Agenda and decisions

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held 24 February 2025.

To provide an update to Cabinet of the work of the Investment Board from April 2024 to February 2025.

AGREED to note the report of the Investment Board and that the ongoing review of the current Commercial and Investment Strategy as determined by the constitution and delegated to the S151 officer is currently deferred.

The Ombudsman for Local Government and Social Care (LGSCO) revised the Complaint Handling Code in 2024. This has resulted in Fenland District Council’s 3C’s policy being reviewed and updated to reflect guidance within the Code.

AGREED to approve the proposed changes to the policy in line with the complaint handling Code published by the LGSCO.

To consider revisions to the existing County-wide Disabled Facilities Grants and Housing Repairs Policy as an outcome of the 2024 review of Disabled Facilities Grants which help support wider health and social care outcomes.

AGREED to approve the County-wide Housing Adaptations and Repairs Policy.

To approve the cost effective and timely procurement of the containers required for the range of Fenland municipal properties to commence weekly food waste in line with legislation.

AGREED to:

·         delegated power for the Corporate Director with responsibility for Environmental Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to purchase the required containers through the most cost-effective and timely means.

·         the capital expenditure from the monies supplied by Defra for this purpose, and that should the total exceed the monies supplied that this further capital be sought from appropriate reserves by the Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder.

·         delegate authority to the Portfolio Holder for Refuse and Recycling, Parks and Open Spaces to inform Defra of any change to implementation deadlines should this be required if there are delays to the delivery of these containers, or other essential equipment such as vehicles.

To request Cabinet, approve the revocation of 2 Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA’s) for Wisbech as required by the Environment Act 1995 and to receive an update regarding future air quality monitoring in Wisbech.

AGREED by Order under the Environment Act 1995 Part IV to the revocation of Air Quality Management Areas Wisbech 1 and Wisbech 2 as identified in Schedule 1 to the report, following removal of the original pollution source, and therefore securing compliance with the national statutory particulate and sulphur dioxide air quality objectives.

To provide information on the proposed enhancements to Wisbech Park Splash Pad. This is the first project in Wisbech to be brought forward for delivery as part of the £30m+ Fenland Inspire! programme which seeks to enhance the leisure and cultural legacy to be left by Fenland District Council after Local Government Reorganisation.

AGREED:

·         To note the contents of the report and approve further work to be carried out to deliver enhancements to the Wisbech Park Splash Pad, and to authorise the Section 151 Officer to add £60,000 to the Capital Programme to fund the enhancements and delegate to the Portfolio Holder for Open Spaces and the Corporate Director to enter into all necessary arrangements to deliver the project.

·         This is a staged plan. This year the project will include canopy, picnic benches and landscaping added to existing infrastructure. Next year a larger scheme will be implemented. A further paper on next year’s scheme with rough costs will return to Cabinet in 3 months’ time.

To provide information on the proposed all-weather permeable surface community pathway making the Manor Field accessible to all. This is the first project in Whittlesey to be brought forward for delivery as part of the Fenland Inspire! programme which seeks to enhance the leisure and cultural legacy to be left by Fenland District Council after Local Government Reorganisation.

AGREED to note the contents of the report and approve a budget of up to £300,000 to deliver a robust pathway around the perimeter of the Manor Field suitable for all members of the community and authorise officers to formally procure and then enter a contract with the successful tenderer to deliver the necessary construction work.

Report to follow

For information purposes.

AGREED to note the content of the FBC and to instruct officers to pause the proposed relocation on the terms outlined within it, pending the outcome of the ongoing LGR process.