To approve the minutes of the Council meeting held on  26 February 2015.       .

(Attached pages 5  to11)

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record, subject to the recording of Councillor D Jones as having abstained from voting on the Medium Term Financial Plan and Revenue Budget for 2015/16.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

To receive any questions, statements and deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of part A4 of the Constitution.  (This session will be held at the Chairman’s discretion and will normally last no longer than 15 minutes.)

A member of the public made a statement under the Public Participation Provisions set out at Annex 1 of Part A2 of the Constitution.  Mr Granger spoke about the bidding system for social housing and raised a concern about the information available to applicants about when properties would be available for vacant possession.

The Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing thanked the speaker and explained why the Council did not currently specify when a property would be ready for possession. However, the approach to this issue would now be revisited, with a view to providing some indicative information to applicants about when vacant possession was anticipated.

To receive and discuss petitions if any, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of part A4 of the Constitution.

Save Roecroft Field

Pam Manfield the lead petitioner, presented a petition, which contained approximately 544 signatures as follows:

" the undersigned request CBC to return this field to its original state of mature trees surrounded by grass. We also request that the field be designated as a local green space of value to the community. Stotfold has had more than its fair share of housing since 2001; we need to retain and enhance our green spaces and not lose them. This is the last remaining green space in the centre of Stotfold."

Council received the petition and advised that a written response would be provided.

The Chairman to announce any matters of communication.

The Council stood in silent tribute to the memory of Councillor Shadbolt.

The Chairman reminded Members that she would be hosting an event at the Grove Theatre Dunstable on 10 May 2015 called ‘Let’s Hear it for the Boys’. A few tickets were still available.

The Chairman thanked Members for their support during her time as Chairman of the Council.

The Chairman recorded her best wishes to retiring Members and wished those seeking re-election the best of luck for their forthcoming campaigns.

The Leader of the Council to announce any matters of communication.

The Leader reflected on the work and successes of the Council during the last four years and thanked all Members for their hard work and contributions.

The Leader paid tribute and recorded his gratitude to Councillors, Mrs Turner, Miss Sparrow,  Mrs Drinkwater, D Jones, Bastable, Hopkin, Williams, Ms Sheppard, Dr Egan and Mrs G Clarke who had decided to not stand for re election.

The Council paid special tribute to Councillor Mrs Turner who had served as a Councillor since 1976 and had been the Council’s first Leader.

The Leader invited the Minority Group Leaders to add their comments and record their gratitude to retiring Councillors.  The Minority Group Leader’s extended their thanks to all staff for their hard work during the year.

Councillor Mrs Turner recorded her gratitude for the kind wishes received.

To receive reports from up to three Executive Members on recent matters of interest and ask questions on matters contained within the reports.

Councillor Hegley, Executive Member for Social Care, Health and  Housing reported on work within her portfolio area during the last four years including :

·         improvements in Adult Social Care

·         housing developments, including Creasey Park, parking improvement plans and garages

·         the Empty Homes Initiative

Councillor Hegley responded to questions.

Councillor Versallion, Executive Member for Children’s Services reported on work within his Portfolio during the last four years.

·         organisational changes to schools in Dunstable and Houghton Regis

·         reconfiguration of Special schoolS

·         improvements in children’s social care including the recruitment and retention of children’s social care staff, adoption targets above the national average and the reconfiguration of the Disabled Children Hub.

Councillor Versallion responded to questions.

To consider recommendations from the meeting of the Executive, 31 March 2015 and answer questions asked under Rule No. 13.1.

(i)            Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the Planning Obligations Strategy.

(ii)          Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015-2016.

(To follow)

(i)            Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the Planning Obligations Strategy.

The Council considered recommendations from a meeting of the Executive held on 31 March 2015 concerning the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the Planning Obligations Strategy.

RESOLVED

1.      that the proposed CIL charging rates be approved for:

(i)      residential schemes as set out in paragraph 12 of the Executive report;

(ii)     non residential schemes as set out in paragraph 15 of the Executive report.

2.      that the Draft Charging Schedule and draft Regulation 123 list be approved for the purposes of publication and submission to the Secretary of State for examination;

3.      that authority be delegated to the Director of Regeneration and Business, in consultation with the Executive Member for Regeneration, to:

(i)      agree changes to the buffers;

(ii)     agree minor changes prior to publication of the Regulation 123 List, future exemptions from CIL and payment plan timeframes;

(iii)    agree minor modifications as a result of the consultation prior to submission; and

(iv)    agree minor modifications during examination if suggested by the Inspector.

(ii)          Community Safety Partnership Plan.

The Council considered a recommendation from the meeting of the Executive held on 31 March 2015 concerning the proposed Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015-2016.

RESOLVED

that the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015 – 2016 be adopted.

To consider motions by Members of the Council under Rule No. 17 in the order received.

No motions were received.

To answer written questions from Members of the Council under Rule No. 13.2.

A written question had been submitted under Rule No 13.2 by Councillor Aldis as follows:

“Can the portfolio holder for Sustainable Communities please make a response to the Environment Agency’s consultation on its plans to demolish “redundant” structures on the River Ivel in the east of Central Bedfordshire? The stated closing date is 10^th April 2015.

Sandy Town Council, the Kings Arms Anglers, the Sandy Historical Research Group, the Sandy History Society, the Sandy Enhancement Group and other interest groups are incensed at this blatant disregard for historical mill ponds, the insensitive removal of water controlling weirs and the increased risk of flooding of recreational areas that may result from this action.

These proposals are to meet the European Directive on water quality which seeks to see an increase in the ecology standard of the river and allow eels to migrate upstream to their spawning areas.

Does the Executive Member share the concerns of local people in the Ivel Valley and what action will he take in this matter?”

The Executive Member for Community Services responded to the question and indicated that he would keep the Council up to date on the issue.

To answer Open Questions asked by Members of the Council under Rule No. 13.7.

The Chairman invited the Minority Group Leaders to ask a question each prior to the consideration of questions that had been placed in the Open Question receptacle

1.    Councillor Murray referred to a question he had asked at a previous Council meeting regarding a public car park in Dunstable and the extent to which it was being used by staff, as the issue was still on going.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources advised that appropriate instruction had been issued to staff and that he would undertake to discuss the matter again with the relavent Director.

2.    Councillor Aldis asked a question about why new brown food waste bins and sacks had been left on roadsides.

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services advised that new bags had been introduced in certain areas and that he would undertake to look into why they appeared not to have been collected.

3.    Councillor Aldis asked the Executive Member for Community Services how best to contact Area Technicians since their transfer from Amey to Central Bedfordshire Council.

The Executive Member for Community Services advised that there had been technical issues that were now being resolved.

4.    Councillor D Jones asked a question about unexpected costs associated with the Busway from the redevelopment of Napier Park and the potential impact on this Council’s Capital Programme.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources advised that contingency plans were in place within the current budget.

5.    Councillor Duckett asked the Executive Member for Community Services about the timescale for completion of speed restriction signage at Pine View Park, Maulden.

The Executive Member for Community Services undertook to clarify the precise timetable.

6.    Councillor D Jones asked the Executive Member for Community Services a question about the costs associated with the refurbishment of Houghton Regis Leisure Centre.

The Executive Member for Community Services provided a breakdown of costs for the redevelopment of the Centre.

7.    Councillor Zerny asked the Leader how Central Bedfordshire council can work best position itself for any devolution of powers to groupings of Council’s.

The Leader summarised on going partnership work with neighbouring Council’s.