Agenda for Policy & Resources Committee (pre 2015) on Thursday, 15th October, 2015, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
PDF 165 KBVenue: Auditorium - The Brighthelm Centre
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
43.1 There were no substitutes present at the meeting.
(b) Declarations of Interest
43.2 There were none.
(c) Exclusion of Press and Public
43.3 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.
44.4 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 9 July 2015 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 44.1 RESOLVED – That the Chair be authorised to sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2015 as a correct record. |
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Chair's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 45.1 The Chair gave the following communications:
“I would like to welcome you all to Policy and Resources Committee meeting in the now very familiar surroundings of the Brighthelm Centre, which will be webcast live and available for repeated viewing.
Firstly, I would like to mention the Brighton & Hove Fairness Commission, which is underway, with our excellent group of commissioners having met and consultations having started. I urge people and communities from anywhere in the city to contact the Commission if you have experiences or evidence of inequality to share. More information can be found on the Council website and the Commission’s twitter feed @fairnessbh.
I am happy to see we have the council’s digital transformation programme on the agenda today, which sets out some of the improvements we need to make to modernise our services and make them more accessible for our residents through digital means. It is also an important step to free up our officers to the possibilities of mobile working and will enable us to become a much more agile responder to the needs of our residents.
Lastly I would like to welcome the release of the Brighton & Hove Trans Needs Assessment. An extremely impressive piece of work undertaken in partnership with our trans community, Brighton University and our voluntary sector. This work, as well as the Fairness Commission, continues to uphold this city’s reputation as a leader in equalities work and is something we will continue to build on with our communities and residents. The Trans Needs Assessment can be viewed on the Brighton & Hove Connected website.” |
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Call Over (a) Items (49 - 59) 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: 46.1 The following items were reserved for discussion:
Item 49 Targetted Budget Management (Tbm) 2015/16 Month 5 Item 50 Introduction Of Charges To Cover Costs For Pre-Application Planning Advice, Planning Performance Agreements And Design Review Item 51 Proposed Submission East Sussex, South Downs And Brighton & Hove Waste And Minerals Sites Plan Item 52 Customer First in a Digital Age Item 54 Playing Field At Old Shoreham Road Item 55 Seafront Investment Programme: Landscaping Adjacent To Brighton I360 Item 56 Review of the Council’s Constitution - October 2015
46.2 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 57 Update on Waste Joint Working Agreement Between Brighton & Hove City Council And East Sussex County Council Item 59 Update on Waste Joint Working Agreement Between Brighton & Hove City Council And East Sussex County Council - Exempt Category 3 |
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Public Involvement 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 date of the 1 October 2015; (b) Written Questions: to receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 8 October 2015; (c) Deputations: to receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 8 October 2015. Additional documents: Minutes: 47.1 The Chair noted he had allowed a late deputation in relation to Item 49 – Targetted Budget Management (TBM) 2015/16 Month 5 and this would be taken together with that item on the agenda. |
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To consider the following matters raised by councillors:
(c) Letters: to consider any letters;
Councillor G. Theobald, Councillor Simson & Councillor Wealls – Council Transformation
Additional documents: Minutes: 48.1 The Chair noted there was one letter from Councillor G. Theobald on behalf of the Conservative Group, and invited Councillor G. Theobald to speak to his letter.
48.2 Councillor G. Theobald stated that it had the position of the Conservative Group for the last few years that the Council needed to modernise and transform, and he felt this had not been taken seriously by the previous administration. The intention of the letter was to highlight the good work being undertaken by other authorities nationally; he also welcomed the current approach taken by the administration, but felt that Officers needed to be instructed to do more work in this area and report back to the Committee.
48.3 The Chair gave the following response:
“Thank you for this very positive contribution to the debate on how we make changes to our services. That process was wet out in our Medium Term Financial Strategy and in the Support Services Review at the last meeting of P&R, and we have a substantial items on service change on the agenda today – the TBM report and Customer First in a Digital Age.
In addition we have the cross-party Member Oversight Group, Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee, Corporate Modernisation Delivery Board, Directorate Modernisation Boards and project/programme boards. Appropriate stakeholder engagement forms part of each modernisation project. These projects also feature within the 4 year Service & Finance plans currently being developed. Each service within the council is responsible for researching, exploring and where appropriate implementing best practice for their service. I’ve been clear throughout that examples of best practice from around the country, like the ones you cite in your letter, should form part of that work. We are starting this process late and we do not have time to start from scratch.
However what works elsewhere may not be right for Brighton and Hove, so ideas and principles should be adapted to the specific needs of our city and our residents. Where we have local initiative and skills we should use them. Where we can engage both businesses and the community in active participation we should. The Community and Voluntary Sector will be at the heart of this effort and I give a commitment to support and involve them fully in the changes ahead.
We are looking at every option to reduce our operational costs, to make better use of our capital assets, and we are looking at councils like York, Greenwich, Leeds Lambeth and others that you cite.
No options are off the table – shared services, commissioned services, voluntary services, community-run services and commercial services. No one model of service delivery fits all and it is important local people have a full say in how their services are designed and delivered. Democratic engagement and community ownership are key aspects of our co-operative approach.
The council does have a clear approach to changes in service delivery, a comprehensive modernisation programme and robust governance arrangements, so whilst your input is welcome an additional report to members is not felt to be necessary, but your very constructive suggestions will of course be fed into this active and ongoing process.”
48.4 RESOLVED – That the Committee note the letter. |
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Targetted Budget Management (TBM) 2015/16 Month 5
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Committee note the forecast risk position for the General Fund, which indicates a budget pressure of £7.658m. This consists of £7.203m on council controlled budgets and £0.455m on the council’s share of the NHS managed Section 75 services.
2) That the Committee note the forecast for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is an underspend of £0.529m.
3) That the Committee note the forecast risk position for the Dedicated Schools Grant which is an underspend of £0.015m.
4) That the Committee note the forecast outturn position on the capital programme.
5) That the Committee approve the capital programme variations and reprofiles in Appendix 3 and new capital schemes in Appendix 4.
6) That the Committee approve the Virements from Housing Related Support Services as set out in paragraph 6.2.
7) That the Committee approve delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance & Resources and the Head of Law to make a loan of £0.061m to the Brighton Open Market Community Interest Company (CIC) as set out in paragraphs 6.3 and 6.4 subject to satisfactory terms and a Recovery Plan being agreed. Minutes: 49.1 The Chair noted that he had agreed to allow a late deputation from the traders of the Open market in relation to recommendation 2.7 in the report; he asked Mr Asaduzzaman to come forward and put his deputation to the Committee.
49.2 Mr Asaduzzaman explained that he and the two other directors on the board were under pressure to accept the loan from the Council as means to prevent the Open Market going into insolvency. Due to confidentiality the directors had not been able to discuss the loan with the traders until late in the previous week. The traders were concerned about further borrowing given there was already a mortgage on the new building; however, it was acknowledged that the position of the Council was to protect the market. The traders had met and taken a vote on further borrowing and were overwhelming against; there were also concerns that the high running costs left little room to progress the market as a shopping destination.
49.3 Mr Asaduzzaman went on to add there was little confidence in the management agent. Footfall at the market was at a low and traders were finding it increasingly difficult to pay their rent and service charges. There were also concerns in relation to the recovery plan as this proposed further expenditure to boost trade; instead of cutting costs associated with the management agent. There were concerns in relation to transparency of the agent as they had refused requests on the part of the traders to inspect the accounts; the traders were reluctant to agree further borrowing when they felt they were not in possession of the full facts.
49.4 RESOLVED: That the Committee note the deputation.
49.5 In response to some of the points raised in the deputation the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing stated that the Council had been working for a number of years to build and establish the open market as part of the community asset transfer. Whilst there had been a good take up of the permanent stools the higher business rates had led to a reduced take up of the temporary stools and prevented the market from breaking even financially. The request for the loan had come from the board of directors in response to the cash flow issues; others measures would also be considered as part of the recovery plan such as weekend themed markets to help boost trade. In terms of the management agreement this had been agreed by the board of directors and it was not within the Council’s remit to become involved; however, they would seek assurance on the recovery plan before fully agreeing to the loan.
49.6 Councillor G. Theobald expressed concern in relation to the content of the deputation.
49.7 The Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources highlighted that the recommendation sought approval for her and the Monitoring Officer to grant the loan subject to satisfactory terms and a recovery plan.
49.8 Councillor A. Norman thanked Mr Asaduzzaman for coming and giving the deputation, and added that the market was an important facility for the city. Given the reluctance of the traders to accept the loan she queried if the Committee should agree the recommendation. In response the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing clarified that the aim of the loan was to increase trade at the market and use this to address income challenges.
49.10 The Committee agreed to move further discussion of the Open Market to Part Two later in the agenda to consider exempt information as defined in paragraph (3) of schedule 12A, Part 1, to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).
49.11 Councillor Hamilton noted his increased concern in relation to the budget positon, and he hoped that the position at month 6 would be improved given the impact of the new tighter financial controls. He recognised that the majority of the overspend was in Children’s and Adults’ Services, but many of the functions performed were statutory. He added that the overspend needed to be brought back into line as the 2016/17 budget setting approached.
49.12 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the controls that had been now put into place, and hoped that the budget could be brought back into a sustainable position. In response to queries about the scrutiny of Adult Services, in the context of the Health & Wellbeing Board, it was clarified that this fell within the remit of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.
49.13 In response to queries the Executive Director for Children’s Services explained that the total number of children in care was reducing and the Council was working to reduce the numbers in higher cost placements; however, it was vital to remember that whilst the financial model made a prediction, the very real life nature of this work was in itself unpredictable. The Executive Director also added that he was personally reviewing all cases to establish if there were any opportunities for lower cost placements.
49.14 Councillor Sykes highlighted that the administration had already overspent in a number of discretion areas, and stated his view that this was for political reasons.
49.15 Councillor Bewick stated that there needed to be recognition that much of the projected overspend in Children’s Services related to demand pressures, and the success of the MASH had led to more children being seen. He also added that previous difficult decisions in relation to the service had not been taken and there needed to be a fundamental review of the structure used to deliver children’s services in the city. The special meeting of the Committee in November would be an opportunity to prepare residents for the challenge ahead and ensure savings were delivered in a fair and equitable way.
49.16 In response to Councillor Janio the Executive Director for Children’s Services explained that benchmarking was complex, but did take place; the city had a higher than average number of children in care, but this had been the position for some time. The cost per child in care was broadly average, and it was added that the profile of the city was similar to an inner London Borough.
49.17 The Chair then put recommendations 2.1 to 2.6 to the vote on the understanding that recommendation 2.7 would form the basis of a discussion in Part Two.
49.18 RESOLVED:
1) That the Committee note the forecast risk position for the General Fund, which indicates a budget pressure of £7.658m. This consists of £7.203m on council controlled budgets and £0.455m on the council’s share of the NHS managed Section 75 services.
2) That the Committee note the forecast for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), which is an underspend of £0.529m.
3) That the Committee note the forecast risk position for the Dedicated Schools Grant which is an underspend of £0.015m.
4) That the Committee note the forecast outturn position on the capital programme.
5) That the Committee approve the capital programme variations and reprofiles in Appendix 3 and new capital schemes in Appendix 4.
6) That the Committee approve the Virements from Housing Related Support Services as set out in paragraph 6.2. |
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Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
1) Agree to the two stage phased approach to the introduction of charges for pre-application advice as set out in paragraphs 3.11 and 3.12.
2) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to negotiate the terms of bespoke, cost neutral PPAs on major development schemes as part of a pre-application advice service.
3) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to proceed with the procurement and subsequent award of a contract to provide cost neutral, multidisciplinary expert design review advice to the LPA.
Minutes: 50.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Introduction of Charges to Cover Costs for Pre-Application Planning Advice, Planning Performance Agreements and Design Review. The purpose of the report was to provide information setting out the case for the introduction of charging for pre-application advice.
50.2 Councillor G. Theobald welcomed the report and stated that his group were also in favour of planning performance agreements. Whilst the Group had current concerns about the level of planning service being provided it was hoped this would lead to greater consistency and quicker approvals of schemes. He added that the Conservative Group would support the recommendations.
50.3 Councillor Sykes noted his support for this approach, and in response to a query it was confirmed that the proposed scheme would be cost neutral for the Council.
50.4 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
50.5 RESOLVED – That the Committee:
1) Agree to the two stage phased approach to the introduction of charges for pre-application advice as set out in paragraphs 3.11 and 3.12.
2) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to negotiate the terms of bespoke, cost neutral PPAs on major development schemes as part of a pre-application advice service.
3) Grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to proceed with the procurement and subsequent award of a contract to provide cost neutral, multidisciplinary expert design review advice to the LPA. |
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Proposed Submission East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Sites Plan Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Policy and Resources Committee is asked to recommend to Council to:
1) Note the responses to the consultation on the Consultation Draft Waste & Minerals Sites Plan (an extract of comments is included in Appendix 1, with a full schedule on the City Council’s website, placed in the Members’ Rooms, and in main libraries and Customer Service Centres);
2) Agree and publish the Proposed Submission Waste & Minerals Sites Plan for statutory public consultation for an eight week period commencing on 28 October 2015 (along with supporting documents);
3) Subsequently submit the document to the Secretary of State subject to no material changes being necessary, other than alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections;
4) Authorise the Head of City Planning & Development to agree any draft ‘main modifications’ to the Sites Plan necessary to make it sound and to authorise the publication of such draft modifications for public consultation, save that should any draft modification involve a major shift in the policy approach of the Sites Plan, the draft modification shall be referred by the Head of City Planning & Development to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval;
5) Note that all modifications to the Sites Plan will be presented to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council in due course as part of the adoption process of the Plan;
6) Approve the following background studies as supporting evidence for the Sites Plan (see Appendix 2 for a summary):
o Sustainability Appraisal; o Habitats Regulations Assessment; o Strategic Flood Risk Assessment; o Site Selection and Methodology Document; o Schedule of Suitable Industrial Estates; o Detailed Site Assessment Document. Minutes: 51.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to the Proposed Submission East Sussex, South Downs and Brighton & Hove Waste and Minerals Plan. The report sought approval for the publication of the Sites Plan along with supporting documents for an eight week period of consultation from 28 October 2015, subject to approval by East Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority, prior to submission to the Secretary of State for public examination. The report was recommended to Council for the final decision.
51.2 In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty it was explained by Officers that they were confident there was sufficient allocation in the plan across the wider area, and flexibility had been built in to allow for sites that had had contamination in the past. It was also clarified that whilst there had been a reduction in sites the amount of waste in the area was stable and actually reducing slightly.
51.3 In response to Councillor Janio it was clarified that Hangleton Bottom did not fall within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the range of development potentials would be measured against the sensitivity of the site.
51.4 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
51.5 RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND – That the Committee recommend that Council:
1) Note the responses to the consultation on the Consultation Draft Waste & Minerals Sites Plan (an extract of comments is included in Appendix 1, with a full schedule on the City Council’s website, placed in the Members’ Rooms, and in main libraries and Customer Service Centres);
2) Agree and publish the Proposed Submission Waste & Minerals Sites Plan for statutory public consultation for an eight week period commencing on 28 October 2015 (along with supporting documents);
3) Subsequently submit the document to the Secretary of State subject to no material changes being necessary, other than alterations for the purposes of clarification, improved accuracy of meaning or typographical corrections;
4) Authorise the Head of City Planning & Development to agree any draft ‘main modifications’ to the Sites Plan necessary to make it sound and to authorise the publication of such draft modifications for public consultation, save that should any draft modification involve a major shift in the policy approach of the Sites Plan, the draft modification shall be referred by the Head of City Planning & Development to the Policy and Resources Committee for approval;
5) Note that all modifications to the Sites Plan will be presented to the Policy and Resources Committee and Full Council in due course as part of the adoption process of the Plan;
6) Approve the following background studies as supporting evidence for the Sites Plan (see Appendix 2 for a summary):
· Sustainability Appraisal; · Habitats Regulations Assessment; · Strategic Flood Risk Assessment; · Site Selection and Methodology Document; · Schedule of Suitable Industrial Estates; · Detailed Site Assessment Document. |
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Customer First in a Digital Age
Report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That the Committee:
1) Approves the three year investment in the proposed Customer First in a Digital Age (CFDA) Programme as set out in this report at paragraphs 4.12-4.20.
2) Approves the use of a CFDA Investment Fund, CFDA Investment Reserve and the associated revenue and capital expenditure for 2016/17.
3) Notes that expenditure after 2016/17 will be subject to available funding and approval of fully funded annual Capital Investment Programmes by Budget Council in February 2016.
4) Grants delegated authority to the Chief Executive and Section 151/Chief Financial Officer to implement the programme including authorisation of the use of the investments approved at recommendation 2.1, subject to Contract Standing Orders.
Minutes: 52.1 The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources in relation to Customer First in a Digital Age. The report sought approval for investment in line with the Council’s Corporate Plan and existing Medium Term Financial Strategy in the Customer First in a Digital Age Programme. By way of introduction the Chair stated that the report was of huge significance and would form part of the foundation to transform Council services and deliver new ways of working. The programme would be a key measure to make the required savings whilst delivering improved services; the work would be monitored by the Committee and the cross-party working group. The Chair added that he hoped it was a programme that could be supported by all Groups.
52.3 Councillor Janio welcomed the report; in response to queries it was clarified that the report included the work that would be undertaken around digital inclusion and the report sought to be high level in nature, but there was much more detail for the working group on each of the project streams.
52.3 Councillor Mac Cafferty welcomed the report, but expressed concerns in relation to the reduced potential for contact by phone, highlighting that 10 million adults in the UK had never used the internet; however, he noted the commitment to digital inclusion. He went on to add that the programme should be explicit on the value of digital skills, particularly for older people.
52.4 In response to Councillor Sykes it was clarified by Officers that the ethos behind the programme was to use smaller providers for different elements, as opposed to one large provider; in relation to Orbis it was clarified that the decision on this joint working would be the subject of a decision to a later meeting of the Committee. In response to further queries it was added that work would be undertaken to match customers to their need digitally instead of this going through Officers to shorten as many transaction as possible; there was evidence of this providing savings from the work undertaken by other authorities.
52.5 Councillor Wealls noted that the Conservative Group would support the report, but he expressed concern that the option to outsource this work had not been had not considered in full, and added that Members would need much more information going forward on how the proposed savings could be objectively quantified. The Chair added that there would be a cross-party Member working group and annual reports to ensure the programme was fully monitored. The Interim Executive Director also added that there was robust information behind each of the individual work streams.
52.6 Councillor A. Norman added that this was an exciting programme, and the city was well placed to deliver given the thriving digital sector; she stressed the need for safeguards to provide elderly customers at risk of digital exclusion.
52.7 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
52.8 RESOLVED - That the Committee:
1) Approves the three year investment in the proposed Customer First in a Digital Age (CFDA) Programme as set out in this report at paragraphs 4.12-4.20.
2) Approves the use of a CFDA Investment Fund, CFDA Investment Reserve and the associated revenue and capital expenditure for 2016/17.
3) Notes that expenditure after 2016/17 will be subject to available funding and approval of fully funded annual Capital Investment Programmes by Budget Council in February 2016.
4) Grants delegated authority to the Chief Executive and Section 151/Chief Financial Officer to implement the programme including authorisation of the use of the investments approved at recommendation 2.1, subject to Contract Standing Orders.
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Review of the long lease held by The Brighton Lions at Lions Court
Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Policy and Resources Committee approves the Housing & New Homes Committee’s recommendation to sell the freehold of Lions Court to the Brighton Lions for a consideration equal to its market value, in the sum of £670,000, subject to the Lions allocations scheme stating that new tenants will be on the council’s housing register.
2) That the Policy and Resources Committee approves that the capital receipt be used to support the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme.
3) That the Policy and Resources Committee notes that a restrictive covenant will be placed on the land for social housing use only. Minutes: 53.1 RESOLVED:
1) That the Policy and Resources Committee approves the Housing & New Homes Committee’s recommendation to sell the freehold of Lions Court to the Brighton Lions for a consideration equal to its market value, in the sum of £670,000, subject to the Lions allocations scheme stating that new tenants will be on the council’s housing register.
2) That the Policy and Resources Committee approves that the capital receipt be used to support the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme.
3) That the Policy and Resources Committee notes that a restrictive covenant will be placed on the land for social housing use only. |
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Seafront Investment Programme: Landscaping adjacent to Brighton i360 Joint report of the Interim Executive Director for Finance & Resources and the Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) To agree that the landscaping scheme is added into the 2015/16 Capital Investment Programme and is funded as set out in paragraphs 7.3 and 7.4.
2) To authorise the Executive Directors of Finance & Resources and Environment, Development & Housing, after consultation with the Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, to take all steps necessary for the successful construction of the works to ensure completion is achieved as soon after opening of Brighton i360 as possible.
3) To authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to complete any necessary documentation and to take such legal steps as they see fit to procure completion of the works. Minutes: 55.1 The Committee considered a report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing in relation to Seafront Investment Programme: Landscaping Adjacent to Brighton i360. The report sought agreement for the financing package in order to commence final completion of landscaping works to Council owned land in an important section of seafront in the vicinity of the Brighton i360.
55.2 Councillor G. Theobald thanked Officers for the detailed briefing he had received, and noted that this work was absolutely appropriate in the context of the wider i360 regeneration.
55.3 Councillor Mac Cafferty requested that any sculptures in the scheme should use appropriate marine resistant materials and added potential for community use should be included in the scheme – Officers agreed to take these points away.
55.4 Councillor Sykes noted the importance of this project and welcomed the cross-party support of the financing scheme.
55.5 The Chair highlighted the importance of this as part of seafront regeneration. The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote.
55.6 RESOLVED – That the Committee agree to:
1) To agree that the landscaping scheme is added into the 2015/16 Capital Investment Programme and is funded as set out in paragraphs 7.3 and 7.4.
2) To authorise the Executive Directors of Finance & Resources and Environment, Development & Housing, after consultation with the Chair of Policy and Resources Committee, to take all steps necessary for the successful construction of the works to ensure completion is achieved as soon after opening of Brighton i360 as possible.
3) To authorise the Head of Legal and Democratic Services to complete any necessary documentation and to take such legal steps as they see fit to procure completion of the works. |
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Review of the Council’s Constitution - October 2015
Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: That Policy & Resources Committee:-
2.1 Approves the proposals set out at paragraphs 3.7 to 3.8 (Realignment of Finance & Resources Functions), 3.10 (Senior Information Risk Officer) and 3.11 (Assets of Community Value.
2.2 Recommends to Full Council the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution set out in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.4 (Procedure for Dismissing Certain Statutory Officers), 3.5 to 3.6 (Appointment of Chief Executive to be on the recommendation of the Appointments and Remuneration Panel), 3.9 (terms of reference of the Health & Wellbeing Board), 3.12 (Sustainable Community Strategy), 3.13 (Policy & Resources Committee Terms of Reference) and 3.15 to 3.16 (Contract Standing Orders).
That Full Council:-
2.3 Approves and adopts the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution recommended in paragraph 2.2 above.
Both P&R and Full Council:-
2.4 Authorise the Acting Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to take all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the changes agreed by Policy & Resources Committee and Full Council respectively and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend and re-publish the Council’s constitutional documents to incorporate the changes.
2.5 That the changes come into force immediately following approval by Policy & Resources Committee and, for matters requiring Council approval, following approval by Council. Minutes: 56.1 The Committee considered a report of the Monitoring Officer in relation to Review of the Council’s Constitution – October 2015. The report proposed changes to the Council’s Constitution for approval by the Committee and Council; the issues set out in the report had been reviewed by a cross-party Constitutional Working Group and Leaders Group.
56.2 In response to Councillor Janio it was confirmed that the appointment of a Deputy Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board would allow that person to substitute as the Chair when necessary. It was also clarified that the authority would continue to produce a Sustainability Strategy, despite the withdrawal of the statutory requirement, as it was citywide and fed into the areas of the Corporate Plan.
56.3 The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote:
56.4 RESOLVED: That the Committee:
1) Approves the proposals set out at paragraphs 3.7 to 3.8 (Realignment of Finance & Resources Functions), 3.10 (Senior Information Risk Officer) and 3.11 (Assets of Community Value.
2) Recommends to Full Council the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution set out in paragraphs 3.2 to 3.4 (Procedure for Dismissing Certain Statutory Officers), 3.5 to 3.6 (Appointment of Chief Executive to be on the recommendation of the Appointments and Remuneration Panel), 3.9 (terms of reference of the Health & Wellbeing Board), 3.12 (Sustainable Community Strategy), 3.13 (Policy & Resources Committee Terms of Reference) and 3.15 to 3.16 (Contract Standing Orders).
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND: That Council:
3) Approves and adopts the proposed changes to the Council’s constitution recommended in paragraph 2.2 above.
RESOLVED AND RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND: That the Committee and Council:
4) Authorise the Acting Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer to take all steps necessary or incidental to the implementation of the changes agreed by Policy & Resources Committee and Full Council respectively and that the Monitoring Officer be authorised to amend and re-publish the Council’s constitutional documents to incorporate the changes.
5) That the changes come into force immediately following approval by Policy & Resources Committee and, for matters requiring Council approval, following approval by Council. |
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Report of the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: 1) That the Committee approves the revised Joint Working Arrangement between Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council described in this report and presented in the Part 2 paper;
2) That the Committee grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing, following consultation with the Chair, to approve future amendments to the Joint Working Agreement. Minutes: 57.1 RESOLVED:
1) That the Committee approves the revised Joint Working Arrangement between Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council described in this report and presented in the Part 2 paper;
2) That the Committee grants delegated authority to the Executive Director Environment, Development and Housing, following consultation with the Chair, to approve future amendments to the Joint Working Agreement. |
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Items Referred For Council To consider items to be submitted to the 22 October 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 12 October 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: 58.1 There were no items referred to Council. |
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Update on Waste Joint Working Agreement between Brighton & Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council - Exempt Category 3 Part Two Appendix to Item 57 on the agenda (circulated to Members only). Minutes: 59.1 RESOLVED – That the information contained in the Part Two appendix be noted. |
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Targetted Budget Management (TBM) 2015/16 Month 5 Minutes: 59.1 RESOLVED – That the Committee agree to defer the decision in respect of recommendation 2.7, in the Part One report, to receive a full report at the Special meeting on 5 November 2015. |
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Part Two Minutes - Exempt Categories 3 and 5 To consider the part two minutes of the meeting held on the 9 July 2015 (circulated to Members only). Minutes: 60.1 RESOLVED – That the Committee agree the Part Two minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2015 as a correct record. |
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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: 61.1 RESOLVED: That the information contained in Items 59 & 60 remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. |