To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 7 July 2015.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 July 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

None were declared.

The Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Brandon Lewis MP, had visited Dunstable on 29 July 2015 to view the Council’s housing developments at Creasey Park Drive and Priory View. On 30 July 2015 the Leader of Stevenage Borough Council had also visited Priory View.

On Friday 31 July the Leader had visited the Tactic Youth Centre in Leighton Buzzard and had attended the topping out ceremony for the Greenfields Independent Living Scheme.

The Leader took the opportunity to thank Melanie Clay, Chief Legal and Democratic Services Officer for her work at Central Bedfordshire Council and wished her good luck in her new role at Tower Hamlets Council.

No petitions were received.

There were no members of the public registered to speak.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 August 2015 to 31 July 2016 be noted.

The report proposes the Medium Term Financial Planning framework for 2016-17 through to 2019-20.

1.      That the risks and uncertainty surrounding the Medium Term Financial Plan be recognised, including the likelihood of further austerity measures in future years.

2.      That the proposed framework for updating the Medium Term Financial Plan 2016/17 – 2019/20 and the preparation of a budget for 2016/17 be endorsed.

3.      That the approach for the consultation process in 2015/16 be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources which proposed the medium term financial planning framework for 2015-17 through to 2019-20.  The Autumn Statement would have a significant bearing on the Council’s financial position and was not expected until December 2015.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to have in place a framework to meet the financial challenges faced by Central Bedfordshire Council over the medium term.

RESOLVED

1.      that the risks and uncertainty surrounding the Medium Term Financial Plan be recognised, including the likelihood of further austerity measures in future years;

2.      that the proposed framework for updating the Medium Term Financial Plan 2016/17 – 2019/20 and the preparation of a budget for 2016/17 be endorsed; and

3.      that the approach for the consultation process in 2015/16 be noted.

To consider the partnership vision for education.

That the Partnership Vision for Education be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that set out the refreshed Partnership Vision for Education.  The refresh had been developed following engagement with a range of key partners to support implementation of the Children and Young People’s Plan.

The Vision would be launched during the Autumn Term and would be monitored by the Partnership Vision for Education Board.  Progress would be reported to the Children’s Trust Board and the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to work with partners to drive educational attainment across Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

that the Partnership Vision for Education be approved.

The report outlines the financial pressures resulting from a sustained increase in the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation to meet a re-housing duty for homeless households approaching the Council, and proposes a solution to reduce the financial impact, the purchase of accommodation by the Housing Revenue Account.

RESOLVED

That the impact, in particular the financial pressures facing the Council from increased use of B&B accommodation for emergency temporary use be noted.

RECOMMENDED to Council

That the expenditure of £2m of Housing Revenue Account resources for the acquisition of a portfolio of circa 7-9 properties and potentially land (for development) be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that outlined the financial pressures resulting from a sustained increase in the use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation on a temporary basis by homeless families approaching the Council.

It was proposed that the Council invest £2million of Housing Revenue Account funding to acquire 7 to 9 family homes (and/or land to build), which would be used as temporary accommodation as an alternative to Bed and Breakfast.  The properties would be located in the north of Central Bedfordshire.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing confirmed that families in such circumstances would receive appropriate support and guidance.

Reason for decision:  To respond appropriately to help homeless families in the north of Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

that the impact, in particular the financial pressures facing the Council from increased use of Bed and Breakfast accommodation for emergency temporary use be noted.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that the expenditure of £2m of Housing Revenue Account resources for the acquisition of a portfolio of circa 7-9 properties and potentially land (for development) be approved.

To approve the procurement of a building contractor for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre and delegate authority for the award of contract.

1.      That the procurement of a building contractor for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre be approved.

2.      To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and the Executive Member for Community Services, to award the contract.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the procurement process for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre.  The next step was to prepare for the procurement of a main contractor to undertake the necessary construction work. The new centre would become a hub of activities containing the library, swimming pool, extended health and fitness space, a new café and other facilities.  It would contribute to the regeneration of Dunstable.

The contract would be split into two stages, the first being the design of the new centre and the second being the building works required. A full consultation process would be carried out with Members, stakeholders, sports clubs, users of the current facilities, the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and a final design would be submitted to the Executive in January 2016.  It was anticipated that the construction period would take place between October 2016 and November 2017.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Community Services confirmed that a full programme of events, including consultation, would be published.  Discussions were taking place regarding alternative provision for when the existing premises would be closed during the redevelopment. The staffing and loss of income implications of the period during which the existing centre would be closed for building works would be addressed appropriately.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Public Health confirmed that funding from Public Health was provided to services including those in Community Services help facilitate people living a healthier lifestyle.

Reason for decision:  To commence the procurement of a main contractor to ensure the project programme remains on tract for completion towards the end of 2017. 

RESOLVED

1.      that the procurement of a building contractor for the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre be approved; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and the Executive Member for Community Services, to award the contract.

To seek a decision on the transfer and ownership of the building and all liabilities to Stotfold Town Council.

To authorise the transfer of Stotfold Community Building, comprising a community hall, meeting rooms, community space, an office suite for Stotfold Town Council, reception area, kitchen and other ancillary facilities, and all future liabilities and responsibilities for them, to Stotfold Town Council.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and the Executive Member for Stronger Communities that sought the Executive’s approval to transfer Stotfold Community Building, comprising a community hall, meetings rooms, community space, an office suite for the Town Council, reception area, kitchen and other ancillary facilities, and all future liabilities and responsibilities for them, to Stotfold Town Council.

Reason for decision:  To enable Stotfold Town Council to own and manage the Community Building. 

RESOLVED

to authorise the transfer of Stotfold Community Building, comprising a community hall, meeting rooms, community space, an office suite for Stotfold Town Council, reception area, kitchen and other ancillary facilities, and all future liabilities and responsibilities for them, to Stotfold Town Council.

The report sets out the financial position for 2015/16 as at the end of June 2015.

1.      That the Revenue forecast position which is currently to overspend budget by £2.5M be noted.

2.      To request officers to continue to look for compensatory savings in order to deliver a balanced budget.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the projected financial outturn position for 2015/16.  The full year forecast outturn position was an overspend of £2.5m.  This was mainly as a result of emerging pressures in Social Care, Health and Housing and Children’s Services.  Officers were exploring mitigating actions.

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

RESOLVED

1.      that the Revenue forecast position which is currently to overspend budget by £2.5m be noted; and

2.      to request officers to continue to look for compensatory savings in order to deliver a balanced budget.

The report provides information on the projected capital outturn for 2015/16 as at June 2015.

1.      That the forecast position which is to spend £128.3M (£128.3M in February) compared to the budget of £138.3M, be noted.  The variance of £10.3M (£10.3M in February) includes proposed deferred spend of £7.8M.

2.      That the virement of £2.437M from the Household Recycling and Waste Centre redevelopment project to the Thorn Turn waste park and also the Depot and Salt Barn – North project, as set out in paragraph 19e, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the projected capital outturn position for 2015/16.  The forecast position was to spend £128.3m compared to the budget of £138.3m.

Members welcomed the Total Basic Need grant received from the Department of Education.  This reflected the work in support of the New School Places Programme in Central Bedfordshire.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Corporate Resources was monitoring the affordability of the Capital Programme and reiterated the importance of maximising external funding.  During the 2016/17 budget process capital proposals would be scrutinised to ensure affordability.

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

RESOLVED

1.      That the forecast position which is to spend £128.3m (£128.3m in February) compared to the budget of £138.3m, be noted.  The variance of £10.3m (£10.3m in February) includes proposed deferred spend of £7.8m.

2.      That the virement of £2.437m from the Household Recycling and Waste Centre redevelopment project to the Thorn Turn waste park and also the Depot and Salt Barn – North project, as set out in paragraph 19e, be approved.

The report provides information on the 2015/16 Housing Revenue Account projected outturn revenue and capital position as at June 2015.

1.      That the Revenue forecast position which is to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account Reserves of £6.245M, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses, be noted.

2.      That the Capital forecast position of an indicative outturn underspend in the current year of £2.800 relating to the Croft Green Development, be noted.

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

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that set out the 2015/16 Housing Revenue Account projected outturn revenue and capital position.  The revenue forecast position projected a year end surplus of £6.245m compared to a budgeted surplus of £6.509m, a reduction of £0.264m.  The projected underspend related to the Croft Green development where significant work was unlikely to commence until 2016/17.

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

RESOLVED

1.      that the Revenue forecast position which is to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to Housing Revenue Account Reserves of £6.245M, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses, be noted;

2.      that the Capital forecast position  of an indicative outturn underspend in the current year of £2.800m relating to the Croft Green Development, be noted;

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

To secure agreement from the Executive to award the new Term Highways Services Contract.

1.      That the new Term Highways Services Contract (Lot 1) be awarded for a period of seven years with a potential maximum extension of a further seven years to Contractor A who had submitted the most economically advantageous bid (the best combination of quality and price.

2.      That Lot 2 (Grass Cutting) and Lot 3 (Vehicle Maintenance) be not  awarded and that these services be secured through a separate procurement exercise.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the outcome of the procurement exercise that had been undertaken to secure a Term Highways Services Contract that reflected the current priorities of Central Bedfordshire Council, with flexibility incorporated for a changing environment.  The current Highways Contract was due to end on 31 March 2016.

Contractors had been invited to bid for 3 lots:-

·         Lot 1:  Main Term Maintenance Contract

·         Lot 2:  Grass Cutting

·         Lot 3:  Vehicle Maintenance.

The preferred contractor for Lot 1 (the main Highways Services contract) was not the preferred bidder for Lot 2 and Lot 3.  It was proposed that only Lot 1 should be awarded and the grass cutting and vehicle maintenance contracts should be procured through a separate exercise.

At this point during the discussion it was felt appropriate to exclude the Press and Public.  See minutes E/15/33 and E/15/34 for further details.

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 items of business on the grounds that the consideration of the items is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

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 involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

To receive the exempt Appenidx.

The Executive continued the consideration of the Term Highways Services Contract, including the cost and quality of the proposals received.

Reason for decision:  In order to provide the Highways Contract Renewal Project authorisation to complete the procurement exercise and award the contract for the Term Highways Services Contract (Lot 1).

RESOLVED

1.      that the new Term Highways Services Contract (Lot 1) be awarded for a period of seven years with a potential maximum extension of a further seven years to Contractor A who had submitted the most economically advantageous bid (the best combination of quality and price; and

2.      That Lot 2 (Grass Cutting) and Lot 3 (Vehicle Maintenance) be not  awarded and that these services be secured through a separate procurement exercise.