Decision details

To update Cabinet on the delivery of actions proposed to mitigate the impact of the recession on South Cambridgeshire District. 

Cabinet AGREED

(a)               to lobby the Government further in respect of housing and council tax benefits as detailed in paragraph 9 of this report;

(b)               to progress the following actions to support people and businesses in South Cambridgeshire in the economic downturn:

·                     hardship rate relief: publicise the existing scheme, and review the existing policy to facilitate the award of rate relief to assist businesses at imminent risk of failure and to ensure a fair allocation process of an agreed budget;

·                     ‘How to Win Contracts’ event with other public authorities;

·                     business seminar / workshop on surviving the economic downturn, including practical advice and tips;

·                     fund specialist business support with Business Link or Chamber of Commerce;

·                     strengthen business database in order to improve targeting of training and opportunities for businesses including inward investment;

·                     develop financial options to help development continue at Orchard Park;

·                     freeze fees for taxi licensing, trade refuse collection and other environmental health services;

·                     provide rent-free space for Citizens’ Advice Bureaux at South Cambridgeshire Hall;

·                     contingency fund to be allocated to further projects building on learning from the above actions; and

·                     with regards to Council staff:

·                      financial well-being event to signpost staff to appropriate organisations who can offer counselling and practical advice for themselves and family members;

·                      offer short-term projects to existing staff rather than agency staff; and

·                      revise the staff relocation terms so that the sums available can be used flexibly without increasing the total claimed; and

(c)               to delegate authority to the Planning Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Member Champion for Economic Development, to re-allocate the funds as appropriate within the available £150,000;

(d)               that the Council would aim to pay 80% of uncontested invoices within ten days.

Cabinet asked Cllr Loynes to make a progress report to the meeting of 16 April 2009.

Cabinet NOTED:

(e)               the work already underway to lobby the Government;

(f)                 the work underway with partners to support local people and businesses; and

(g)               the additional burden being placed on the Council’s staff and financial resources as a result of the economic downturn.