

7.     that once the above-mentioned allocations are exhausted that no further Hardship Scheme or Local Discretionary Discount payments are made in 2023-24.

8.     that the appropriate expenditure and income budgets are created in the financial year 2023-24 in line with the agreed recommendations in 2.1 to 2.6.

Revenues and Benefits Policies for 2023-24

The purpose of this report is to update Members on the policies governing the administration of Revenues and Benefits and seek approval for the updates and amendments highlighted (Appendix E).

The report from the CSEG OSC on all Budget and MTFP matters will be circulated when the Committee has met.

Revenue and Benefits Policies for 2023-24

Members were updated on the policies governing the administration of Revenues and Benefits and approval sought for the updates and amendments highlighted.  (Copy of the report attached to the signed minutes as Appendix E.)

It was reported that should the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill become Law, it would permit the Council to implement a premium of 100% on empty homes after one year and up to an additional 100% charge on second homes.  There was a requirement for this determination to be made at least one year before the beginning of the financial year to which it related; hence it would come into effect in April 2024.  The Leader commented that it was important to find a balance between tourism and having housing available to local people.  Not only was a significant amount of money being made available for affordable house building, it was hoped that this measure may attract further funding to support that housebuilding programme.

RESOLVED to make the following recommendations to the County Council to:

1.     Approve the Revenues and Benefits Policies attached as Appendix 1 to Appendix 9.

2.     Approve (subject to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent by 31 March 2023) implementing the 100% Empty Homes premium after one year from 1 April 2024.

3.     Make a determination (subject to the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill receiving Royal Assent by 31 March 2023) to implement a 100% premium for second homes to increase the council tax charge to 200% from 1 April 2024.

Alternative Provision to Support Children Permanently Excluded from School

To seek permission from Cabinet to undertake a tender process to support the provision of Alternative Education for children of statutory school age. The request is necessary due to the approaching expiry of an existing tender and a likely change in emphasis by the Department for Education in respect of regulation which may have an impact upon levels of expenditure (Appendix F).

Alternative Provision to Support Children Permanently Excluded from School

Members approval was sought to undertake a tender process to support the provision of alternative education for children of statutory school age due to the approaching expiry of an existing tender and a likely change in emphasis by the Department for Education in respect of regulation which may have an impact upon levels of expenditure.  (Copy of the report attached to signed minutes as Appendix F).

Councillor G. Renner-Thompson introduced the report and reported that exclusions had been increasing due to Covid related pressures and the team was working hard to identify the reasons for this.  The value of the contract was £15 million over a 10 year period although it was stressed that the actual expenditure level would vary year on year depending on demand.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     note the information presented in this report which includes the proposal to create a Dynamic Purchasing System to support access to Alternative Provision. This will support the Council in fulfilling its statutory duty to ensure that full time schooling is provided from the 6th school day.

2.     approve a tender exercise which will ensure that appropriate contractual arrangements are in place by the 1st of September 2023.

3.     note that whilst the value of this contract is approx. £1,500,000 per annum which suggests £15,000,000 over a 10-year period, expenditure levels are driven by fluctuating demand and will vary year on year.

School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the 2024/2025 Academic Year

This report informs Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation on School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the 2024/25 Academic Year as required by the School Admissions Code 2021.  Approval (determination) of these admission arrangements is also sought (Appendix G).

The report of the FACS OSC is attached to the back of the report

School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the 2024/2025 Academic Year

Members were informed of the outcomes of the consultation on School Admission Arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the 2024-25 Academic Year as required by the School Admissions Code 2021 along with approval of these admission arrangements.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes as Appendix G.)

The report was introduced by Councillor G. Renner Thompson. 

The Head of School Organisation was asked to comment on the admission policies of academies.  There would be challenges with admissions in September 2023 and officers were continuing to work with the Regional Schools Commissioner where there were concerns about local children not receiving places in their local school.  The outcome of this would not be known until National Offers Day in March.  Regarding school appeals, there were approximately 170-200 appeals per year over all age groups.  Individual circumstances played a role in whether an appeal was successful and around two-thirds of appeals were successful.  Some very popular schools which neighboured other Local Authorities had high numbers of appeals, such as Newcastle residents appealing for places at Ponteland High School.  The situation was being monitored and the team worked closely with others to ensure that the right opportunities were available for Northumberland children.

RESOLVED to make the following recommendations to the County Council to:

1.     Note the outcomes of the six week consultation undertaken in relation to the Council’s proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools for 2024/25 that took place between 11th November 2022 and 23rd December 2022;

2.     Approve the proposed co-ordinated admission scheme for all maintained schools and academies, as provided in Appendix 1 of this report;

3.     Approve (determine) the proposed admission arrangements, including proposed oversubscription criteria and proposed admission numbers for First and Primary community and voluntary and controlled schools, as provided in Appendix 2 of this report;

4.     Approve (determine) the proposed admission arrangements, including proposed over subscription criteria and proposed admission numbers, for Middle, High and Secondary community and voluntary controlled schools, including sixth forms, as provided in Appendix 3 of this report.

5.     Approve a reduction of the Published Admission Number at Northburn Primary School from 45 to 30, in view of current and future pupil numbers. 

6.     Approve a reduction of the Published Admission Number at Hipsburn Primary School from 21 to 15, in view of current and future pupil numbers.  

7.     Approve a reduction of the Published Admission Number at Shilbottle Primary School from 30 to 15, in view of current and future pupil numbers. 

8.     Approve a reduction of the Published Admission Number at The Duchess High School from 250 to 240, in view of current and future pupil numbers. 

9.     Approve the amendments to the catchment areas of Broomhill First School, Felton CofE Primary School, James Calvert Spence College and Duchess’s High School as set out on pages 24 & 25 of this report.

Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Investment Programme

To advise Cabinet of the Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Investment Plan facilitated by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, the investment subsequently secured to support the first phase of implementation, and the proposed delivery projects to kickstart that implementation (Appendix H).

Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Investment Programme

Members were informed of the Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Investment Plan facilitated by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, the investment subsequently secured to support the first phase of implementation, and the proposed delivery projects to kickstart that implementation.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes as Appendix I.)

The Leader introduced the report and welcomed the £9 million funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority which was entirely for Northumberland.  The funding would be used to provide help to all of Northumberland including targeting the most difficult to reach parts of the County.  The money would be used in a range of ways such as skills training for small businesses and potentially marketing systems.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     fully support and endorse the Northumberland Stewardship and Rural Growth Plan recently facilitated and approved by the North of Tyne Combined Authority;

2.     welcome the initial tranche of up to £9m funding secured to facilitate the delivery of the Investment Plan as set out in paragraphs 21 to 23, and subject to the approval of business cases for eligible projects;

3.     agree the proposed first wave of deliverable projects as outlined at Appendix 3 to be progressively introduced over the coming months, with further reports to be presented to Cabinet in due course as required; and

4.     welcome the continued commitment within the new North East Devolution Deal to Rural Growth and Stewardship.

Council Response to the Report of the Independent Future of Farming in Northumberland Inquiry

The purpose of the report is to summarise the key findings and recommendations from the independent Inquiry and to seek approval to the proposed Council response to those recommendations (Appendix I).

Council Response to the Report of the Independent Future of Farming in Northumberland Inquiry

Members received a report summarising the key findings and recommendations from the independent inquiry and was requested to approve the proposed Council response to those recommendations.  (Copy of report attached to signed minutes as Appendix J.)

Councillor J. Riddle declared an interest, for clarity, as he was a hill farmer.  The Leader commented that he was also a farmer but did not feel it was necessary to declare an interest as this was an issue which benefitted the farming industry as a whole in Northumberland.

The Leader introduced the report. Councillor J. Riddle, whilst welcoming the report, stressed that there were still many uncertainties, and some farmers may still lose substantial sums in subsidies and may be farming at a loss.  There was still a problem here and a lot of work would be required to solve it.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     approve the proposed initial Council response to the key findings and recommendations of the independent Inquiry into the Future of Farming in Northumberland as set out in Appendix 2; and

2.     communicate those initial responses to Dr. Sally Shortall in her capacity as Inquiry Chair with a request that the Panel reconvenes in early 2024 to review progress and suggest any further next steps.

Council Response to the Independent Review of its Cultural Investment Portfolio

The purpose of the report is to summarise the key findings and recommendations from the independent Review within the context of the proposed initial response by the Council to those findings and recommendations (Appendix J).

Council Response to the Independent Review of its Cultural Investment Portfolio

Members received a report summarising the key findings and recommendations from the independent Review within the context of the proposed initial response by the Council to those findings and recommendations.  (Copy of report attached to signed minutes as Appendix J.)

The Leader introduced the report and referred to the brief for the review which was included in the report.  The review had looked at whether funding was spent wisely and in the best place and how to ensure the best future investment.  It had been concluded that the current investment of over £1 million per year may need to be looked at closely to ensure that Council Tax payers received value for money and that the cultural offer met their needs.  Future funding would be looked at along with the Arts Council and the Review Chair.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     approve the proposed initial Council response to the key findings and recommendations of the independent Review of the Cultural Investment Portfolio as set out in Appendix 2; and

2.     approve the proposed revised budget for the Cultural Investment Portfolio, which are included in the proposed Council Budget 2023/24 and Medium- Term Financial Plan, whilst recognising that the proposed investment contributions to Museums Northumberland in 2024/25 and 2025/26 are subject to a further business and financial planning review process.

Revised Outline Business Case for Berwick Theatre

The purpose of this report is to provide an update about some important changes to the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the Berwick Theatre (New Maltings) project, including changes to the project costs, funding requirement, and value for money assessment. The project remains well placed to proceed as originally planned but it is important to set out the current state of progress and explain the reasons for the additional funding request (Appendix K).

Supplementary Item

This report presents a supplementary recommendation to the already published Cabinet report

Revised Outline Business Case for Berwick Theatre

Members received an update about some important changes to the Outline Business Case for the Berwick Theatre (New Maltings) project, including changes to the project costs, funding requirement, and value for money assessment.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes as Appendix K.)

The Interim Executive Director of Regeneration introduced the report and explained the details of different phases of the project.  Phase 1 comprised of investment in temporary facilities at Berwick Barracks and Phase 2, the transformation of The Maltings Theatre.  Images were shown of the proposed development for Members’ information.  The temporary move of facilities would allow the culture offer of The Maltings to be retained during the renovation work.

Destination Tweed was a Borderlands project creating a recreational route along the length of the River Tweed.  The County Council and Government would be contributing to the English section of the project.  A circular walking/cycling route would be established in addition to the long distance route.  A further, more detailed report would be brought to the Cabinet at a future date.

A supplementary report was circulated to Members at the meeting with a recommendation for approval of the request to enter into a contract for the design process, following a procurement exercise.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     accept the proposed changes to the Outline Business Case (OBC) as set out in this report for the redevelopment of Berwick Theatre (New Maltings) to reflect the increased project costs;

2.     approve an additional allocation of £837,415 capital funding in 2023/24 from the Strategic Regeneration Projects budget held within the Council’s capital programme to be invested primarily in the Phase 1 works (Berwick Barracks);

3.     approve that a request is made to the Borderlands Partnership Board and the Government so seek a further sum of £5,000,000 from Northumberland’s indicative allocation within the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to be invested primarily in the Phase 2 works (Main Theatre);

4.     agree that the Council’s capital programme is amended, following its approval as part of the 2023/24 Budget and Medium-Term Financial Plan at full Council on 22 February, to reflect the full funding package for Berwick Theatre as set out in Table 4 in paragraph 36; and

5.     agree that Destination Tweed is added to the Council’s capital programme as set out in Table 4 in paragraph 36 of this report to take account of the reprofiling adjustment agreed with the UK Government in the context of the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal – whilst acknowledging that a further report will be presented to Cabinet in due course to set out the details of the projects this investment will deliver.

6.     approve the request to enter into contract with MICA Architects at the sum of £2,180,426.67.

Energy Central Campus Governance Update

This report seeks approval regarding amendments to the representatives from Northumberland County Council on the Energy Central Campus Company Ltd Board of Directors (Appendix L).

Energy Central Campus Governance Update

Members were asked to approve amendments to the representation from Northumberland County Council on the Energy Central Campus Company Ltd. Board of Directors.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes as Appendix L.)

Councillor W. Ploszaj presented the report.

RESOLVED to approve that the Director of Regeneration and Executive Director for Children, Young People, and Education postholders (or their equivalents) are nominated by the Council to the Board of Energy Campus Company Ltd with the current Interim Director of Regeneration undertaking the role of the Director of Regeneration in the short term until that role is appointed to on a permanent basis.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Officer Capital Strategy Group

The report summarises proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the officer Capital Strategy Group (CSG) via email on 2nd December 2022 and 6th January 2023 (Appendix M).

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Officer Capital Strategy Group

Members received a report summarising proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the officer Capital Strategy Group via email on 2 December 2022 and 6 February 2023.  (Copy of the report is attached to the signed minutes as Appendix M.)

The Deputy Leader presented the report.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

1.     A1068 Hadston to Druridge Bay Country Park Pedestrian Crossing:

        Accept an overall funding contribution of £85,000 for improvements to the above crossing released via a Section 106 agreement by the developer for phase three of the Park View housing development in Hadston and agree that this amount be added to the Council’s capital programme for 2022/23 to allow the agreed scheme to be implemented.

2.     Proposed improvements to the main gateway into Ridley Park, Blyth:

        Approve capital contribution of £26,000 from the Parks Enhancement Capital Budget for 2022/23 included in the Council’s MTFP in respect of NCC’s contribution to Friends of Ridley Park for the provision of a new decorative Gateway at a total cost of £50,000.

3.     Realignment of Capital Schemes relating to Broadband:

        Approve the reallocation of capital funding for Broadband improvements across the county including the erection of a new mobile mast at Craster as detailed in the Table in paragraph 7.2 below, noting that there is no overall increase in the capital budget requirement already included in the Council’s MTFP.

4.     Queen Elizabeth Parks Commemoration Schemes

        Further to the approval granted in the December Cabinet Paper to provide additional budget for a number of park enhancements to celebrate the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, to confirm approval for the allocation of capital funds from the Parks Improvement Programme that was identified as being required as part of the overall funding arrangements within the approved list of commemoration schemes as follows:-

•       Eastwood Park Scheme in Prudhoe to proceed at a gross cost of £126,196 with £121,196 funded from the Parks Enhancement Fund and £5,000 from external contributions.

•       Carlisle Park Scheme in Morpeth to proceed at a cost of £110,000, with £70,000 to be funded from the Parks Enhancement Fund.   £40,000 will be funded from the Queen Elizabeth II Commemoration Scheme budget if approved by full Council on 22 February 2023. The additional cost will not be committed until approved and will not be incurred before 1 April 2023.

•       Valley Park Scheme, Cramlington to proceed at a gross cost of £119,500 with £112,000 funded from the Parks Enhancement Fund and £7,500 from external contributions.

•       Cleasewell Hill Park Scheme to proceed at a gross cost of £200,000 to be funded from the Parks Enhancement Fund.

•       Warkworth Beach Scheme to proceed at a gross cost of £12,000 to be funded from the Parks Enhancement Fund.