Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs D.C. Earl-Williams, J.M. Johnson, D.B. Oliver, R.B. Thomas and H.L. Timpe.

The Chairman reported that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Oliver was presently unwell and was under medical investigation and on behalf of the Council, wished him a speedy recovery.

To receive any disclosure by Members of personal and disclosable pecuniary interests in matters on the agenda, the nature of any interest and whether the Member regards the personal interest as prejudicial under the terms of the Code of Conduct.  Members are reminded of the need to repeat their declaration immediately prior to the commencement of the item in question.

Declarations of interest were made by Councillors in the Minutes as indicated below:

Barnes, J       Agenda Item 3 – CB21/86 Personal interest as Company Executive Director for the Council’s Housing Company.

Drayson         Agenda Item 3 – CB21/86 Personal interest as Company Executive Director for the Council’s Housing Company.

Maynard        Agenda Item 6 – Personal Interest as an elected Member of East Sussex County Council.

The Chairman announced the sad passing of former Rother District Councillor, Pauline Bullock. Pauline had represented the residents of Bexhill Collington Ward from 1992 to 2003, served on several committees during that time, had been the Mayor of Bexhill in 1996 and Chairman in 1999 and expressed condolences to her family at this sad time.  Pauline’s widower was present and personal tributes were made by Group Leaders Councillors Bayliss, Maynard and Prochak on behalf of their respective political groups and Councillors Madeley and Mooney.      

1.         It was moved by Councillor Prochak and seconded that the reports of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 February 2022, as set out in the Agenda be approved and adopted.

2.         The Chairman of the Council having called over the reports, the following Minute was reserved for discussion:

28 February 2022                CB21/85

3.         On the Motion of the Chairman of the Council, duly seconded, the Council approved and adopted the following report, with the exception of the Minute reserved for discussion:

CB21/86 – Housing Company Business Plan

Cabinet – 28 February 2022

CB21/85 – TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT AND ANNUAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY

RESOLVED: That Minute CB21/85 be approved and adopted, as submitted.

In accordance with paragraph 17a of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules and paragraph 4 of the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, of any urgent decisions taken at the Cabinet meeting held on 28 February 2022 – TO FOLLOW.

It was moved by Councillor Prochak and seconded that the report of the Chief Executive, detailing the executive decision taken by Cabinet as a matter of urgency at its meeting held on 28 February 2022 be received.

RESOLVED: That the report be received.

6 December 2021

Ø  Financial Procedure Rules Update (AS21/37)

24 January 2022

Ø  Financial Procedure Rules Update (OSC21/47)

1.         It was moved by Councillors Jeeawon, Chairman of the Audit and Standards Committee (A&SC) and seconded that the report of the A&SC held on 6 December 2021 be approved and adopted.

2.         The Chairman of the Council having called over the report, none of the Minutes were reserved for discussion.

3.         On the Motion of the Chairman of the Council, duly seconded, the Council approved and adopted the following reports:

AS21/37 – Financial Procedure Rules Update

OSC21/47 – Financial Procedure Rules Update

Consideration was given to two vacancies caused by resignations of Council appointed representatives to East Sussex Energy, Infrastructure & Development Ltd and Romney Marshes Internal Drainage Board (RMIDB).  With regard to the RMIDB, the outgoing representative had recommended a replacement representative who had the relevant knowledge and experience.  Given the proximity to May 2022 and the usual appointment cycle, it was agreed the appointments be made up until May 2023.

It was moved by Councillor Dixon and duly seconded that the Motion in respect of the appointment to East Sussex Energy, Infrastructure and Development Ltd be amended as follows:

“That whilst we retain our membership, Rother District Council does not appoint a Director to the Board of SeaChange Sussex (East Sussex Energy, Infrastructure and Development Ltd) until such time as that person is able to represent the best interests of the company without compromising the values of this Council.”

The Amendment on being put was CARRIED.   

RESOLVED: That

1)         whilst we retain our membership, Rother District Council does not appoint a Director to the Board of SeaChange Sussex (East Sussex Energy, Infrastructure and Development Ltd) until such time as that person is able to represent the best interests of the company without compromising the values of this Council; and

2)         Mr David Oliver be appointed as this Council’s representative to the Romney Marshes Area Internal Drainage Board with effect from 1 April 2022, expiring in May 2023.