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

46.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 2 August 2016.

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that the minutes of the meeting held on 2 August 2016 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

 

 

47.

Members' Interests

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

Minutes:

 

Councillor Mrs Gurney declared a personal interest in item 13 ‘Proposal to Change the Age Range of Everton Lower School from 3 – 9 years of age (Lower School) to 3 -11 years of age (Primary School), as a Governor at the school.

 

Councillor Hollick declared a personal interest in item 8 ‘Passenger Transport Strategy’, as a trustee of South Beds Dial-a-Ride.

 

CouncillorMrs Chapman declared a personal interest in item 8 ‘Passenger Transport Strategy’, as she represented the Council on the Mid Beds Link-a-Ride Community Transport Board.

 

 

 

48.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

Minutes:

 

The Chairman made no announcements.

 

 

 

49.

Petitions

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

 

A petition stating “We the undersigned are against the proposed cuts to bus services 188 and 190” was submitted at Council on 22 September 2016.  Following validation by the Monitoring Officer the petition has now been submitted to the Executive for consideration.

Minutes:

 

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Executive noted that a petition had been submitted to Council on 22 September 2016 against the proposed cuts to the 188 and 190 bus services.  The Executive agreed to consider the petition under item 8 ‘Passenger Transport Strategy’.

 

 

 

50.

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 Executive noted that there were two public speakers for item 8 ‘Passenger Transport Strategy’ and agreed to invite them to speak under that item.

 

 

 

51.

Forward Plan of Key Decisions pdf icon PDF 68 KB

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

Decision:

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

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

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

 

 

52.

Passenger Transport Strategy pdf icon PDF 34 KB

 

The report will seek approval for the adoption of the Passenger Transport Strategy – Public Transport.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council

That the Passenger Transport Strategy for Central Bedfordshire, as set out at Appendix1 to the report, be adopted.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that set out the draft Passenger Transport Strategy for Central Bedfordshire.  The Strategy referred to users of road based public transport, such as commercially operated local bus routes and community transport, as well as fleet transport for the provision of home to school transport and home to day setting transport for vulnerable children and adults.

 

The Chairman invited the lead petitioner for the petition against proposals affecting the 188 and 190 bus services to speak.  Mrs Gibson expressed concern about the proposed changes to bus services within the rural areas and the impact this would have on communities in Central Bedfordshire.

 

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services explained that a decision on the bus routes would not be considered until the Council had adopted the Passenger Transport Strategy.  Following the adoption of the Strategy each route would be assessed before decisions were made.

 

The Chairman invited the two members of the public to speak:-

 

·         Mr Barrett spoke on behalf of South Beds Dial-a-Ride and referred to the recommendation from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) proposing a delay in changes to the Community Transport element of the Strategy, specifically the Dial-a-Ride service, in order to allow further discussions to take place; and

·         Dr Egan explained that she was a trustee of Dial-a-Ride and supported the recommendation from the Sustainable Community OSC Committee.  She also expressed concerns about the consultation process.

 

The Deputy Executive Member explained that the continuation of the existing grants for the Dial-a-Ride Service might lead to a breach of procurement legislation. By adopting the proposed tender process, the operators would have some certainty in relation to future funding.   A delay of 1 year from April 2018 was not required as discussions were already taking place with the Service and other interested parties to find solutions.

 

The Head of Public Protection and Transport described the various consultation processes that had been carried out.

 

In response to questions, the Deputy Executive Member explained that the Council had to consider ways in which to make savings by delivering services in different ways to avoid making cuts.  The Director of Community Services reiterated that the delay of 18 months in the community transport element was not necessary as discussions with providers were ongoing and there remained several months within which these could be concluded.

 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council has a Strategy that delivers transport services that are safe, effective and fit for purpose.

 

RECOMMENDED to Council

 

that the Passenger Transport Strategy for Central Bedfordshire, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be adopted.

 

 

 

53.

Fees & Charges 2017 pdf icon PDF 34 KB

 

To consider the price changes for 2017.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      That the prices for the fees and charges for 2017, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.      That the new fees and charges to be introduced for 2017, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

3.      That the fees and charges for Social Care, Health and Housing (including HRA) be considered by the Executive on 7 February 2017 and Council on 23 February 2017.

4.      To note that whilst some statutory charges have been left at the 2016 rate currently, these will be amended to the new charges once the Council has been advised of the rates applicable to 2017.

5.      That the progress of the fees and charges cyclical review process, as set out in Appendix C to the report, be noted.

6.      That the fees and charges that deliver the most income for the highest volume usage, as set out in Appendix D to the report, be noted.

7.      That the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, as set out in Appendix F to the report, be noted.

 

 

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that:

 

·         set out the proposed fees and charges for 2017;

·         identified the new fees and charges to be introduced for 2017; and

·         identified those charges where proposed increases were significantly different from the 1% advisory increase, as per the 2017/18 Budget Strategy.

 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Corporate Resources confirmed that the proposal to move to pre-payment arrangements based on a debit/credit card service via the website would be implemented during the next financial year. 

 

RECOMMENDED to Council

 

1.      that the prices for the fees and charges for 2017, as set out in Appendix A to the report, be approved;

 

2.      that the new fees and charges to be introduced for 2017, as set out in Appendix B to the report, be approved;

 

3.      that the fees and charges for Social Care, Health and Housing (including HRA) be considered by the Executive on 7 February 2017 and Council on 23 February 2017;

 

4.      to note that whilst some statutory charges had been left at the 2016 rate currently, these would be amended to the new charges once the Council had been advised of the rates applicable to 2017;

 

5.      that the progress of the fees and charges cyclical review process, as set out in Appendix C to the report, be noted;

 

6.      that the fees and charges that deliver the most income for the highest volume usage, as set out in Appendix D to the report, be noted; and

 

7.      that the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, as set out in Appendix F to the report, be noted.

 

 

 

54.

Traded Services to Schools and Academies – Proposed Charges for 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 24 KB

 

To consider the updated charges for 2017/18.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RECOMMEMDED to Council

1.         That the charges for 2017/18 for non statutory services to Schools and Academies be approved.

2.      That the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, as set out in Appendix C to the report, be noted.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the proposed revised charges for 2017/18 for traded services to schools and academies for non statutory services. 

 

The Department for Education was consulting on changes to school funding arrangements but the outcome of this would not be known until the end of 2016 at the earliest.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to agree the charges as part of delivering a balanced budget for 2017/18.

 

RECOMMEMDED to Council

 

1.         that the charges for 2017/18 for non statutory services to Schools and Academies be approved; and

 

2.      that the comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, as set out in Appendix C to the report, be noted.

 

 

 

55.

All Age Skills Strategy pdf icon PDF 67 KB

 

To seek Executive approval of the All Age Skills Strategy.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the All Age Skills Strategy be approved, to provide the framework of the Council’s employment and skills activities from 2016-2020 with performance reported through the Council’s Five Year Plan monitoring arrangements.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Members for Education and Skills and Regeneration that set out the refreshed All Age Skills Strategy for 2016 – 2020.  The Strategy had a critical role to play in enabling Central Bedfordshire to achieve its full economic potential.

 

Reason for decision:  To provide a framework to deliver a flexible and responsive workforce.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the All Age Skills Strategy be approved, to provide the framework of the Council’s employment and skills activities from 2016-2020 with performance reported through the Council’s Five Year Plan monitoring arrangements.

 

 

 

56.

Shared Vision (Education, Health and Social Care) for Children and Young People (0-25) from Central Bedfordshire with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) pdf icon PDF 30 KB

 

The report provides a summary of the new duties under the SEND Reforms, and the work undertaken to co-produce the draft SEND Vision and Strategy.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

 

That the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Vision and Strategy, be approved.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Health that provided a summary of the new duties under the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) reforms and the work undertaken to co-produce the draft SEND Vision and Strategy.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to act upon its duty to ensure integration between educational provision and training provision, health and social care provision.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Vision and Strategy, be approved.

 

 

 

57.

Proposal to Change the Age Range of Everton Lower School from 3 - 9 years of age (Lower School) to 3 - 11 years of age (Primary School) pdf icon PDF 33 KB

 

To seek Executive approval to commence the 2 stage consultation process required regarding the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School, Sandy.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That the commencement of the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School from 3 – 9 years to 3 - 11 years from September 2017, be approved.

2.      That the Executive Member for Education and Skills, be authorised to determine the proposal, if the responses to the statutory notice are favourable.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought the Executive’s approval to commence the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School, Sandy.

 

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills confirmed that proposals to change the age ranges of schools and academies were led by schools and academies themselves, rather than the Council.

 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council continued to meet its statutory obligation by ensuring that there were adequate school places and  to meet the legal requirements placed on the Council by the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the commencement of the 2 stage consultation process for the proposal to change the age range of Everton Lower School from 3 – 9 years to 3 - 11 years from September 2017, be approved; and

 

2.      that the Executive Member for Education and Skills, be authorised to determine the proposal, if the responses to the statutory notice are favourable.       

 

 

 

58.

Stratton Street Railway Bridge pdf icon PDF 10 KB

 

Additional capital funding required to complete the reconstruction of Stratton Street Railway Bridge, Biggleswade due to adverse weather delaying site operations.

Decision:

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      That the allocation of an additional £800k in 2016/17 of capital funding for the Stratton Street Railway Bridge be approved, to complete the works.

2.      That an additional allocation of £50k be approved, as a risk pot for 2016/17.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that sought additional capital funding to complete the reconstruction of Stratton Street Railway Bridge.  Adverse weather had extended the works programme.

 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the reconstruction of Stratton Street Railway Bridge was completed.

 

RECOMMENDED to Council

 

1.      that the allocation of an additional £800k in 2016/17 of capital funding for the Stratton Street Railway Bridge be approved, to complete the works; and

 

2.      that an additional allocation of £50k be approved, as a risk pot for 2016/17.

 

 

 

59.

The Day Offer for Older People and Adults with Disabilities pdf icon PDF 30 KB

 

For the Executive to note the outcome of the engagement with customers, carers and others and to approve the commencement of consultation on the day offer for vulnerable adults and older people.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      That the commencement of public consultation on the draft Day Offer contained in Appendix 2, as set out in paragraphs 22 to 29 of the report, be approved.

2.      That the outcome of the consultation be reported to a future meeting of the Executive.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that set out the outcome of engagement on the future day offer for older people and adults with disabilities and proposed the next steps. 

 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing confirmed that the Council would be liaising with the voluntary sector to provide greater day opportunities. 

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to carry out a period of public consultation to develop a new day offer.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      that the commencement of public consultation on the draft Day Offer contained in Appendix 2, as set out in paragraphs 22 to 29 of the report, be approved; and

 

2.      that the outcome of the consultation be reported to a future meeting of the Executive.

 

 

 

60.

Consultation on the Council's Admission Arrangements for the Academic Year 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 37 KB


Consultation on the Council’s admission arrangements for the academic year 2018/19.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the commencement of consultation for the proposed changes to the Council’s admission arrangements, for the academic year 2018/19, be approved.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought approval to commence the consultation on the admission arrangements for the academic year 2018/19. The proposed changes to the Council’s admission arrangements included:

 

·         moving the designated measuring point for admission to Shefford Lower from the school site to the war memorial site in the town centre; and

 

·         creation of priority areas within the catchment area of Fairfield Park Lower School and moving the designated measuring point for admission to the school from the main entrance of the Dickens Boulevard site to the halfway point between the school’s 2 sites.

 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the statutory requirements for consultation as set out in the School Admissions Code was met.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the commencement of consultation for the proposed changes to the Council’s admission arrangements, for the academic year 2018/19, be approved.

 

 

 

61.

Parking Strategy - Consultation pdf icon PDF 123 KB

 

To approve the Parking Strategy consultation approach.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the Parking Strategy be approved for public consultation.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that highlighted the need for a Parking Strategy to help effectively manage parking across Central Bedfordshire.  The report set out the methodology and timescales for producing the Strategy.

 

In response to a question, the Deputy Executive Member for Community Services agreed to give a written response on the issue of parking outside schools and the proposed approach to tackling this area of concern.  The management and enforcement of parking had been greatly impacted by the restricted use of CCTV cameras and any proposals made would have to take this constraint into account.

 

Reason for decision:  To enable the effective and safe operation of the roads in Central Bedfordshire.

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Parking Strategy be approved for public consultation.

 

 

 

62.

Revenue Budget Monitoring Forecast Outturn June 2016 (Quarter 1) pdf icon PDF 29 KB

 

The report sets out the financial position for 2016/17 as at the end of June 2016.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.         That the revenue forecast position which is currently to overspend budget by £1.9M be noted.

2.         That officers be requested to continue to look for compensatory savings in order to deliver a balanced budget.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the projected outturn financial position for 2016/17.  The forecast outturn position, excluding HRA, as at June 2016 was a £1.9m overspend.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

1.            that the revenue forecast position which was to overspend budget by £1.9M be noted; and

 

2.         that officers be requested to continue to look for compensatory savings in order to deliver a balanced budget.

 

 

 

63.

June 2016 Quarter 1 Capital Budget Monitoring Provisional Outturn Report pdf icon PDF 26 KB

 

The report sets out the Capital financial position for 2016/17 as at the end of June 2016. It excludes the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) which is subject to a separate report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      To note that the approved budget, excluding HRA, but including deferred spend from 2015/16 (approved by Executive in June 2016) is £124.6M (gross).  The gross forecast is below budget by £11.8M (£11.0M last year against a higher budget of £139.2M).  The net forecast is £5.1M over budget due to less forecast grant receipts than budgeted.

2.      To note that action to reduce the net forecast overspend is currently being reviewed.        

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the capital projected outturn for 2016/17 as at June 2016.  The approved budget, excluding HRA, but including deferred spend from 2015/16 was £124.6m (gross). 

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      to note that the approved budget, excluding HRA, but including deferred spend from 2015/16 (approved by Executive in June 2016) was £124.6M (gross).  The gross forecast was below budget by £11.8M (£11.0M last year against a higher budget of £139.2M).  The net forecast is £5.1M over budget due to less forecast grant receipts than budgeted; and

 

2.      to note that action to reduce the net forecast overspend was currently being reviewed.       

 

 

 

64.

June Quarter 1 Housing Revenue Account Budget Monitoring pdf icon PDF 18 KB

 

The report sets out the financial position for 2016/17 as at the end of June 2016.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1.      To note that the revenue forecast position is to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to HRA Reserves of £5.346M, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses.

2.      To note that the capital budget is £15.589M (including £4.280M deferred from 2015/16) and that the forecast position indicates a new outturn of £12.250M, below budget by £3.399M.  It is proposed that this £3.339M of future investment works are deferred to 2017/18.

3.      To note that Right to Buy (RtB) sales will be monitored for the possible impact on predicted surpluses in the medium to longer term.

Minutes:

 

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Members for Social Care and Housing and Corporate Resources that provided information on the 2016/17 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) projected outturn revenue and capital position as at June 2016.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

1.      to note that the revenue forecast position was to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to HRA Reserves of £5.346M, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses;

 

2.      to note that the capital budget was £15.589M (including £4.280M deferred from 2015/16) and that the forecast position indicates a new outturn of £12.250M, below budget by £3.399M.  It was proposed that this £3.339M of future investment works be deferred to 2017/18; and

 

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