Minutes of meeting of the FULL COUNCIL held on Wednesday, 22 February, 2017 in Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane, (10.00 a.m. to 11.18 a.m.)

PRESENT: Councillors C Hardy (Chairman), P Doodes (Vice-Chairman), D Angel, J Bentley, B Bowdler, L Clark, N Collinson, N Coltman, P Dixon, P Ede, H Firth, J Fox, R Galley, R Grocock, J Hollins, P Holloway, T Illingworth, S Isted, M Lunn, P Lunn, B Marlowe, R Moore, K Moss, D Murray, A Newton, A O'Rawe, M Pinkney, C Reynolds, G Rose, Dr B Redman, P Roundell, R Reed, W Rutherford, D Shing, O L Shing, S Shing, A Snell, R Standley, S Stedman, R Thomas, J Towey, C Triandafyllou, P Waldock, N Waller, G Wells, D White and J Wilton.

APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence were received from Councillors K Balsdon, B Dashwood-Morris, D Dear, C Dowling, J Dunk, J Howell and R Shing.

17/38 MINUTES' SILENCE AND TRIBUTE

At the commencement of the meeting the Chairman paid tribute to Karen Avard (Customer Services Officer), who had sadly passed away following a short illness. He stated:

“Karen started working for the Council on 30 January 1997 as a temporary receptionist for the Lagoon Leisure Centre. Even if you did not meet Karen personally you may well have spoken to her on the phone as she moved to a permanent position in telephony in December 1998, back in the days when we had switchboard operators. She worked as part of a small but dedicated team along with Lindsey Cole and Rena Goodchild. Following the adoption of a contact centre, Karen moved to Customer Services where she spent the past five years. Karen always had time for people whether customers or colleagues and would be happy to chat about her favourite team, Liverpool.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Karen’s husband - Tony, daughter - Nicole and granddaughter – Jessica at this very difficult time. Karen will be greatly missed by all of her colleagues.”

The tribute was followed by Members of the Council standing in silence for one minute in memory of Karen.

17/39 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.

17/40 MINUTES

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 November 2016, as printed and circulated, be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

17/41 CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Chairman of the Council made the following announcements:

(1) It was highlighted that one of his charities, the JPK Project, was working to provide a supported living centre for people with a learning disability in the and the South Wealden area, and was currently building a centre in Eastbourne. This would comprise 8 semi- independent flat-lets and 16 en suite studio apartments, an activity centre and a community training centre. He asked Members to help him support this and his other charity, at the Chairman’s reception to be held on 14 July 2017 at Castle. (2) The Chairman advised that this was the last day at Wealden for Amanda Hodge, the Head of Policy and Community Services, before taking up her new role as a Director at Sussex Housing and Care in March. He spoke of her excellent work since first joining the Council in 2000, and that she had been the driving force behind some amazing achievements in the Council’s housing service over the past ten years, including two phases of new council house building, revamping of the Council’s retirement living provision and the launch of a commercial housing company, Sussex Homes. He thanked Amanda for her fantastic contribution to the work of the Council, and wished her all the best in her new job. (3) The Chairman reminded Members that there would be an additional Full Council meeting at 10 am on 22 March 2017 to consider the draft Local Plan. (4) It was noted that at the last meeting it had been indicated Michael Ensor (Chairman of County Council) would be attending this meeting. Unfortunately he was away in Israel and had sent his apologies, but the Chairman would extend a further invitation in due course. (5) The Chairman congratulated Councillor Daniel Shing and his wife Cleverley on the birth of their daughter Adelina.

17/42 PETITION

Paul Humphreys attended the meeting to present a petition to the Chairman, of which notice had been received pursuant to Part 4, Council Procedure Rule 5 of the Council’s Constitution, that “We the undersigned petition the Council to Ensure that the is developed, extended and protected as the main ‘traffic free’ route in South Wealden”, which had received 18 signatures. The Chairman confirmed that it would be reported to the next appropriate meeting of the Local Plan Sub-Committee.

17/43 UNRESERVED ITEMS FROM THE LEADER’S REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE CABINET

RESOLVED to receive the following paragraphs of the Leader’s Report and note and agreed the recommendations therein:

Items dealt with under delegation by the Cabinet: 1. Performance Report - Quarter 2 2016/17 (CAB 59/2016-LGF) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 1) 2. Financial Management 2016/17 - Quarter 2 Forecast to Year End (CAB 60/2016-LGF/HB) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 2) 3. Annual Report for 2016 on Equalities, Health and Safety and Workforce Matters (CAB 63/2016-CLHR) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 5) 4. Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk (CAB 64/2016-CLHR) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 6) 5. Fees and Charges 2017/18 (CAB 6/2017-LGF) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 7) 6. Annual Audit Letter 2015/16 (CAB 7/2017-LGF) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 8)

Items dealt with under delegation by Individual Portfolio Holders: 7. The Unauthorised Deposit of Waste (Fixed Penalties) Regulations 2016 (IND 57/2016-PD) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 9) 8. Response to Highways Consultation on improvements to the A27 East of (IND 58/2016-PD) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 10) 9. Calculation of the Council Tax Base 2017/18 (IND 65/2016-HB) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 11) 10. Local Plan Annual Monitoring Report 2015/16 (IND 66/2016-PD) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 12) 11. Adoption of the Wealden Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy (IND 67/2016- PD) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 13) 12. Consultation Response to 'Funding for Supported Housing' (IND 01/2017- HB) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 14) 13. Estimate of Collection Fund Surplus for Distribution (IND 2/2017-LGF) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 15) 14. Wealden Community Grants Programme under £25,000 (IND 09/2017- PHCS) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 16) 15. Approval of NNDR1 Form 2017/18 (IND 11/2017-HB) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 17)

Item containing recommendations to Council by Cabinet: 16. Members' Allowances 2017/18 (Recommendation to Council) (CAB 8/2017-CLHR) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 21)

Item containing recommendations to Council by Individual Portfolio Holders: 17. Bid to DCLG - Wealden CAB Community Advice Project (Recommendation to Council) (IND 12/2017-PHCS) (Leader’s Report Paragraph 23)

(Note: Councillor Moore arrived at the meeting at 10.13 am during this item).

17/44 GENERAL FUND AND COUNCIL TAX RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL 2017/18

Councillor Standley proposed and Councillor Collinson seconded acceptance of the recommendation for the Council's General Fund Budget and Council Tax for 2017/18.

Councillor Standley introduced the budget as follows:

"First thanks to the Finance Team for the work that goes into formulating the budget.

Last year I started the budget speech with assurances to members that the finances of the Council were on a firm financial standing, and I am pleased to say that is still the case. The last 12 months has seen the Council produce a surplus on the General Fund Account, despite the continued but expected reduction in Central Government funding. In 2015/16 the Revenue Support Grant was £2.3m and in 2016/17 this reduces to £288k, and zero in the following years.

The budget before you today predicts a deficit in the next year of £704k, with smaller deficits in the following two years. These deficits will be covered by a transfer from reserves of £950k with a balanced budget from 2019/2020 onwards. The decisions we have taken in recent years means we have sufficient reserves to cover that deficit.

The Medium Term Financial Strategy to 2021/2022 required income generation or savings of totaling £650k. Whilst the Council has always taken a prudent approach to finance and has rightly not presumed income will be generated, I am reasonably confident that the housing company and more particularly the crematorium will give increased income over the MTFS period to cover the majority of the savings/ income target over the next few years.

I have always been an advocate for less state control and low taxation but that has to be balanced with the need to provide the services to our residents and encourage economic prosperity. The increase proposed in the Council Tax this year is £5 a year for a Band D household. Given some respondents to the consultation thought that the increase only applied to a Band D, I should emphasise that all Council Tax banding are converted to a Band D equivalent. The proposed increase is approximately 10p a week for Band D is therefore 20p a week for Band H, 7 pence a week for Band A. For the most disadvantaged there is as Council Tax support scheme in place.

Turning to capital spend and in particular to the New Homes Bonus. New Homes Bonus has given this Council a significant amount of funding for capital. I took the decision not to use New Homes Bonus for revenue given that, even at its introduction, I was not convinced that New Homes Bonus would continue indefinitely. This has proved the case with payments now being reduced from 6 Years to 4 years and a threshold proposed before any payments are made at all. In 2017/18 86% of proposed capital spending will be funded by New Homes Bonus. Any increases in future capital spending above New Homes Bonus funding levels will need to be funded from the revenue account, reserves or borrowing. However, the already established Revolving Infrastructure Fund will allow the Council to consider investing in projects to benefit the District.

Last year I raised the subject of Localisation of Business Rates and hoped that by now the policy on how this would work would be clearer - unfortunately it is not. The Treasury announced the any transfer of the 50% of Business Rates retained by the Government would be fiscally neutral and that additional responsibilities would be transferred. Given East Sussex is a net importer of business rates this is of concern. The uncertainty has increased which what I can only call the Surrey question and what arrangements, if any, changed their mind regarding a referendum on their proposed Council Tax increase. Central Government needs to address the issue of Business Rates and indeed the Adult Social Care funding in general. Whilst Wealden does not fund Adult Social Care, its funding impacts across all Councils and indeed the NHS.

The budget consultation received few responses 16 individuals and 1 town council - - and thanks to those who took part. Wealden residents are good at responding when they are unhappy - as members of the planning committees are well aware - so a small number of responses I take as positive together with the fact that 53% of those replies supported the proposed increase and only 29% opposed.

The Council is supplying good quality services and has kept Council Tax low.

The budget maintains services, is sustainable over the MTFS period and I commend it to the Council."

Councillor OL Shing proposed an amendment to the recommendations, which was seconded by Councillor S Shing, as follows (and as set out in the published amendment document):

“That in Recommendation A, delete “£5” and insert “1.94%, an increase of £3.44, and provide an additional £47,000 to employ an additional Planning Enforcement Officer funded by reducing capital expenditure charged to a revenue account by £95,000 and increasing the contribution from the General Fund Balance by £51,000”

Amend Recommendation B, insert after 2022 “based on a 1.9% Council Tax increase meaning: an additional £29,000 taken from the General Fund Balance; the savings target for 2020 onwards increased by £0.100 million; and capital expenditure charged to revenue reduced by £1.3 million”.

In Recommendation D a) delete £66,857,745.00 and insert £66,809,745.00 In Recommendation D b) delete £49,357,321.00 and insert £49,408,121.00 In Recommendation D c) delete £17,500,424.00 and insert £17,401,624.00 In Recommendation D d) delete £276.92 and insert £275.36 In Recommendation D f) delete £182.44 and insert £180.88 In D g) delete from “Parish of” to “261.04” and insert a new table of amounts against each Parish and Town Council. Delete current Schedule 1 and insert new Schedule 1. Delete current Schedule 2 and insert new Schedule 2.”

Members of the Council discussed the amendment. Councillor Thomas advised that he considered the amendment to be a waste of time and would not be supporting it. Councillor White advised that he had some sympathy with the proposal for lower taxation, but as he considered that Central Government had not got the funding to Local Councils right and there was a gap, he would be supporting the original motion to cover that gap. Councillor D Shing advised his group was entitled to put forward an alternative budget and he would support lower taxation. The Leader responded that he considered the increase proposed justified, due to the financial position and that he had not received any request for an additional Planning Enforcement Officer post, but would consider any such request should it be put to him in the normal way as being required.

Councillor S Shing moved and Councillor D Shing seconded that there be a recorded vote on the amendment, and this was put to the vote and not carried.

The amendments to the motion proposed by Councillor O L Shing were put the vote and NOT CARRIED.

Members of the Council then discussed the original motion before the Council. Councillor S Shing stated that the Council did not need to raise Council Tax above inflation to £5, and should not do so, and this was highlighted in the consultation responses to the budget. Councillor Thomas responded that public satisfaction with the Council had been shown to be very high through its most recent survey. The Leader responded that the Council was predicting a deficit and that justified the increase, and in addition 53% of those responding to the budget consultation had supported the increase.

The Chairman called for a recorded vote for this item as required by the Council’s Constitution and by Statute.

The original recommendations were then put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED: A. To agree to increase Council Tax by £5; B. To agree the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the years 2017 to 2022; C. That it be noted that the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Benefits approved the calculation of the following amounts for the year 2017/18 in accordance with Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base)(England) Regulations 2012: a) 63,196.6 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance Regulations, as its council tax base for the year. b) Part of the Council’s area:

Alciston 60.5 Herstmonceux 1,039.5 438.5 Hooe 208.4 Arlington 317.4 1,063.1 Berwick 132.7 293.3 1,800.4 Laughton 285.7 424.5 104.7 484.6 245.6 8,461.2 1,797.0 Mayfield and Five 129.9 Ashes 1,916.4 Danehill 933.7 608.7 East Dean and 978.7 1,311.9 East Hoathly 682.3 3,006.1 Fletching 559.0 1,557.0

Forest Row 2,212.1 94.3 921.5 Uckfield 5,553.4 765.5 2,318.2 389.9 690.5 Hailsham 7,195.8 199.6 1,084.6 2,528.5 Heathfield and Willingdon and Waldron 5,058.8 Jevington 2,982.8 1,060.3 1,300.0

Being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulations, as the amounts of its council tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate. D. That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2017/18 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:

a) £66,857,745.00 Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) to (e) of the Act. b) £49,357,321.00 Being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c) of the Act. c) £17,500,424.00 Being the amount by which the aggregate at D(a) above exceeds the aggregate at D(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its council tax requirement for the year. d) £276.92 Being the amount at D(c) divided by the amount at C(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year. e) £5,970,624.00 Being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act. f) £182.44 Being the amount at D(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at D(e) above by the amount at C(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. g) Part of the Council’s area:

Parish of 192.99 Herstmonceux 249.04 Alfriston 237.55 Hooe 294.03 Arlington 263.21 Horam 212.36 Berwick 284.78 Isfield 257.28 Buxted 233.91 Laughton 232.03

Chalvington/Ripe 207.66 Little Horsted 182.44 Chiddingly 249.40 Long Man 216.62 Crowborough 338.64 Maresfield 219.53 Cuckmere Valley 232.06 Mayfield/Five Ashes 238.32 Danehill 301.32 Ninfield 295.99 East Dean/Friston 231.60 Pevensey 231.22 East Hoathly 241.14 Polegate 288.07 Fletching 234.19 Rotherfield 246.28 329.36 Selmeston 190.79 Framfield 238.00 Uckfield 336.02 Frant 227.19 Wadhurst 240.30 Hadlow Down 254.76 Warbleton 206.44 Hailsham 308.97 Wartling 214.56 Hartfield 252.64 Westham 240.22 Heathfield/Waldron 255.44 Willingdon/Jevington 238.92 Hellingly 276.64 Withyham 261.04

Being the amounts given by adding to the amount at D(f) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the council's area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at C(b) above, calculated by the council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its council tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.

h) The amounts detailed in Schedule 1 being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at D(f) and D(g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation Band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.

E. That Council determines that the Council's basic amount of Council Tax for 2017/18 is not excessive in accordance with the principles approved under Section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992; F. That it be noted that for the year 2017/18 the East Sussex County Council has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

Valuation Band A £876.24 E £1,606.44 B £1,022.28 F £1,898.52 C £1,168.32 G £2,190.60 D £1,314.36 H £2,628.72

G. That it be noted that for the year 2017/18 the and Crime Commissioner has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the

Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

Valuation Band A £102.61 E £188.11 B £119.71 F £222.31 C £136.81 G £256.52 D £153.91 H £307.82

H. That it be noted that for the year 2017/18 the East Sussex Fire Authority has stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:

Valuation Band A £58.93 E £108.04 B £68.76 F £127.69 C £78.58 G £147.33 D £88.40 H £176.80

I. That having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at D(h), F, G and H above, the Council, in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the amounts set out in Schedule 2 as the amounts of council tax for the year 2017/18 for each of the categories of dwellings shown in the schedule:

Council Tax Resolution Schedule 1 Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Band Parish of A B C D E F G H £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Alciston 128.66 150.10 171.55 192.99 235.88 278.76 321.65 385.98 Alfriston 158.37 184.76 211.16 237.55 290.34 343.13 395.92 475.10 Arlington 175.47 204.72 233.96 263.21 321.70 380.19 438.68 526.42 Berwick 189.85 221.50 253.14 284.78 348.06 411.35 474.63 569.56 Buxted 155.94 181.93 207.92 233.91 285.89 337.87 389.85 467.82 Chalvington with Ripe 138.44 161.51 184.59 207.66 253.81 299.95 346.10 415.32 Chiddingly 166.27 193.98 221.69 249.40 304.82 360.24 415.67 498.80 Crowborough 225.76 263.39 301.01 338.64 413.89 489.15 564.40 677.28 Cuckmere Valley 154.71 180.49 206.28 232.06 283.63 335.20 386.77 464.12 Danehill 200.88 234.36 267.84 301.32 368.28 435.24 502.20 602.64 154.40 180.13 205.87 231.60 283.07 334.53 386.00 463.20 East Hoathly with Halland 160.76 187.55 214.35 241.14 294.73 348.31 401.90 482.28 Fletching 156.13 182.15 208.17 234.19 286.23 338.27 390.32 468.38 Forest Row 219.57 256.17 292.76 329.36 402.55 475.74 548.93 658.72 Framfield 158.67 185.11 211.56 238.00 290.89 343.78 396.67 476.00 Frant 151.46 176.70 201.95 227.19 277.68 328.16 378.65 454.38 Hadlow Down 169.84 198.15 226.45 254.76 311.37 367.99 424.60 509.52 Hailsham 205.98 240.31 274.64 308.97 377.63 446.29 514.95 617.94 Hartfield 168.43 196.50 224.57 252.64 308.78 364.92 421.07 505.28 170.29 198.68 227.06 255.44 312.20 368.97 425.73 510.88 Hellingly 184.43 215.16 245.90 276.64 338.12 399.59 461.07 553.28 Herstmonceux 166.03 193.70 221.37 249.04 304.38 359.72 415.07 498.08 Hooe 196.02 228.69 261.36 294.03 359.37 424.71 490.05 588.06 Horam 141.57 165.17 188.76 212.36 259.55 306.74 353.93 424.72 Isfield 171.52 200.11 228.69 257.28 314.45 371.63 428.80 514.56 Laughton 154.69 180.47 206.25 232.03 283.59 335.15 386.72 464.06 Little Horsted 121.63 141.90 162.17 182.44 222.98 263.52 304.07 364.88 Long Man 144.41 168.48 192.55 216.62 264.76 312.90 361.03 433.24 Maresfield 146.35 170.75 195.14 219.53 268.31 317.10 365.88 439.06 158.88 185.36 211.84 238.32 291.28 344.24 397.20 476.64 Ninfield 197.33 230.21 263.10 295.99 361.77 427.54 493.32 591.98 Pevensey 154.15 179.84 205.53 231.22 282.60 333.98 385.37 462.44 Polegate 192.05 224.05 256.06 288.07 352.09 416.10 480.12 576.14 Rotherfield 164.19 191.55 218.92 246.28 301.01 355.74 410.47 492.56 Selmeston 127.19 148.39 169.59 190.79 233.19 275.59 317.98 381.58 Uckfield 224.01 261.35 298.68 336.02 410.69 485.36 560.03 672.04 Wadhurst 160.20 186.90 213.60 240.30 293.70 347.10 400.50 480.60 Warbleton 137.63 160.56 183.50 206.44 252.32 298.19 344.07 412.88 Wartling 143.04 166.88 190.72 214.56 262.24 309.92 357.60 429.12 Westham 160.15 186.84 213.53 240.22 293.60 346.98 400.37 480.44 159.28 185.83 212.37 238.92 292.01 345.11 398.20 477.84 Withyham 174.03 203.03 232.04 261.04 319.05 377.06 435.07 522.08

Council Tax Resolution Schedule 2 Parish of Band A Band B Band C Band D Band E Band F Band G Band H £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Alciston 1,166.44 1,360.85 1,555.26 1,749.66 2,138.47 2,527.28 2,916.10 3,499.32 Alfriston 1,196.15 1,395.51 1,594.87 1,794.22 2,192.93 2,591.65 2,990.37 3,588.44 Arlington 1,213.25 1,415.47 1,617.67 1,819.88 2,224.29 2,628.71 3,033.13 3,639.76 Berwick 1,227.63 1,432.25 1,636.85 1,841.45 2,250.65 2,659.87 3,069.08 3,682.90 Buxted 1,193.72 1,392.68 1,591.63 1,790.58 2,188.48 2,586.39 2,984.30 3,581.16 Chalvington with Ripe 1,176.22 1,372.26 1,568.30 1,764.33 2,156.40 2,548.47 2,940.55 3,528.66 Chiddingly 1,204.05 1,404.73 1,605.40 1,806.07 2,207.41 2,608.76 3,010.12 3,612.14 Crowborough 1,263.54 1,474.14 1,684.72 1,895.31 2,316.48 2,737.67 3,158.85 3,790.62 Cuckmere Valley 1,192.49 1,391.24 1,589.99 1,788.73 2,186.22 2,583.72 2,981.22 3,577.46 Danehill 1,238.66 1,445.11 1,651.55 1,857.99 2,270.87 2,683.76 3,096.65 3,715.98 East Dean and Friston 1,192.18 1,390.88 1,589.58 1,788.27 2,185.66 2,583.05 2,980.45 3,576.54 East Hoathly with 1,198.54 1,398.30 1,598.06 1,797.81 2,197.32 2,596.83 2,996.35 3,595.62 Halland Fletching 1,193.91 1,392.90 1,591.88 1,790.86 2,188.82 2,586.79 2,984.77 3,581.72 Forest Row 1,257.35 1,466.92 1,676.47 1,886.03 2,305.14 2,724.26 3,143.38 3,772.06 Framfield 1,196.45 1,395.86 1,595.27 1,794.67 2,193.48 2,592.30 2,991.12 3,589.34 Frant 1,189.24 1,387.45 1,585.66 1,783.86 2,180.27 2,576.68 2,973.10 3,567.72 Hadlow Down 1,207.62 1,408.90 1,610.16 1,811.43 2,213.96 2,616.51 3,019.05 3,622.86 Hailsham 1,243.76 1,451.06 1,658.35 1,865.64 2,280.22 2,694.81 3,109.40 3,731.28 Hartfield 1,206.21 1,407.25 1,608.28 1,809.31 2,211.37 2,613.44 3,015.52 3,618.62 Heathfield and Waldron 1,208.07 1,409.43 1,610.77 1,812.11 2,214.79 2,617.49 3,020.18 3,624.22 Hellingly 1,222.21 1,425.91 1,629.61 1,833.31 2,240.71 2,648.11 3,055.52 3,666.62 Herstmonceux 1,203.81 1,404.45 1,605.08 1,805.71 2,206.97 2,608.24 3,009.52 3,611.42 Hooe 1,233.80 1,439.44 1,645.07 1,850.70 2,261.96 2,673.23 3,084.50 3,701.40 Horam 1,179.35 1,375.92 1,572.47 1,769.03 2,162.14 2,555.26 2,948.38 3,538.06 Isfield 1,209.30 1,410.86 1,612.40 1,813.95 2,217.04 2,620.15 3,023.25 3,627.90 Laughton 1,192.47 1,391.22 1,589.96 1,788.70 2,186.18 2,583.67 2,981.17 3,577.40 Little Horsted 1,159.41 1,352.65 1,545.88 1,739.11 2,125.57 2,512.04 2,898.52 3,478.22 Long Man 1,182.19 1,379.23 1,576.26 1,773.29 2,167.35 2,561.42 2,955.48 3,546.58 Maresfield 1,184.13 1,381.50 1,578.85 1,776.20 2,170.90 2,565.62 2,960.33 3,552.40 Mayfield and Five 1,196.66 1,396.11 1,595.55 1,794.99 2,193.87 2,592.76 2,991.65 3,589.98 Ashes Ninfield 1,235.11 1,440.96 1,646.81 1,852.66 2,264.36 2,676.06 3,087.77 3,705.32 Pevensey 1,191.93 1,390.59 1,589.24 1,787.89 2,185.19 2,582.50 2,979.82 3,575.78 Polegate 1,229.83 1,434.80 1,639.77 1,844.74 2,254.68 2,664.62 3,074.57 3,689.48 Rotherfield 1,201.97 1,402.30 1,602.63 1,802.95 2,203.60 2,604.26 3,004.92 3,605.90 Selmeston 1,164.97 1,359.14 1,553.30 1,747.46 2,135.78 2,524.11 2,912.43 3,494.92 Uckfield 1,261.79 1,472.10 1,682.39 1,892.69 2,313.28 2,733.88 3,154.48 3,785.38 Wadhurst 1,197.98 1,397.65 1,597.31 1,796.97 2,196.29 2,595.62 2,994.95 3,593.94 Warbleton 1,175.41 1,371.31 1,567.21 1,763.11 2,154.91 2,546.71 2,938.52 3,526.22 Wartling 1,180.82 1,377.63 1,574.43 1,771.23 2,164.83 2,558.44 2,952.05 3,542.46 Westham 1,197.93 1,397.59 1,597.24 1,796.89 2,196.19 2,595.50 2,994.82 3,593.78 Willingdon and 1,197.06 1,396.58 1,596.08 1,795.59 2,194.60 2,593.63 2,992.65 3,591.18 Jevington Withyham 1,211.81 1,413.78 1,615.75 1,817.71 2,221.64 2,625.58 3,029.52 3,635.42

(For: Councillors Angel, Bentley, Bowdler, Clark, Collinson, Coltman, Dixon, Doodes, Ede, Firth, Galley, Grocock, Hardy, Holloway, Illingworth, Isted, M Lunn, P Lunn, Marlowe, Moore, Moss, Murray, Newton, O’Rawe, Pinkney, Redman, Reed, Reynolds, Rose, Roundell, Rutherford, Snell, Standley, Stedman, Thomas, Towey, Triandafyllou, Waldock, Waller, Wells, Wilton and White.

Against: D Shing, O Shing, and S Shing)

(Cllr Illingworth arrived during the beginning of this item at 10.16 am).

17/45 HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT BUDGET RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL 2017/18

Councillor Wells proposed and Councillor Standley seconded acceptance of the recommendation to approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2017/18.

Councillor Wells introduced the HRA budget stating that the recommendation was for an HRA budget which would provide an additional 137 new Council homes to be built, following on from the 88 already completed. He advised that there was a need for more social and affordable housing; market rents had gone up and the amount of stock available to people who were looking had reduced, so that there was a need to provide more properties at social and affordable rents, which would be below market rents. The Council had lost 18 properties during the year through Right to Buy sales last year. Councillor Wells stated that he would like the Council to be building more houses but it was limited by a number of constraints, including a debt cap and the need yet to be confirmed to pay compensation to the Treasury for the Right to Buy sales of housing association properties. He confirmed that the HRA budget ensured the continuation of the annual maintenance programme of £4.5m, and allowed for a 1% reduction in rents in line with Government requirements. He commended the HRA budget to the Council.

Councillor Isted thanked the Portfolio Holder for his update and supported the upcoming programme and the need for more Council housing, and asked if the Council could apply any further pressure to Central Government to receive additional funding for more Council housing to allow local people to stay in their communities. Councillor Wells responded that he had twice spoken to the Minister regarding the debt cap, as had colleagues in other authorities. He stated that this was a policy decision for the Government, but that he could only continue to emphasise the limiting factor that was in Council’s being able to build now and in the future and continue to build.

The recommendation was put to the vote and declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED: To approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2017/18.

17/46 TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT, MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION STRATEGY AND ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2017/18

RESOLVED (as part of moving the unreserved items of the Agenda): a) To approve the 2017/18 Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Strategy; b) To approve the Prudential and Treasury Indicators for 2017/18 as set out in Appendix B to this report; c) To approve the Specified and Non-specified Investments categories listed in Appendix C to this report; and d) To approve that for the 2017/18 financial year the Council will make Minimum Revenue Provision in accordance with the Asset Life (Equal Instalment) Method for new capital expenditure.

17/47 REVIEW OF THE COUNCIL'S PAY POLICY FOR 2017/18

RESOLVED (as part of moving the unreserved items of the Agenda): a) To agree the Pay Policy at Appendix A of this report for the financial year 2017/18; and b) To authorise the Head of Business Services to make amendments to the policy during the year which are necessary to reflect changes in remuneration together with any minor typographical changes as necessary.

17/48 COUNCILLORS QUESTIONS

Questioner Respondee Subject Cllr Isted Cllr Standley There had been a misunderstanding in the press about what the Council was proposing to do about parking enforcement. The lack of enforcement was leading to dangerous parking in some areas. Will the Council look again at taking on responsibility for addressing these matters? Cllr Standley responded that March Cabinet would be receiving a report on the options available to the Council and invited Members to attend the meeting. He confirmed he had met with the Police, PCC, Car Parking consultants, and he was very concerned that the Police was not enforcing, and was very aware of the issues and the impacts on the local communities. He confirmed he was not favour of charging for off- street parking now or in the future, and he felt that free parking was essential for the health of Wealden high streets. Cllr White Cllr Newton On 30 January the Council accepted a Consent Order in the High Court in the matter of a Judicial Review of the application at Berwick Station quashing the decision by Planning Committee South to approve with the award of costs of £23k (with the reasons given set out in full). Will there be a re-assessment of decisions already made, will Officers and Members be given training, what will happen to applications before the training is given? Councillor Newton responded that yes the issues arising from this decision would be looked at and training would be provided. She would discuss the implications with Mr Williams (HPES) and provide a fuller answer outside the meeting. Cllr Daniel Cllr Standley The Council’s dog control orders are due to Shing expire shortly. Will they be extended? Cllr Standley advised that he would provide a written answer. Cllr M Lunn Cllr Wells The Portfolio Holder is thanked for his assistance in a recent local case of emergency

housing need. However what are the emergency housing procedures, are there sufficient places in the District, and what advice can be given to prevent ‘sofa-surfing’? Councillor Wells responded that he was holding an additional Cabinet Advisory Group session on the matter of Homelessness directly after the meeting and invited Members to attend. He advised that preventing homelessness was part of the Council’s statutory duties, and wherever possible the Council was focused on measures to delay or prevent homelessness. It was recognised that there was an increased need, and he outlined the main causes. The Council predominately used Eastbourne accommodation, but due to increase demand in other areas as well the Council has been known to place people as far as Medway as a last resort. He advised that the portal in Eastbourne could provide emergency advice to Eastbourne and Wealden residents. Cllr Ede Cllr Galley There had been an increase in litter on roadside in South of Wealden. Although the street scene team were excellent, was the contractor continuing to provide the best service? Councillor Galley confirmed that he was well aware of the variable performance of the contractor and was continuing to put on pressure to improve performance, and was meeting with its new Director soon. He encouraged all Members to become involved in the annual Spring Clean. Cllr Stedman Cllr Galley A question was asked if road-kill could be collected quicker than it was? Cllr Galley responded that there were systems in place to deal with it, but that it does need to be reported and encouraged all Councillors to report any immediately. Cllr Hardy Cllr Galley When should such matters be reported to the Council and when to the Ashdown Forest team? Councillor Galley responded that on forest roads, the forest team should deal with such issues, but that he would expect there to be liaison between teams to resolve issues that were reported.

17/49 MOTIONS The following Motion, of which notice had been received pursuant to the Council’s Constitution, Part 4, Council Procedure Rules, Paragraph 8, was proposed by Councillor Oi Lin Shing and seconded by Councillor Stephen Shing:

“This Council notes the significant ongoing cost of car parking provision (£322k in 2016/17) to the council tax payers of Wealden. In view of the fact that some tax payers within the District derive very little benefit from this service, Cabinet is asked to consider this issue and bring forward proposals, in consultation with the Overview and Scrutiny committee, to see how these costs could be better recovered and the service provided on a more fair and equitable basis across the District.”

The Motion was debated and put to the vote and declared LOST.

Councillor Hardy Chairman