Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence of Members who are unable to attend this meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors C Scott, Hill and Pandor.

The Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have disclosable pecuniary interests, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items, or any other interests.

No interests were declared.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

It was noted that all Agenda Items would be considered in public session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

No deputations or petitions were received.

The Committee will hear any questions from the general public.

No questions were asked.

To consider questions from Councillors.

No questions were asked.

A report seeking approval to amend the Kirklees Council's Housing Allocations Policy.

Contact: Paul Howard - 01484 221000

(1) That the amendments to the Housing Allocation Policy, as set out in Appendix A of the considered report, be approved.

(2) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder, to make future minor amendments to the Housing Allocations Policy in order to comply with legislation, guidance and case law.

A report seeking  approval for the grant of a 125 years lease of the East Bierley Playing Fields to East Bierley Community Sports Association for no premium/nil consideration and to include covenants to ensure that the majority of the building and land can only be used for community use.

Contact: Mark Gregory - 01484 221000

(1) That approval be given to a grant of a 125 year lease of East Bierley Playing Fields to East Bierley Community Sports Assocation for no premium/nil consideration, including covenants to ensure that the majority of the building and land can only be used for community use.

(2) That a loan of £175k be offered to East Bierley Community Association for a term of twenty years.

(3) That the timing of the release of the loan be negotiated with the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement), in conjunction with the Director of Resources.

(4) That it be noted that the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement) and the Assistant Director (Legal Governance and Monitoring) have delegated authority to negotiate and agree the terms of the lease that relate to the transfer of East Bierley playing fields.

(5)That it be noted that the Director of Resources has authority to negotiate and agree any additional terms of the loan.

A report informing Cabinet of a recent decision by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to introduce Value Added Tax at the standard rate on local authority Con29 searches and seeking approval to pass on the full VAT increase as part of the Con29 search fee.   

Contact: David Reid - 01484 221000

(1) That the VAT applicable to Con29 search fees, which comes into effect from 4 July 2016, or as otherwise advised by HMRC, be added to the current chargeable rate.

(2) That the search fees for 2016/2017 remain at current levels (expecting the addition of VAT and the identification of any unexpected issues during the spring cost analysis).

(3) That it be noted that a full review of the costs will take place during  Spring 2017, following  the new Con29 being launched and operated.

A report providing an update on District Committee year end spend and recommending a set of criteria for District Committee budgets for 2016/17.

Contact: Vina Randhawa - 01484 221000

That the District Committee Budget Criteria, as detailed in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of the considered report, be approved and implemented for 2016/2017 subject to;

(i) It being noted that the New Homes Bonus New Allocation for 2016/2017 is; Batley and Spen - £282,059, Dewsbury and Mirfield - £148,170, Huddersfield - £320,568 and Kirklees Rural - £175,203.

(ii) The criteria not being retrospectively applied to allocations already approved by District Committees in relation to New Homes Bonus funding.

(iii) The deletion of paragraph 4.2 of the report.

(iv) The insertion of an additional criteria to state that any allocations shall not be contrary to any policies agreed by Cabinet.

(v) The information as referred to in paragraph 4.7 being provided as soon as is possible.