Agenda, decisions and minutes

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford

Contact: Sandra Hobbs  0300 300 5257

Items
No. Item

53.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 69 KB

To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 24 September 2013.

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

 

54.

Members' Interests

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

Minutes:

 

Councillor Jamieson declared a personal interest in Agenda items 11 ‘Implementation of the Leisure Facilities Strategy, including findings of the Flitwick Leisure Centre Invest to Save Feasibility Study’ and 16 ‘ Flitwick Leisure Centre Invest to Save Feasibility Study’ as he was a member of Flitwick Leisure Club.  Cllr Jamieson was present during the item.

 

 

55.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

Minutes:

 

The Chairman welcomed Melanie Clay the new Chief Legal and Democratic Services Officer to the meeting.  He also thanked John Atkinson the retiring Head of Legal Services Officer for his services to Central Bedfordshire Council.

 

Members were advised that Agenda item 11 ‘Implementation of the Leisure Facilities Strategy, including findings of the Flitwick Leisure Centre Invest to Save Feasibility Study’ would be considered after Agenda item 14.

 

The Chairman was pleased to announce that the new look Ampthill Court House had been opened officially on Thursday 31 October 2013 after major renovation to provide a better experience for customers and an improved working environment for staff.

 

The Chairman had visited the new alternative provision school in Houghton Regis and was pleased to see the positive work that was taking place.  The second site school at the former Roecroft Lower School in Stotfold was due to open in September 2014.

 

 

56.

Petitions

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

Minutes:

 

No petitions were received.

 

 

57.

Public Participation

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.

Minutes:

 

The following statement was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme.

 

1.         Mr Allen

 

Mr Allen made a statement about the Council’s approach to engagement, including with the Highways Agency, particularly around the improvements to the New Road/A1 junction in Sandy.

 

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr Allen and the Community Services Director to discuss the issues raised.

 

 

58.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions pdf icon PDF 158 KB

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014.

Decision:

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 be noted.

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2014 be noted.

 

 

59.

Central Bedfordshire Draft Equality and Diversity Strategy 2013 - 16 pdf icon PDF 86 KB

 

The report proposes that the Executive consider and approve the draft Equality and Diversity Strategy and recommends its adoption to full Council.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the Draft Equality and Diversity Strategy for Central Bedfordshire be adopted.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the draft Equality and Diversity Strategy.  The Strategy had been refreshed in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 to enable the Council to continue  to adopt a robust approach to equality issues across all of its activities.

 

In response to a question, the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services advised Members that protection for whistle blowers was covered by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and was not part of the remit for the Equality and Diversity Strategy.

 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council complies with its statutory obligations.

 

RECOMMENDED to Council

 

that the Draft Equality and Diversity Strategy for Central Bedfordshire be adopted.

 

 

60.

Framework Agreement for Care Homes in Central Bedfordshire pdf icon PDF 101 KB

 

This report provides an overview of the approach to be undertaken to implement the framework agreement and quality monitoring system that were approved by the Executive on 6 November 2012.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the approach to procure the accommodation services be approved as follows:-

1.      to establish a framework agreement as recommended in paragraphs 43 and 44 (The Options) in the report, the specific elements of which are contained in Appendices B (The Framework Agreement) and C (The Tender Process) to the report;

2.      to implement the quality monitoring system set out at Appendix E (Quality Monitoring System) to the report, at the same time as the framework agreement;

3.      to implement the framework agreement on the basis described at method 2 paragraph 49(b) (Implementing the Framework Agreement) and set down in detail in Appendix D (The Operation of the Framework Agreement) to the report; and

4.      to let the contract to those providers that have been successful within the tendering process.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that provided an overview of the approach proposed for implementing the framework agreement and quality monitoring system that had been approved by the Executive on 6 November 2012.  A list of providers that had been successful in the tendering process was tabled at the meeting. 

 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing advised Members that information on fees and charges would be published.  If a resident in a private care home  was no longer able to fund their own provision, the Council would consider each case and where appropriate would try to keep the resident in their existing care home. 

 

The Care Quality Commission was responsible for carrying out care home inspections, but the Council would make unannounced visits to the care homes to ensure that residents were being appropriately cared for.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable a Framework Agreement and Quality Monitoring System to be let to those providers who had been successful within the tendering process.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the approach to procure the accommodation services be approved as follows:-

 

1.      to establish a framework agreement as recommended in paragraphs 43 and 44 (The Options) in the report, the specific elements of which were contained in Appendices B (The Framework Agreement) and C (The Tender Process) to the report;

 

2.      to implement the quality monitoring system set out at Appendix E (Quality Monitoring System) to the report, at the same time as the framework agreement;

 

3.      to implement the framework agreement on the basis described at method 2 paragraph 49(b) (Implementing the Framework Agreement) and set down in detail in Appendix D (The Operation of the Framework Agreement) to the report; and

 

4.      to let the contract to those providers that had been successful within the tendering process.

 

 

61.

Fees and Allowances for Foster Carers pdf icon PDF 107 KB

 

The report outlines the outcome of a review of the foster care allowance scheme and recommends an increase in the remuneration for Central Bedfordshire Council foster carers and address the high use of independent foster agency placements.

Decision:

That the proposals for changing the scheme for fostering allowances to implement fees and allowances as set out in the report be approved and that these proposals be considered as part of the draft revenue budget due to be approved by Council on 28 February 2014.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that outlined the outcome of a review of the foster care allowance scheme.  The report recommended an increase in the remuneration for Central Bedfordshire Council foster carers and addressed the high use of independent foster agency placements. 

 

The in-house service was competing with neighbouring authorities and Independent Fostering Agencies and there was concern that Central Bedfordshire might potentially loose the quality and quantity of its in-house foster carers, with the associated implications.

 

Reason for decision:  To manage the sufficiency and affordability of placements for looked after children.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the proposals for changing the scheme for fostering allowances to implement fees and allowances as set out in the report be approved and that these proposals be considered as part of the draft revenue budget due to be approved by Council on 28 February 2014.

 

 

62.

Roker Park, Stotfold pdf icon PDF 71 KB

 

The report proposes that Central Bedfordshire Council releases the covenant restricting use of Roker Park, Stotfold, to enable Stotfold Town Council to dispose of the land for residential development, thus enabling the football ground to be relocated and upgraded, as required by the Football Association as a prerequisite to the local club remaining in the league.

Additional documents:

Decision:

This item was deferred.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that proposed that Central Bedfordshire Council releases the covenant restricting use of Roker Park, Stotfold to enable Stotfold Town Council to dispose of the land for residential development, thus enabling the football ground to be relocated and upgraded, as required by the Football Association as a prerequisite to the local club remaining in the league.

 

RESOLVED

 

to defer this item.

 

 

63.

Consultation on Admission Arrangements 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 90 KB

 

The report seeks Executive approval to commence consultation on Admission Arrangements for 2015/16, specifically the Council’s co-ordinated admissions scheme and the Council’s admission arrangements for Community and VC Schools.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.         That the commencement of consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s co-ordinated admissions scheme be approved.

2.         That the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for the academic year 2015/16 be supported.

3.         That the commencement of the consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2015/16 be approved.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that set out the proposed consultation on Admission Arrangements for 2015/16, specifically the Council’s co-ordinated admissions scheme and the Council’s admissions arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations to consult on admission arrangements.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.         that the commencement of consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s co-ordinated admissions scheme be approved;

 

2.         that the proposed admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled schools for the academic year 2015/16 be supported; and

 

3.         that the commencement of the consultation for Central Bedfordshire’s admission arrangements for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools for the academic year 2015/16 be approved.

 

 

64.

Exclusion of Press and Public

 

To consider whether to pass a resolution under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that the consideration of the item is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

 

 

65.

Award of the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014- 2017 pdf icon PDF 79 KB

 

The report proposesto award the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014 - 2017  

Decision:

That the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014-2017 be awarded to Contractor A under Option A Schedule of Rate Contract.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that proposed the award of the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014 – 2017.

 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing explained the assessment criteria and the balance between quality and price. 

 

As part of the procurement process, companies tendering for contacts were encouraged to employee people from the local area.

 

Reason for Decision:  To enable the Council’s Housing Services Electrical Responsive Service, Rewire and Communal Lighting programme to be maintained and delivered in 2014 – 2017.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014-2017 be awarded to Contractor A under Option A Schedule of Rate Contract.

 

 

66.

Inclusion of the Press and Public

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

to reopen the meeting to the press and public.

 

 

67.

Implementation of the Leisure Facilities Strategy, including findings of the Flitwick Leisure Centre Invest to Save Feasibility Study pdf icon PDF 108 KB

 

A report on implementation of the Leisure Facilities Strategy, including the findings of the Flitwick Leisure Centre invest to save feasibility study.  The report recommends redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That Flitwick Leisure Centre redevelopment invest to save scheme be supported.

2.      RECOMMENDED to Council

a)        that a total gross expenditure budget of £11,925,000 is included in the capital programme in 2014/15 and 2015/16; and

b)        that the capital receipts arising from the disposal of surplus land adjoining the redevelopment Flitwick Leisure Centre be applied to reduce the Council’s prudential borrowing.

3.      That subject to approval by Council of recommendation in 2 above:

a)      that a virement in 2013/14 of £436,900 to the Flitwick Leisure Centre redevelopment invest to save scheme from an identified underspend in the 2013/14 £830,000 Leisure Strategy Implementation Invest to Save Project be approved;

b)      that the development of the Flitwick Football facility approved by Executive on 18 March 2013 will continue and the award of contract for the construction of a pavilion will be made in accordance with the Council’s Code of Procurement Governance be noted;

c)      that the grant of a lease at a peppercorn rent for the management and operation of the Flitwick football facility (including pitches and pavilion) for 25 years to Flitwick Eagles Football Club be approved, subject to them providing an appropriate business case;

d)      that a land exchange between Central Bedfordshire Council and Flitwick Town Council to facilitate the redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre be approved; and

e)      that in accordance with the Council’s Code of Procurement Governance approve the procurement of a building contractor to redevelop Flitwick Leisure Centre.

 

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services concerning the implementation of the Leisure Facilities Strategy, including the findings of the Flitwick Leisure Centre invest to save feasibility study.  The independent feasibility study on the redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre had been concluded, with a recommendation for a facility mix which was affordable whilst meeting public expectations of new and modern public sector leisure provision.

 

The current Flitwick Leisure Centre was not fit for purpose as it needed renovation and was unable to cope with increased demand emanating from  the increase in housing in Flitwick and the surrounding areas.

 

Members noted that the revised recommendations excluded the provision of meetings rooms in the proposed redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre.

 

RESOLVED

 

that in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

 

Members discussed the financial elements of the redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre and the information that had been provided to the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

 

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services moved a revised recommendation for 3 (c), which was duly seconded:-

 

‘that the grant of a lease at a peppercorn rent for the management and operation of the Flitwick football facility (including pitches and pavilion) for 25 years to Flitwick Eagles Football Club be approved, subject to them providing an appropriate business case.’

 

RESOLVED

 

to reopen the meeting to the Press and Public.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the redevelopment of Flitwick Leisure Centre, a priority in the Leisure Facilities Strategy, to be delivered.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that Flitwick Leisure Centre redevelopment invest to save scheme be supported;

 

2.      RECOMMENDED to Council

 

a)        a total gross expenditure budget of £11,925,000 be included in the capital programme in 2014/15 and 2015/16; and

 

b)        that the capital receipts arising from the disposal of surplus land adjoining the redevelopment Flitwick Leisure Centre be applied to reduce the Council’s prudential borrowing.

 

3.      subject to approval by Council of recommendation in 2 above;

 

a)      that a virement in 2013/14 of £436,900 to the Flitwick Leisure Centre redevelopment invest to save scheme from an identified underspend in the 2013/14 £830,000 Leisure Strategy Implementation Invest to Save Project be approved;

 

b)      that the development of the Flitwick Football facility approved by Executive on 18 March 2013 would continue and the award of contract for the construction of a pavilion would be made in accordance with the Council’s Code of Procurement Governance be noted;

 

c)      that the grant of a lease at a peppercorn rent for the management and operation of the Flitwick football facility (including pitches and pavilion) for 25 years to Flitwick Eagles Football Club be approved, subject to them providing an appropriate business case;

 

d)      that a land exchange between Central Bedfordshire Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

Flitwick Leisure Centre Invest to Save Feasibility Study

 

To consider the financial implications contained in the exempt report.

Minutes:

 

See minute no. E/13/67 for details.

 

 

69.

Roker Park, Stotfold

 

To consider the financial implications contained in the exempt report.

Minutes:

 

See minute no. E/13/62 for details.

 

 

70.

Award of the Day to Day Responsive and Programmed Electrical Maintenance Contract 2014- 2017

 

To consider the financial information contained in the exempt appendix.

Minutes:

 

See minute no. E/13/65 for details.