Agenda and minutes

Members and officers must declare any disclosable pecuniary interests in relation to any business on the agenda.  Declarations should also be made at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting.

If in doubt contact the Legal or Democratic Services representative for this meeting.

The following declarations of interest were recorded:-

Cllr Kevin Jenkins declared interests in agenda items 12 and 14 as a Governor of a local school and because a family member worked in Theatres.

Cllr Daniel Humphreys declared an interest in agenda  item 12 as a Governor of a local school.

Cllr Neil Parkin declared an interest in agenda item 12 as a taxi driver.

Cllr Heather Mercer declared an interest in agenda items 17 and 19 as a former employee of Greater Brighton Metropolitan College.

Cllr David Simmons declared an interest in agenda item 12 as a Member of West Sussex County Council.

To approve the minutes of the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 4 June 2019, copies of which have been previously circulated.

Resolved that the minutes from the Joint Strategic Committee meeting held on 4 June 2019, be approved as an accurate record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any questions from members of the public.

In order for the Committee to provide the fullest answer, questions from the public should be submitted by noon on Friday 5 July 2019.

Where relevant notice of a question has not been given, the person presiding may either choose to give a response at the meeting or respond by undertaking to provide a written response within three working days.

Questions should be submitted to Democratic Services,

democratic.services@adur-worthing.gov.uk

(Note:  Public Question Time will operate for a maximum of 30 minutes.)

The following questions were received from members of the public:-

Question 1 from a Worthing resident:-

‘I would like to welcome the inclusion of Agenda Item 10, 'Climate Emergency.. Becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030', which I believe is a great step forward, and I hope that the Committee will endorse the proposal. Would the Committee please consider adding a requirement that all Council Strategies and Policies and, perhaps even more importantly, all major Planning Applications submitted to the Councils for determination, should be rigorously assessed against their implications for climate change, and reported upon accordingly?

The Leader of Worthing Borough Council replied that as the Council puts forward future plans and policies he hoped that the Council would be considering these points. He advised that the Council was currently putting together the Worthing Local Plan which was a statutory requirement and sustainability would also be considered as part of that process.

A supplementary question was asked regarding the assessment of major applications against the 2030 carbon neutral target.

The Leader of Worthing Borough Council replied that planning applications would be

assessed against the National Planning Policy Framework and the Worthing Local Plan and its associated policies.

Question 2 from a Worthing resident:-

I am concerned about how the councils progress towards carbon neutrality by 2030 is going to be monitored and measured? While these goals are essential and will need a relatively rapid response and application, who will and how will this be assessed and reported on to ensure this report is actually put into action in the declared time frame?

The Leader of Worthing Borough Council replied that what gets measured gets done.

Currently, the Councils have entered into an agreement with central government following an invitation that councils make a voluntary pledge to reduce, report on, and publish their emissions on an annual basis. The report before the Committee also suggested the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to monitor these targets internally. This work would be overseen by the Councils Strategic Sustainability Manager.

It was also noted that the councils use an energy billing service held on an electronic

software system which enables the calculation of carbon emissions from energy use. This has enabled the councils to identify a 30% reduction on carbon emissions associated with energy use in buildings since 2012/13 baseline when the online system was first used.

A supplementary question was asked about how residents could check on the Councils progress.

The Leader of Worthing Borough Council replied that this would be reported through the Platform for our Places progress reporting and the Councils Communications Team.

Question 3 from an Adur resident:-

I would like to congratulate the council if it does declare a climate emergency, however, I am concerned that it should not only focus on internal reforms and initiatives. How does the council intend to show leadership and are there plans to promote investment in renewable technologies and initiatives to reach carbon neutral to the councils business partners,suppliers and  ...  view the full minutes text for item JSC/8/19-20

To consider any items the Chairman of the meeting considers to be urgent.

There were no items raised under urgency provisions.

The Chairman announced a change to the order of the agenda declaring that Item 10 - Climate Emergency...Becoming Carbon Neutral by 2030 would be considered as the next item of business.

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 10.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 10. 

The report encouraged members to consider reports from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) which urged radical action to combat the causes of climate change. 

Members were informed that a growing number of local authorities were declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’ and pledging to work towards becoming carbon neutral.

Adur & Worthing Councils were making good progress on carbon reduction towards their 2050 target. However, the target could be brought forward to 2030 in light of the catastrophic impacts predicted if global warming continues at its current rate.

Officers advised that the figure of £400k in paragraph 4.3.6 of the report was incorrect and that £735,680 had been allocated. 

The Committee highlighted the importance of this work and the need to act swiftly and do things properly. Members acknowledged that a number of things happening along the coastal strip were outside of the Councils direct control and therefore there was a need to work closely with other local authorities and to support the excellent work being undertaken by a number of local community groups. 

A member suggested that more innovative solutions were required and challenged whether the proposed targets for carbon reduction went far enough. It was noted that an Action Plan would be developed to identify the actions and targets required. 

Decision:  

The Joint Strategic Committee:-

1. declared a ‘Climate Emergency’;
2. agreed to go beyond the previously set 2050 target adopted by Adur & Worthing Councils in 2018 and work towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030;
3. called on the government to provide the powers and resources to make the 2030 target possible;
4. agreed to continue to work with partners across the county and region to deliver this goal; and
5. requested the production of an outline strategy on how the Councils would work towards the carbon neutral target.  The strategy was to be produced by January 2020 at the latest.

T                                  The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

           To consider a report from the Chief Executive, a copy is attached as item 5.

Before the Committee was a report by the Chief Executive, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 5. 

The report provided the Joint Strategic Committee with an update on the Councils’ progress in delivering the ambitions and commitments set out in Platforms for our Places for the period January to June 2019, and highlighted certain areas of strategic importance.

The Councils continued to implement the commitments adopted in January 2018 (and refreshed in July 2018).  It was noted that 8% were now complete (blue), 67% of activities were on track (green) and 25% were at potential risk (amber).

The report provided an opportunity for JSC to report to both Full Councils and the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee on progress.

The Committee welcomed the update.

Decision:  

The Joint Strategic Committee:-

1.    noted the progress made and challenges experienced in the implementation of Platforms for our Places over the period January to July 2019;

2.    requested the final update in December 2019 concluding the Platforms for our Places programme; and

3.    agreed to refer the report to Joint Overview & Scrutiny Committee for their consideration. 

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 6.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 6. 

The report outlined the revenue financial monitoring position for the end of the 2018/19 financial year for the Joint Strategic Committee, Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils.

The outturn positions for operational spend were moderate overspends at both Adur (£158k) and Worthing Councils (£76k), which represented some improvement on the positions reported at Q3.

Overall outturn positions were underspends of £511,979 in Adur District Council, and £1,147,435 in Worthing Borough Council. After allowance for proposed carry forward of budgets in 2018/19, this represented a 4% underspend against budget for Adur and 5% for Worthing.

The table at 4.5 in the report set out the components contributing to the underspend, with the most significant being business rate relief grant (received early, to be spent in the current year), lower capital borrowing costs in 2018/19, and project funding carry forwards.

The outturn figures included proposed carry forward requests, detailed in appendix 6, that would need to be met from those underspends and which related to committed spend that was now planned for 2019/20: Adur District Council £151,720 and Worthing Borough Council £425,900 (including the Joint Services proposals). 

In addition there were some variances that related specifically to 2018/19, some of which occurred in the last quarter of the year. Worthing Borough Council received additional income from planning fees and both Adur District and Worthing Borough Councils were allocated additional housing grant. 

This was an improved outcome to what was projected in the quarter 3 monitoring report when net underspends of £291,000 and £1,105,000 were being forecast in Adur and Worthing respectively. The areas that had contributed to the net movement were highlighted in the report and appendix 5(b). 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Decision:  

The Joint Strategic Committee recommended that Adur District Council, at its meeting on 18 July 2019 and Worthing Borough Council at its meeting on 23 July 2019:-

(a)        NOTE the overall final outturn for 2018/19;

(b)       APPROVE the net appropriations to General Fund Reserves in the year as detailed in paragraph 6.2 totalling:

Adur District Council               £563,683

            Worthing Borough Council                 £1,450,685

(c)       AGREE the net carry over of revenue budget to 2019/20 funded from reserves as detailed in appendix 6:

Adur District Council                           £151,720

            Worthing Borough Council      £425,900

(d)       APPROVE the transfer of additional business rates income to the  Business Rates Smoothing Reserves to earmark funds to address the timing difference between the Business Rates income received in the General Fund in year (net of relief), and the grant income paid from Central Government to reimburse lost revenue as a consequence of Government policy decisions on reliefs.           

Adur District Council                           £328,161

            Worthing Borough Council      £480,174

There is no call-in for recommendations to Council.

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 7.  

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 7. 

The report outlined the financial monitoring position for the end of the 2018/19 financial year for capital schemes included in the capital programmes of the Joint Strategic Committee, Adur District Council and Worthing Borough Council.  

Information was also provided in respect of capital receipts for the 2 constituent authorities. 

The Leader of Worthing Borough Council sought an update on the status of works to replace railings along the East Beach Walkway as the installation had been anticipated in June 2019. Officers advised that work had commenced. 

Decision:  

The Joint Strategic Committee

i)    noted the outturn position for 2018/19,

ii)  recommended that Adur District Council at its Council meeting on 18 July 2019: 

a.            Note the overall capital final outturn for 2018/19.

b.            Agree the net carry over of General Fund Capital underspends for     Adur District Council as detailed in paragraph 5.4.

c.            Approve the financing of the Adur District Council 2018/19 Capital Investment Programme, including the use of capital receipts as set  out in paragraphs 5.1 and 5.2.

d.            Approve the carry forward of Council resources underspends to fund budget pressures as detailed in paragraph 4.2.2. and   summarised in paragraph 5.6.

e.            Approve the use of capital receipts to fund redundancy costs associated with the Environmental Services restructure and the resulting Capital Flexibilities Strategy as detailed in paragraph 5.3.

iii)  recommended that Worthing Borough Council at its Council meeting on 23 July 2019: 

a.            Note the overall capital final outturn for 2018/19.

b.            Agree the net carry over of General Fund Capital underspends for Worthing Borough Council as detailed in paragraph 5.10.

c.            Approve the financing of the Worthing Borough Council 2018/19 Capital Investment Programme, including the use of capital receipts as set out in paragraphs 5.7 and 5.8.

d.            Approve the carry forward of Council resources underspends to fund budget pressures as detailed in paragraph 4.2.2. And to fund a contingency budget as detailed in paragraph 5.13 and summarised in paragraph 5.14.

e.            Approve the use of capital receipts to fund redundancy costs associated with the Environmental Services restructure and the resulting Capital Flexibilities Strategy as detailed in paragraph 5.9.

There is no call-in for recommendations to Council.

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 8.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 8.

The Committee was informed that 2020/21 was an unprecedented year for uncertainty. The timescales and quantum of the proposed changes arising from the new Comprehensive Spending Review and the associated Fairer Funding Review were very uncertain and it was against this background that the year's budget strategy had been prepared.

The Council had a clear strategy for facing the challenges of rapidly changing local government finance and preparing for the reduction in retained business rates and the end of New Homes Bonus in the next few years. The Councils had already successfully addressed the removal of the Revenue Support Grant, and were actively and constructively working to mitigate the impacts of budget announcements by partners, in particular West Sussex County Council.

The strategic effort had involved the development of new and critical capabilities in the organisation, including strategic property investment, affordable housing investment, nationally recognised digital service design, and high quality, successful commercial services.

It had also required careful financial management, including managed and prudent increases in council tax, and a clear focus on driving efficiency and productivity.

Adur and Worthing Councils had responded to the challenge of falling government grant by promoting economic regeneration, investing in property, growing their commercial offer, and through business efficiency from the customer and digitisation transformation programmes. Despite the inevitable challenges brought about by reducing resources, the Councils had continued to maintain good core services across the board and had a clear focus on customer service excellence.

The report aimed to set out how the Councils would continue to address the changing financial climate over the next 10 years, outlining the revenue forecast and setting out their strategic response to the challenges ahead. With the detailed budget proposals for 2020/21 coming forward to Joint Strategic Committee in December, the report set out the broader context for the detailed work that would be undertaken over the intervening months.

The Councils would be increasingly reliant on council tax income, business rate income, and their own income generating services. The Councils had a good track record in innovation, working creatively in partnership, transforming their digital capabilities and putting the customer at the heart of their services, so they had capacity to continue to deliver their aspirations across Adur and Worthing.

Work had been underway for some time to address the financial challenge in 2020/21 and beyond. It was noted that this work would continue over the summer and autumn, and the Operational Leaders Group (Heads of Service) would be working with the Councils Leadership Team to produce new service plans designed to deliver a balanced budget over the next 3 years.

The outcome of the service planning process would be presented to the Joint Strategic Committee for approval in December 2019 as part of the development of the 2020/21  ...  view the full minutes text for item JSC/15/19-20

The call-in deadline for decisions (a) and (b) will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

There is no call-in for recommendations to Council.

To consider a report from the Director of Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 9.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 9.

The report sought the approval of the Council’s Capital Strategy for 2020/23.

The Strategy outlined the Council’s approach to capital investment and how the Council ensured that capital investment was directed to the Council’s Priorities. It also set out the basis for prioritisation of capital bids included in the 3 Year Capital Investment Programme and the monitoring of the programme.

The Committee noted that the new occupants of the office block development on the old car park site in Ham Road were currently taking up residence.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee recommended to Adur and Worthing Councils that the Capital Strategy 2020/23 be approved.

There is no call-in for recommendations to Council.

To consider a report from the Director for Communities, a copy is attached as item 11.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Communities, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 11.

The report sought the Joint Strategic Committee’s approval to proceed with the purchase of six new waste and street cleansing vehicles. These vehicles had been included in the 2019/20 Capital Investment Programme.

Electric models for all six replacement vehicles had been investigated in line with policy commitments to move to a cleaner fleet (Platforms for our Places and SustainableAW). Of the vehicles required by the waste and street cleansing services, two had been found suitable to purchase as electric models. If approved, these would be the first vehicles within the councils’ fleet to become electric; providing air quality benefits, and financial and carbon emissions savings.

Members wished to place on record their thanks to Andy Edwards, Head of Environmental Services, for all his work for Adur and Worthing Councils and wished him well in his new post at Reading Borough Council.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee approved the acquisition of the six replacement waste and street cleansing vehicles, included in the 2019/20 Capital Investment Programmes and as set out in the report.

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 12.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 12.

The Joint Strategic Committee (JSC) was asked to receive and note the findings and recommendations of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee (JOSC) review on Adur and Worthing transport strategy issues. The recommendations follow on from the discussions of a Working Group set up by JOSC. A copy of the report to JOSC and Working Group report were attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

The evidence assembled as part of the Scrutiny review provided the JOSC Working Group with a good analysis of the transport strategy activities being delivered in Adur and Worthing and more widely across West Sussex. However, the Working Group had identified some issues that it wished to submit to JSC for consideration as it is recognised that they were key issues which needed to be addressed as part of the overall transport strategy implementations to ensure that the proposals were taken forward.

A Member questioned why the A27 Action Group had not been asked to comment on the review. The Chairman of the Working Group advised that the A27 was not within the remit of the review as it was the responsibility of Highways England not Worthing Borough Council or West Sussex County Council.

A Member questioned why the team leading on car parking provision in Worthing Town Centre had not been asked to make any representations or been consulted on this matter. The Chairman of the Working Group advised that West Sussex County Council were currently undertaking a road space audit around Worthing which would be looking at both car parks and the use of roads for parking and for transport purposes.

The Committee requested that comments from the team leading on car parking provision in Worthing be included in the report being brought back to the Joint Strategic Committee in October.

During consideration of the report, the Committee made the following observations:-

·         times attached to CPZs should be reviewed;

·         idling cars and vehicles, especially at railway crossings and outside of schools were an avoidable source of pollution;

·         representation from disabled transport user groups should have been included in the report;

·         engagement with the major projects team should have been included in the report;

·         there was a lack of evidence supporting recommendation 13.11

·         how could the Councils reduce car parking in town centres?

In relation to recommendation 13.11, the Chairman of the Working Group advised that Members had spoken to Officers from West Sussex County Council and did take into account other schools and their strategies in relation to safety and transport. The Working Group found that the Sir Robert Woodard Academy and the Thomas A Beckett schools had the weakest strategies in relation to safety and transport which is why they had been included in the recommendation. It was noted that in comparison, the Shoreham  ...  view the full minutes text for item JSC/18/19-20

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 13.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 13.

The report advised the Committee of the outcome of a successful marketing exercise for the site of the former Adur Civic Centre and sought the Committee’s approval for the sale of the land to a preferred bidder for the purpose of delivering new homes and employment space.

Members stated that this was a significant site in the town centre locality and although it would have been nice to have another local hotel, seemingly, there was a lack of financial backing for such a proposal. Officers confirmed that they would continue to look for a suitable alternative site for another local hotel.

The Committee welcomed the proposals including the mixture of social housing (a minimum of 40%), affordable housing and commercial floor space, observing that the shared ownership element would give young people a chance to get onto the housing ladder.

A Member raised concerns from the landlady of the Duke of Wellington Public House about the lack of consultation. Officers agreed to ensure she was included in all future consultation.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee

1. noted the outcome of a marketing exercise to secure the redevelopment of the former site of the Adur Civic Centre; and

2. delegated authority to the Head of Major Projects & Investment, in consultation with Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Resources, to enter into a contract for the sale of the former Adur Civic Centre site to Hyde Group (Hyde Housing Association Ltd.), subject to heads of terms being agreed and receipt of a valuation report that confirmed best consideration would be achieved by Adur District Council as a result of the sale.

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

* The meeting was adjourned at 8.20pm and reconvened at 8.32pm. Cllrs Neil Parkin, Angus Dunn, Brian Boggis, Emma Evans and Dave Simmons left the meeting prior to the consideration of Items 14 to 19, in accordance with the Joint Committee Agreement.

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 14.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 14.

The report updated Members on the procurement exercise for the provision of Cultural Services; sought authority to make a direct award to the Council’s in house team; and updated the Committee on the successful contractual discussions that had taken place.

Officers advised that the Barristers advice was a matter of legal privilege and so it wasn’t something that Officers would issue to the Committee, but it was entirely appropriate and legitimate to quote from it.

A Member asked what would happen to assets in the case of insolvency of the trust. Officers advised that the assets would revert back to the Council and this would be enshrined into any contractual arrangement.

Another Member raised concerns that expert advice and guidance which had been provided through a number of reports and emails, was being ignored. He suggested that a pause in this process was the right course of action at this time and that the additional £200k required in 2021, would be better spent on other services.

The Leader of the Worthing Borough Council replied that the budgetary issues had been considered on numerous occasions. It was the Leaders belief that the Theatres supported the local economy and that there was a wealth of evidence to show this. In parts of the country where culture had been cut, it had a very detrimental effect. These proposals sought to put the Councils cultural services on a stable footing and to keep doing that. Officers advised that the two reports prepared and presented by apse solutions, had been considered carefully. However, it was the Officers view that the proposal outlined in the report, was the right course of action.

A Member sought clarification in relation to European Procurement Guidance and the criteria used to justify an exceptional procedure. Officers advised that Regulation 32(2)(a) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 provided for a negotiated procedure, as outlined in paragraph 6.2 of the report.

A Member sought clarification in relation to the Arts Council Funding and what evidence supported the view that a trust could access funding that the in house team could not. Officers advised that they had been in consultation with the Arts Council who had advised that it was beneficial to be outside the Council structure to access grant funding.

Decision: The Joint Strategic Committee

1. resolved to make a direct award to the Council’s in-house team, subject to the finalisation of the contract price, with a feature of that award being the setting up of a new charitable organisation to deliver the service and contract with the Council.

2. authorised the Director for Economy to enter into the contract on behalf of Worthing Borough Council;

3. in accordance with its earlier decision in March; approved the use of £100k from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item JSC/20/19-20

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 15.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for the Economy, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 15.

The report updated the Committee on progress towards the remediation of Decoy Farm funded by the LEP and confirmed the intention to procure for a Developer to assist and inform the remediation process to maximise best use of LEP funding.

The Committee was informed that the procured Developer would also assist the Council with a design for the site and with an application for Planning Permission. This would enable the Council to maximise the market value of the site.

In consideration of the Developer’s consultancy work, the Developer would be granted an Option to purchase the site (for the purposes of the Development) at full market value on terms to be set out in the procurement process.

A Member queried how the Council would get the best deal out of the site. Officers advised the Committee of the benefits associated with working with a developer who had significant experience in delivering this type of site. This included maximising the deliverable floor space on a challenging site.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee

1. authorised the Director for the Economy to undertake a procurement process to identify a preferred developer for Decoy Farm as set out in section 4.5 of this report;

2. noted the progress of the work to date set out in section 4.1 - 4.3 of this report;

3. noted the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership Board’s approval of the business case to release £4.84million for decontamination and development of the Decoy Farm site;

4. approved the inclusion of the Decoy Farm project, £4.84m in the capital programme, fully funded from LEP funding; and

5. agreed to receive a further report following the conclusion of the procurement process, to consider awarding a contract to the preferred bidder and disposal of the site.

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

To consider a report from the Director for the Economy, a copy is attached as item 16.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Communities, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 16.

The report confirmed that Worthing Borough Council had been successful in its application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (HF) (formerly HLF Heritage Lottery Fund) for funding of £813,200 to preserve the horticultural heritage and increase and improve accessibility to the gardens.

A Member sought clarification regarding HF approval of leases or lets as outlined in paragraph 4.5 of the report. Officers advised that there was a clause for use over the next 20 years which required HF approval if Worthing Borough Councils sought to divest or change the use of any part of the garden.

The Committee welcomed the proposals for Highdown Gardens as it was a place of international significance.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee

1. resolved to accept the terms of the grant;

2. resolved to approve the addition of the £813,200 HF funding to the Capital Programme; and

3. resolved to release the Council resources allocated to the project.

The call-in deadline for this decision will be 5.00pm on 19 July 2019.

To consider a report from the Director for Digital & Resources, a copy is attached as item 17.

Before the Committee was a report by the Director for Digital & Resources, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 17.

The Committee was informed that the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College was embarking on a major new scheme to create a Centre for Creative and Digital Industries (CCDI) involving the construction of a 3,000m2 of new build development and partial redevelopment of Pelham Tower, in the centre of Brighton.

Over the last three years 1,142 students from Adur (499) & Worthing (643) had studied at the Pelham Campus. The new CCDI would deliver 100 new advanced-level and higher-level apprentices, 140 higher or technical level graduates and 260 additional level 3 students by 2020/21, creating an exciting local offer for Adur and Worthing residents.

The development of the CCDI centre of excellence at the Pelham Campus would also enable the delivery of a creative and digital higher education offer in Worthing, in a partnership with the University of Arts London (UAL), through the development of a University Centre in West Durrington.

Worthing Council had been approached for a £5m loan by Greater Brighton Metropolitan College to facilitate the development of the Pelham Street campus, within an overall scheme value of £21m, with funding from the sale of assets (also reducing overheads going forward) and the Coast to Capital local enterprise partnership.

The report briefed members on the proposal and sought approval for the granting of a £5,000,000 loan secured on the Worthing Campus at Durrington, which would generate an annual income for the Council of £100,000 alongside delivering the significant benefits to the further and higher education offer for Adur and Worthing residents.

Members expressed their support for the proposals.

Decision:

The Joint Strategic Committee recommended that Worthing Borough Council:-

i.              note support for the Greater Brighton Metropolitan College in its ambitions to create a Centre for Creative and Digital Industries at Pelham Street and a University Centre at West Durrington in partnership with the University of Arts London;

ii.             note the significant benefits expected from these developments for students from the local area, in particular the provision of a higher education offer in Worthing as well as the improved offer at Brighton readily accessible to our local students;

iii.            agree to a loan of £5m to Greater Brighton Metropolitan College to facilitate the delivery of the scheme, funded by prudential borrowing, and providing an income to Worthing Borough Council of circa £100,000 per year;

iv.           agree to amend the capital programme accordingly, and increase the operational and authorised borrowing limits by £5m to accommodate the proposed borrowing;

v.            agree to amend the approved investments listing to include GBMet as an authorised investment;

vi.           approve the amendment of the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Policy to enable a provision to be set aside in line with the repayments principal, in respect of loans to third parties funded by borrowing.

There is no call-in for recommendations to Council.

The meeting was declared closed by the Chairman at 9.17pm, having commenced at 6.30pm.

Chairman

In the opinion of the Proper Officer the press and public should be excluded from the meeting for consideration of the following item.  Therefore the meeting is asked to consider passing the following resolution:

‘that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph of Part 3 of Schedule 12A to the Act against the item.

There was no exclusion made at the meeting.

To consider an exempt appendix to the report from the Director for Digital & Resources, as item 19.

This annex was considered as part of item 17 – Supporting further and higher education provision: Strategic loan to local education provider GBMet