Agenda for Cabinet (pre 2012) on Thursday, 17th March, 2011, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
- Attendance details
- Agenda frontsheet
PDF 221 KB
- Agenda reports pack
- Item 194 Local Transport Plan PDF 9 MB
- Items 197 & 205 Relocation of Print & Sign Unit PDF 232 KB
- Supplementary Agenda Item - Item 193 PDF 716 KB
- Supplementary Agenda Item - Item 195A PDF 299 KB
- Printed decisions
PDF 184 KB
- Printed minutes
PDF 105 KB
Venue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Tanya Davies, Acting Democratic Services Manager
Media
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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: 179a Declarations of Interest
179a.1 There were none.
179b Exclusion of Press and Public
179b.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).
179b.2 RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 202 onwards.
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 February 2011 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 180.1 RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2011 be approved as a correct record. |
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Minutes of the Special Meeting Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 28 February 2011 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 181.1 RESOLVED- That the minutes of the Special meeting held on 28 February 2011 be approved as a correct record. |
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Chairman's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 182.1 The Chairman noted that the meeting would be webcast.
182.2 The Chairman reported that the council had held an event to consider the future of the high street and the city’s retail offer. It was agreed that a Commission would be developed to consider the issues raised by traders and ensure that the city remained a viable and attractive place for all.
182.3 The Chairman advised that the council would be issuing clear and supportive guidance to residents planning street parties to celebrate April’s royal wedding with the aim of minimising red tape. She advised residents to inform the council about their plans as soon as possible so that appropriate advice and support could be offered.
182.4 The Chairman reported that she had attended an event promoting the city’s part in the 2012 Olympic Games and noted that a number of events were planned to celebrate and build the legacy that the Olympics would afford.
182.5 The Chairman advised that she had recently visited the rare books collection at Jubilee library, which had over forty five thousand volumes, including a first edition of Dr. Johnson’s dictionary and works printed by Caxton. She commended libraries staff for creating an online catalogue the books in the collection.
182.6 The Chairman noted that it was the final Cabinet meeting before Purdah prior to the local elections and the penultimate Cabinet meeting of the Conservative Administration’s first four-year cycle. She thanked officers, councillors and the public involved in making the process as transparent and democratic as possible and noted that the council would be able to debate the opportunities offered by the Government as part of its localist approach to determine how the council would make decisions in the future.
182.7 The Chairman advised that the council’s thoughts were with those affected by the earthquake in Japan and its terrible consequences. Books of condolence would be opened at Hove and Brighton Town Halls and at Jubilee Library for people to sign over the next fortnight, and the council’s website was displaying a link to an international charity appeal. The Chairman noted that the city hosted many overseas students including many from Japan who may have been affected and advised that the Brighton & Hove Japanese Club were hosting an event at St. Paul’s Church of England Primary School on 19 March from midday until 4.00pm which was open to all. |
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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: 183.1 The Chairman advised that Items 195 and 203, reports of the Strategic Director Communities concerning the new Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep), had been deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet.
183.2 RESOLVED – That all the items be reserved for discussion. |
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Petitions No petitions have been received. Additional documents: Minutes: 184.1 There were none. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 10 March 2011)
No public questions received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 185.1 There were none. |
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Deputations (The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 10 March 2011)
No deputations received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 186.1 There were none. |
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Letters from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of letters from Councillors is 10.00am on 7 March 2011)
(a) Ward Councillor Consultation on Portslade Town Hall. Letter from Councillor Harmer-Strange (copy attached).
(b) Portslade Town Hall. Letter from Councillor Hamilton (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 187.1 The Chairman reported that letters had been received from Councillors Harmer-Strange and Hamilton in relation to Items 197 and 205, reports of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning Portslade Town Hall site. She advised that the Cabinet would consider the letters during consideration of the substantive items later on the agenda.
187.2 RESOLVED – That the letters be noted. |
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Written Questions from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of written questions from Councillors is 10.00am on 7 March 2011)
No written questions have been received. Additional documents: Minutes: 188.1 There were none. |
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Notices of Motion No Notices of Motion have been referred. Additional documents: Minutes: 189.1 There were none. |
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Annual Investment Strategy 2011/12 Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet agrees the Annual Investment Strategy 2011/12 as set in Appendix 1 to this report; and recommends Council to approve the Strategy at the meeting on 24 March 2011. Minutes: 190.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance seeking endorsement of the Annual Investment Strategy 2011/12 and recommending its approval to Full Council.
190.2 Councillor Mitchell requested further information about the new Public Sector Deposit Fund and what the council would have to demonstrate in order to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. She also queried the implications of separating the council’s housing debt from it’s non-housing debt.
190.3 Councillor Randall asked for more clarity about how the new system would work.
190.4 Councillor Young advised that the new fund was due to be launched in May and would be open to public bodies such as the council; capital security and liquidity would be it’s guiding principles and investment returns were expected to be competitive compared with other similar funds.
She explained that the council welcomed the opportunity for self financing within the Housing Revenue Account and that the preferred option was to split the debt between housing and general fund, enabling the council to manage each debt pools to the benefit of tenants and council tax payers; investments were primarily general fund reserves so there would be little impact and the housing account would continue to receive interest on it’s balances.
190.1 The Head of Strategic Finance & Procurement advised that opportunities available through the Public Sector Deposit Fund would be considered alongside existing financial institutions, with the rates of return balanced against risk.
190.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendation:
(1) That the Annual Investment Strategy 2011/12, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed; and recommended to Council for approval at its meeting on 24 March 2011. |
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Treasury Management Policy Statement 2011/12
Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves:
(a) The Treasury Management Policy Statement 2011/12 and subsequent years as set out in Appendix 1 to this report.
(b) The Treasury Management Practices 2011/12 and subsequent years as set out in Appendix 2 to this report.
(c) The Schedules to the Treasury Management Practices 2011/12 as set out in Appendix 3 to this report. Minutes: 191.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance concerning the treasury management policy statement (TMPS) and treasury management practices for the financial year commencing 1 April 2011.
191.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Treasury Management Policy Statement 2011/12 and subsequent years, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.
(2) That the Treasury Management Practices 2011/12 and subsequent years, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.
(3) That the Schedules to the Treasury Management Practices 2011/12, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report, be approved. |
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Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the financial allocation to an annual programme of works to the operational buildings at an estimated cost of £4,216,000 as detailed in Appendices A and B, in accordance with Financial Regulation A.5.6.7 and grant delegated authority, where necessary, to the Strategic Director, Resources to enter into contracts within this budget which are procured in accordance with Contract Standing Orders. Minutes: 192.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning the proposed 2011-12 allocation of improvement and repair works to civic offices, historic, operational and commercial buildings within the Corporate Planned Maintenance Budget and the Social Care Planned Works Budget.
192.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendation:
(1) That approval be given for the financial allocation to an annual programme of works to the operational buildings at an estimated cost of £4,216,000 as detailed in Appendices A and B, in accordance with Financial Regulation A.5.6.7, and delegated authority be granted, where necessary, to the Strategic Director, Resources to enter into contracts within that budget which are procured in accordance with Contract Standing Orders. |
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Report of the Director of Adult Social Services and Lead Commissioner, People (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the scrutiny panel report on adults with autism and its recommendations (Appendix 1).
(2) That Cabinet agrees the responses to these recommendations set out in Appendix 2 to this report. Minutes: 193.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner, People detailing the Executive Response to the report of the Scrutiny Panel on Services for Adults with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC).
193.2 The Chairman invited Councillor Harmer-Strange, Chairman of the Scrutiny Panel, to introduce the Panel’s report.
193.3 Councillor Harmer-Strange thanked Adult Social Care & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee (ASCHOSC) for allowing him to chair the Panel. The Panel began by seeking a clearer understanding of ASC and the challenges faced by adults with autism before considering the services needed. The Panel received much interest both locally and nationally and its meetings were well attended. Councillor Harmer-Strange thanked all those who gave evidence or contributed to the work of the panel, including Professor Critchley and his team, Professor Turk, voluntary sector organisations and service providers, and adults with ASC who attended and spoke to the Panel. He explained that the Panel’s report highlighted where the need was and emphasised the importance of partnership working to take the recommendations forward and prevent individuals falling through the net in the future.
193.4 Councillor Harmer-Strange reported that, when the ASCHOSC considered the Panel’s report, they requested that the issue of bullying be addressed within the report and that the report would be amended to include this, however it did not affect the recommendations in the report or those before the Cabinet.
193.5 Councillor Mitchell commended the Panel’s report and the practical nature of the recommendations, and in particular those aimed at improving diagnosis and raising awareness.
193.6 Councillor Randall noted the need for greater understanding of ASC and improved transitional support as individuals became adults; he highlighted the recommendations that focussed on lifelong learning and employment and advised that organisations across the city would need to work together to make progress on the recommendations.
193.7 The Chairman praised the Panel and witnesses for contributing to a worthwhile scrutiny process and producing a report that highlighted important issues that had not been raised previously. She thanked Councillor Harmer-Strange for adding his personal touch to the work of the Panel.
193.1 Councillor Norman thanked the Panel for their work and advised that the council would work with its partners to provide the right support and services for adults with ASC.
193.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the scrutiny panel report on adults with autism and its recommendations (Appendix 1) be noted.
(2) That the responses to these recommendations set out in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed. |
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Local Transport Plan
Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the results of the public consultation.
(2) That Cabinet endorses, for approval at Full Council, the draft of the Local Transport Plan attached in Appendix 3. Minutes: 194.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the council’s Local Transport Plan, which provides a policy framework for a capital investment programme in schemes and measures to maintain, manage and improve the city’s transport network.
194.2 The Strategic Director, Place explained that a revised version of Appendix 3, the Local Transport Plan Strategy and Delivery Plan, had been issued to ensure that the Cabinet only considered the strategic vision and not any specific schemes at this stage.
194.3 Councillor Theobald advised that details of the first year of the investment programme would be considered by the Cabinet on 7 April 2011, and not solely by himself as stated in paragraph 5.1 of the report.
194.4 Councillor Mitchell stated that the Local Transport Plan under consideration was not complete and contained little detail about key proposals for moving the city forward in terms of its transport infrastructure. She noted that the Plan would not be considered by the Full Council on 24 March as expected and may not achieve final approval until July. She reported that the Transport Partnership were unhappy that they had not yet been given the opportunity to comment on the Plan and stated that it contained only enough to secure funding from the Government.
194.5 The Chairman stated that the current Administration had been fettered by the previous Administration’s decisions on transport matters and had spent four years implementing solutions to a number of problems, including parking and congestion. She explained that further detail would be considered after the Local Elections in May so as not to fetter the new Administration.
194.6 Councillor Theobald stated that the Plan was comprehensive and detailed a clear strategy. The first year of investment would be considered by the new Council alongside the Plan after the elections, and years two and three would follow later in 2011; the Plan was intentionally flexible to enable implementation as per the will on the new Council. Councillor Theobald reported that the Cabinet would receive a presentation at its next meeting on the new transport model purchased by the council, which would make it possible to see the effect of transport schemes on other parts of the city prior to implementation.
Councillor Theobald noted that the council had the award for Car Park of the Year for the Lanes Car Park and stated that the Administration had achieved a lot in the last four years. He added that on voting to retain the Grand Avenue/The Drive cycle lane at Budget Council, it was a shame that opposition Members had not chosen to put the £1.1m saved back into the transport budget.
194.7 Councillor Mitchell stated that the amendment to the budget had not resulted in any money being taken out of the transport budget.
194.8 Councillor Randall advised that he supported the decision to wait until after the elections to seek approval of the Local Transport Plan. He stated that the strategy included few proposals to tackle poor air quality and congestion, and raised questions about the integration of different transport systems.
194.9 In response to questions from Councillor Randall, Councillor Theobald advised that work on transport integration and ‘park and ride’ proposals were ongoing.
194.10 The Chairman reported that the new transport model was impressive and long overdue for the city. She explained that developers would pay to use the transport model, allowing the council to recoup money spent on it and also get the information needed to see the effect of developments on the city as a whole.
194.11 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the results of the public consultation be noted.
(2) That the draft of the Local Transport Plan, attached in Appendix 3, be endorsed for approval at Full Council. |
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New Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep) Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy to follow). Additional documents: Minutes: 195.1 This item was deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet. |
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Home Energy Efficiency Investment Options Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the Home Energy Efficiency Investment options and opportunities available to the Council, its tenants and residents through installation of solar photovoltaic panels on council and other homes to take advantage of the Feed in Tariff scheme.
(2) That Cabinet notes the outcome of the initial options appraisal undertaken by Climate Energy, indicating that there is an outline business case to support delivery of a solar photovoltaic scheme across the council housing stock and to meet strategic housing and other council priorities, including private sector housing renewal, reducing fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions.
(3) That Cabinet notes that existing sub-regional local authority partners in the BEST consortium are also undertaking similar initiatives to install solar panels to take advantage of the Feed in Tariff scheme and that we have identified significant potential advantages to working in partnership to move quickly to enable economies of scale to be explored through procurement arrangements.
(4) That Cabinet agrees that BHCC works with partners in the current BEST consortium to ascertain whether BHCC can take forward any procurement of the supply and installation of solar PV panels together with those partners in order to establish actual costs to inform economies of scale and further consideration of business case and appropriate funding model. In addition, consideration will be given to procuring the supply and installation of solar PV panels with our partner Mears Ltd.
(5) That Cabinet notes any final decision on funding options, level and source of funding to progress this scheme together with any procurement supply and installation of solar PV panels as set out in this Report will be subject to Cabinet approval. Minutes: 195a.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning Home Energy Efficiency Investment Options, including potential opportunities offered by the Government backed Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme to procure the supply and installation of solar PV panels.
195a.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the proposals and the use of the BEST consortium; she hoped that the scheme would go ahead as anticipated and that more information from the Government was forthcoming. She noted that it would be important to manage expectations and ensure that tenants were not misled into believing that they would all benefit from free electricity.
195a.3 Councillor Randall noted that timing would be critical to the success of the council’s plans and highlighted energy efficiency concerns in relation to private rented sector housing.
195a.4 Councillor Fallon-Khan thanked Martin Reid, Head of Housing Strategy & Development, and all officers involved in the proposals. He advised that scheme fitted in with the council’s 10:10 carbon reduction priorities and the approach was indicative of the importance of working in partnership with organisations across the city and beyond to pool resources and achieve outcomes. He noted that both the Housing Management Consultative Committee and Sustainability Cabinet Committee were supportive of the proposals.
195a.5 The Chairman reported that Greg Barker MP, Minister for Energy & Climate Change, had shown significant interest in energy efficiency developments within the city and would be visiting in the near future.
195a.6 Councillor Mitchell suggested that, if the council was minded to write to the Government to request clarity on the future of the FIT scheme, it could be done on a cross-party basis.
195a.7 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the Home Energy Efficiency Investment options and opportunities available to the Council, its tenants and residents through installation of solar photovoltaic panels on council and other homes to take advantage of the Feed in Tariff scheme be noted.
(2) That the outcome of the initial options appraisal undertaken by Climate Energy, indicating that there is an outline business case to support delivery of a solar photovoltaic scheme across the council housing stock and to meet strategic housing and other council priorities, including private sector housing renewal, reducing fuel poverty and reducing carbon emissions be noted
(3) That it be noted that existing sub-regional local authority partners in the BEST consortium are also undertaking similar initiatives to install solar panels to take advantage of the Feed in Tariff scheme and that we have identified significant potential advantages to working in partnership to move quickly to enable economies of scale to be explored through procurement arrangements.
(4) That agreement be given that BHCC works with partners in the current BEST consortium to ascertain whether BHCC can take forward any procurement of the supply and installation of solar PV panels together with those partners in order to establish actual costs to inform economies of scale and further consideration of business case and appropriate funding model. In addition, consideration will be given to procuring the supply and installation of solar PV panels with our partner Mears Ltd.
(5) That it be noted that any final decision on funding options, level and source of funding to progress this scheme together with any procurement supply and installation of solar PV panels as set out in this Report will be subject to Cabinet approval. |
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Portslade Town Hall Site, Victoria Road Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves and authorises:
(a) Appointment of an agent to undertake the open marketing of the site adjacent to Portslade Town Hall.
(b) Disposal of the site on a long leasehold basis of 125 years at a premium and no rental payment.
(c) The use of the net proceeds to provide for reinvestment in Portslade Town Hall for community use and other corporate accommodation projects. Minutes: 196.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning proposals for the redevelopment of the Portslade Town Hall site.
196.2 Councillor Alford clarified that the report was complemented by a further report in the confidential part of the agenda due to the commercial and financial nature of some of the information; it was necessary for such information to remain private to ensure the council could achieve best value should the proposals be approved.
196.3 The Chairman invited Councillors Harmer-Strange and Hamilton to speak to their respective letters.
196.4 Councillor Harmer-Strange stated that he broadly welcomed the proposals and the much needed investment they would bring. He highlighted the work that had already begun and that required to bring the Town Hall back into full use. He raised concerns about the future of the bowling club and welcomed plans to investigate whether the main green could be squared to allow use in both directions and the possible extension of the pavilion. He noted further concerns about parking, the public toilets, the density of any housing development on the site and the position of the public footpath, but supported the refurbishment of the Town Hall to enable increased use as a community facility.
196.5 Councillor Hamilton stated that he was strongly opposed to the disposal as it would decrease usability of the site, which was already a community hub and this would suffer if parking was significantly reduced. He reported that he had met with the Chair of the bowling club who had raised concerns on behalf of club members; it was unlikely that the main green could be squared in the space available and the training green was essential to the continued existence of the club as its use reduced the wear and tear on the main green. He stated that the whole site was Portslade’s civic facility and that the needs of those who used to the site had not been adequately assessed.
196.6 The Chairman noted that similar circumstances surrounded the Whitehawk Co-location scheme and that disposal was sometimes necessary to guarantee the required level of investment.
196.7 Councillor Alford reported that rumours about the proposals had been circulating in the community, but confirmed that no important fixtures and fittings would be removed from the Town Hall. He advised that significant investment was needed to sustain the building, including a new kitchen, and that the future of the bowling club was a top priority along with exploring possibilities for increasing parking in the area. Disposal of the site would involve a thorough three-stage that could take a number of years, and there would be sufficient opportunity for community involvement in the plans as they progressed.
196.8 The Chairman advised that she had moved an informal meeting of the Cabinet to Portslade Town Hall to enable Members to appreciate the state of the building; attempts had been made to hold public council meetings in the building, but it did not have the necessary access to make it possible. Improvements would be made to the Town Hall building and bowling club site, and full consultation would take place before the remainder of the site was developed. She added that any housing planned on the site following disposal would need to fit the surrounding community.
196.9 Councillor Theobald noted that the Town Hall had received no investment for a number of years and that the aim was to improve the building for residents.
196.10 Councillor Simson welcomed the opportunity for improvement of important community facilities and the provision of space for community organisations.
196.11 Councillor Smith stated that he hoped it would prove possible to enable bowling in both directions on the main green and added that an extended pavilion would provide improved facilities for club members.
196.12 Councillor Young announced that the Mayor would be holding a charity event at the Town Hall to further demonstrate its significance to the city.
196.13 Councillor Fallon-Khan stated that the Town Hall was a magnificent building that had not been properly maintained for many years and that its regeneration would benefit the whole community.
196.14 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That approval and authorisation be given for:
(a) Appointment of an agent to undertake the open marketing of the site adjacent to Portslade Town Hall.
(b) Disposal of the site on a long leasehold basis of 125 years at a premium and no rental payment.
(c) The use of the net proceeds to provide for reinvestment in Portslade Town Hall for community use and other corporate accommodation projects. |
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Relocation of Print & Sign Unit Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy circulated separately). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the need to urgently relocate the Print & Sign Unit (PSU) for health and safety reasons.
(2) That Cabinet agrees to relocate the existing PSU to suitable alternative premises.
(3) That Cabinet agrees to include the scheme to refurbish premises if necessary and relocate the PSU within the capital programme at an estimated cost of £180k to be financed through council borrowing.
(4) That Cabinet delegates authority to the Strategic Director, Resources, the Head of Communications and the Head of Property and Design to implement the PSU relocation within the cost parameters agreed at 2.3 above and to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to execute the necessary legal documentation. Minutes: 197.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning proposals to relocate the council’s Print & Sign Unit from its current location at Hollingdean Depot due to health and safety concerns over the building that houses the unit.
197.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the need to urgently relocate the Print & Sign Unit (PSU) for health and safety reasons be noted.
(2) That the existing PSU be relocated to suitable alternative premises.
(3) That the scheme to refurbish premises if necessary and relocate the PSU be included within the capital programme at an estimated cost of £180k to be financed through council borrowing.
(4) That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director, Resources, the Head of Communications and the Head of Property and Design to implement the PSU relocation within the cost parameters agreed at (3) above and to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to execute the necessary legal documentation. |
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47 Middle Street, Falmer Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet authorises:
(a) The council to take a surrender of 47 Middle Street, Falmer from the Balmer Farm tenancy.
(b) The sale of 47 Middle Street to fund the costs incurred to complete the surrender of the farm tenancy for Ovingdean Grange Farm. Any surplus proceeds to finance essential capital repairs to properties within the agricultural portfolio. Minutes: 198.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources seeking approval for the council to take a surrender of 47 Middle Street, Falmer from the Balmer Farm tenancy.
198.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That authority be given for:
(a) The council to take a surrender of 47 Middle Street, Falmer from the Balmer Farm tenancy.
(b) The sale of 47 Middle Street to fund the costs incurred to complete the surrender of the farm tenancy for Ovingdean Grange Farm. Any surplus proceeds to finance essential capital repairs to properties within the agricultural portfolio. |
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Sports Facilities Management Contract – Capital Investment Proposals Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the development of the capital investment proposals for the Prince Regent Swimming Complex and the Withdean Stadium Complex.
(2) That a further report be considered by Cabinet detailing the proposals for approval prior to planning applications being submitted. Minutes: 199.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities concerning the capital investment proposals submitted by Freedom Leisure in addition to their bid for the council’s Sports Facilities Management Contract.
199.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the proposals and stated that she looked forward to the realisation of the imaginative schemes detailed in the report.
199.3 Councillor Norman advised that he and his fellow Withdean Ward councillors welcomed investment in Withdean Stadium, which would provide the opportunity for it to become a real community stadium.
199.4 Councillor Randall advised that greater flexibility was needed in sports provision throughout the city; he welcomed the emphasis creating a community stadium at the Withdean site and the involvement of a not-for-profit organisation in its development.
199.5 The Chairman noted the improvements already made at the King Alfred Leisure Centre and advised that the whole city would benefit from the investment in Withdean Stadium.
199.6 Councillor Smith wished to place on record the council’s thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club and Sussex County Cricket Club for regenerating their own grounds, which also benefited the wider community.
199.7 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the development of the capital investment proposals for the Prince Regent Swimming Complex and the Withdean Stadium Complex be approved.
(2) That a further report be considered by Cabinet detailing the proposals for approval prior to planning applications being submitted. |
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Special Needs Home to School Contracts 2011 Report of the Strategic Director, People (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the arrangements for home to school transport contract tendering set out in the report.
(2) That Cabinet approves the change to a framework contracting approach to home to school transport.
(3) That Cabinet approves Departmental Transport Service work operating within the framework arrangements. Minutes: 200.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, People concerning arrangements for the council’s home to school transport contracts for students with special educational needs.
200.2 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the emphasis on using of local taxi firms and hoped that it would increase with the new contract. She noted that a recent equalities review in relation to taxis recommended that the issues raised be forwarded to those responsible for the home to school contracts.
200.3 The Chairman stated that the city benefited from an excellent taxi trade and that local suppliers were encouraged to tender for the contract as they had expert knowledge required. She also noted that local drivers were very conscious of the requirements of students with special educational needs and were able to offer a first-rate service.
200.4 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the arrangements for home to school transport contract tendering set out in the report be approved.
(2) That the change to a framework contracting approach to home to school transport be approved.
(3) That Departmental Transport Service work operating within the framework arrangements be approved. |
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Report of the Director of Finance (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the continued use of covert surveillance and the accessing of communications data as an enforcement tool to prevent and detect all crime and disorder investigated by its officers, providing the necessity and proportionality rules are stringently applied.
(2) That Cabinet notes the surveillance activity undertaken by the authority since the last report to Cabinet in November 2010.
(3) That Cabinet notes the outcome of the Government’s review of the local authority surveillance regime, and its implications for the council. Minutes: 201.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Finance concerning activities undertaken by the council utilising the powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
201.2 Councillor Randall commented that the powers had been used sparingly and that this was to be commended.
201.3 The Chairman advised that the council was very aware of its responsibilities under RIPA and that powers were exercised carefully and only where appropriate.
201.4 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That approval be given for the continued use of covert surveillance and the accessing of communications data as an enforcement tool to prevent and detect all crime and disorder investigated by its officers, providing the necessity and proportionality rules are stringently applied.
(2) That the surveillance activity undertaken by the authority since the last report to Cabinet in November 2010 be noted.
(3) That the outcome of the Government’s review of the local authority surveillance regime, and its implications for the council be noted. |
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Part Two Minutes of the previous meeting Part Two Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 February 2011 (copy circulated to Members only). Minutes: 202.1 RESOLVED- That the Part Two minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2011 be approved as a correct record. |
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New Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep) Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy to follow for Members only).
[Exempt Categories 3 and 5] Minutes: 203.1 This item was deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet. |
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Portslade Town Hall Site, Victoria Road Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy circulated to Members only).
[Exempt Category 3] Decision: As detailed in the Part 1 decision record. Minutes: 204.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning proposals for the redevelopment of the Portslade Town Hall site.
204.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the recommendations as detailed in the Part 1 report. |
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Relocation of Print & Sign Unit Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy circulated separately to Members only).
[Exempt Category 3] Decision: As detailed in the Part 1 decision record. Minutes: 205.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning proposals to relocate the council’s Print & Sign Unit from its current location at Hollingdean Depot due to health and safety concerns over the building that houses the unit.
205.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the recommendations as detailed in the Part 1 report. |
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47 Middle Street, Falmer Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy circulated to Members only).
[Exempt Category 3] Decision: As detailed in the Part 1 decision record. Minutes: 206.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources seeking approval for the council to take a surrender of 47 Middle Street, Falmer from the Balmer Farm tenancy.
206.2 RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the recommendations as detailed in the Part 1 report. |
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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: Minutes: 207.1 The Cabinet considered whether or not any of the above items should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
207.2 RESOLVED – That items 202, 204, 205 and 206, contained in Part Two of the agenda, remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. |