Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr M Harris.

DECISION

That the information be noted and the staff thanked for maintaining essential services during the extreme adverse weather conditions the previous week.

The Leader of the Council referred to the extreme adverse weather conditions that had affected the District on Thursday and Friday of the previous week.  Although the conditions had been extreme it had been possible to keep essential services operating.  On Friday the Customer Services team had dealt with over 300 calls, mostly related to frozen boilers and pipes.  Four of the Council’s gas fitters had dealt with 89 boiler breakdowns in the Council’s homes.  The Council’s 4 wheel drive vehicles had been used to collect essential staff to bring them to Appletree Court safely so that the Council could operate.

In addition, recent investment in ICT had allowed some staff to work from home.  The Council’s Homelessness team had operated this way and had successfully found accommodation for 15 rough sleepers during the severe weather.

With the help of salt provided by the County Council, this Council’s operational staff had worked hard to keep shopping areas, main footways and car parks clear of snow.

All but one of the Great British Spring Cleans scheduled for the weekend had been cancelled, with only Ashurst Bridge being able to continue. The remainder would be rescheduled to mark the start of Spring.

On behalf of all the Councillors, the Leader thanked all staff who had ensured that the Council kept going despite the most difficult conditions.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2018 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2018 be signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To note any declarations of interest made by members in connection with an agenda item.  The nature of the interest must also be specified.

Members are asked to discuss any possible interests with Democratic Services prior to the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made by any member in connection with an agenda item.

To note any issues raised during the public participation period.

No issues were raised in the public participation period.

To update the Council’s Anti-Money Laundering Policy to reflect recent changed in legislation.

RESOLVED:

(a)         That the revised Anti-Money Laundering Policy, as attached as Appendices to Report Item 4 to the Cabinet, be approved; and

(b)         That the current delegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000 and Money Laundering Regulations 2007 (as amended) be updated so that the S151 Officer is the officer nominated to receive disclosures about money laundering/terrorist financing activity within the Council and also to reflect the introduction of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017.

The Cabinet considered revisions to the Anti-Money Laundering policy, partly to reflect recent changes to the legislation; and also to increase the limit of cash payment above which the Council would, under its Due Diligence procedure, request proof of identity, from £2,000 to £4,000.

RESOLVED:

(a)         That the revised Anti-Money Laundering Policy, as attached as Appendices to Report Item 4 to the Cabinet, be approved; and

(b)         That the current delegation under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, Terrorism Act 2000 and Money Laundering Regulations 2007 (as amended) be updated so that the S151 Officer is the officer nominated to receive disclosures about money laundering/terrorist financing activity within the Council and also to reflect the introduction of the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017.

To consider a proposal for improved working arrangements with the National Park Authority.

RESOLVED:

That the development of a proposal for improved working arrangements with the National Park Authority, as set out in Appendix 1 to Report Item 5 to the Cabinet, be supported.

The Cabinet considered a draft proposal that had been submitted to the National Park Authority for improved working arrangements, particularly with respect to the delivery of the planning function.  The Cabinet noted that the National Park Authority and this Council already provided a number of services for each other under a range of service level agreements.

RESOLVED:

That the development of a proposal for improved working arrangements with the National Park Authority, as set out in Appendix 1 to Report Item 5 to the Cabinet, be supported.

To be advised of arrangement for filling the vacancy.

DECISION:

That the arrangements for the by-election to fill the vacancy in the Milford Ward of the District Council caused by the recent death of Cllr Mrs Sophie Beeton be noted

The Cabinet noted the arrangements for the by-election to fill the vacancy in the Milford Ward of the District Council caused by the recent death of Cllr Mrs Sophie Beeton.  The by-election would be held on Thursday 5 April 2018.  Should a by-election be required to fill the corresponding vacancy on Milford on Sea Parish Council, it would be held on the same date.