To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 20 June 2017.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2017 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

None were declared.

Item 21 ‘Gypsy and Traveller Sites – Billington’ would be considered after item 7 ‘Forward Plan of Key Decisions’.

Item 17 ‘Children with Disabilities Short Breaks and Efficiencies’ had been deferred to the Executive meeting on 10 October 2017.

No petitions were received.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 October 2017 to 30 September 2018.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018 be noted.

The decision was unanimous.

The Chairman invited the public speakers to make their statements in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme. 

Gypsy and Traveller Sites - Billington

Ms Thompson, Chairman of Billington Parish Council, explained that Little Billington was a small village and highlighted some of the incidents that had occurred on the site and adjacent to it.  The Parish Council welcomed the report and supported the recommendations to commence consultation on new proposals.

Mr Brewin, Vice-Chairman and Planning Officer of Billington Parish Council, expressed his thanks to the Community Services Directorate for the proposed consultation and for keeping residents informed.  The sites had become overdeveloped causing safety issues for the settled community.  The proposed new Council site would have 40 pitches and he raised concern as to  where the remaining residents at the site would be located, following completion of the proposed new site.  He queried whether the existing facilities would be restored as agricultural land. 

Mr Jones spoke on behalf of the residents at the Gypsy and Traveller Sites, explaining that they were prepared to cooperate with the Council to come to an amicable solution and save the Council taxpayers’ money.  He was concerned that consultation had not taken place with the site owners or residents.  He had identified the following issues that could be addressed to improve the situation:

·         the reduction in the number of caravans could be agreed;

·         planning status for each pitch needed updating;

·         ownership of the pitches needed updating;

·         planning conditions needed to be adhered to;

·         pitches needed to be connected to appropriate utilities; and

·         a protocol should be drawn up covering acceptable behaviour.

Mr Jones highlighted the Government guidelines on the size of traveller sites, which became unmanageable if they became too large.  Finding land to build a new gypsy and traveller site was likely to be problematic.

Mr Swain a resident of Little Billington commented on the expansion of the existing sites, the problems with anti-social behaviour and the proposed investment of £9m into the travellers’ community.  He requested that the gypsy and travellers be dispersed.  He highlighted that Toddbury Farm, Little Billington had not been mentioned in the report.  The new plot of land to be used to relocate the sites could be anywhere in Bedfordshire or to the east of the current site away from the village.  He also asked if there would be any compensation for residents who lived near to the existing sites.

The Executive Member for Community Services responded to the questions under Agenda item 8 ‘Gypsy and Traveller Sites – Billington’.

The report sets out the background to a range of issues on the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites in Billington and makes a recommendation as to how the issues could be resolved in the longer term.  The report seeks approval for the Council to begin formal consultation on the recommended and alternative proposals.

1.         That the start of formal public consultation on the recommended proposal be approved to:

·         acquire both Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites, using a Compulsory Purchase Order, if required;

·         acquire land, as close to the current site as possible, to build a new Council owned and managed Gypsy and Traveller site;

·         dismantle the existing sites and apply for change of use on completion of a new site;

and alternative proposals.

2.         That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising of the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that presented the background to a range of issues on the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites in Billington.  The report also sought approval to commence a public consultation on proposals designed to replace the current sites with a new Council run facility.

In response to comments during the public participation, the Executive Member for Community Services thanked Billington Parish Council for their support.  This was the start of the public consultation and residents living on the sites and living in the area would have an opportunity to provide feedback on the Council’s proposals.  Officers were hoping to speak to every resident living on the sites and welcomed the suggestion that these residents were prepared to cooperate with the Council.  The latest census carried out during week commencing 24 July 2017 indicated that 112 caravans were on the sites, which was an increase of 12 since January 2017.  He acknowledged that the previous planning permissions which had been granted on appeal had led to enforcement issues and that there were no plans other than to return the existing facilities to agricultural use.

The Deputy Executive Member for Corporate Resources explained that there had been numerous issues with both Greenacres and The Stables.  The Council was working with all the relevant agencies to tackle the problems that had arisen at these sites. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to receive feedback to be able to make an informed decision at a future Executive with a view to maintaining a well managed and compliant gypsy and traveller site in the area and improve the quality of life for residents on the sites and the surrounding community.

RESOLVED

1.            that the start of formal public consultation on the recommended proposal be approved to:

·         acquire both Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites, using a Compulsory Purchase Order, if required;

·         acquire land, as close to the current site as possible, to build a new Council owned and managed Gypsy and Traveller site;

·         dismantle the existing sites and apply for change of use on completion of a new site;

and alternative proposals; and

2.    that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising of the outcome of the consultation and making recommendations about the future of the Greenacres and The Stables Gypsy and Traveller sites.

The decision was unanimous.

To agree the response of the Executive to the outcomes a scrutiny enquiry into Integration of Health and Social Care as received at the previous Executive meeting on 20 June 2017.

1.            That the response attached at Appendix A to the report, including the proposed actions to be taken in light of the recommendations of the enquiry, be approved.

2.            To note that the delivery of integrated health and social care in Central Bedfordshire is reliant on the cooperation and commitment from all the Council’s health partners.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Members for Health and Social Care and Housing that set out the proposed response to the Integration of Health and Social Care in Central Bedfordshire scrutiny enquiry. 

The Executive Member for Social Care and Housing moved an additional recommendation that was duly seconded:-

“To note that the delivery of integrated health and social care in Central Bedfordshire is reliant on the cooperation and commitment from all the Council’s health partners.”

Members would be briefed on the development of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP).  The Executive welcomed the work of the task force and the second phase of the work which was to investigate additional examples of good practice.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing explained that the proposed deadline for delivery of the integrated health and care hubs was 31 March 2020.

Reason for decision:  To enable the recommendations, where applicable, to be implemented.

RESOLVED

1.            that the response attached at Appendix A to the report, including the proposed actions to be taken in light of the recommendations of the enquiry, be approved; and

2.            to note that the delivery of integrated health and social care in Central Bedfordshire be reliant on the cooperation and commitment from all the Council’s health partners.

The decision was unanimous.

To agree the response of the Executive to the outcomes of an overview and scrutiny enquiry on Planning Enforcement.

That the response attached at Appendix A to the report, including the proposed actions to be taken in light of the recommendations of the enquiry, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Regeneration that set out the proposed response to the Planning Enforcement scrutiny enquiry. 

The Executive Member for Regeneration explained that he would be requesting that the Task Force be re-established to consider a more robust approach to breaches in planning conditions, unauthorised buildings and unauthorised use of land.  The Task Force would then report back to the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council has an up to date Planning Enforcement Plan to support the delivery of an improved Planning Enforcement service.

RESOLVED

that the response attached at Appendix A to the report, including the proposed actions to be taken in light of the recommendations of the enquiry, be approved.

The decision was unanimous.

To consider the outcome of the recent consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home, Shefford and to decide on the future operation of the home.

1.         That the outcome of the consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home be noted.

2.         That the closure of The Birches Older Persons Home based on the details set out in the report, its appendices and background papers be approved.

3.         To authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to determine the date of closure of The Birches Older Persons Home taking into consideration the assessed eligible care and support needs of residents of the home along with relevant operational matters.

4.         That the commencement of the processes, set out in paragraphs 70 to 72 in the report, in relation to the staff employed at The Birches Older Persons Home be approved.

5.         To note that that Oak Manor, operated by MHA satisfies the Council’s ‘Due Diligence’ requirements as set out in paragraphs 41 to 44 and Appendix 7 to the report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that presented the outcome of the recent consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home in Shefford and sought a decision on the future operation of the home. 

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing explained that the relocation of residents from Caddington Hall and Greenacres Older People Homes had been a success and residents were now experiencing a better quality of life.  Drawing on the lessons learned from the closure of these homes, the Council had established an enhanced approach to ‘due diligence’ in assessing the suitability and sustainability of new care home providers entering the local market.

In response to questions, the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing explained that the home would only be closed when everything was in place for the residents, following the assessment of their care and support needs.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to improve the quality of accommodation for the current residents at The Birches Older Persons Home.

RESOLVED

1.         that the outcome of the consultation on the future of The Birches Older Persons Home be noted;

2.         that the closure of The Birches Older Persons Home based on the details set out in the report, its appendices and background papers be approved;

3.         to authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to determine the date of closure of The Birches Older Persons Home taking into consideration the assessed eligible care and support needs of residents of the home along with relevant operational matters;

4.         that the commencement of the processes, set out in paragraphs 70 to 72 in the report, in relation to the staff employed at The Birches Older Persons Home be approved; and

5.         to note that that Oak Manor, operated by MHA satisfied the Council’s ‘Due Diligence’ requirements as set out in paragraphs 41 to 44 and Appendix 7 to the report.

The decision was unanimous.

To consider the opportunity in Leighton Buzzard to improve care home provision, to authorise the commencement of consultation on the proposals contained within this report and to authorise the commencement of a procurement process to identify a suitable provider.

1.         That the opportunity to improve care home provision for older people in the Leighton Buzzard area be recognised by authorising the commencement of formal consultation on proposals for the future of Westlands Older Person’s Home (OPH), as set out in paragraphs 24 to 34 of the report.

2.         To authorise the commencement of a procurement process to identify a preferred provider for a care home on the identified site, as set out in paragraphs 43 to 52 of the report.

3.         That a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising on the outcome of the consultation and procurement processes and making recommendations about the future of the home and a preferred provider.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing on proposals for improving care home provision for older people in Central Bedfordshire.  The report provided details on an opportunity that had arisen in Leighton Buzzard to improve care home provision, sought authority to commence consultation on the proposals and a procurement process to identify a suitable provider.

In response to a question, the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing explained that the care home market was turbulent at the current time but that, there was a number of existing planning permissions in Central Bedfordshire.  The MANOP team would provide additional information to the relevant Member.  The proposals for Leighton Buzzard would provide a good opportunity to test the care home market.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to improve the quality of accommodation for the current residents at Westlands Older Persons Home.

RESOLVED

1.            that the opportunity to improve care home provision for older people in the Leighton Buzzard area be recognised by authorising the commencement of formal consultation on proposals for the future of Westlands Older Person’s Home (OPH), as set out in paragraphs 24 to 34 of the report;

2.            to authorise the commencement of a procurement process to identify a preferred provider for a care home on the identified site, as set out in paragraphs 43 to 52 of the report; and

3.            that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Executive advising on the outcome of the consultation and procurement processes and making recommendations about the future of the home and a preferred provider.

The decision was unanimous.

This report starts the formal process that sets a framework for 2018/19 – 2021/22 MTFP with updated planning assumptions. It also considers the impact of changes in Local Government financing and how these may be addressed leading to the setting of a budget for 2018/19 and Council Tax rate in February 2018.

1.         That the proposed framework for the updating of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 – 2021/22 and the preparation of a Budget for 2018/19 be endorsed.

2.         That the approach to consultation for 2017/18 be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the framework for the 2018/19 – 2021/22 Medium Term Financial Plan with updated planning assumptions. 

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 proposed framework for the updating of the Medium Term Financial Plan 2018/19 – 2021/22 and the preparation of a Budget for 2018/19 be endorsed; and

2.      that the approach to consultation for 2017/18 be approved.

The decision was unanimous.

To present the draft Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer for approval.

That the Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer policy to prevent homelessness be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that sought approval of the refreshed Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer.  The policy would bring together a package of assistance and support to help the Council prevent homelessness, which would become a statutory duty by April 2018. 

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council responds to the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

RESOLVED

that the Let’s Rent Homelessness Prevention Offer policy to prevent homelessness be approved.

The decision was unanimous.

To present a revised Action Plan to the Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2015 as a result of the implementation of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

That the revised Homelessness Strategy Action Plan be approved in light of the significant new duties being implemented through the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing that presented a revised Action Plan to the Council’s Homelessness Strategy 2015, as a result of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 that would be implemented in April 2018.  Homelessness had grown in recent years and there had been an increase in rough sleepers.  The new Act would introduce significant new duties.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care and Housing advised that 64 empty homes had been returned to use.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that the Council responds to the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

RESOLVED

that the revised Homelessness Strategy Action Plan be approved in light of the significant new duties being implemented through the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.

The decision was unanimous.

To provide an update on the assumptions around pupil yield arising from housing development and impact on S106 contribution calculation methodology.

That an increase to the pupil yield assumptions used for pupil forecasting and the calculation of S106 funding requests for education, from 1 form of entry per 750 homes to 1 form of entry per 500 homes, for residential planning applications, be approved with effect from 2 August 2017.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought approval to increase the pupil yield factor used to determine the number of new school places required as a result of new housing development.

Reason for decision:  An increase in the pupil yield would place a fairer and more accurate share of the costs of new school places on development and would make new development sustainable by ensuring adequate school places were made available in areas of growth.

RESOLVED

that an increase to the pupil yield assumptions used for pupil forecasting and the calculation of S106 funding requests for education, from 1 form of entry per 750 homes to 1 form of entry per 500 homes, for residential planning applications, be approved with effect from 2 August 2017.

The decision was unanimous.

To provide the outcome of the consultation undertaken by the Governors of Holywell Academy, Cranfieldregarding the proposal to expand the school by 1 form of entry (30 places in each school year group) by September 2018 and seek approval of the proposal.

1.         That the responses received to the consultation by the Governors of Holywell Academy Trust, Cranfield to expand by 1 form of entry (30 places in each school year group) by September 2018, be noted.

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

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that provided the outcome of the consultation undertaken by the Governors of Holywell Academy, Cranfield regarding the proposal to expand the school by 1 form of entry (30 places in each school year group) by September 2018.  This was phase 2 of the expansion of the school to a 6 form entry school.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Education and Skills confirmed that he was confident that the expansion would be ready for the September 2018 intake.  The outcome of the school parking enquiry would be passed to the school to enable them to manage their travel and parking plans.

Reason for decision:  To ensure the Council secures sufficient primary and secondary school places to provide appropriate education for pupils in Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

1.         that the responses received to the consultation by the Governors of Holywell Academy Trust, Cranfield to expand by 1 form of entry (30 places in each school year group) by September 2018, be noted; and

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

The decision was unanimous.

To review the impact of the proposed efficiencies including those proposed for short breaks.

This item was deferred to the Executive meeting on 10 October 2017.

This item was deferred to the Executive meeting on 10 October 2017.

This report proposes that the Executive approve the provision of delegated authority to the Director of Public health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to award the contract for Community Health Services for children and young people which includes the Healthy Child Programme following the completion of the procurement process.

To authorise the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to award a contract for Community Health Services for children and young people which includes the Healthy Child Programme and enter the appropriate legal agreements, in order to meet the required timescales allowing the contract to be operational by April 2018.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Health that sought approval to authorise the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to award the contract for Community Health Services for children and young people.  This would include the Healthy Child Programme.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to award the Contract as any delay in the award would have financial implications and impact upon the implementation of the new model of service.

RESOLVED

to authorise the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Executive Member for Health, to award a contract for Community Health Services for children and young people which includes the Healthy Child Programme and enter the appropriate legal agreements, in order to meet the required timescales allowing the contract to be operational by April 2018.

The decision was unanimous.

The Highways Asset Management Plan (HAMP) sets out our approach to highways asset management in Central Bedfordshire. The HAMP will form part of the Incentive Fund Bid 2018. 

1.         That the following key documents be adopted:

·         Highways Asset Management Policy set out Appendix A to the report

·         Highways Asset Management Policy set out in Appendix B to the report

·         Network Maintenance Management plan set out in Appendix C to the report.

2.         To authorise the Director for Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, to adopt the Highways Communications Strategy that is currently being prepared.

3.         That the Resilient Network set out in Appendix E to the report be approved for public consultation.

4.         That the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that are situated within the highway boundary and which only receive highway run off be noted and that the criteria as set out in Appendix D to the report be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Community Services that presented the Highways Asset Management Plan.  In order to secure the maximum possible Highways Maintenance Capital from the Department of Transport’s ‘Incentive Fund’, the Highways Service needed to put in place efficiency measures so that by 2018/19 Central Bedfordshire Council was assessed as a Band 3 authority. 

The Executive Member for Community Services advised that ward Members would be consulted along with the town and parish councils on any initiatives.

In response to questions, the Executive Member for Community Services confirmed that he would provide the relevant Member with details of the Trees Officer for area 3.  Local ward Members would be supported on any highway related matters and would be able to contribute to the work plans.  The work was ongoing to improve the on-line portal for reporting highway problems.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Highways Service to achieve Band 3 status, to secure Incentive Funding and become a more efficient and resilient service.

RESOLVED

1.         that the following key documents be adopted:

·         Highways Asset Management Policy set out Appendix A to the report

·         Highways Asset Management Policy set out in Appendix B to the report

·         Network Maintenance Management plan set out in Appendix C to the report.

2.         to authorise the Director for Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Services, to adopt the Highways Communications Strategy that was currently being prepared;

3.         that the Resilient Network set out in Appendix E to the report be approved for public consultation; and

4.         that the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) that were situated within the highway boundary and which only receive highway run off be noted and that the criteria as set out in Appendix D to the report be adopted.

The decision was unanimous.

The report proposes a Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Framework Agreement as the primary vehicle to deliver a wide range of mechanical and electrical engineering projects. It is envisaged that the Agreement will be operational for two years with yearly options to extend for a further two years.

1.         That the implementation of a Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Framework be approved.

2.         To authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Education and Skills, to appoint successful applicants to the Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Framework, following the outcome of the competitive process set out in paragraphs 14 to 24 in the report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Education and Skills that sought approval for the development and implementation of a Framework Contract for the delivery of Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Projects.

Reason for decision:  To implement a Framework that would be used to deliver projects of varying sizes and scope, on time, to an agreed cost and appropriate quality to meet end user requirements.

RESOLVED

1.         that the implementation of a Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Framework be approved; and

2.         to authorise the Director of Community Services, in consultation with the Executive Member for Education and Skills, to appoint successful applicants to the Mechanical and Electrical Minor Works Framework, following the outcome of the competitive process set out in paragraphs 14 to 24 in the report.

The decision was unanimous.

To receive the 2017/18 quarter 1 performance monitoring report.

1.         That the performance against the indicators currently being used to help support the monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities, be noted.

2.         That officers further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Executive Member and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out quarter 1 2017/18 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council’s Medium Term Plan indicator set.

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

RESOLVED

1.         that the performance against the indicators currently being used to help support the monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities, be noted; and

2.         that officers further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The decision was unanimous.