To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 14 October 2014.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2014 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

None were declared.

The Leader and the Chairman of the Council had visited Biggleswade and Dunstable Delivery Offices where employees had been preparing for their busiest time of year.

Work on the construction of a new Leisure Centre in Flitwick had commenced with the Leader attending the ground-braking ceremony.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles visited Silsoe to view the properties that had been built under the Government’s flagship housing scheme, Help to Buy.  He also attended the launch of a new distribution centre at Prologis Park in  Dunstable, which could provide around 550 jobs when occupied. 

No petitions were received.

There was no public participation.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015 be noted.

The purpose of the report is to review the Council’s Local Council Tax Support Scheme and address the requirement to recommend to Council the approach to Local Council Tax Support for 2015/16. 

Recommended to Council

that the current Council Tax Support Scheme be extended for a further year (2015/16), subject to “uprating” as set out in the Executive report.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that reviewed Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) Scheme.  It was proposed that the current scheme should be readopted for 2015/16 with minor changes only.  It was proposed that the Council should bring its levels of entitlement for working age claimants in line with other state benefit levels, also known as uprating.  This would mean an increase of about 3% in the premiums and allowances built into the Council’s LCTS scheme.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to endorse the Local Council Tax Support Scheme.  If the scheme was not approved by 31 January 2015, the Council would have to award Local Council Tax Support in accordance with the Government’s default scheme which would result in increased costs.

Recommended to Council

that the current Council Tax Support Scheme be extended for a further year (2015/16), subject to “uprating” as set out in the Executive report.

To determine the proposals for commissioning of new lower school places in Stotfold and Leighton Buzzard for implementation from September 2015.  To set out the implications arising from the 2014/15 refresh of the Council’s School Organisation Plan and New School Places programme and the new areas guidelines published by the Education Funding Agency for mainstream school buildings and grounds for all age ranges from 4 to 19, and also advice on the Council’s School’s Sustainable Design Brief.

1.      (i)           That the procedures established by The Education and Inspections Act 2006 (EIA 2006) and The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, have been complied with in bringing forward the proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School, Stotfold as outlined in paragraph 17 in the report and in the legal implications section of the report.

(ii)          That no representations were received in respect of the proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School and the statutory notice as set out in Appendix A to the report, issued on the 13 October 2014 under Section 19(1), of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 be confirmed.

(iii)         That the statutory proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School, Stotfold from its current capacity of 300 places to provide a total of 450 places with an implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 July 2015.

2.      That the proposed commencement of consultations by the Governing Bodies of Leedon Community Lower School and Clipstone Brook Community Lower School to permanently expand each school from 1 September 2015 be approved.  Each school will also be invited to prepare a business case which will be subject to approval by the Council’s Executive in its decision to approve the proposals in March 2015.

3.      That the implications for the Council’s Capital Programme arising from the 2014/15 refresh of the Council’s School Organisation Plan and New School Places programme be taken into account.

4.      That the use of EFA Building Bulletin 103 Area Guidelines for Mainstream Schools and the Council’s School’s Sustainable Design Brief as guidance in creating future design briefs for new school buildings, school refurbishment or conversion projects, be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that considered new school places in Stotfold and Leighton Linslade  and set out the implications arising from the 2014/15 refresh of the Council’s School Organisation Plan and New School Places programme.  The report also provided advice on the new area guidelines for mainstream school buildings and the Council’s School’s Sustainable Design Brief.

On a point of clarification, the housing trajectory figures published in April 2014 suggested an average of approximately 1,500 homes would be completed each year over the next five years in Central Bedfordshire, rather than 1,800 as set out in the report. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Children’s Services explained that the Schools Organisation Team worked closely with the Local Development Framework Team and took account of the Council’s Policy Principles for Pupil Place Planning when considering new school places.  All children, where possible, would be encouraged to walk to school.  The minimum gross area now recommended for buildings was on average 15% lower for secondary schools and 6% lower for primary schools but this should be regarded as a minimum. 

The Executive Member confirmed that to expand Vandyke Upper School by 500 places for implementation in September 2017 was feasible and would benefit the school.

Reason for decision:  To ensure the Council continued to meet its statutory obligations to provide sufficient school places and also to meet the legal requirements placed on the Council by the Education and Inspections Act 2006.  To also ensure that the Council would continue to develop appropriate design briefs for new school buildings, school refurbishment or conversion projects.

RESOLVED

1.      (i)      that the procedures established by The Education and Inspections Act 2006 (EIA 2006) and The School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013, have been complied with in bringing forward the proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School, Stotfold as outlined in paragraph 17 and in the legal implications section of the report;

(ii)     that no representations were received in respect of the proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School and the statutory notice as set out in Appendix A to the report, issued on the 13 October 2014 under Section 19(1), of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 be confirmed; and

(iii)    that the statutory proposal to expand Roecroft Community Lower School, Stotfold from its current capacity of 300 places to provide a total of 450 places with an implementation date of 1 September 2015 be approved, thereby approving the commencement of the project and related expenditure, subject to the grant of planning permission under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 by 1 July 2015.

2.      that the proposed commencement of consultations by the Governing Bodies of Leedon Community Lower School and Clipstone Brook Community Lower School to permanently expand each school from 1 September 2015 be approved.  Each school will also be invited to prepare a business case which will be subject to approval by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To approve a revision of the Council’s Enforcement policy.

That the revised Enforcement Policy be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out a revised Enforcement Policy which had taken account of the Regulator’s Code published by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills through the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO). 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council’s Enforcement Policy complied with the BRDO Regulator’s Code.

RESOLVED

that the revised Enforcement Policy be approved.

This report seeks to provide the Executive with an update on the delivery of selected elements of the waste management strategy approved by Executive in March 2014. In addition the report seeks delegated authority to award a number of contracts which are required in order to deliver the approved approach.

1.      To authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the Green Waste disposal contract to the successful tenderer/s.

2.      To authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Operation contract to the successful tenderer.

3.      To authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to undertake a selection process and award the HWRC redevelopment works contract to the successful tenderer/s.

4.      To authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to undertake a selection process and award the Thorn Turn development works contract to the successful tenderer/s.

5.      That the phased temporary closure of the Ampthill, Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard HWRC sites as proposed in the report to allow refurbishment works to take place be approved, noting the mitigation measures planned to minimise the impact of these closures.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that updated on the delivery of selected elements of the waste management strategy:

·         the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Operational Contract;

·         the Green Waste Disposal Contract;

·         the redevelopment of the HWRC sites; and

·         the development of a waste park at Thorn Turn.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Community Services confirmed that the temporary closure of HWRC’s would be clearly advertised, giving the public plenty of notice.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to award the Contracts and to achieve timely delivery of the infrastructure elements, prevent project delays and action from the Environment Agency.

RESOLVED

1.      to authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the Green Waste disposal contract to the successful tenderer/s;

2.      to authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Operation contract to the successful tenderer;

3.      to authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to undertake a selection process and award the HWRC redevelopment works contract to the successful tenderer/s;

4.      to authorise the Community Services Director, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to undertake a selection process and award the Thorn Turn development works contract to the successful tenderer/s; and

5.      that the phased temporary closure of the Ampthill, Biggleswade and Leighton Buzzard HWRC sites as proposed in the report to allow refurbishment works to take place be approved, noting the mitigation measures planned to minimise the impact of these closures.

The report sets out a proposal in relation to the procurement of energy for Council buildings, street lighting and schools in a manner which is compliant with public procurement rules, meets with Council priorities, is in accordance with best practice and is considered to provide best value.

That the Council continue to use the Central Buying Consortium’s flexible energy contracts for electricity and gas supplies to Council buildings and street lighting for the period 2016-2020, and also continues to make these contracts available for schools to use should they wish.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out a proposal in relation to the procurement of energy for Council buildings, street lighting and schools in a manner which was compliant with public procurement rules, met the Council’s priorities, was in accordance with best practice and was considered to provide best value.

Reason for decision:  To ensure the Council procures gas and electricity supplies for Council buildings at competitive rates and according to recommended best practice for local government.

RESOLVED

that the Council continue to use the Central Buying Consortium’s flexible energy contracts for electricity and gas supplies to Council buildings and street lighting for the period 2016-2020, and also continues to make these contracts available for schools to use should they wish.

This report recommends the award of a contract to install external wall insulation to 82 PRC dwellings in Aldbanks, Dunstable as part of meeting priority 6 of the Housing Asset Management Strategy.

That the award of the contract to insulate the external walls to Council housing, as part of an ongoing investment programme be approved, to enable the Council to maintain its investment in its housing stock.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that sought approval to award a contract to install external wall insulation in 82 precast reinforced concrete dwellings in Aldbanks, Dunstable.  The investment was part of the programme to maintain and improve the Council’s housing stock.  The work would improve the quality and prolong the life of the properties, whilst increasing their thermal efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to energy targets.

In a response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing confirmed that residents in Aldbanks who had bought their homes from the Council would be given the opportunity to be included in the external wall insulation work.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet Priority 6 of the Housing Asset Management Strategy to ensure that the housing stock was kept in good repair and met tenants’ current and future expectations.

RESOLVED

that the award of the contract to insulate the external walls to Council housing, as part of an ongoing investment programme be approved, to enable the Council to maintain its investment in its housing stock.

The purpose of the report is to update the Executive on progress with Stratton Business Park and seek Executive approval to undertake disposals of land to meet known local business demands and support jobs growth.

1.      To authorise the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to dispose of 12 to 15 acres of serviced land on Stratton Phase 5 to local business A, to enable its subsequent expansion.

2.      To authorise the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to dispose of 5 acres of serviced land on Stratton Phase 5 to local business B, to enable its subsequent expansion.

3.      That it is intended to invest up to £2M in infrastructure, planning and other necessary advance work and in collaboration with the owners of Phase 6.  If as seems likely there will be a delay between the requirement for funding for infrastructure and the capital receipt, then this cash flow issue will be addressed in the Council’s budget for 2015/16.

The Executive considered a report from the  Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that updated on progress with Stratton Business Park and sought approval to dispose of land to meet known local business demands and support job growth.

In response to a question, the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources advised that sustainability issues would be considered as part of the planning process.

Reason for decision:  Options for alternative methods of disposal had been reviewed and the proposed serviced site option was considered the optimum solution to both secure known existing local businesses demand, delivering jobs in Biggleswade and to maximise capital receipts.

RESOLVED

1.      to authorise the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to dispose of 12 to 15 acres of serviced land on Stratton Phase 5 to local business A, to enable its subsequent expansion;

2.      to authorise the Director of Improvement and Corporate Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to dispose of 5 acres of serviced land on Stratton Phase 5 to local business B, to enable its subsequent expansion; and

3.      that it is intended to invest up to £2M in infrastructure, planning and other necessary advance work and in collaboration with the owners of Phase 6.  If as seems likely there will be a delay between the requirement for funding for infrastructure and the capital receipt, then this cash flow issue will be addressed in the Council’s budget for 2015/16.

This paper sets out the procurement process that has been undertaken and the outcome that will improve services for the population of Bedfordshire.

1.      That the recommended agreement for the award of the new contract for the Bedfordshire Mental Health, Specialist Learning Disability Service and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Procurement, including Central Bedfordshire Council Section 75 delegated responsibilities, which has been led by the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, be approved.

2.      To authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing to fulfil their delegated function as set out in the Central Bedfordshire Council Constitution: H3, 3.1.  Namely, as statutory officer (Director of Adult Social Care Services) to individual directors to deliver the function of theNational Health Service Act 2006, Section 75.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that set out the procurement process for mental health services that had been undertaken by the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, with a view to improving services for the population of Bedfordshire.

Reason for decision:  To improve mental health services in Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

1.      that the recommended agreement for the award of the new contract for the Bedfordshire Mental Health, Specialist Learning Disability Service and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Procurement, including Central Bedfordshire Council Section 75 delegated responsibilities, which has been led by the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, be approved; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing to fulfil their delegated function as set out in the Central Bedfordshire Council Constitution: H3, 3.1.  Namely, as statutory officer (Director of Adult Social Care Services) to deliver the function of theNational Health Service Act 2006, Section 75.

The report sets out the financial position for 2014/15 as at the end of September 2014. It sets out spend to date against the profiled budget and the forecast financial outturn. It excludes the Housing Revenue Account which is subject to a separate report.

1.      That the revenue forecast position which is currently an overspend compared to budget by £1.1m, be noted.

2.      To request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve as a minimum a balanced outturn position or an underspend.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the financial position for 2014/15 as at September 2014.  The report set out the spend to date against the profiled budget and the forecast financial outturn. 

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

RESOLVED

1.      that the revenue forecast position which is currently an overspend compared to budget of £1.1m, be noted; and

2.      to request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve as a  minimum a balanced outturn position or an underspend.

The report provides information on the projected capital outturn for 2014/15 as at September 2014. 

1.      That the overall forecast position which is to spend £97.8m compared to a budget of £116.8m, be noted.

2.      To request officers to carefully examine the forecast spend to determine the realism of the proposals to defer spend into 2015/16.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided information on the projected capital outturn for 2014/15 as at September 2014.

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

RESOLVED

1.      that the overall forecast position which is to spend £97.8m compared to a budget of £116.8m, be noted; and

2.      to request officers to carefully examine the forecast spend to determine the realism of the proposals to defer spend into 2015/16.

The report provides information on the 2014/15 Housing Revenue Account projected outturn revenue and capital position as at September 2014.

1.      That the revenue forecast position to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account Reserves of £7.345m be noted, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of homes.

2.      That the capital forecast position of an outturn of £16.767m, an underspend of £1.353m, which includes deferred works from 2013/14 relating to Priory View of £2.503m, be noted.

3.      That Right to Buy sales be monitored for the possible impact on predicted surpluses in the medium to longer term.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided information on the 2014/15 Housing Revenue Account projected outturn revenue and capital position as at September 2014.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing confirmed that the current projection of Right to Buy sales would not have a negative impact on the Business Plan.  However, the Council was in a position to re-invest capital receipts into new social housing.

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

RESOLVED

1.      that the revenue forecast position to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account Reserves of £7.345m be noted, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of homes;

2.      that the capital forecast position of an outturn of £16.767m, an underspend of £1.353m, which includes deferred works from 2013/14 relating to Priory View of £2.503m, be noted; and

3.      that Right to Buy sales be monitored for the possible impact on predicted surpluses in the medium to longer term.

To receive the exempt appendix.

See minute E/14/82 for details.

To receive the exempt information.

See minute E/14/83 for details.

To receive the exempt Appendix.

The Executive is asked to:

1.          note the recommended agreement for the award of the new contract for the Bedfordshire Mental Health, Specialist Learning Disability Service and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Procurement including Central Bedfordshire Council section 75 delegated responsibilities which has been led by the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group; and

2.         authorise the Director of Social Care Health and Housing in consultation with the Executive Member to fulfil their delegated function as set out in the Central Bedfordshire Council Constitution: H3, 3.1.  To carry out as statutory officer (Director of Adult Social Care Services) as allocated to the Director of Adult Social Care Services set out in the delegation to individual directors to deliver the function of theNational Health Service Act 2006, section 75 legislation.

See minute E/14/83a for details.