Issue - decisions

Addressing the Economic Downturn

09/04/2010 - Addressing the Economic Downturn - Year-End Report

Cabinet

(a)               NOTED the report and the progress made on the economic downturn measures;

(b)               AGREED that the Council sign up to the prompt payment code; and

(c)               ENDORSED the actions and progress to date, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report, and following measures and actions:

(i)                 The development and launch of the South Cambridgeshire Business Competition;

(ii)                The Finance and Staffing Portfolio Holder’s decision to amend performance indicator SF752 to require 70% of undisputed invoices to be paid within ten working days in 2010/11;

(iii)              Senior Management Team consideration of the full implementation of paperless procure-to-pay systems;

(iv)              Continuing promotion and operation of the Hardship Rate Relief Scheme to support local businesses;

(v)               Continuing promotion and operation of the Business Support Fund, in partnership with Business Link, to assist companies most at risk from the slowing economy; and

(vi)              Use of any remaining funds to support businesses in the implementation of the above measures.


15/01/2010 - Addressing the Economic Downturn - Quarterly Report

Cabinet NOTED

(a)               the report and progress made on the economic downturn measures; and

(b)               that Hardship Rate relief has enjoyed a marked increase in the number of applications and supported continued action for this activity.

 

Cabinet AGREED that

(c)               further actions around payment of invoices be executed; and

(d)               any remaining funding following the actions above be allocated to future actions for continued support in the economic downturn in 2010/11.


09/10/2009 - Addressing the Economic Downturn - Quarterly Report

Cabinet AGREED

(a)               that the use of Hardship Rate Relief be reviewed by 31 October 2009;

(b)               that up to £5,000 be made available from the contingency fund to local volunteer services assisting in people being up-skilled and returning to work (Reference Action xii); and

(c)               to approve in principle the following proposals for the contingency fund:

(i)                 consideration of further measures to support businesses, such as working with the Chamber and Business Link, to stimulate innovation and business start-up (Reference Action xiii – cost estimate £15,000); and

(ii)                consideration of the roll-out of the electronic system to pay invoices more promptly (Reference Action viii – cost to be confirmed. Balance of contingency fund available).


02/10/2009 - Economic Downturn - Action Plan Update

The Committee

 

RECOMMENDED            that more publicity be given to the Hardship Rate Relief that was available to businesses. 


17/04/2009 - Responding to the Economic Downturn and Review of NNDR Hardship Relief Policy

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(a)               To note ongoing work and actions which will be completed during the next financial year.

(b)               To authorise the presentation of a report to the Planning and New Communities Portfolio Holders bringing forward options for the preparation of planning policy documents (SPD or DPD) to address the needs of business and economic development in the district.

(c)               To approve the revised policy for NNDR hardship relief, as attached at appendix B to the report, to apply to applications relating to the current rating year, including backdating where appropriate.

(d)               To request that Councillor Loynes submit quarterly updates on the progress of actions to future meetings, including a year-end report in April 2010 evaluating the work undertaken.

(e)               To instruct the Interim Executive Director for Corporate Services to take steps to promote fuller take-up of the Rural Rate Relief scheme.


17/01/2009 - Economic Downturn - Support in South Cambridgeshire

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.


16/01/2009 - Economic Downturn - Support in South Cambridgeshire

Cabinet NOTED

 

A)     The support already being provided by this Council to support local residents, businesses and staff during the economic downturn.

 

B)    That the Leader was allocating Economic Development to Councillor NIC Wright’s Planning portfolio.

 

Cabinet

 

AGREED to

 

A)     Appoint Councillor MB Loynes as the Member Champion for Economic Development.

 

B)    Allocate £15,000 for immediate remedial work at Orchard Park.

 

C)    Aim to pay all suppliers within 20 days.

 

D)    Receive a report at its next meeting, setting out in greater detail any further actions that might be possible, as well as the unfolding impact on the Council itself.

 

E)     Instruct the Chief Executive to draft a budget for the next financial year that would allocate a 2.4% increase in the Council Tax (almost half of the total 4.9% increase) or approximately £150,000, to support South Cambridgeshire during the current economic downturn.