Executive Decisions

       i.         the outcome of the consultation on proposed changes to the Council’s Housing Allocation Policy is considered.

     ii.         the proposed changes set out in this report and the new Housing Allocations Policy appended to this report is approved.

    iii.         authority be Delegate to the Executive Director of People, in consultation with the Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, to make minor revisions to the Housing Allocation Policy, including changes required in future statutory guidance, as considered necessary to give effect to the operation of the Policy.

       i.         the Household Support Fund (phase five) be distributed through:

a)    Purchasing supermarket vouchers, or for opted schools to make equivalent arrangements, for children qualifying for Free School Meals in Bracknell Forest primary and secondary schools. Households will receive a £15 voucher per child per week of the holidays.

b)    Enhancing the Local Welfare Scheme provision, to expand the support available via applications from households in need of emergency help, where assistance cannot be accessed elsewhere.

c)     The provision of application-based grants to voluntary, community, and

faith sector organisations to build capacity and extend the reach of support to residents.

d)    Extending the incentivised debt support offer, where identified at-risk

households with a housing benefit overpayment, or council tax arrears, are offered up to £1,000 to reduce their debt alongside attending a debt management session.

e)    Additional discretionary payment to reduce the Council Tax liability to £0 for six months for those that receive 80% reduction in Council Tax due to being on the highest rate of disability benefit.

f)      Should any funding remain unspent toward the end of the grant period,

supermarket vouchers may be provided to properties identified in fuel poverty, particularly those who are in receipt of disability and/or carer benefits and/or EPC below E.

     ii.         note the outcomes of the financial hardship action plan and the longer-term

support available through business-as-usual services

To seek approval of the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 as the basis for a 4-week public consultation.

RESOLVED that the draft Bracknell Forest Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) 2024-2029 and supporting summary document as the basis for a 4-week public Consultation is approved.

RESOLVEDthat

i.       the adoption of the new Social Value Policy (attachment 1) under the Local

Target methodology is approved.

ii.     the adoption of the Bracknell Forest Council Social Value Matrix (attachment 2), developed by the Bracknell Forest community is approved, to operate as the Council’s current Local Targets under the Policy. The Matrix is not fixed and the specific targets will be reviewed annually and adjusted to reflect the changing needs of the community.

To agree inclusion of the building(s) and structure(s) set out in this report to be included on the Local list of buildings and structures of local architectural or historic interest. 

That the following buildings and structure be included on the local heritage list:

·       The Archaeological site of the Former Well at Chussex, Crowthorne Road, Easthampstead.

·       Brownlow Hall, Newell Green, Warfield.

·       The Yorkshire Rose Newell Green, Warfield.

That the executive member for economic development and regeneration approves the council’s corporate communications and marketing strategy 2024-28. 

1) Approval is given to appoint successful Providers (details of the providers can be found in the Confidential Annex of this report) to the Independence Support and Supported Living Framework for an initial contract term of 3 years, commencing 1^stJune 2024. The Council may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a further 3 years (1+1+1 or multiples thereof). Individual packages of support will be “called off” the Framework in line with the Framework Protocol and Terms and Conditions.

2) It is noted that under the Contract Standing Orders, the Executive Director, People has the authority to permit extensions in accordance with the contract terms.

3) It is noted that, as set out in the Strategic Procurement Plan approved by the Executive, the approval to reopen the Framework during the term of the contract is delegated to the Executive Director, People to enable the council to meet ongoing demand.

The Executive Member AGREES the budget proposals approved by the Schools Forum at its meetings on 7 March 2024, as set out in paragraph 3.1 of Appendix A.