Agenda for Cabinet (pre 2012) on Thursday, 19th January, 2012, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 222 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Mark Wall Head of Democratic Services
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Procedural Business
(b) Exclusion of Press and Public - To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part 2 of the Agenda states in its heading either that it is confidential or the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the categories of exempt information is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Additional documents: Minutes: (a) Declarations of Interest
150.1 There were none.
(b) Exclusion of Press and Public
150.2 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (‘the Act’), it was considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press or public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100I(1) of the Act).
150.3 RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration on the items listed under Part 2 of the agenda.
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Minutes of the previous meeting To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 8th December 2011 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 151.1 The Chair noted that there were some minor discrepancies in the minutes and that these had been changed in the version he had before him to sign as a correct record and in the on-line system. He therefore asked that the minutes be approved subject to the following amendments:
Paragraph 128.5 ‘Flamer’ to read ‘Falmer’ Paragraph 146.4 Manor Close to read Major Close Paragraph 146.5 recommendation (2) Haversham House should be Heversham House.
151.2 RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting held on 8th December 2011, be approved as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 152.1 The Chairman noted that the meeting would be webcast.
152.2 The Chair informed the Cabinet that item 162 Denominational Transport had been withdrawn from the agenda, in order to enable further consultation and would be brought back to a future meeting.
152.3 The Chair noted that the Coalition Government had made changes to the welfare provisions which would have a direct effect on people and which the council would be looking to help as they were pushed into dire straits. He also noted that the Government had announced a project and budget to support ‘Troubled Families’ which mirrored the work the council had started but which now was likely to see more children and families pushed into hardship and coming under this category.
152.4 The Chair informed Cabinet that he had met with the Finnish Ambassador, whose country had one of the most transparent, equitable and fair societies in the world and noted that if they could grow business by increasing equality then there was no reason why it could not be achieved in the city. He hoped that the consultation on the new Equality & Inclusion strategy would enable changes to be made to reduce the gap between those who have and those who have not.
152.5 The Chair stated that he and Councillor MacCafferty had a successful meeting with representatives of the Trans Community and pledged support to their concerns and agreed to meet again later in the year.
152.6 The Chair reported that he had met with Jeremy Hunt MP and Dame Liz Forgan in the week to try to seek support for the Council to bid for the Ultra-fast Broadband funding that was being made available but had been informed the city did not meet the criteria.
152.7 Finally, the Chair stated that he was very excited by the lottery funding secured for The Level redevelopment project.
152.8 Councillor Mitchell stated that the information on Troubled Families was very interesting and noted that Louise Casey had been involved in discussions with the council and asked whether a report would be forthcoming to the Cabinet.
152.9 The Chair stated that he hoped that a report would be brought to a future meeting and he would welcome both Leaders of the Opposition Groups to attend the next meeting on the issue with officers. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Cabinet Members
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokespeople
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Chair.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Additional documents: Minutes: 153.1 RESOLVED – That all the items be reserved for discussion. |
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To receive petitions Petitions will be presented to the Chair at the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: 154.1 The Chair noted that there were two petitions to be presented in regard to the proposed expansion of various schools and that these would be taken into account as part of the consideration on Items 164 and 165 and invited Mr. Sheppard to come forward and present his petition.
154.2 Mr. Sheppard thanked the Chair and stated that the petition was in favour of the proposed expansion of St. Peter’s School and was supported by Teachers, Governors and local parents. It had been signed by 187 people and he was pleased to present it on behalf of Charlotte Clarke who was the lead petitioner but had been unable to attend the meeting.
154.3 The Chair thanked Mr. Sheppard for attending the meeting and presenting the petition and invited Councillor Robins to come forward and present his petition.
154.4 Councillor Robins thanked the Chair and stated that the petition had been signed by 147 people calling for two all-through Primary Schools at Portslade Infant and St. Nicholas Junior School. He stated that he was pleased to present the petition on behalf of the hard working people in Portslade and asked that continued consultations with parents and schools is maintained should the expansions be approved.
154.5 The Chair thanked Councillor Robins for attending the meeting and presenting the petition.
154.6 RESOLVED – That the petitions be noted. |
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Public Questions A list of public questions received by the due date of 12 noon on the 12th January 2012 will be circulated separately as part of an addendum to the agenda for the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: 155.1 The Chair noted that there were no public questions. |
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Deputations A list of any deputations received by the due date of 12 noon on the 12th January 2012 will be circulated separately as part of an addendum to the agenda for the meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: 156.1 The Chair noted that no deputations had been submitted. |
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Letters from Councillors The closing date for receipt of letters from Councillors is 10.00am on 9th January 2012 - No letters have been received. Additional documents: Minutes: 157.1 The Chair noted that there were no letters from councillors. |
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Written Questions from Councillors The closing date for receipt of written questions from Councillors is 10.00am on 9th January 2012 - No written questions have been received. Additional documents: Minutes: 158.1 The Chair noted that no written questions had been submitted by councillors. |
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The following Notices of Motion have been referred to the Cabinet following the Council meeting held on the 15th December 2011:
(a) City in Bloom Brighton & Hove – Proposed by Councillor C. Theobald.
(b) Intelligent Commissioning and the Community & Voluntary Sector – Proposed by Councillor Wealls. Additional documents: Minutes: 159.1 The Chair noted that there were two notices of motion referred for consideration from the Council meeting held on the 15th December, regarding City in Bloom Brighton & Hove and Intelligent Commissioning and the Community & Voluntary Sector.
159.2 Councillor West referred to the City in Bloom motion and noted that the Administration’s previous budget proposals had been sent out for consultation and following feedback on those proposals, there had been a change to the proposed reductions for City in Bloom announced yesterday. These provided funding for the next year with the intention of enabling a transitional phase so that provision could continue but without such financial support from the council.
159.3 Councillor G. Theobald stated that City in Bloom had been extremely successful over the years and the loss of a £30k budget was not something that he thought was significant or necessary for an overall council budget of several millions.
159.4 The noted the comments and proposed that both motions should be noted.
159.5 RESOLVED: That the two notices of motion referred from Council be noted. |
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Council Tax Base 2012/13
Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the report be approved for the calculation of the council’s tax base for the year 2012/13;
(2) That a 0.1% increase to the Collection Rate to 98.6% for 2012/13 generating a net saving of £125,000 that year be agreed;
(3) That, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amounts calculated by Brighton & Hove City Council as its council tax base for the year 2012/13 shall be as follows:-
(i) For Brighton and Hove whole – 94,601.45 (as detailed in appendix 1) (ii) For the Royal Crescent Enclosure Committee – 30.57(as detailed in appendix 2) (iii) For the Hanover Crescent Enclosure Committee – 40.06 (as detailed in appendix 3) (iv) For the Marine Square Enclosure Committee – 76.23(as detailed in appendix 4) (v) For the Parish of Rottingdean – 1,548.24(as detailed in appendix 5)
(4) That, for the purposes of Section 35(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the expenses of meeting the special levies issued to the council by the Enclosure Committees shall be its special expenses. Minutes: 160.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which detailed the tax base for 2012/13 and noted that the decrease in the base rate had not been as bad as expected and that the collection rate continued to improve. He wished to congratulate the officers involved and noted that the number of homes which were not eligible to pay council tax had increased as a result of more informed advice and the current economic climate.
160.2 The Chair also added his thanks to the officers involved and noted that whilst there had been reductions in resource levels they were still doing an excellent job.
160.3 Councillor Mitchell noted the report and queried whether there had been any further movement in relation to the subsidy for second homes.
160.4 Councillor J. Kitcat stated that there were proposals from the Government to reorganise aspects and it was likely that second homes would be able to be discounted in the future.
160.5 Councillor G. Theobald suggested that if the 3.5% council tax increase was imposed it would be more difficult to achieve the current 98.6% collection rate and questioned whether it would be maintained at this level. He also queried whether any action was being taken to reduce the level of empty homes and whether the recent change to provide funding for City in Bloom, would be maintained for future years.
160.6 The Chair stated that officers were looking closely at the issue of empty homes both in the public and private sector and how these could be made available for use more effectively. He hoped that it would be possible to find ways to enable necessary improvements to be made so that they then became available for occupation.
160.7 Councillor West queried what the potential impact would be for the council’s budget if a council tax freeze was agreed rather than the proposed 3.5% rise.
160.8 Councillor J. Kitcat stated that for 2012/13 an additional £1.2m of savings would need to be identified, with a further £4.2m in 2013/14, resulting in a total savings requirement of £5.4m which would have a significant impact on council services. He noted that the majority of people responding to the consultation and completing the on-line budget simulator expressed a desire for services and provision. He also noted that a number of other authorities had now expressed an intention to increase council tax levels rather than implement a freeze.
160.9 RESOLVED:
(1) That the report be approved for the calculation of the council’s tax base for the year 2012/13;
(2) That a 0.1% increase to the Collection Rate to 98.6% for 2012/13 generating a net saving of £125,000 that year be agreed;
(3) That, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the amounts calculated by Brighton & Hove City Council as its council tax base for the year 2012/13 shall be as follows:-
(i) For Brighton and Hove whole – 94,601.45 (as detailed in appendix 1) (ii) For the Royal Crescent Enclosure Committee – 30.57(as detailed in appendix 2) (iii) For the Hanover Crescent Enclosure Committee – 40.06 (as detailed in appendix 3) (iv) For the Marine Square Enclosure Committee – 76.23(as detailed in appendix 4) (v) For the Parish of Rottingdean – 1,548.24(as detailed in appendix 5)
(4) That, for the purposes of Section 35(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, the expenses of meeting the special levies issued to the council by the Enclosure Committees shall be its special expenses. |
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The Future for Discretionary Grants 2012-13 & Beyond
Report of the Strategic Director: Communities (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet recognise the role of the grants programme in underpinning the council’s working relationship with, and sustainable success of, Brighton and Hove’s third sector organisations.
(2) That Cabinet agree the proposed vision, criteria and process for Annual Grants 2012-13 and a full cycle of the Three-Year Grants (Strategic & Annual) 2013-16. Minutes: 161.1 Councillor Duncan introduced the report and stated that he believed it was an excellent report which detailed a very good grants programme that supported organisations and groups and had been put forward by the Members Advisory Group. He hoped that it would be supported by the Cabinet and believed that it would generate benefit across the city.
161.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the report and stated that she believed it set the direction for the next few years and also welcomed the reinstatement of the small grants budget.
161.3 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report and stated that the process for determining the grants allocations was a good one and queried whether the level of funding would be kept at £1.6m.
161.4 Councillor Duncan stated that it was intended to maintain the level of funding but noted that it would be determined by the Budget Council meeting on the 23rd February.
161.5 RESOLVED:
(1) That Cabinet recognise the role of the grants programme in underpinning the council’s working relationship with, and sustainable success of, Brighton and Hove’s third sector organisations.
(2) That Cabinet agree the proposed vision, criteria and process for Annual Grants 2012-13 and a full cycle of the Three-Year Grants (Strategic & Annual) 2013-16. |
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Denominational Transport Report of the Strategic Director: People (to be circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: The item had been withdrawn. Minutes: 162.1 The item had been withdrawn. |
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Joint report of the Strategic Directors: Place and Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the fees and charges for Life Events as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 3 to the report be approved and recommended to Budget Council; and
(2) That the fees and charges for Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Building Control as shown in Appendices 6 to 15 to the report be approved and recommended to Budget Council. Minutes: 163.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which set out the proposed fees and charges for 2012/13 for Bereavement Service and the Register Office within Life Events and for Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Building Control. He noted that there would be a further review in 2013/14 in regard to the Bereavement Service and Register Office and that whilst he would prefer not to have to see an increase in charges, it was necessary to maintain and improve services.
163.2 Councillor Mitchell expressed her concern over the need to increase bereavement and burial charges in the current economic climate and queried the decision not to enable a subsidy for pensioners and those on income benefit for pest control services.
163.3 Councillor J. Kitcat stated that there was a need to balance the council’s overall budget and that any proposals would be considered as part of the consultation process.
163.4 Councillor Duncan noted that the concessions in respect of the pest control service had been removed by the previous administration and that in comparison to private companies it was still cheaper and provided a quality service.
163.5 Councillor G. Theobald suggested that the comparator authorities listed in the report were not similar to that of Brighton & Hove and queried why others such as Southampton, Portsmouth and Bristol had not been used. He also noted that cremations at the Woodvale Cemetery on Saturdays were more expensive than those at The Downs.
163.6 Councillor J. Kitcat stated that the comparators used were those listed as part of the council’s family of authorities for auditing purposes. With regard to the Saturday cremations whilst they were more expensive, the number was still increasing.
163.7 RESOLVED:
(1) That the fees and charges for Life Events as detailed in Appendix 1 and Appendix 3 to the report be approved and recommended to Budget Council; and
(2) That the fees and charges for Trading Standards, Environmental Health and Building Control as shown in Appendices 6 to 15 to the report be approved and recommended to Budget Council. |
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Report of the Strategic Director: People (to be circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the responses to the consultation undertaken since the Cabinet meeting on 10th November be noted;
(2) That the proposal to temporarily increase the intake of Goldstone Primary, Westdene Primary Queens Park Primary and West Hove infant (Connaught Road site) by one form of entry for September 2012 only be agreed;
(3) That the Strategic Director People be authorised to submit a request to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator for an in year variation in respect of Goldstone Primary, Westdene Primary, Queens Park Primary and West Hove Infant School Connaught Road site. Minutes: 164.1 The Cabinet noted the special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 7, Access to Information Rule 5 and section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act as amended (items not considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting), were that the consultation ended on the 13th January 2012 and sufficient time was required to properly consider and address the response within the report.
164.2 Councillor Shanks stated that in view of recent comments attributing remarks to her being made about the decision on the matter being pre-determined, which she refuted, she felt that it would be better to withdraw from the meeting during consideration of the matter.
164.3 Councillor Randall introduced the report and stated that it was intended to extend for one year only the intake number at four schools in the Hove and Hove/Brighton area, due to the increase in places required resulting from an increase in projected pupil numbers for September 2012.
164.4 Councillor G. Theobald stated that he believed two of the governing bodies were opposed to the increase in numbers and had expressed concerns over their infrastructure and ability to accommodate the additional pupils. He also noted that at the last Cabinet meeting he had been informed that the Strategic Director People could direct the schools to take the additional places, but noted that the report provided for the Schools Adjudicator to be requested to approve the proposed variation.
164.5 The Chair stated that the council had listed to the Governing Bodies and parents of all four schools and needed to take into account the needs of the city as a whole and address the situation that had arisen. He also stated that the concerns raised had been considered and it was felt that the proposed changes were the appropriate ones to meet the council’s responsibility to the pupils.
164.6 Councillor Mitchell stated that it was regrettable that the two schools had to be directed to accept the increase in places. She also queried whether the sibling link would be a factor and did it mean a change in policy for all families across the city. She also noted that paragraph 4.4 referred to a meeting with parents and asked for confirmation of where that meeting was held. She queried whether the Schools Adjudicator was likely to change their view on the proposals in light on the objections that has been raised.
164.7 The Schools Future Projector Director stated that the meeting with parents had been held at Kings House and the postal code being used was BN15, which effectively meant that the catchment area was for local children.
164.8 The Monitoring Officer confirmed that there was a requirement to refer the matter to the Schools Adjudicator and technically they had the power to take the final decision, however he did not expect them to get involved.
164.9 RESOLVED:
(1) That the responses to the consultation undertaken since the Cabinet meeting on 10th November be noted;
(2) That the proposal to temporarily increase the intake of Goldstone Primary, Westdene Primary Queens Park Primary and West Hove infant (Connaught Road site) by one form of entry for September 2012 only be agreed; and
(3) That the Strategic Director People be authorised to submit a request to the Office of the Schools Adjudicator for an in year variation in respect of Goldstone Primary, Westdene Primary, Queens Park Primary and West Hove Infant School Connaught Road site.
Note: Councillor Shanks withdrew from the meeting during consideration of the item and the decisions thereon. |
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Proposed options for the provision of 3 Junior forms in Portslade
Report of the Strategic Director: People (to be circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the preferred option of making St Peters Community Infant School, Portslade Infant School and St Nicolas Church of England Junior school into all through primary schools from September 2013 be approved;
(2) That the necessary formal consultation processes arising from the proposal be undertaken; and
(3) That it be noted that following further investigations the preferred option for the provision of junior places in Hove is at Hove Police Station. Minutes: 165.1 The Cabinet noted the special circumstances for non-compliance with Council Procedure Rule 7, Access to Information Rule 5 and section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act as amended (items not considered unless the agenda is open to inspection at least five days in advance of the meeting), were that the consultation ended on the 13th January 2012 and sufficient time was required to properly consider and address the response within the report.
165.2 Councillor Shanks introduced the report which outlined the preferred option for providing three additional junior forms of entry that were needed to account for the projected pupil numbers for the city. She stated that the recent consultation exercise had shown support for the proposals and all considerations had been taken into account. She hoped that Cabinet would accept the recommendations and that the proposed changes would be implemented as soon as possible. She also noted that a further report would be brought forward in relation to increasing the provision of places for Hove Junior School by utilising the previous Hove Police Station site.
165.3 Councillor Mitchell stated that she wanted to pay tribute to the work of the ward councillors and residents of Portslade and welcomed the report, which she felt was the right solution. She also queried whether the junior places to be provided at the former Hove Police Station would be a separate school or additional places to another.
165.4 Councillor G. Theobald stated that he welcomed the proposal for the use of Hove Police Station and hoped that it would come forward in due course.
165.5 Councillor Shanks confirmed that the intention was to provide additional places to Hove Junior and noted that discussions were on-going and a report would be brought forward to a future meeting.
165.6 RESOLVED:
(1) That the preferred option of making St Peters Community Infant School, Portslade Infant School and St Nicolas Church of England Junior school into all through primary schools from September 2013 be approved;
(2) That the necessary formal consultation processes arising from the proposal be undertaken; and
(3) That it be noted that following further investigations the preferred option for the provision of junior places in Hove is at Hove Police Station. |
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Sustainable Procurement Policy for Brighton & Hove City Council
Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Sustainable Procurement Policy set out in Appendix 1, along with the associated outcomes set out in Appendix 2 and the supporting Sustainable Procurement Toolkit set out in Appendix 3 to the report be approved;
(2) That the Sustainable Procurement Policy for Timber and Wood Derived Products set out in Appendix 4 to the report be approved; and;
(3) That the revised Procurement Code of Practice: Equalities and Diversity Monitoring in Procurement set out in Appendix 5 to the report be approved. Minutes: 166.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which set out a new Sustainable Procurement Policy with a supporting toolkit and a Sustainable Procurement Policy for Timber and Wood. He noted that there was also a revised Code of Practice for Equalities and Diversity Monitoring. He stated that it was an important matter and wished to congratulate the officers on the work to produce the various documents.
166.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the report and stated that she felt it would have helped if there could be a greater degree of certainty in the financial implications and with regard to paragraph 3.12 of the report, queried whether UPVC replacement windows were covered.
166.3 Councillor G. Theobald stated that he welcomed the approach but expressed some caution as to whether it would be possible to ensure that certain requirements would not lead to a situation that favoured larger national companies to the detriment of smaller local ones.
166.4 Councillor J. Kitcat stated that it was difficult to quantify the financial implications and he was unsure about the replacement windows policy but would ask officers to inform Councillor Mitchell.
166.5 RESOLVED:
(1) That Sustainable Procurement Policy set out in Appendix 1, along with the associated outcomes set out in Appendix 2 and the supporting Sustainable Procurement Toolkit set out in Appendix 3 to the report be approved;
(1) That the Sustainable Procurement Policy for Timber and Wood Derived Products set out in Appendix 4 to the report be approved; and;
(2) That the revised Procurement Code of Practice: Equalities and Diversity Monitoring in Procurement set out in Appendix 5 to the report be approved. |
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East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste Plan - Background Papers Report of the Strategic Director: Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the following documents as supporting evidence for the draft East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan be approved:
§ Landfill, Landraise and Surcharging in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove § Sustainable Locations for Waste § Review of Future Waste Management Capacity Requirements § Assessing the potential for Heat Capture from Energy from Waste Facilities § Defining Strategic Waste Facilities § Hazardous Waste Review § Low Level Radioactive Waste - Review of the future Management Needs § Residual Waste from London Study § Sustainable Transport Feasibility Study (draft) § Road Transport Implications of Strategic Locations for Waste Facilities § Waste Minimisation Research (draft) § Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. Minutes: 167.1 The Chair introduced the report and noted that it sought approval of the twelve technical studies that provided the background and supporting evidence for the draft East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan.
167.2 RESOLVED: That the following documents as supporting evidence for the draft East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan be approved:
§ Landfill, Landraise and Surcharging in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove § Sustainable Locations for Waste § Review of Future Waste Management Capacity Requirements § Assessing the potential for Heat Capture from Energy from Waste Facilities § Defining Strategic Waste Facilities § Hazardous Waste Review § Low Level Radioactive Waste - Review of the future Management Needs § Residual Waste from London Study § Sustainable Transport Feasibility Study (draft) § Road Transport Implications of Strategic Locations for Waste Facilities § Waste Minimisation Research (draft) § Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. |
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East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Local Plan
Report of the Strategic Director: Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Council be recommended:
· To note the analysis of the response to the consultation on the draft Waste and Minerals Plan;
· To agree the Proposed Submission Waste and Minerals Plan (PSWMP) and its publication for statutory public consultation for a six week period commencing on 23 February 2012;
· To agree that the document be subsequently submitted to the Secretary of State subject to no material changes, other than alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections, being necessary; and
· To authorise the Strategic Director, Place to agree any alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections to the text of the PSWMP with East Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority prior to consultation.
Minutes: 168.1 The Chair introduced the report and noted the progress of the East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan (WMP), which would eventually replace much of the council’s adopted Waste Local Plan and Minerals Local Plan. He noted that the WMP would provide planning policy for the management of all wastes and the production of all minerals in East Sussex and Brighton & Hove, including that part of the South Downs National Park within East Sussex and Brighton & Hove. He also noted that Council would be asked to approve the plan and the production of a Proposed Submission Waste and Minerals Plan prior to statutory public consultation and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State.
168.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the report and noted that it would be submitted to council for approval. She also referred to page 226 Built Facilities and queried how the definition had changed for Hangleton Bottom to aerobic digestion. She also hoped that the Planning Inspector would agree with the decision that London’s waste would not have to be accounted for within the plan.
168.3 The Head of Planning and Public Protection informed the meeting that the WMP did not change the allocations for Hangleton Bottom and Hollingdean Depot and noted that a separate Site Allocation Document would be produced to follow the Plan.
168.4 The Chair noted the information and stated that there was a need to amend the recommendations at 2.2 to take account of changes to publication dates by East Sussex County Council. The proposed public consultation would commence on the 24th February rather than the 21st and paragraphs 3.5 and 4.1 should be amended to reflect the change so as to read 24th February to 10th April 2012.
168.5 RESOLVED: That Council be recommended:
(1) To note the analysis of the response to the consultation on the draft Waste and Minerals Plan;
(2) To agree the Proposed Submission Waste and Minerals Plan (PSWMP) and its publication for statutory public consultation for a six week period commencing on 24 February 2012;
(3) To agree that the document be subsequently submitted to the Secretary of State subject to no material changes, other than alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections, being necessary; and
(4) To authorise the Strategic Director, Place to agree any alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections to the text of the PSWMP with East Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority prior to consultation. |
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Health & Wellbeing Board Development (Shadow Year)
Joint report of the Directors of Public Health and Adult Social Care and the Strategic Director: People (copy attached). Extract from the proceedings of the Governance Committee meeting held on the 10th January 2012 (to be circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the report and the extract from the Governance Committee be noted. Minutes: 169.1 The Chair introduced the report which concerned the establishment of a Health and Wellbeing Board from 2013 and the proposed creation of a Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board in April 2012 to enable the necessary changes for the new Board to be developed and put into place prior to it coming into operation. The Chair also noted that an amendment to the make-up of the Board had been proposed and accepted at the Governance Committee meeting held on the 10th January, and that an extract from the minutes of the meeting was included in the agenda papers.
169.2 RESOLVED: That the report and the extract from the Governance Committee be noted. |
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Establishment of a Local Healthwatch Joint Report of the Strategic Directors: Communities & People (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the commencement of a procurement process to appoint a suitably qualified organisation to enable the local HealthWatch to fulfil its proposed statutory duties as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill be agreed;
(2) That the Strategic Director People be granted delegated authority to enter into contract on suitable terms on behalf of the council upon completion of the procurement process and once the relevant legislation is in force; and
(3) That the extension of contract with the current hosts of the LINk to April 2013. be agreed. Minutes: 170.1 Councillor Jarrett introduced the report which outlined the need to establish a local Healthwatch as a result of the Health & Social Care Bill 2011, which would replace the current statutory body of LINKs. He noted that it was proposed to go through a procurement process to appoint a suitably qualified organisation to enable the local Healthwatch to fulfil its role.
170.2 RESOLVED:
(1) That the commencement of a procurement process to appoint a suitably qualified organisation to enable the local HealthWatch to fulfil its proposed statutory duties as set out in the Health and Social Care Bill be agreed;
(2) That the Strategic Director People be granted delegated authority to enter into contract on suitable terms on behalf of the council upon completion of the procurement process and once the relevant legislation is in force; and
(3) That the extension of contract with the current hosts of the LINk to April 2013. be agreed. |
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City Performance Plan Targets
Report of the Strategic Director: Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the report be noted and the proposed targets in Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and
(2) That it be noted that the CPP is being developed in an interim year and will be subject to regular review in order to ensure that it adequately fulfils local requirements and accountabilities. Minutes: 171.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which detailed the headline indicator targets for the City Performance Plan that had been approved in July 2011. He noted that the targets were regularly monitored and update reports brought to the Cabinet for information.
171.2 The Cabinet noted that some figures had been inadvertently transposed on page 308,
Under Residual Waste per household the figures should read: Result 2010/11 605.28 and Target /forecast 2012/14 602 and for
Transport Local bus passenger journeys originating in the authority area the target/forecast figure should be 44.55m.
171.3
RESOLVED: (1) That the report be noted and the proposed targets in Appendix 1 to the report be approved; and
(2) That it be noted that the CPP is being developed in an interim year and will be subject to regular review in order to ensure that it adequately fulfils local requirements and accountabilities. |
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State of the Local Environment Report (SOLE)
Report of the Strategic Director: Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the State of the Local Environment report and, at Appendix 1 to the report, the key environmental issues highlighted by it and the plans in place to tackle these be noted. Minutes: 172.1 Councillor West introduced the report and welcomed its submission which provided a snap shot of the current state of the local environment within the city. He wished to congratulate the City Sustainability Partnership on commissioning the review and to thank the Sustainability Team for their work in putting the report together. It had proved to be a large piece of work and he noted that the City Sustainability Partnership would need to decide on how often to update the information. He also noted that there were still some gaps in the information that was held and hoped that these could be completed in the future.
172.2 Councillor Mitchell noted that it had taken some time to bring the report forward but stated that she was happy to work with the Administration to take things forward and asked that clear priorities, actions and outcomes be identified.
172.3 Councillor G. Theobald stated that he felt the report was helpful in providing a clear base for the commissioning programme and would therefore be interested in seeing what would come forward as a result. He had hoped for more up-to-date information to have been included and was disappointed to see that there were only twenty-eight registered electric vehicle users.
172.4 Councillor West noted the comments and stated that he shared Councillor Mitchell’s frustration in regard to identifying outcomes, but noted that there was a need to have the resources and genuine political commitment to the process from all groups.
172.5 Councillor Mitchell stated that once there was clarity in regard to the Administration’s budget proposals the Labour & Co-operative Group would be able put forward their amendments, if any, but it was difficult to do so until the budget was clear. She noted that there had changes announced recently to the budget and therefore needed time to consider these.
172.6 RESOLVED: That the State of the Local Environment report and, at Appendix 1 to the report, the key environmental issues highlighted by it and the plans in place to tackle these be noted. |
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Procurement of Housing and Adult Social Care Adaptations Framework Agreement Report of the Strategic Director: Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) The procurement of a framework agreement for minor and major adaptations works in council homes and in private sector housing with a term of three years and an option to extend for one year be approved;
(2) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director for Place to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.2 above including the award and letting of the framework agreement; and
(3) That delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Place to grant a one year extension to the framework agreement referred to in 2.2 above be agreed should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time. Minutes: 173.1 Councillor Wakefield introduced the report which sought approval for the tendering of a framework agreement to provide for minor and major adaptations in council homes and in private sector housing in Brighton and Hove.
173.2 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report and stated that he believed it was an excellent idea and noted that the Government had recently announced proposals to support the elderly in their homes and asked if and when details were received that they be shared with councillors.
173.3 Councillor Jarrett stated that officers were awaiting information on the levels of funding but once this was known it would be made available to Members. He also believed that the proposal was a good idea and one that he felt would be of benefit to the council and tenants.
173.4 RESOLVED:
(1) The procurement of a framework agreement for minor and major adaptations works in council homes and in private sector housing with a term of three years and an option to extend for one year be approved;
(2) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director for Place to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.2 above including the award and letting of the framework agreement; and
(3) That delegated authority to the Strategic Director for Place to grant a one year extension to the framework agreement referred to in 2.2 above be agreed should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time. |
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Photovoltaic Solar Panel Implementation Plan for Non-Housing Properties - Update Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Strategic Director of Resources and Director of Finance be given delegated authority to approve the purchase and installation of PV solar panels for the 3 main council corporate administration buildings (referred to in paragraph 3.11 of the report), to be refurbished in the Workstyles Phase 2 transformation project approved at Cabinet on 8th December 2011, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services;
(2) That any approval given under paragraph (1) above shall apply only after:
(i) more detailed costs for the business case and a proposed funding model for such purchase and installation are provided by specialist PV solar sub contractors following a tendering exercise to be undertaken by the Strategic Construction Partnership contractor carrying out the building works contract for Workstyles Phase 2 and; (ii) the publication of the Government’s decision on the FiT payment consultation document; and
(3) That with respect to schools sites, it be agreed that the Government FiT changes consultation feedback is needed before the council can discuss the revised business cases, pay back periods and possible funding mechanisms with the list of schools that have shown an interest in the PV solar installations that the council have consulted with previously.
Minutes: 174.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which provided an update on the installation of photovoltaic solar (PV) panels to non-housing council owned property, taking into account recent changes to the feed-in tariff proposed by the Government which were out for consultation and would directly affect the previously proposed business case for the provision of PV panels. He noted that the likelihood was that the changes would have an adverse impact to the previous business case making most of the proposed installations unviable and therefore an alternative option was proposed for the two tendered Lots.
174.2 Councillor Mitchell stated that it was regrettable that the likelihood was to have to scale-down the proposed installations but she hoped that the revised option would be taken forward should it be the only viable one.
174.3 RESOLVED:
(1) That Strategic Director of Resources and Director of Finance be given delegated authority to approve the purchase and installation of PV solar panels for the 3 main council corporate administration buildings (referred to in paragraph 3.11 of the report), to be refurbished in the Workstyles Phase 2 transformation project approved at Cabinet on 8th December 2011, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance & Central Services;
(2) That any approval given under paragraph (1) above shall apply only after:
(i) more detailed costs for the business case and a proposed funding model for such purchase and installation are provided by specialist PV solar sub contractors following a tendering exercise to be undertaken by the Strategic Construction Partnership contractor carrying out the building works contract for Workstyles Phase 2 and; (ii) the publication of the Government’s decision on the FiT payment consultation document; and
(3) That with respect to schools sites, it be agreed that the Government FiT changes consultation feedback is needed before the council can discuss the revised business cases, pay back periods and possible funding mechanisms with the list of schools that have shown an interest in the PV solar installations that the council have consulted with previously. |
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Report of the Strategic Director: Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the disposal of Patcham Place and stables on a 125 year lease to the preferred bidder be approved, with the net capital receipt to be used to support the council’s corporate accommodation strategy – Workstyles transformation project and capital programme;
(2) That should the preferred bidder withdraw, the Strategic Director Resources be authorised to continue with the disposal to a reserve bidder or to remarket the property as appropriate. Minutes: 175.1 Councillor J. Kitcat introduced the report which detailed the marketing of Patcham Place and noted that a preferred bidder had been identified and that a capital receipt would be achieved, which was good news for the council. He wished to thank the officers involved progressing the sale of the site.
175.2 Councillors G. Theobald and Mitchell both welcomed the report and the outcome.
175.3 RESOLVED:
(1) That the disposal of Patcham Place and stables on a 125 year lease to the preferred bidder be approved, with the net capital receipt to be used to support the council’s corporate accommodation strategy – Workstyles transformation project and capital programme;
(2) That should the preferred bidder withdraw, the Strategic Director Resources be authorised to continue with the disposal to a reserve bidder or to remarket the property as appropriate. |
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PART TWO Additional documents: |
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Patcham Place - Disposal Update - Exempt Category 3 Report of the Strategic Director: Resources (circulated to Members only). Minutes: 176.1 Councillor J. Kitcat informed the Cabinet that three tenders had been received and that a preferred bidder had been accepted.
176.2 RESOLVED:
(1) That the disposal of Patcham Place and stables as detailed in the report be approved, with the net capital receipt to be used to support the council’s corporate accommodation strategy – Workstyles transformation project and capital programme;
(2) That should the preferred bidder withdraw, the Strategic Director Resources be authorised to continue with the disposal to a reserve bidder or to remarket the property as appropriate. |
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Part Two Items To consider whether or not any of the above items and the decisions thereon should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
Additional documents: Decision: 177.1 That the item and the decision thereon remain exempt from disclosure to the pres san public. Minutes: 177.1 The Cabinet considered whether or not any of the above items should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
177.2 RESOLVED – That item 176 and the decisions thereon, contained in part two of the agenda, remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. |