To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 7 June 2016.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 June 2016 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

None were received.

The Chairman made no announcements.

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

The following petitions will be presented:-

·         Campaign for a new build leisure centre for Dunstable – 257 signatures.

·         The continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the newly designed Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub for the use of bowls clubs, the local general public, organisations for the disabled and the older generation of the area – 478 signatures.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Executive received the following petitions:-

1.      Campaign for a new build leisure centre for Dunstable

Mr Kerr presented an e-petition, on behalf of Dunstable Swimming Club, containing 257 signatures requesting the Council to build a new purpose built leisure centre for Dunstable rather than refurbish the existing centre.  During the refurbishment Dunstable Leisure Centre would be closed for a period of at least 18 months leaving the community with no facilities within the town during this period.  Nor would the refurbishment centre provide additional capacity.  He welcomed the investment in the leisure centre, but felt that a new build leisure centre similar to the new Leisure Centre in Flitwick would be more appropriate.

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services explained that the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre was in line with the Leisure Facilities Strategy.  

The level of expansion required in Dunstable was not the same as Flitwick.  Dunstable had a shortage of health, fitness and group exercise space. The condition of the pool needed improving but not the size of it.  The redevelopment would totally transform both leisure and library services in the town and facilitate further regeneration opportunities. Alternative sites had been considered but due to its central location with access to car parks and public transport, the existing centre remained the best location for these services. Dunstable would continue to have a community pool rather than a competition pool. In Central Bedfordshire there were two competition standard pools and an Olympic pool in Luton.

The Council appreciated that any closure period would need to be as short as possible to minimise disruption to customers.  Alternative options would be provided to customers to enable them to continue to take part in sport and physical activity during the closure period.

2.      The continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the newly designed Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub

          Mr Merter presented a paper petition, on behalf of the Dunstable Indoor Bowls Club, containing 478 signatures calling for the continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the proposed refurbished Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub for the use of bowls clubs, the local general public, organisations for the disabled and the older generation of the area.

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services understood how important the current indoor bowls facility was and appreciated the impact of closure.  Discussions had taken place with South Beds Bowling Club and the National Governing Body.  Unfortunately the use of the indoor bowls facility had declined, but the Council would continue to look at alternative options to enable the public to continue to play indoor bowls.  There would be an offer of short matt bowls in the new leisure centre, if there was a demand for it. 

The Council supported the older age groups taking part in exercise, and there would be a range of other sport and physical activities used by the 65+  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

No members of the public had registered to speak.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 September 2016 to 31 August 2017 be noted.

The report proposes the Medium Term Financial Planning framework for 2017-18 through 2020-21.

1.      That the risks and uncertainty surrounding the Medium Term Financial Plan be recognised.

2.      That the proposed framework for the updating of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 – 2020/21 and the preparation of a Budget for 2017/18 be endorsed.

3.      That the approach to consultation this year set out in the report be approved.

The Executive considered a report that set out the framework and process for the 2017/18 -2020/21 Medium Term Financial Plan with updated planning assumptions.  The report also considered the impact of possible changes in Local Government financing.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to have 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 Tern Financial Plan be recognised;

2.         that the proposed framework for the updating of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2017/18 – 2020/21 and the preparation of a Budget for 2017/18 be endorsed; and

3.         that the approach to consultation this year set out in the report be approved.

This report describes the emerging vision for the integration of health and social care in Central Bedfordshire. It sets out the approach for delivering integrated services focused around locality based integrated health and care hubs across the four localities in Central Bedfordshire. 

1.      That the emerging vision for integrating services and the continuing engagement with stakeholders be endorsed.

2.      That a further report be submitted to the Executive, following consideration and involvement by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that sets out the approach to integration.

3.      That a further report be submitted to the Executive that details a potential delivery and investment plan for integrated health and care hubs in Central Bedfordshire.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Health that set out the emerging vision for the integration of health and social care in Central Bedfordshire.  It also set out the approach for delivering integrated services focused around locality based integrated health and care hubs across the four localities in Central Bedfordshire.

A report would be submitted to the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee as part of the emerging approach to integration of health and care services in Central Bedfordshire.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to respond to a growing and ageing population and establish a broader range of integrated out of hospital services closer to home. 

RESOLVED

1.      that the emerging vision for integrating services and the continuing engagement with stakeholders be endorsed;

2.      that a further report be submitted to the Executive, following consideration and involvement by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee that sets out the approach to integration; and

3.      that a further report be submitted to the Executive that details a potential delivery and investment plan for integrated health and care hubs in Central Bedfordshire.

To seek support for the proposed commissioning arrangements for the procurement of a Community Health Services Contract for children and young people which includes the Healthy Child Programme.  Appendix B, Memorandum of Understanding is ‘to follow’.

1.         That Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and BCCG enter into a partnership arrangement for the procurement of Community Health Services for children and young people.

2.         That given the intention to include CBC adult social care funding covering rehabilitation/rapid intervention within the procurement of Community Health Services, a Section 75 agreement with the Clinical Commissioning Group be authorised, if necessary.

3.         That the current assumption, prior to soft market testing, that the contract term is likely to be five years with a maximum extension of two years, commencing in 2018 be noted.

4.         That the Director of Public Health be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to agree and sign off the Memorandum of Understanding between Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group that sets out how the parties will work together to deliver the procurement of Community Health Services for children and young people, following further consultation with the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

5.         That the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health be authorised to proceed with the re-procurement of the Healthy Child Programme.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Health that sought the support for the proposed procurement of Community Health Services (CHS) for children and young people which included the Healthy Child Programme and for adults. 

The Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and the Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group was still to be finalised.  In light of this, the Executive Member for Health moved amendments to recommendations 4 and 5 as follows:-

“4.    that the Director of Public Health be authorised, in consultation with the Executive member for Health, to agree and sign off the Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group that sets out how the parties would work together to deliver the procurement of Community Health Services for children and young people, following further consultation with the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

5.         that the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health be authorised to proceed with the re-procurement of the Healthy Child Programme.”

Reason for decision:  The re-procurement of CHS for Children, Young People and Adults, presented an excellent opportunity to deliver services which were person-centred, improved outcomes and delivered maximum efficiency.

RESOLVED

1.            that Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and BCCG enter into a partnership arrangement for the procurement of Community Health Services for children and young people;

2.            that given the intention to include CBC adult social care funding covering rehabilitation/rapid intervention within the procurement of Community Health Services, a Section 75 agreement with the Clinical Commissioning Group be authorised, if necessary;

3.            that the current assumption, prior to soft market testing, that the contract term was likely to be five years with a maximum extension of two years, commencing in 2018 be noted;

4.            that the Director of Public Health be authorised, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to agree and sign off the Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group that sets out how the parties would work together to deliver the procurement of Community Health Services for children and young people, following further consultation with the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee; and

5.            that the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health be authorised to proceed with the re-procurement of the Healthy Child Programme.

To consider the outcome of the consultations by Biggleswade Academy Trust and the Governing Body of St Andrews Lower School, Biggleswade, each to expand by one form of entry (30 places in each lower school year group) by September 2017.

1.      That the responses received to the consultations by Biggleswade Academy Trust and the Governing Body of St Andrews Church of England VC Lower School, Biggleswade, each to expand by 1 form of entry (30 places in each lower school year group) by September 2017 be noted.

2.      That the commencement of capital expenditure, as set out in the report, subject in respect of Biggleswade Academy Trust to the approval of the proposal by the Education Funding Agency, and subject to the grant of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that provided the outcome of the consultations by Biggleswade Academy Trust and the Governing Body of St Andrews Church of England VC Lower School, Biggleswade each to expand by 1 form of entry (30 places in each lower school year group) by September 2017. 

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills confirmed that the capital spend as part of the New School Places Programme was being monitored closely and that discussions were planned to explore the scope to drive greater efficiency and reduced expenditure.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council continued to meet its statutory obligations to secure sufficient school places for children in the Biggleswade area.

RESOLVED

1.      that the responses received to the consultations by Biggleswade Academy Trust and the Governing Body of St Andrews Church of England VC Lower School, Biggleswade, each to expand by 1 form of entry (30 places in each lower school year group) by September 2017 be noted; and

2.      that the commencement of capital expenditure, as set out in the report, subject in respect of Biggleswade Academy Trust to the approval of the proposal by the Education Funding Agency, and subject to the grant of planning permissions under Part 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, be approved.

To adopt the Council's Policy for Housing Assistance 2016 – 2020 for providing households with financial assistance to improve the homes of the most vulnerable households.

1.      That the generally positive feedback provided from the public consultation and the equality impact assessment be noted.

2.      That the Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy for implementation by the Housing Service be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that set out the revised Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy.  The revised Policy looked to build upon the success of the existing policy and develop further assistance for some vulnerable groups; older people in park homes and residents with disabilities who could not be assisted (partly or at all) by the Disabled Facilities Grant assistance.  The revised policy also enhanced assistance to empty homes owners where that helped the Council meet affordable housing need.

Reason for decision:  The revised Policy improved assistance for older people in Park Homes and disabled residents with assessed needs that do not quality for mandatory Disabled Facilities Grant.

RESOLVED

1.      that the generally positive feedback provided from the public consultation and the equality impact assessment be noted; and

2.      that the Central Bedfordshire Housing Assistance Policy for implementation by the Housing Service be adopted.

To review and endorse the Excess Weight Partnership Strategy 2016-2020 and understand the actions required of the Council to ensure successful implementation.

That the Excess Weight Partnership Strategy for Central Bedfordshire that provides the basis for partnership actions to tackle excess weight in children, young people and adults, be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report that set out the Excess Weight Strategy that had been developed with partners to tackle this public health issue.  It was estimated that 69% (145,000) of adults in Central Bedfordshire were either overweight or obese. The priorities within the Strategy were:-

·         Creating environments which actively promote and encourage a healthy weight.

·         Giving all children and families the best start in life and supporting them in achieving a healthy weight and lifestyle.

·         Empowering adults and older people to attain and maintain a healthy weight.

·         Enabling practitioners working in Central Bedfordshire to have a meaningful discussion about weight in a confident and effective manner.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills agreed to investigate further the issue of children leaving school premises at lunchtime to eat off site.  He would work closely with the Executive Member for Health to reduce excess weight in children, including encouraging them to walk to school whilst taking into account the request for designated drop off points for parents who take their children to school by car.

Reason for decision:  The Strategy brought together the current position on excess weight and outlined the priorities for tackling the issue. 

RESOLVED

that the Excess Weight Partnership Strategy for Central Bedfordshire that provided the basis for partnership actions to tackle excess weight in children, young people and adults, be endorsed.

This report ask the Executive to approve the A421 Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council, Milton Keynes Council and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership that sets out how the parties will work together (including funding contributions) to deliver the scheme and seeks permission to pursue Compulsory Purchase Order powers.

1.      To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Community Services and Regeneration, to negotiate the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC), Milton Keynes Council (MKC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) that sets out how the parties will work together to deliver the A421 dualling scheme and once all parties are in agreement.

2.      That Council officers continue preparatory work for the acquisition of the land required for the scheme, including compulsory purchase if that proves necessary; if a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is required, this will be reported to full Council at a later date.

3.      To instruct officers as part of Medium Term Financial Plan process to identify options to reduce the Capital Programme by £3m such that the addition of this project does not increase the overall net capital spend of the Council.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that £3m be added to the Capital Programme for this scheme.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the proposal for the dualling of the section of the A421 between the new Eagle Farm roundabout and M1/J13. 

The Memorandum of Understanding proposed that Central Bedfordshire Council and Milton Keynes Council met the costs above £23.5m up to a total of £29.5m or a contribution of £3m each based on a 50/50 split.  It was recommended that this funding be included in the Capital Programme.  Officers would be instructed as part of the Medium Term Financial Plan process to identify options to reduce the Capital Programme by £3m such that the addition of this project would not increase the overall net capital spend of the Council.

Reason for decision:  To enable the project to move forward to the next stage.

RESOLVED

1.      to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Community Services and Regeneration, to negotiate the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding between Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC), Milton Keynes Council (MKC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) that sets out how the parties would work together to deliver the A421 dualling scheme and once all parties were in agreement;

2.      that Council officers continue preparatory work for the acquisition of the land required for the scheme, including compulsory purchase if that proves necessary; if a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) was required, this would be reported to full Council at a later date; and

3.      to instruct officers as part of Medium Term Financial Plan process to identify options to reduce the Capital Programme by £3m such that the addition of this project would not increase the overall net capital spend of the Council.

RECOMMENDED to Council

that £3m be added to the Capital Programme for this scheme.

To seek delegated authority for the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, to award contracts for various waste treatment and disposal lots following the completion of the EU procurement process.

To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, to award contracts for the waste treatment and disposal lots identified within the report in order to meet the required timescales, allowing contracts to be operational by October 2016.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the strategy to deliver several residual waste treatment and disposal contracts so that waste treatment and disposal services could be maintained. 

The Council was in the final stages of agreeing a new waste disposal contract with a waste management company in a neighbouring authority to treat and dispose of the Council’s kerbside black bin waste and street cleansing residual waste. A procurement was currently underway to secure treatment and disposal of the remaining materials.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligations.

RESOLVED

to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, to award contracts for the waste treatment and disposal lots identified within the report in order to meet the required timescales, allowing contracts to be operational by October 2016.

To report Quarter 1 2016/17 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council’s Medium Term Plan (MTP) indicator set.

That the new 5 year plan indicators be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the proposed indicator set that would enable progress against the Council’s Five Year Plan to be assessed.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Community Services advised that he would provide a written answer with the information requested  on domestic abuse in Central Bedfordshire. 

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

RESOLVED

that the new 5 year plan indicators be endorsed.

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

to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that its consideration was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the next steps for Stratton Phase IV.

1.    That the termination of the existing Option Agreement, be approved.

2.    That the new revised Option Agreement, as per the outline Heads of Terms described in the report, be entered into.

3.    To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to sign the Option Agreement and Heads of Terms.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that outlined the latest position with Stratton Phase IV.  The Council and the contractor would work together to agree a solution to move forward in a timely manner with the development of the site, adjacent to the A1 in Biggleswade.  This would protect the Council’s position and deliver against Capital and National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR) targets as well as providing additional employment in the area.

The relevant Executive Members responded to questions regarding the value of the land and the assumption of the percentage of NNDR that would be retained by the Council. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the site to be brought forward under the best possible terms.

RESOLVED

1.         that the termination of the existing Option Agreement, be approved;

2.         that the new revised Option Agreement, as per the outline Heads of Terms described in the report, be entered into; and

3.         to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to sign the Option Agreement and Heads of Terms.

To obtain approval for the disposal of the former Shefford Lower School, off Robert Bloomfield Drive, Shefford.

1.      That the freehold disposal of the asset on best available terms, be approved.

2.      To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to negotiate the heads of terms and relevant contractual documents to enable the disposal to take place.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out a proposal to dispose of the former Shefford Lower School, off Robert Bloomfield Drive, Shefford.

The Executive Member for Education and Skills explained that currently Robert Bloomfield Academy were using part of the site as an overflow car park, but due to the sale of the land the Academy would be looking to provide additional parking on their own grounds.

Reason for decision:  To enable disposal of the asset to proceed.

RESOLVED

1.         that the freehold disposal of the asset on best available terms, be approved; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to negotiate the heads of terms and relevant contractual documents to enable the disposal to take place.

To receive the exempt Appendix.

See minute E/16/35 for details.