To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 14 May 2013.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the final paragraph in minute no. E/13/4 being amended to read:

“The Executive Member for Children’s Services referred to the public meeting organised by the Council that had been held at All Saints Academy in Dunstable on the 29 April 2013 for parents, carers and other local stakeholders which had been very well attended.  The Executive Member confirmed that Central Bedfordshire would also be holding a follow up meeting with headteachers and chairs of Governing Bodies of schools and academies in the area on 22 May to further consider the issues that had arisen.  In addition he also thanked Mr Tinch for providing copies of the information discussed at a meeting organised by Streetfield Middle School on 13 May.”

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

Councillor Spurr declared a personal interest in Agenda item 8 ‘Heath and Reach Traffic Calming’ as he was a friend of a shopkeeper in Birds Hill.  Councillor Spurr was not present when this item was discussed.

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

No announcements were made.

To consider petitions received in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

No petitions were received.

To respond to general questions and statements from members of the public in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Appendix A of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The following statement was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme.  All speakers spoke on item 8 ‘Heath and Reach Traffic Calming’:

1.      Tony Blair

         Mr Blair read out a statement on behalf of his daughter, who was a resident of Birds Hill.  Mr Blair’s daughter was in favour of the traffic calming but was objecting to the plan for the existing waiting at any time restriction being revoked outside 14 to 18 Birds Hill as this would be an inconvenience for two of the families who lived there with disabled children.

2.      Councillor Terry Ellis, Heath and Reach Parish Council

         Councillor Terry Ellis spoke on behalf of Heath and Reach Parish Council.  The Parish Council were in support of the zebra crossing.  He went into detail on how this would affect the businesses in this area of Birds Hill, but after considering all aspects, the Parish Council were recommending the installation of the zebra crossing for the safety of pedestrians.  Councillor Ellis indicated that the Parish Council would take responsibility for any consequences that occurred due to the loss of parking.

3.      Martin Deacon

         Mr Deacon explained that he was in favour of the zebra crossing but was objecting to the removal of the no waiting at any time restriction outside 14 to 18 Birds Hill and the addition of the proposed two extra parking bays, as the area outside his property was used to collect and drop off his disabled children. 

4.      Richard Beilby

         Mr Beilby explained that Birds Hill was a busy road and it was difficult for pedestrians to cross.  He supported the proposed installation of a zebra crossing as this would enable residents, in particular children, to access the tennis courts on the north east side of the village. 

The Leader thanked the members of the public and explained that the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development would respond to their statements under Agenda item 8 ‘Heath and Reach Traffic Calming’.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 July 20 13 to 30 June 2014.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2014 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2014 be noted.

To seeks the approval for the installation of a zebra crossing on a raised table and amendments of the existing waiting restrictions on Bird’s Hill, Heath and Reach following the receipt of objections.

1.            That the proposed zebra crossing on a raised table and proposed amendments to the existing waiting restrictions on Bird’s Hill, Heath and Reach be implemented as advertised with the exception of the extended parking bays from outside 18 to 14 Bird’s Hill.

2.            That all other proposals and measures in Heath and Reach be implemented as set out in paragraph 11 a), b) and c) in the report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that sought approval for the installation of a zebra crossing on a raised table and amendments of the existing waiting restrictions on Bird’s Hill, Heath and Reach.

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development moved the following revised recommendations, which were duly seconded:-

“1.     that the proposed zebra crossing on a raised table and proposed amendments to the existing waiting restrictions on Bird’s Hill, Heath and Reach be implemented as advertised with the exception of the extended parking bays from outside 18 to 14 Bird’s Hill; and

2.      that all other proposals and measures in Heath and Reach be implemented as set out in paragraph 11 a), b) and c) in the report.”

He confirmed that the waiting restriction outside 18 to 14 Bird’s Hill would remain and the proposed new parking bays would be removed.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services spoke in his role as ward Councillor for Heath and Reach and acknowledged the hard work to bring this scheme forward.  He had been in attendance at the Parish Council meeting where residents voted in favour of having the zebra crossing due to the increase in traffic through the village. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the process to implement the waiting restrictions to be progressed.

RESOLVED

1.      that the proposed zebra crossing on a raised table and proposed amendments to the existing waiting restrictions on Bird’s Hill, Heath and Reach be implemented as advertised with the exception of the extended parking bays from outside 18 to 14 Bird’s Hill; and

2.      that all other proposals and measures in Heath and Reach be implemented as set out in paragraph 11 a), b) and c) in the report.

The report provides information on the provisional outturn for 2012/13, subject to audit.

1.      The outturn position of a £0.5m underspend be approved.  This enables a contribution to reserves to be made, thus strengthening the Council’s long term financial position.

2.      That the proposed transfers to the General Fund Reserve Earmarked Reserves as set out in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the provisional outturn for 2012/13, subject to audit.  The 2012/13 revenue outturn was an underspend of £0.5m which was in line with the position that had been forecast for some time. 

Members acknowledged that due to efficient management of the Council’s finances, additional contributions had been made to earmarked reserves.  This would help the Council to respond to future funding challenges.

Reason for decision:  To facilitate effective financial management and planning.

RESOLVED

1.      the outturn position of a £0.5m underspend be approved.  This enabled a contribution to reserves to be made, thus strengthening the Council’s long term financial position; and

2.      that the proposed transfers to the General Fund Reserve Earmarked Reserves as set out in Appendix B to the report be approved.

The report provides information on the provisional capital outturn for 2012/13, subject to audit.

1.      That the outturn position of a £15.7m gross, £6.9m net underspend be approved.

2.      That the deferred expenditure of £14.0m (Gross), £7.1m (Net) be approved for capital schemes in progress from 2012/13 to 2013/14.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the provisional capital outturn for 2012/13, subject to audit.  The gross outturn spend was £64.4m, with the proposed deferral of £14.0m into 2013/14 with an underspend of £1.7m.  Although the revised budget 2012/13 was underspent the Council had still made a significant investment making a real and positive impact on peoples lives and improving Central Bedfordshire.

In response to a question about the Luton and Dunstable Busway, the Chief Finance Officer confirmed that the report only dealt with the outturn for 2012/13 but he would contact the Member concerned to confirm the cumulative value of the Busway since the beginning of its construction.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources confirmed that in year, the Executive might approve reserve Capital Schemes if there was scope to do so.

Reason for decision:  To complete schemes currently underway and facilitate effective financial management and planning.

RESOLVED

1.      that the outturn position of a £15.7m gross, £6.9m net underspend be approved; and

2.      that the deferred expenditure of £14.0m (Gross), £7.1m (Net) be approved for capital schemes in progress from 2012/13 to 2013/14.

The report provides information on the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account provisional outturn revenue and capital position as at March 2013.  The position is subject to audit.

1.      That the Revenue outturn be approved.  This is a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Reserves of £11.269m, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses.

2.      That the Capital outturn be approved.  This is £0.098m higher than the revised position approved by Council in February.

3.      That Right to Buy sales be noted.  This had increased significantly as a result of changes to discounts, resulting in a year end balance of unapplied capital receipts of £0.657m.

4.      That at the year end HRA reserves of £15.374m be noted, of which £2.0m is identified as a minimum level of HRA Balances.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) provisional outturn revenue and capital position as at March 2013, subject to audit. 

Reason for decision:  To facilitate effective financial management and planning.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Revenue outturn be approved.  This is a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Reserves of £11.269m, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses;

2.      that the Capital outturn be approved.  This is £0.098m higher than the revised position approved by Council in February;

3.      that Right to Buy sales be noted.  This had increased significantly as a result of changes to discounts, resulting in a year end balance of unapplied capital receipts of £0.657m; and

4.      that the year end HRA reserves of £15.374m be noted, of which 2.0m is identified as a minimum level of HRA Balances.

The report sets out the key outcomes for children and young people that partners are proposing to work together to achieve through the Children’s Trust Board and as set out in the Children and Young People’s Plan. Executive is asked to endorse the Plan.

That the Central Bedfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that set out the key outcomes being sought for children and young people.  The Plan had been developed following consultation with children, young people and stakeholders.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that Central Bedfordshire Council meets its statutory duty as set out in the Children Act 2004 to make arrangements to promote co-operation with partners to improve the wellbeing of children in the authority’s area.

RESOLVED

that the Central Bedfordshire Children and Young People’s Plan be endorsed.

The report proposes Executive approval for the final draft of the Community Engagement Strategy (CES) 2013-2016 to be forwarded for adoption by Council in September 2013.

1.         That the final draft of the Community Engagement Strategy 2013-16 be approved, as amended.

2.         That the supporting policy statements be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the Community Engagement Strategy, as amended and its supporting policy statements be adopted as set out in the Executive report.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the proposed Community Engagement Strategy (CES) 2013 – 2016 to be recommended for adoption by Council in September 2013. 

Members were advised that the Strategy had been amended as it would be dated from June 2013 to the end of May 2016 and that the activity relating to vulnerable and minority groups had been rewritten to include gypsies and travellers.

In response to a question, the Deputy Executive Member for Corporate Resources confirmed that officers should inform the relevant Executive Member and relevant Ward Member of any area based issues that were taking place in their wards/towns or likely to impact upon them.

Reason for decision:  To deliver greater added value to the Council’s citizens by understanding their needs and issues, and give them greater involvement in the decision-making process and access to services.

RESOLVED

1.      that the final draft of the Community Engagement Strategy 2013-16 be approved, as amended; and

2.      that the supporting policy statements be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the strategy, as amended and its supporting policy statements be adopted.

The report proposesto award the Contract for the Central Heating InstallationService 2013 -2016.

That the Contract for Housing Central Heating Installation be awarded to contractor A.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that proposed to award the contract for the Central Heating Installation Service 2013 – 2016.  The contract would provide improved value for money and also deliver good quality customer care for the residents.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council’s Housing Services central heating installation programme to be maintained and delivered in 2013 – 2016.

RESOLVED

that the Contract for Housing Central Heating Installation be awarded to contractor A.

To consider the quarter 4 performance report.

1.      That the continuing overall strong performance in Quarter 4  for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged.

2.      That officers further investigate resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the Quarter 4 2012/13 performance.  The report focused on the indicators that supported the monitoring of progress against the priorities in the Medium Term Plan.

Members noted that quarter four continued to show good performance across the priorities.  There were 2 red indicators, one being the number of clients receiving self directed support  but this had shown an improved performance with the Council exceeding the national target.  The other red indicator had shown a decline in the number of people in employment between the ages of 16 to 64. 

Reason for decision:  To ensure a rigorous approach to performance management across Central Bedfordshire Council.

RESOLVED

1.      that the continuing overall strong performance in Quarter 4  for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged; and

2.      that officers further investigate resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The Appendix sets out the award and evaluation of the Housing Central Heating Installation Contract 2013 -2016.

See minute no. E/13/26 for details.