Agenda for Policy & Resources Committee (pre 2015) on Thursday, 19th March, 2015, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 264 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Ross Keatley Democratic Services Manager
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Procedural Business (a) Declaration of Substitutes: Where Councillors are unable to attend a meeting, a substitute Member from the same Political Group may attend, speak and vote in their place for that meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest:
(a) Disclosable pecuniary interests; (b) Any other interests required to be registered under the local code; (c) Any other general interest as a result of which a decision on the matter might reasonably be regarded as affecting you or a partner more than a majority of other people or businesses in the ward/s affected by the decision.
In each case, you need to declare (i) the item on the agenda the interest relates to; (ii) the nature of the interest; and (iii) whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest or some other interest.
If unsure, Members should seek advice from the committee lawyer or administrator preferably before the meeting.
(c) 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 Two of the Agenda states in its heading 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 exempt categories is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls. Additional documents: Minutes: (a) Declarations of Substitutes
148.1 Councillor Mitchell was present in substitution for Councillor Lepper.
(b) Declarations of Interest
148.2 There were no declarations of interests in matters listed on the agenda.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public
148.3 The Committee considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of any of the items listed on the agenda.
148.4 RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items contained in part two of the agenda. |
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To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 12 February 2015 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 149.1 Councillor G. Theobald noted some formatting errors in the resolution at 138.16.
149.2 At 136.11 Councillor Peltzer Dunn noted that the second ‘the’ in the sentence should be removed.
149.3 That, with the above changes, the minutes of the last meeting held on 12 February 2015 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. |
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Chair's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 150.1 The Chair gave the following communications:
“Today’s meeting will be web cast live and will be capable of repeated viewing.
I propose to change the order of the agenda and take the second item as Item 162 – Local Transport Plan 2015, together with the associated member letter from Cllr. Mears.
Welcome to the last P&R of the municipal year, my last P&R and the last P&R for some of my colleagues too. Much has been achieved in my time as Chair of this committee and a vast number of vital and difficult decisions have been made. I have always enjoyed having the privilege to highlight some of the achievements we have made as a council and I would like to do that today for one last time.
First off, congratulations to the Brighton and Hove Playbus team for winning the National Award for Best Playwork Team 2015. Their work to offer creative and enjoyable open access play sessions for children and to bring families together and give the city’s kids a taste for active play outdoors has been justifiably acknowledged as the best in the country.
A big congratulations to everyone involved in the work with our partners on the Greater Brighton Investment Programme which led to us winning the Driving Growth award at the Local Government Chronicle Awards last week. A really fine example of the impressive sustainability work being done at Brighton and Hove City Council and something we should be extremely proud of as a city.
I’d also like to highlight the wonderful news that we now have over 200 businesses and charities in Brighton and Hove signed up to be Living Wage employers. Thank you to Martlets Hospice who helped us reach the landmark number and I am sure we will see many more of our city’s businesses want to be a part of such an important initiative that improves the lives of those working in our local communities.
On that note I’d like to give a special thanks to my colleague Cllr Randall for being so active in supporting the Living Wage campaign and as many of you will know Bill is to stand down at the election so I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done in serving the people of Brighton and Hove over many years. I know everyone here will want to join me in saying good luck in your new endeavours and we look forward to your continuing participation in the affairs of the city, albeit from a different standing. You have been an exemplary public servant.
Another member of the committee, who is not here today but who will be standing down and retiring, is Cllr Lepper. I would also like to pay tribute to her and the sterling work she has done in the many years she has been representing the people of Hollingdean and Stanmer. We wish her all the best in her retirement.” |
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Call Over (a) Items (154 - 169) will be read out at the meeting and Members invited to reserve the items for consideration.
(b) Those items not reserved will be taken as having been received and the reports’ recommendations agreed. Additional documents: Minutes: 151.1 The following items were reserved for discussion:
Item 154 Brighton & Hove City Council Corporate Plan And Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-19 Item 155 Asset Management Fund 2015/16 Item 156 Planned Maintenance Budget Allocation 2015-16 And Programme of Works For The Council’s Operational Buildings Item 157 South East Business Services and Central Services Item 160 Annual Investment Strategy 2015/16 Item 161 Alternative Local Taxation Item 162 Local Transport Plan 2015 Item 163 Seafront Investment Programme – Governance Arrangements Item 164 Options For The Store Between 67 & 67a St Andrews Road Portslade (Aka Portslade Police Station) Item 164A Proposal For The Development Of A New Secondary School In Brighton & Hove Item 167 Review Of The Constitution
151.2 The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that the items listed above had been reserved for discussion, and that the following reports of the agenda, with the recommendations therein, had been approved and adopted.
Item 155 Asset Management Fund 2015/16 Item 158 Treasury Management Policy Statement 2015/16 Item 159 Pay Policy Statement 2015/16 Item 161A Education Capital Resources And Capital Investment Programme 2015/16 Item 165 Tender For Coast Protection And Highway Structures Maintenance Contract Item 166 Procurement Of Schools Management Information System (Mis)
Part Two
Item 169 Waste Update Report |
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To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:
(a) Petitions: to receive any petitions presented by members of the public to the full Council or as notified for presentation at the meeting by the due of 12 March 2015;
i) Continuation of Stanmer Park Horse Rescue Centre (SPHRC)
ii) Compulsory Purchase Medina House, Kings Esplanade, Hove
(b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 12 March 2015;
(c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 12 March 2015. Additional documents: Minutes: 152.1 The Chair welcomed Anne Markwick to the meeting and invited her to address the Committee in relation to her petition concerning ‘the Continuation of Stanmer Park Horse Rescue Centre’.
152.2 Ms Markwick explained that the centre had been established in 2013 and since then approximately £2000 had been invested in repairs to the stables. Stanmer Village had supported the rescue centre from the onset as well as other community groups, and the horses were very popular with visitors to the park. The petition had been signed by individuals that had all seen the horses first hand, and Ms Markwick gave assurances about the living conditions of the horses.
152.3 The Chair thanked Ms Markwick for attending and noted that he was aware of the level of involvement by the tenants and the Council; whilst he understood concerns these related to tenancy matters which needed to be dealt with at the appropriate level within the organisation, and he asked that the Committee note the petition.
152.4 RESOLVED: That the Committee note the petition.
152.5 The Chair welcomed Valerie Paynter to the meeting and invited her to address the Committee in regard to her petition concerning ‘the Compulsory Purchase of Medina House, Kings Esplanade, Hove’.
152.6 Ms Paynter explained that the petition followed on from the planning brief that had been agreed by the Economic Development & Culture Committee in 2013, local people were seeking compulsory purchase to protect the building. Since Medina House had been purchased from the previous Hove Borough Council it had been neglected and occupied by squatters leading to enforcement action by the Council. The planning history contained 17 applications, including some unimplemented consents, others for demolition and rebuild had been refused or withdrawn. The building remained of local and national historic importance leading to SaveHove’s decision to ask that the building be compulsory purchased by the Council. It was argued the purchase could be a profitable investment for the Council; the petition gave the Council both a workable option and solution.
152.7 The Chair thanks Ms Paynter and stated:
“The City Council greatly regrets the current unsightly appearance of the Medina House site and would welcome an approach from the owners for a well-designed and appropriate development coming forward at the earliest opportunity. Whilst the Council does not rule out the use of compulsory purchase at some time in the future, it does not appear that the circumstances of Medina house warrant such action at this time.
The relevant legislation is to be found at Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990; however, useful guidance is also found in Circular No. 06/2004. Officers have reviewed the requirements of the Act and consider that the onerous requirements are not met at this time.
The Council has no resources identified to purchase this site and any decision to purchase would require a business case to be in place which identifies that both sufficient funds are available and to demonstrate that it would be a financially viable investment for its future operation.
Despite the non-listed status of the building, since the fire we have written to Mr Taghan and applied some pressure requiring remedial works to be carried out to the building. We asked for the following works to be undertaken:
· Repair and re-secure the timber hoarding around the site and secure the building from any unauthorised intrusion or access. · Secure the windows on the western elevation to prevent water ingress and protection from the elements with immediate effect. · Repair and replace the windows on the western elevation including the replacement of glazing. · Repaint the western elevation of the property to match the previously painted elements of the property.
We have been in constant communication with Mr Taghan since our first letter on 30th December and we last visited the site on 3rd March and the above works were being well progressed. (See attached photograph).”
152.8 RESOLVED: That the Committee note the petition.
152.9 The Chair noted there were no other petitions, deputations or public questions. |
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To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(c) Letters: to consider any letters;
i) Councillor Mears: Local Transport Plan 4 Additional documents: Minutes: 153.1 The letter from Councillor Mears was considered under Item 162. |
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Brighton & Hove City Council Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-19
Report of the Chief Executive (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That Policy & Resources Committee:
(i) Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-19 set out in Appendix 2.
(ii) Consider the Corporate Plan 2015- 2019 set out in Appendix 1 and recommend it with or without amendment to Council for approval.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMENDED
2) That Council approve the final version of the Corporate Plan 2015-19.
Minutes: 154.1 The Committee considered a report of the Chief Executive in relation to Brighton & Hove City Council Corporate Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-2019. The Corporate Plan was part of the Council’s policy framework, and set the overall direction for the Council over the coming four years; it also set the vision, principles and priorities which were shared with Brighton & Hove Connected. A draft version of the Corporate Plan was approved by the Committee on 4 December 2014 and it was recommended that the final version of the Corporate Plan and the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-19 be referred for adoption following the setting of the 2015/16 budget.
154.2 Councillor G. Theobald stated that he did not agree in principle with the reference at 3.14 to ‘the Medium Term Financial Strategy assuming the highest level of resources available form Council Tax each year without triggering a referendum.’ However, he went on to add that he welcomed many aspects of the Corporate Plan in particular the references to: efficiency; a smaller organisation; greater third sector involvement and provision; increased citizen role and a more connected city. Councillor G. Theobald queried why this approach had taken so long to come forward, and argued that should have been the long-term strategy when the administration moved away from the commissioning structure introduced by the previous administration. Reference was also made the increased role of regional bodies, and thanks were extended to the Policy Team for their work on the plan.
154.3 The Chair agreed that both the city region and the LEP would become more important going forward, and the Corporate Plan sought to build on the direction of travel over the last four years.
154.4 Councillor Morgan thanked Officers that had been involved in the production of the Corporate Plan; the plan would provide the framework for the next four years whilst allowing flexibility given the uncertain political outcome of the local elections.
154.5 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
154.6 RESOLVED
1) That Policy & Resources Committee:
(i) Approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2015-19 set out in Appendix 2.
(ii) Consider the Corporate Plan 2015- 2019 set out in Appendix 1 and recommend it with or without amendment to Council for approval.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMENDED
2) That Council approve the final version of the Corporate Plan 2015-19. |
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Asset Management Fund 2015/16 Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Policy & Resources Committee approve the recommended remaining allocations of Asset Management Fund bids totalling £0.275 million as detailed in paragraph 3.4 of this report. Minutes: 155.1 RESOLVED: That the Committee approve the recommended remaining allocations of Asset Management Fund bids totalling £0.275 million as detailed in paragraph 3.4 of this report. |
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Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee–
1) Approve the annual programme of planned maintenance works as detailed in Appendices 2 and 3, at a total estimated cost of £3,566,158; and,
2) Grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Property & Design to procure the planned maintenance works and enter into contracts within this budget, as required, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders. Minutes: 156.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to Planned Maintenance Budget Allocation 2015-16 and Programme of Works for the Council’s Operational Buildings. The report sought approval for the proposed 2015-16 allocations of improvement and essential repair works to civic offices, historic, operational and commercial buildings within the corporate planned maintenance budget and the social care planned work budget.
156.2 Councillor Sykes stated it was vital that works progress to avoid the liabilities becoming too great, much of this would need judgements from Officers, but there were elements of the budget that could be offset by future funding. The Chair noted that the Workstyles programme would reduce the number of operational buildings for the Council.
156.3 Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed the report, and it was clarified that the costs in the report took into account increased costs in the construction market generally.
156.4 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
156.5 RESOLVED: That the Committee–
1) Approve the annual programme of planned maintenance works as detailed in Appendices 2 and 3, at a total estimated cost of £3,566,158; and,
2) Grant delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Property & Design to procure the planned maintenance works and enter into contracts within this budget, as required, in accordance with Contract Standing Orders. |
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South East Business Services and Central Services
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
1) Approve full exploration of SEBs shared services as a founding member, including the business case development, whilst remaining open to alternative models in parallel. If appropriate, further approval to progress Joint Committee membership would be sought at a later stage.
2) Notes the ongoing work to develop an internal trading model, which could be required for any future service delivery model.
Minutes: 157.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to South East Business Services and Central Services. The report explored the possibility for a shared service, and sought permission for the Council to become a founding member of South East Business Services (SEBS) to enable the Council to fully explore this option.
157.2 Councillor Sykes explained that there were two elements of the report: to make more sense of internal charges and recharges and explore the SEBS option further, it was noted that some central services were currently well streamlined and the authority performed well In CIPFA benchmarking.
157.3 Councillor A. Norman welcomed the report, but queried why these options had not been explored some years ago, as well as asking for more information on what becoming a founder member entailed. In response the Chair explained that the authority would not be committing to join the full committee, the authority would still be able to look at other options and proceed with SEBS were this to be considered the preferred option. The Chair also gave examples of the other areas of shared work taking place across the organisation. The Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources added that the report provided the political mandate to work towards the best options for the organisation, whilst keeping all potential options open and work would be done with SEBS as they looked at the business case in much more detail.
157.4 Councillor Morgan welcomed the report, and agreed that the correct approach was to consider all options and noted it was important that as much information be shared with the staff and unions as possible.
157.5 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report as an opportunity to find the best solution, and congratulated Officers for their work.
157.6 Councillor Randall also welcomed the report and stated it was important the Council join as a founder; he was of the view there would be more of this collaborative working between local authorities in future.
157.8 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
157.9 RESOLVED: That the Committee:
1) Approve full exploration of SEBs shared services as a founding member, including the business case development, whilst remaining open to alternative models in parallel. If appropriate, further approval to progress Joint Committee membership would be sought at a later stage.
2) Notes the ongoing work to develop an internal trading model, which could be required for any future service delivery model. |
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Treasury Management Policy Statement 2015/16
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That Policy & Resources Committee note that there are no changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practices approved by Policy & Resources Committee on 20 March 2014.
2) That Policy & Resources approve the Borrowing Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 to this report. Minutes: 158.1 RESOLVED:
1) That the Committee note that there are no changes to the Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practices approved by Policy & Resources Committee on 20 March 2014.
2) That Policy & Resources approve the Borrowing Strategy as set out in Appendix 3 to this report. |
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Pay Policy Statement 2015/16 Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee recommends to Council the adoption of the pay policy statement 2015/16 attached at Appendix 1. Minutes: 159.1 RESOLVED - That the Committee recommends to Council the adoption of the pay policy statement 2015/16 attached at Appendix 1. |
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Annual Investment Strategy 2015/16
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Policy & Resources Committee recommend to full Council the approval of the Annual Investment Strategy 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report Minutes: 160.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to the Annual Investment Strategy 2015-16. The Local Government Act 2003 introduced a prudential capital finance system whereby levels of borrowing and investments were decided locally by local authorities. Guidance issued under the Act required a local authority to approve an annual investment strategy which gave priority to security and liquidity.
106.2 Councillor Sykes thanked the excellent work of the Treasury Management Team, and noted that the list of UK banks had been expanded; he recommended the report to the Committee.
106.3 Councillor A. Norman also thanked Officers for their excellent work which went on year on year.
106.4 Councillor Randall noted the consistently good work of the team, and welcomed the continued investment in mutual building societies.
106.5 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
106.6 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND - That the Committee recommend to Council the approval of the Annual Investment Strategy 2015/16 as set out in Appendix 1 to this report. |
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Alternative Local Taxation Report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee notes the report. Minutes: 161.1 The Committee considered a report of Head of Legal & Democratic Services in relation to Alternative Local Taxation. At the meeting on 4 December 2014 the Committee had considered a petition asking the Council to investigate the introduction of a ‘more progressive form of local funding that will support life for the many, not just the few.’ The Committee instructed Officers to bring a report to a future meeting and this report informed Members of the legal and financial implications of introducing a new system of local taxation as proposed by the petitioner.
161.2 Councillor Sykes explained he had formally proposed the report and thanked Officers for the work, whilst he agreed with much of the analysis that had been undertaken by the petitioner and the impact of Central Government cuts, he was not of the view there was a concrete proposal that could be taken forward. The Chair noted that any new system of local taxation would need to come forward from Central Government.
161.3 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
161.4 RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the report. |
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Education Capital Resources and Capital Investment Programme 2015/16
Report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy attached) Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £18.383 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and reserves set aside for primary places be noted.
2) That the Committee agree the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2015/16. Minutes: 161A.1 RESOLVED:
1) That the level of available capital resources totalling £18.383 million for investment relating to education buildings financed from capital grant, revenue contributions and reserves set aside for primary places be noted.
2) That the Committee agree the allocation of funding as shown in Appendices 2 and 3 for inclusion within the council’s Capital Investment Programme 2015/16. |
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Local Transport Plan
Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND
1) That the Committee recommends Council to approve the draft Local Transport Plan [LTP4], as attached in Appendix 2 in March 2015.
RESOLVED
2) That the Committee authorises the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing to make presentational and other minor changes to the Local Transport Plan and the report before its submission to full Council.
3) That the Committee approves the 2015/16 Local Transport Plan capital programme budget of £5.450 million for the Capital Renewal (Maintenance) and Integrated Transport work programmes set out in Appendix 3.
4) That the Committee approves funding for the LTP programme of £4.261 million from the LTP 2015/16 grant allocation as set out Appendix 3, and up to £1.189 million brought forward from the LTP 2016/17 grant allocation specifically to contribute towards the LTP capital renewal/maintenance block allocation to:-
a) complete the final phase of works on the King’s Road Arches (east of the i360 site); and,
b) enable the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to work with the Head of Property & Design and Assistant Chief Executive to identify and review the potential opportunities presented by the structural condition of the now vacant, former West Street Shelter Hall and develop designs to rebuild the structure and revise the junction layout, as set out at paragraphs 3.15 to 3.17 of this report.
Minutes: 162.1 The Chair highlighted there was a letter from Councillor Mears associated with this item, and he invited Councillor Mears to speak to her letter.
162.2 Councillor Mears stated that the Local Transport Plan (LTP) included plans to: grow the economy; reduce carbon emissions; increase safety and security; provide equality; improve wellbeing and enhance the public realm. Rottingdean High Street was currently used as a direct route to reach the A27, and there had been a large of amount of development in this area in the last four years. The High Street was used by approximately 14,000 cars each day, and she requested that further consideration be given to looking at Rottingdean High Street alongside other locations with similar characteristics. The pollution levels and traffic in the area was a concern for both residents and the Parish Council.
162.3 In response the Chair explained that if the plan were approved then Rottingdean High Street would be one of the areas for action.
162.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the Member Letter from Councillor Mears.
162.5 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to the Local Transport Plan (LTP) 2015. Local highways authorities had a statutory requirement to have a Local Transport Plan; the document outlined how the Council planned to manage and deliver transport in the future. The current LTP was approved in 2011, and, therefore it was considered an appropriate time to review and update the plan.
162.6 The Chair also invited Councillor Davey to introduce the plan as the Lead Member for Transport. Councillor Davey expressed thanks to the work of Officers involved in the drafting of the new plan, and the wide reaching engagement that had taken place. The aim of the strategy had been to put people at the centre of the thinking; rather than bracketing into different groups such as motorists and cyclists. Transport was the key to delivering growth within the city, and this would also impact on the greater Brighton area. The document would also provide the basis for the authority to bid with both the evidence and the arguments underpinning this. Whilst there was money set aside for big schemes such as Valley Gardens; there was evidence that smaller sums of money could also have an impact.
162.7 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the main thrust of the report and the strategy, and noted that as the city grew a new plan was needed for the new challenges. She was disappointed to see the reduction in funding from Central Government, and queried how some of the funding was being used to bring forward the Valley Gardens Scheme on the basis that this would not be sustainable year on year. Councillor Mitchell felt that both of the other groups wished to push forward with the scheme without clarity around the funding, and she asked that this be reviewed. With this issue aside she would still support the approval of the plan.
162.8 Councillors Morgan asked a series of questions and Officers gave the following responses. The match funding for the Valley Garden’s scheme would be approximately £1.1M from the LTP, of the £1.6M, and the rest would be from s106 agreements and other funds. The Valley Gardens scheme was due to ‘break ground’ in September 2015 and the scheme costs included a sum for new roads and road construction that would offset a lot of future maintenance – with a 20 to 25 year lifespan. There would be budget to provide measures for speed restriction to support the 20mph speed limit. There was a quality partnership with all local bus operators and the Council worked with them to development joint bids. Officers would come back to Councillor Morgan in relation to the listing of the Mazda Fountain and whether the reference to the number of Doctors surgeries included the recent closure of Eaton Place.
162.9 The Chair highlighted the decision to progress the works to the Madeira Arches would make the project much more cost effective.
162.10 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the increased emphasis on road maintenance, and added that it was his view the authority had benefitted very well from Central Government funding, but this level of funding could not be expected in the long-term. In relation to the Valley Gardens scheme he stated that aspects involving the roundabout would have to come back before the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee for decision, and the Committee would be able to consider this in detail.
162.11 Councillor Randall highlighted that the city had almost double the national figure for people walking to work, and the highest in the south-east. The 20 mph scheme that was introduced some years ago in the Hanover area had physical measures to reduce speed, and he expected this would be the case elsewhere in the city.
163.12 The Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.
163.13 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND
1) That the Committee recommends Council to approve the draft Local Transport Plan [LTP4], as attached in Appendix 2 in March 2015.
RESOLVED
2) That the Committee authorisesthe Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing to make presentational and other minor changes to the Local Transport Plan and the report before its submission to full Council.
3) That the Committee approves the 2015/16 Local Transport Plan capital programme budget of £5.450 million for the Capital Renewal (Maintenance) and Integrated Transport work programmes set out in Appendix 3.
4) That the Committee approves funding for the LTP programme of £4.261 million from the LTP 2015/16 grant allocation as set out Appendix 3, and up to £1.189 million brought forward from the LTP 2016/17 grant allocation specifically to contribute towards the LTP capital renewal/maintenance block allocation to:
a) Complete the final phase of works on the King’s Road Arches (east of the i360 site); and,
b) Enable the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing to work with the Head of Property & Design and Assistant Chief Executive to identify and review the potential opportunities presented by the structural condition of the now vacant, former West Street Shelter Hall and develop designs to rebuild the structure and revise the junction layout, as set out at paragraphs 3.15 to 3.17 of this report. |
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Seafront Investment Programme - Governance Arrangements
Joint report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing and the Assistant Chief Executive (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the committee notes the Programme Brief (Appendix 1), Current Significant Projects (Appendix 2) and Governance Structure (Appendix 3) for the Seafront Investment Programme.
2) That the committee approves an allocation of £30,000 from the council’s 2014/15 Strategic Investment Fund to support progress of the project.
Minutes: 163.1 The Committee considered a joint report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing and the Assistant Chief Executive. At the meeting of the Committee in on 22 January 2015 two further reports were agreed to report back; this first one outlined the draft Seafront Investment Plan, and identified potential investment, delivery and wider resource solutions to meet challenges.
163.2 The Chair noted that the Panel had demonstrated how important the seafront was to the city and its key role in the local economy.
163.3 Councillor Peltzer Dunn welcomed the programme, and noted that it was essential the work was carried out; however, he highlighted that the benefits needed to be for residents as well as tourists and the strategy should also have a focus on improvements in the west of the city. The Chair provided assurance that this would be the case.
163.4 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the report noting that she had chaired the Panel and it had been a very worthwhile piece of work. The Panel had been a welcome example of cross-party work, and she was pleased that the interdepartmental officer group had been progressed. Councillor Mitchell also noted that the seafront worked differently for different groups, and it was important that the Council maintain its relationship with the seafront traders.
163.5 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
163.6 RESOLVED:
1) That the committee notes the Programme Brief (Appendix 1), Current Significant Projects (Appendix 2) and Governance Structure (Appendix 3) for the Seafront Investment Programme.
2) That the committee approves an allocation of £30,000 from the council’s 2014/15 Strategic Investment Fund to support progress of the project.
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Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee agrees that Officers should proceed with the option to convert the building into one wheelchair accessible four bedroom family dwelling after six months (from the date of this decision) if the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission are unable to provide a community lead heritage provision. Minutes: 164.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Options for the store between 67 & 67A St Andrews Road Portslade (aka Portslade Police Station). The report set out the options for the future use if the building formerly used as the Portslade Police Station. The Police Station was built in 1908 and was currently held with the HRA.
164.2 Councillor Peltzer Dunn thanked Officers for the report and moved an amendment that recommendation at 2.1 read: ‘Officers should proceed with the option to convert the building into one wheelchair accessible four bedroom family dwelling after six months if the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission are unable to provide a community lead heritage provision.’
164.3 Councillor G. Theobald seconded the amendment stating that it wold be appropriate for the building to be used for housing if the heritage option had not come forward after six months.
164.4 Councillor Hamilton noted that the naming of the site had led to some confusion and slowed the action of those wishing to pursue the heritage option. He considered the six month timescales appropriate and would support the proposed amendment.
164.5 The Chair confirmed with the proposer that it was the intent for the six months to start from the date of the decision taken at the meeting.
164.6 Councillor Randall stated he was disappointed with the amendment and noted the shortage of housing in the city, particularly accessible housing.
164.7 The Chair then put the proposed amendment to the vote which was carried.
164.8 The Chair then put the amended recommendation to the vote.
164.9 RESOLVED: That the Committee agrees that Officers should proceed with the option to convert the building into one wheelchair accessible four bedroom family dwelling after six months (from the date of this decision) if the Brighton & Hove Heritage Commission are unable to provide a community lead heritage provision. |
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Proposal for the Development of a New Secondary School in Brighton &Hove
Report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee notes the information in this report and resolves to inform the University of Brighton of its in principle support for the university’s proposal to submit an application to develop a secondary free school in the city. Minutes: 164A.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services in relation to the Proposal for the Development of a New Secondary School in Brighton & Hove. The report asked the Committee to consider a request forom the Board of Governors of the University of Brighton that the Council provide a definitive in principle signal of support for the proposed secondary free school and for the University’s sponsorship arrangements before the university committed to the detailed work required to prepare an application to the Department for Education.
164A.2 Councillor Shanks noted that there were bulge classes currently in some primary schools in the city that would, in time, need additional secondary schools places, she felt the option for a university supported secondary school was appropriate. It would also be important to ensure the school had an appropriate admissions policy.
164A.3 Councillor Morgan welcomed the report and noted that the need for additional secondary school places had been important for some years; whilst a local authority lead school would have been the most preferable option, an education provider led establishment was a welcomed option and the Council would work in close partnership with them.
164A.4 Councillor G. Theobald supported the proposal, noting his very high regard for Brighton University, whilst he would have preferred the authority to also have talks with other potential providers, he felt the proposal was more than appropriate.
164A.5 Councillor Randall shared Councillor G. Theobald’s view that Brighton University would be a good partner.
164A.6 The Chair then put the recommendation to the vote.
164A.7 RESOLVED: That the Committee notes the information in this report and resolves to inform the University of Brighton of its in principle support for the university’s proposal to submit an application to develop a secondary free school in the city. |
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Tender for coast protection and highway structures maintenance contract Report of the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
1) Approves the procurement of a framework agreement for maintenance works with a term of four years from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2019; and,
2) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing -
(i) to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above including the award and letting of the framework agreement; and,
(ii) to enter into any subsequent call-off contracts to the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time.
Minutes: 165.1 RESOLVED: That the Committee:
1) Approves the procurement of a framework agreement for maintenance works with a term of four years from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2019; and,
2) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing -
(i) to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above including the award and letting of the framework agreement; and,
(ii) to enter into any subsequent call-off contracts to the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time. |
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Procurement of Schools Management Information Systems (MIS) Joint report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources and the Executive Director for Children’s Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee authorise the Executive Director Finance & Resources to:
1) Award a call-off contract between the Council and Capita under the ESCC Framework Agreement for the provision of management information systems (‘MIS’) for maintained schools in Brighton & Hove for a period of four years. MIS are the primary suite of integrated business software applications for schools, covering all aspects of school management ranging from pupil admissions, registration, timetabling and assessment through to school financial management and human resources management. The aggregated data held in the MIS form the basis of school statutory returns and corporate management information.
2) Extend the initial term of the call-off contract for up to an additional two years, if the Executive Director Finance & Resources considers that it is still delivering value for money.
Minutes: 166.1 RESOLVED: That the Committee authorise the Executive Director Finance & Resources to:
1) Award a call-off contract between the Council and Capita under the ESCC Framework Agreement for the provision of management information systems (‘MIS’) for maintained schools in Brighton & Hove for a period of four years. MIS are the primary suite of integrated business software applications for schools, covering all aspects of school management ranging from pupil admissions, registration, timetabling and assessment through to school financial management and human resources management. The aggregated data held in the MIS form the basis of school statutory returns and corporate management information.
2) Extend the initial term of the call-off contract for up to an additional two years, if the Executive Director Finance & Resources considers that it is still delivering value for money. |
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Review of the Constitution - March 2015
Report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision:
1) Recommends to full Council the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution as set out in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6 and Appendix 1 relating to Overview & Scrutiny arrangements and policy panels;
2) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.7 and Appendix 2 to the report relating to establishing a Member Procurement Advisory Board;
3) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.8 – 3.9 of the report relating to exploring remote attendance at meetings in specified circumstances;
4) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.10 of the report relating to the use of electronic agendas;
5) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.11-3.13 of the report relating to changes to the scheme of delegations to officers and committees.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND - That Council:
6) Approves and adopts the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution recommended in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6 and Appendix 1 of the report, relating to Overview & Scrutiny Arrangements and policy panels;
7) Authorises the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to take all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the changes agreed by the Policy & Resources Committee and Council and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend and re-publish the Council’s constitutional documents to incorporate the changes. Minutes: 167.1 The Committee considered a report of the Head of Legal & Democratic Services in relation to a Review of the Council Constitution 2015. The report proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution for approval by P&R and Council. The issues set out in the report had been reviewed by the cross-party Constitutional Working Group and included proposed changes to overview and scrutiny; establishing an advisory member procurement board; better use of technology for Council meetings and modifications to the delegations to Officers and Committees.
167.2 The Chair highlighted that introducing to electronic agendas was very much within scope, and some Members already used their own tablet devices to do this. He stated that policy panels would continue and could be commissioned by the Policy Committees, and the change of reporting for the Corporate Parenting Board made more logical sense given the remit of the Health & Wellbeing Board.
167.3 In response to a query from Councillor Peltzer Dunn the Head of Law explained that Members sitting on the Procurement Board would be trained in this area, but it was not envisaged the training would be any more onerous than training for Members on regulatory committees such as Planning and Licensing.
167.4 In response to a query from Councillor Randall the Head of Law explained that Tenant Scrutiny would be retained, and this would continue to be independent of the Housing Service.
167.5 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
167.6 RESOLVED - That the Committee:
1) Recommends to full Council the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution as set out in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6 and Appendix 1 relating to Overview & Scrutiny arrangements and policy panels;
2) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.7 and Appendix 2 to the report relating to establishing a Member Procurement Advisory Board;
3) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.8 – 3.9 of the report relating to exploring remote attendance at meetings in specified circumstances;
4) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.10 of the report relating to the use of electronic agendas;
5) Approves the proposals set out at paragraph 3.11-3.13 of the report relating to changes to the scheme of delegations to officers and committees.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND - That Council:
6) Approves and adopts the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution recommended in paragraphs 3.4 to 3.6 and Appendix 1 of the report, relating to Overview & Scrutiny Arrangements and policy panels;
7) Authorises the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to take all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the changes agreed by the Policy & Resources Committee and Council and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend and re-publish the Council’s constitutional documents to incorporate the changes. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 26 March 2015 Council meeting for information.
In accordance with Procedure Rule 24.3a, the Committee may determine that any item is to be included in its report to Council. In addition, each Group may specify one further item to be included by notifying the Chief Executive no later than 10.00am on 16 March 2015 (the eighth working day before the Council meeting to which the report is to be made), or if the Committee meeting takes place after this deadline, immediately at the conclusion of the Committee meeting. Additional documents: Minutes: 168.1 No additional items were referred to the next meeting of Council. |
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Waste Update Report
Joint report of Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing and the Interim Executive Director for Finance and Resources (circulated to Members only). Minutes: 169.1 The Committee agreed the recommendations set out in the Part 2 report. |
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Part Two Proceedings To consider whether the items listed in Part Two of the agenda and decisions thereon should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. Additional documents: Minutes: 170.1 RESOLVED: That the information contained in Item 169 remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. |