The Minutes of the meeting of 6 November 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Community Safety Partnership – 19 September 2019 and 6 February 2020.

The Minutes of the following meetings were submitted:

Community Safety Partnership – 9 September 2019 and 6 February 2020.

Resolved -    That the Minutes be received.

Questions submitted pursuant to Standing Order 36 in relation to matters falling within the Committee’s Powers & Duties which have been submitted in writing and received by the Head of Legal & Democratic Services no later than four clear working days before the meeting.

Questions on the following matters were submitted:

The full text of the question and reply was made available on the Reading Borough Council website.

To receive a presentation on the 2019 Reading Festival.

Further to Minute 23 of the meeting held on 13 March 2019, James Crosbie, Acting Head of Planning and Regulatory Services, introduced Noel Painting, Festival Republic who gave a presentation on the 2019 Reading Festival.  The presentation particularly focused on the issues of safeguarding and welfare and sustainability.

Noel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

To receive a presentation on the draft Housing and Homelessness Strategies.

Sarah Tapliss, Strategic Housing Finance and Development Manager, gave an update presentation on the Housing and Homelessness Strategies that would be submitted to the Committee in July 2020.  The presentation covered:

• The National Picture;

·         Local Policies and Priorities;

·         Strengths and Challenges;

·         Consultation;

·         Housing Strategy Vision and Themes;

·         Homelessness Strategy 2020-2025;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

This report updates the Committee on the activity and outcomes delivered in year two of Reading, Place of Culture and outlines plans for the final year of the programme, the current partnership working arrangements and indicative plans for the future.

Further to Minute 24 of the meeting held on 13 March 2019, the Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report providing an updated on the activity and outcomes delivered in year two of ‘Reading, Place of Culture’, which ran from December 2018 to December 2019.  The report also  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

This report seeks approval of the final Private Sector Renewal & Disabled Adaptations Policy, following public consultation.

Further to Minute 15 of the meeting held on 6 November 2019, the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which sought approval of the updated Private Sector Renewal & Disabled Adaptations Policy.

The report stated that there had been 40 responses to the public consultation which had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

This report seeks approval of the updated Empty Homes Strategy 2020-2026.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which sought approval of the updated Empty Homes Strategy 2020-2026.  The report explained how the service helped and persuaded owners to bring their empty homes back into use. This was the third version of the strategy and took stock  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

This report recommends that a draft Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) be published for public consultation.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the Council’s draft Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), which would be considered by Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee on 16 March 2020, for endorsement.  The report set out a draft Biodiversity Action Plan which provided a framework for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

This report concerns a draft Tree Strategy 2020, which is proposed for public consultation to take place in March and April 2020.

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which set out a draft Tree Strategy 2020, which would be considered by Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee on 16 March 2020, for endorsement.  The following documents were appended to the report:

Appendix 1 - Equality Impact Assessment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.