Agenda for Cabinet (pre 2012) on Thursday, 11th February, 2010, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
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Contact: Tanya Massey, Senior Democratic Services Officer
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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: 164a Declaration of Substitutes
164a.1 Councillor Caulfield declared a personal, but non-prejudicial interest in Item 170, a deputation concerning the American Express development, as she was on the Sussex Deaf Association, which formally objected to the development.
164b Declarations of Interest
164b.1 There were none.
164c Exclusion of Press and Public
164c.1 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).
164c.2 RESOLVED – That the press and public be not excluded from the meeting. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the Meeting held on 14 January 2010 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 165.1 RESOLVED - That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 January 2009 be approved as a correct record. |
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Chairman's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 166.1 The Chairman noted that the meeting would be webcast.
166.2 The Chairman announced that a financial offer in relation to the ongoing development of the Local Delivery Vehicle (LDV) for housing management had been achieved and would be sent to the LDV Board members that day.
She reported that tenants had written to the Communities Secretary, John Denham MP requesting a meeting to talk about their hopes and wishes for the LDV and were awaiting a response.
She added that the council would continue to press ahead with the General Consents route and would work closely with Tenants to ensure it worked for them.
166.3 The Chairman reported that a meeting had been set up with officers to determine how the new cross-party working group on van dwellers could work effectively and that she would discuss the plans with Group Leaders.
166.4 The Chairman advised that work has begun on clearing away part of the West Pier. The West Pier Trust was progressing with plans to revitalise the area and while residents had mixed feelings about the state of the Pier it was good to see progress being made.
She reported that the Brighton ‘O’ plans had been deferred by developers following discussions with the council. The council was keen to progress the Brighton ‘O’ project, and officers were working with the developers to identify a site that would meet both their needs and the concerns of seafront users.
166.5 The Chairman reported that her Royal Highness Princess Anne visited the city in January, opening new residential units at the YMCA in Portslade and visiting ‘Save the Children’ in Hove. She stated that council was pleased to welcome a royal visitor and that the city had benefited from positive press coverage.
166.6 The Chairman advised that 27 January had been Holocaust Memorial Day; the theme was “The Legacy of Hope” and a series of events had been taking place in the city.
166.7 The Chairman explained that the issue of discrimination and tackling it were part of February’s LGBT History Month. This event took place every year and celebrated the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. There were a number of events taking place in the city including the workers forum ‘History Ball’. The council’s endorsement of the events would help to value and support our LGBT workforce and the wider LGBT community. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Cabinet Members
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokesperson
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Chairman.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Additional documents: Minutes: 167.1 RESOLVED – That all the items be reserved for discussion |
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Petitions No petitions received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 168.1 There were none. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 4 February 2010)
No public questions received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 169.1 There were none. |
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(The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 4 February 2010)
(copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 170.1 The Chairman reported that one deputation had been received and that it concerned the impact of the American Express development (for copy see minute book).
170.2 Ms Carole Hayman, spokesperson for the deputation, explained that the people who lived and worked in the vicinity of the development felt that their objections to it had not been taken into account by the council and the Planning Committee. She advised that their quality of life would be severely affected for a significant length of time and that, while it was important to the city for American Express to remain in the city, it was vital that the needs of business were balanced against those of local residents. She requested that the council undertake an urgent review of how the development would proceed and that residents be included in that process.
170.3 The Chairman thanked Ms Hayman for the deputation and stated that it was regrettable that residents felt disconnected from the planning process used to determine the American Express application. She commented that effective community engagement was vitally important to the council and was disappointed that residents felt the process had been ineffective.
The Chairman formally noted the deputation and instructed officers to examine the range of issues raised and respond to the deputees in writing.
170.4 RESOLVED – That the deputation be noted. |
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Letters from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of letters from Councillors was 10.00am on 1 February 2010)
No letters have been received. Additional documents: Minutes: 171.1 There were none. |
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Written Questions from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of written questions from Councillors was 10.00am on 1 February 2010)
(copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 172.1 The Chairman reported that two written questions had been received, both from Councillor Davey.
172.2 Councillor Davey had submitted the following question:
"Could the Leader of the Council please tell us whether or not she intends to go ahead with the planned cycle lane on the Old Shoreham Road?"
172.3 The following response from the Leader of the Council had been circulated:
“I can inform Councillor Davey that at the present time we do not intend to go ahead with the proposals for a cycle lane on the Old Shoreham Road. A report, scheduled to go to the Environment CMM in March, will give further details.”
172.4 Councillor Davey asked the following supplementary question:
“What has happened to the funding from the Local Transport Plan set aside for the scheme, which we have been informed must be spent this financial year?”
172.5 The Chairman gave the following response:
“We share the concerns about the scheme that you raised in the local press and have looked carefully at the proposals. A report will be considered at the Environment Cabinet Member Meeting detailing other schemes that will come forward.”
172.6 Councillor Theobald confirmed that the funding was still available and would be re-profiled.
172.7 Councillor Davey had submitted the following question:
"In his response to my question at Full Council the Cabinet Member for Environment responded that he had ‘no control’ over buses in the town.
Is he aware that the local Transport Act 2008 contains provisions such as Quality Contracts that allow Local Authorities more control over bus services and will he be taking advantage of these opportunities to provide an improved bus service to people of Brighton & Hove?"
172.8 The following response from Councillor Theobald had been circulated:
“What I stated at Full Council was that “the Council has no direct control over fare levels as it is a commercial decision for the bus company.”
I am fully aware that the Local Transport Act 2008 was created in an attempt to give local authorities more power to improve local bus services but I am not personally convinced that Quality Contracts are the best way forward for council taxpayers.
However, I am more than happy to set up a cross-party meeting to discuss this because I do think that your question raises an important issue.” |
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Notices of Motion Additional documents: Minutes: 173.1 The Chairman reported that two Notices of Motion had been referred to the Cabinet from Full Council on 28 January 2010 under procedural rule 8.2. |
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Support Fairtrade in the City Proposed by Councillor Mitchell (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 173a.1 The Cabinet considered the following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Mitchell:
“In 2009 the Fairtrade Foundation celebrates its 15th Anniversary as Brighton celebrates being the UK’s first Fairtrade town over 13 years ago.
Seven in 10 households purchase Fairtrade goods, including an extra 1.3 million more households in 2008, helping Fairtrade sales reach an estimated £700m in 2008, a 43% increase on the previous year. There are over 460 producer organisations selling to the UK and 746 to the global Fairtrade system, representing more than 1.5 million farmers and workers.
Over 4,500 products have been licensed to carry the Fairtrade Mark including;
coffee, tea, herbal teas, chocolate, cocoa, sugar, bananas, grapes, pineapples, mangoes, avocados, apples, pears, plums, grapefruit, lemons, oranges, satsumas, clementines, mandarins, lychees, coconuts, dried fruit, juices, smoothies, biscuits, cakes & snacks, honey, jams & preserves, chutney & sauces, rice, quinoa, herbs & spices, seeds, nuts & nut oil, wines, beers, rum, confectionary, muesli, cereal bars, yoghurt, ice-cream, flowers, sports balls and cotton products including clothing, homeware, cloth toys, cotton wool, olive oil and beauty products.
In June this year, the Fairtrade Foundation announced the first cosmetic products to carry the Fairtrade Mark in the UK.
Businesses in Brighton and Hove will be stocking these products . 57 new Fairtrade products will contain one or more Fairtrade certified ingredient such as cocoa butter, shea nut butter, sugar or brazil nut oil, benefiting disadvantaged producers from countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
This Council recognises that introducing Fairtrade labelling to cosmetic products will increase the overall number of Fairtrade products in UK shops and the volumes of ingredients which producers are able to sell under Fairtrade terms, which in turn increases the benefits back to farmers.
(1) This Council calls upon the Cabinet to consider the Council’s responsibility as a guiding force in local businesses to encourage the use of Fairtrade products in business and also to the City’s residents through the following;
· Reaffirming its commitment to Fairtrade and ensuring that the City will continue to be classified as a ‘Fairtrade City.’ · Being a leading example to the City and where appropriate, ensuring that only Fairtrade products are served and sold on Council premises, such as fruit, fruit juices, soaps, jams, teas and coffees. · Publicising its Fairtrade policy and practice via City News and the Council’s website.
(2) That the Chief Executive write to the Managers of Boots (North Road) and Neil’s Yard as local businesses that have chosen to stock the new Fairtrade products, welcoming their decision to stock more Fairtrade products locally; and
That the Chief Executive writes to the Secretary of State for International Development, renewing this City’s commitment to Fairtrade and welcoming the almost £2 million dedicated to Fairtrade Foundation since 1997 out of £12 million to fair and ethical trade initiatives and the £400 million for Aid for Trade which helps developing countries build their trade capacity.”
173a.2 The Chairman invited Councillor Mitchell to speak to the motion.
173a.3 Councillor Mitchell stated that a report on the issue had been considered by the Sustainability Cabinet Committee. She welcomed the setting up of a cross-party working group and the commitment from Councillor Fallon-Khan to examine the council’s ethical procurement policies.
173a.4 The Chairman stated that it was time to build on the successful growth of Fairtrade outlets across the city and to promote Brighton and Hove’s Fairtrade City Status in a more pro-active way. A Fairtrade Steering Group would be re-established and a meeting to discuss the matter would be hosted by the council and would involve retailers, the Food Partnership, the Friends Centre, Eco schools and others.
173a.5 RESOLVED – That the Notice of Motion be noted. |
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Responsible Licensing Proposed by Councillor Fryer (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 173b.1 The Cabinet considered the following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Fryer:
“This council notes that:
Nationally there are over 200,000 hospital admissions related to alcohol each year, of which 20,000 are under the age of 18.
Brighton & Hove has a serious problem with excessive alcohol consumption in people of all ages, with over 2,000 hospital admissions per year related to alcohol.
According to Sussex Police, five
children a week, on average, are hospitalised in Brighton and Hove
owing to alcohol abuse - a staggering ten times higher than the
national average.
In the published 2008 report of Brighton and Hove’s Director of public Health Dr Tom Scanlon reported that the negative health impacts of alcohol use by children and young people are worsening in the city.
Furthermore, organisations such as Alcohol Concern have found that the average amount of pocket money young people receive would enable them to buy 57 units of alcohol per week.
The recent scrutiny ‘Reducing Alcohol related harm to children and young people’ recognised the correlation between a lower price of alcohol and off-sales purchasing with higher rates of alcohol consumption.
70 per cent of all alcohol supplied in the UK is sold by supermarkets where most alcohol is the cheapest.
A great deal of anti-social behaviour is associated with people drinking on the street, i.e. drinking alcohol purchased from off-licenses rather than pubs and clubs where the alcohol is consumed on-site.
Deliberately selling alcohol at a loss, known as ‘loss leaders’ encourages people to purchase alcohol in off-licenses where it is virtually impossible for the licensee to have any control over its consumption.
Earlier this year a Sussex Police and Sussex Police Authority issued a joint statement calling for a ban on volume-related alcohol discounts in pubs and called for '2 for 1' deals to be scrapped in favour of lowering drinks prices across the board. The statement, a response to the Government's consultation of revisions to its Code of Conduct for Alcohol Retailers, also called for a ban on 'loss leaders' - the practise of alcohol being sold for less that it costs retailers - especially in supermarkets.
Therefore this Council requests the Chief Executive to write to Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Alcohol Licensing, calling for:
a) A ban on the practice of selling alcohol at a cost which is lower than the cost price for the licensee; and
b) A ban on the practice of drinks promotions such as ‘2 for 1’ and ‘Happy Hour’ which encourage people to consume more alcohol and at a faster rate than they would otherwise have done
c) A thorough overhaul of the Licensing Act 2003 including giving councils the power to (i) make it easier to remove licences from any premiseswhich are continually causing problems, in particular, those found selling alcohol to children; and (ii) charge more for late night licences to pay for additional policing.
Furthermore it calls on:
a) the Licensing Committee to draw up a list of ‘best practice’ which takes into account the recommendations of the ‘Reducing Alcohol related harm to children and young people’ scrutiny and looks into ways of publicly recognising and rewarding responsible licensees who follow best practice, in a similar way to its successful ‘Scores-on-the-Doors’ scheme;
The Cabinet to consider how planning policy and enforcement could be more effectively used to supplement the existing licensing powers to control the availability of alcohol through licensed premises in the City and to bring forward a report as a matter of priority.”
173b.2 The Chairman invited Councillor Randall to speak to the motion on behalf of Councillor Fryer who was unable to attend the meeting.
173b.3 Councillor Randall advised that there was a general sense of public dismay about the availability of cheap alcohol and the impact seen; evidence had shown that large numbers of incidents of violence and road traffic accidents had resulted from intake of alcohol. He stated that the council had heard a number of high profile licensing cases over recent weeks and that it was important for the council and its partners to work together to tackle the problem.
173b.4 Councillor Mitchell stated that she was disappointed that opposition groups had not been able to support the Labour amendment put forward at council, which sought to support government proposals in relation to tackling the availability of cheap alcohol.
173b.5 Councillor Simson advised that problems were inherent due to the difficulty of managing the separate responsibilities of the council’s licensing and planning functions. It was hoped that, moving forward, the two functions would be able to complement each other.
173b.6 RESOLVED – That the Notice of Motion be noted. |
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Targeted Budget Management (TBM) 2009/10 Month 9
Report of the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the forecast outturn for the General Fund, Section 75 Partnerships and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2009/10 as at month 9.
(2) That Cabinet approves the budget virement on the Dedicated Schools Grant to support schools Special Educational Needs costs set out in Appendix 1.
(3) That Cabinet notes the forecast outturn position on the capital budgets as at month 9.
(4) That Cabinet approves the changes to the capital budget as summarised in Appendix 3 and detailed in Appendices 4 – 7. Minutes: 174.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance & Resources concerning the council’s forecast outturn position on the revenue and capital budgets as at the end of December 2009 (month 9) (for copy see minute book).
174.2 In response to questions from Councillor Mitchell the following responses were given:
§ Councillor Brown explained that the overspend shown in relation to home-to-school transport was an accrual from the previous year and confirmed that the saving outlined in the main budget proposals was as detailed in the General Fund Revenue Budget report. § Councillor Kemble advised that Standard Life remained fully committed to the development of the Brighton Centre; the Chief Executive of the council would meet with the Chief Executive of Standard Life in March to discuss progress. § Councillor Smith added that 30 new conferences had been booked since April 2009 and that local businesses welcomed the ongoing use of the Brighton Centre as a conference venue.
174.3 In response to a query from Councillor Randall, Councillor Caulfield reported that housing staff had been working closely with colleagues in the Children & Young People’s Trust. The council would be looking at different ways to prevent homelessness and had already made good progress.
174.4 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the forecast outturn for the General Fund, Section 75 Partnerships and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2009/10 as at month 9 be noted.
(2) That the budget virement on the Dedicated Schools Grant to support schools Special Educational Needs costs be approved.
(3) That the forecast outturn position on the capital budgets as at month 9 be noted.
(4) That the changes to the capital budget be approved. |
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General Fund Revenue Budget & Council Tax 2010/11
Report of the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet recommends to Council, subject to 2.3 below, the 2010/11 General Fund Revenue Budget proposals including;
§ The 2010/11 budget allocations to services as set out in appendix 1.
§ The investment in services and new allocations proposals as set out in paragraphs 3.42 to 3.46.
§ The council’s budget for 2010/11 of £230.8m.
§ The Directorate budget strategies as set out in appendix 8.
§ The corporate budgets of £19.3m.
§ The contingency budget of £4.2m as set out in table 6.
§ The reserves allocations as set out in appendix 3.
§ The borrowing limit of £302m for the year commencing 1 April 2010.
§ The annual Minimum Revenue Provision statements as set out in appendix 4.
§ The prudential indicators as set out in appendix 7 to this report.
(2) That the Medium Term Financial Strategy budget and resource projections for 2011/12 and 2012/13, as set out in appendix 5, based on council tax increases of 2.5% for each year be noted.
(3) That it be noted that supplementary information needed to set the overall council tax will be provided for the budget setting Council as listed in paragraph 4.7. Minutes: 175.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance & Resources concerning the latest budget information needed for Cabinet to recommend the 2010/11 revenue budget and council tax to Full Council on the 25 February 2010 (for copy see minute book).
175.2 The Chairman advised that additional information detailing amendments and clarifications had been circulated to Members (see appendix 1).
175.3 The Director of Finance & Resources confirmed that the additional £500,000 from general reserves had been identified as a result of a typographic error made in relation to the figures; it constituted a one-off amount.
175.4 Councillor Mitchell explained that the Labour Group would be putting forward some alternative budget proposals at the Full Council meeting and, in particular, would be highlighting the funding that the council would receive from central government.
175.5 In response to a query from Councillor Mitchell, the Director of Finance & Resources advised that significant changes to the strategic response to pressures in the Culture & Enterprise budget had followed from proposals relating to the Booth Museum, Brighton History Centre and Castleham Supported Employment service. She offered to provide Members more detailed written information.
175.6 Councillor Randall welcomed the support for 8-13 year olds around prevention and early intervention, but was concerned about the proposals in relation to funding for ‘SureStart’ and Youth Offending services.
175.7 In response to a question from Councillor Randall, the Director of Finance & Resources explained that the council procured a complex range of gas and electricity contracts and that each directorate budget strategy reflected the recent reduction in electricity charges where appropriate; some directorates would see pressures rather than savings due to the a number of issues, including the size of buildings. She offered to provide more detailed information on the various contracts.
175.8 Councillor Smith highlighted the need to be cautious in relation to the budget for cultural services, primarily because 60% of funding was expected to come from income; however the ongoing impact of the recession made it difficult to predict what to expect.
175.9 Councillor Simson welcomed Councillor Randall’s support for the pilot scheme proposed for preventative work for younger children. She explained that the scheme would be needs based and would be delivered through the community and voluntary sector; she hoped that the universities would be interested in evaluating the pilot scheme and that long-term outcomes were being aimed for.
175.10 Councillor Brown advised that there was a downward trend in young people committing offences. She explained that the proposals in relation to Youth Offending Team would allow for a teacher to put into the unit and appoint a new Head of Youth Strategy; the Administration was confident that the pressures would be manageable.
The proposals in relation to ‘SureStart’ resulted from re-profiling of funding to respond to the increased pressures experienced by child protection services
175.11 Councillor Watkins stated that he hoped Members would work together to devise a budget that could be approved by all.
He specifically asked that consideration be given to upgrading the staff bus as, through the related scrutiny panel, staff with disabilities had identified that it would make a big difference to those affected.
175.12 In response to a query from Councillor Watkins, the Director of Finance & Resources explained that the proposals included references to a range of 2010/11 grants that the council had not yet been advised of and that no indication had been given of when allocations could be expected.
175.13 Councillor Theobald explained that the budget proposals for the Environment Directorate savings would achieve savings of £1.63m, in addition to absorbing £1.7m in relation to service pressures. He advised that funding had been identified to fund ongoing seafront maintenance, gum removal and winter maintenance and that additional investment would be made into Hove Lagoon. He added that the proposed transport model would be very important for the city.
175.14 Councillor Smith endorsed the comments made in relation to seafront maintenance; the area was part of the city’s heritage and was an important visitor attraction.
175.15 The Chairman added that it was vital for the city’s economy that investment was directed at the seafront and that a regular programme of maintenance was important as it would reduce costs in the long term.
175.16 Councillor Young thanked the officers involved in compiling the report and was pleased that budget information had been shared early to allow for proper scrutiny of the proposals. She advised that the final proposals showed that the Administration had listened and taken on board the comments arising from the scrutiny process.
175.17 Councillor Mitchell endorsed Councillor Young’s remarks and stated that recommendations put forward by the scrutiny committees were reflected in the final budget proposals.
175.18 The Chairman recognised the pressure on officers to produce the budget information early and added her thanks to those involved.
175.19 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That, subject to 2.3 below, the 2010/11 General Fund Revenue Budget proposals be recommended to Council, including;
§ The 2010/11 budget allocations to services as set out in appendix 1.
§ The investment in services and new allocations proposals as set out in paragraphs 3.42 to 3.46.
§ The council’s budget for 2010/11 of £230.8m.
§ The Directorate budget strategies as set out in appendix 8.
§ The corporate budgets of £19.3m.
§ The contingency budget of £4.2m as set out in table 6.
§ The reserves allocations as set out in appendix 3.
§ The borrowing limit of £302m for the year commencing 1 April 2010.
§ The annual Minimum Revenue Provision statements as set out in appendix 4.
§ The prudential indicators as set out in appendix 7 to this report.
(2) That the Medium Term Financial Strategy budget and resource projections for 2011/12 and 2012/13, as set out in appendix 5, based on council tax increases of 2.5% for each year be noted.
(3) That it be noted that supplementary information needed to set the overall council tax will be provided for the budget setting Council as listed in paragraph 4.7 of the report. |
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Capital Resources & Capital Investment Programme 2010/11
Report of the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet recommends Council to:
(a) Agree the Capital Investment Programme for 2010/11 and note the estimated resources in future years as detailed in appendix 1. (b) Allocate £0.6m resources in 2010/11 for the Strategic Investment Fund and agree the allocation of Strategic Investment Fund resources as set out in paragraph 3.23. (c) Allocate £0.435m for the ICT fund. (d) Allocate £1.0m for the Asset Management Fund. (e) Agree the potential use of unsupported borrowing as set out in table 6. Minutes: 176.1 That Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance & Resources informing Members of the level of available capital resources in 2010/11 to enable Cabinet to propose a Capital Investment Programme for 2010/11 to Budget Council (month 9) (for copy see minute book).
176.2 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That Council be recommended to:
(a) Agree the Capital Investment Programme for 2010/11 and note the estimated resources in future years as detailed in appendix 1. (b) Allocate £0.6m resources in 2010/11 for the Strategic Investment Fund and agree the allocation of Strategic Investment Fund resources as set out in paragraph 3.23. (c) Allocate £0.435m for the ICT fund. (d) Allocate £1.0m for the Asset Management Fund. (e) Agree the potential use of unsupported borrowing as set out in table 6. |
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Housing Revenue Account Budget 2010/11
Joint report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet recommends Council to:
(a) Approve the budget for 2010/11 as shown in Appendix 1.
(b) Approve individual rent increases and decreases in line with rent restructuring principles as determined by the Government.
(c) Approve the changes to fees and charges as detailed in paragraph 3.14 to 3.23. Minutes: 177.1 The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and the Director of Finance & Resources presenting the Housing Revenue Account Forecast Outturn for 2009/10 as at month 9 and the proposed Budget for 2010/11 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (for copy see minute book).
177.2 Councillor Caulfield highlighted the negative increase in the council’s housing subsidy settlement from central government and advised that tenants were supportive of the budget proposals, but continued to be disappointed in relation to the subsidy settlement.
177.3 In response to comments from Councillor Mitchell in relation to the effect on the HRA budget of the council’s decision to repay debt prematurely, the Chairman advised that the council had received a negative settlement in the first year following the change of Administration due to the recalculation of rates in relation to the proposed stock transfer.
177.4 Councillor Caulfield advised that the General Fund repayment of £330,000 had been funded through service pressures and had not affected the HRA budget.
177.5 Councillor Randall stated that he felt that the housing subsidy system was unfair and did not benefit tenants; he hoped that the government would consider making changes to it.
He stated that he hoped the housing super centre would include a tenant resource centre and offered to arrange for tenants to visit such a centre belonging to a housing association that he worked with.
177.6 In response to questions from Councillor Randall, Councillor Caulfield explained that payments for the TUPE arrangements would be made over 3 years. She reiterated that the super centre was for tenants and that other resources would be located there; the council would work with tenants to determine the best use of space.
177.7 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That Council be recommended to:
(a) Approve the budget for 2010/11 as shown in Appendix 1.
(b) Approve individual rent increases and decreases in line with rent restructuring principles as determined by the Government.
(c) Approve the changes to fees and charges as detailed in paragraph 3.14 to 3.23. |
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Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2010-2013 Joint report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and the Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the capital programme budget of £23.975 million and financing for 2010/11 as set out in paragraph 3.7. Minutes: 178.1 The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and the Director of Finance & Resources seeking approval for the 2010/11 capital programme and provides a provisional capital programme for the following two years, 2011/12 & 2012/13, for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (for copy see minute book).
178.2 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the capital programme budget of £23.975 million and financing for 2010/11 be approved. |
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Single Equality Scheme Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the Single Equality Scheme 2010-2011.
(2) That updates be reported every six months. Minutes: 179.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance & Resources concerning the proposed Single Equality Scheme (for copy see minute book).
179.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the proposals and reported that they had been through the scrutiny process. She supported the new responsibilities given to local authorities by central government through the Equalities Bill and emphasised the importance of implementation and monitoring.
179.3 Councillor Randall stated that it was encouraging that the government have identified equalities issues as a priority for local authorities because they should be at the centre of how the council works.
179.4 Councillor Watkins also welcomed the proposals and added that the monitoring of it would show whether the council could meet the challenges.
179.5 The Chairman thanked the officers involved for the extensive work put into producing the scheme.
179.6 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Single Equality Scheme 2010-2011 be approved.
(2) That updates be reported every six months. |
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Adult Social Care & Housing: Changes to the Scheme of Officer delegations Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That the Cabinet approves:
(i) That the housing functions currently comprised in the delegations to the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing be transferred to the Director of Culture & Enterprise;
(ii) That the new Directors be renamed Director of Adult Social Care and Health and Director of Housing, Culture & Enterprise respectively;
(iii) That the Head of Law be authorised to make the necessary amendments to the Council’s constitution to reflect the above and the arrangements referred to in paragraph 3.9.
(iv) That the amendments come into effect on 12 February 2010. Minutes: 180.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance & Resources concerning changes to the Scheme of Delegations to Officers, specifically proposing the transfer of housing functions from the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to the Director of Culture & Enterprise (for copy see minute book).
180.2 The Chief Executive thanked the outgoing Director of Adult Social Care & Housing and wished her well in her new post. He explained that the proposed changes would enable greater co-ordination and synergy between strategic and economic regeneration.
180.3 Councillor Norman added his thanks to the outgoing Director for her expertise and input during her time at the council.
180.4 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the housing functions currently comprised in the delegations to the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing be transferred to the Director of Culture & Enterprise;
(2) That the new Directors be renamed Director of Adult Social Care and Health and Director of Housing, Culture & Enterprise respectively;
(3) That the Head of Law be authorised to make the necessary amendments to the Council’s constitution to reflect the above and the arrangements referred to in paragraph 3.9.
(4) That the amendments come into effect on 12 February 2010. |