To receive apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 12 January 2010.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 January 2010 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive any announcements and matters of communication from the Chairman.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Executive, conveyed her best wishes to Barbara Morris, Assistant Director Legal and Democratic Services / Monitoring Officer for a speedy recovery.

To consider proposals, if any, to deal with any item likely to involve disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraph(s) of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 prior to the exclusion of the press and public.

The Executive noted that Agenda Item No 18, Toy Box Sandy – Ground Lease was likely to involve disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and that the press and public would be excluded from the meeting during its consideration.

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

There were no petitions presented to the Executive.

To deal with general questions and statements from members of the public in accordance with the scheme of public participation set out in Appendix A to the Public Participation Scheme.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation the Executive received a statement from Mr Andrew Hicks in connection with Agenda Item No 10, Capital Programme 2010/11 to 2014/15 (Minute E/09/172 below refers).

The report proposes that the Executive supports the process that has been put in place to refresh the Local Area Agreement (LAA).

That the Executive recommends to full Council:-

(a)       the revised LAA target being proposed by Central Bedfordshire Council for National Indicator 152 working age people on out of work benefits as detailed in paragraph 12 of this report.

(b)       the revised LAA targets being proposed by Central Bedfordshire Council for National Indicator 154 Net additional homes provided as detailed in paragraphs 13 and 14 of this report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Tricia Turner, Chairman of the Executive and Leader of the Council setting out proposed changes to the Local Area Agreement (LAA).

(NOTE: A copy of the report had been circulated with the Executive agenda to all Councillors.)

The Executive was advised that the Council, as the Accountable Body for the Local Area Agreement, had a statutory duty to refresh the LAA annually. The refresh followed a light touch review of the existing LAA conducted by the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East), following closely on from the Comprehensive Area Assessment. It was noted that the review report being produced by GO-East would be available in early February 2010.

Members were informed that the LAA was entering the final year of its three year duration and the scope to alter the existing agreement this time round was relatively limited. As a result of negotiation, an amendment to two indicators that were frozen in 2009 due to the effects of the economic recession were proposed in respect of NI 152 Working age people on out of work benefits and NI 154 Net additional homes provided.  It was noted that GO-EAST had confirmed that the proposed amendments were acceptable and that following approval by the full Council on 25 February 2010 the refreshed LAA document would be submitted to GO-East by the 12 March 2010 for formal sign-off by the Secretary of State.

Reason for decisions: Central Bedfordshire Council is the Accountable Body for the Local Area Agreement. The refreshed LAA therefore needs to go to full Council on the 25 February 2010, enabling it to then be submitted to the Government Office for the East of England (GO-East) on the 12 March. GO-East will then on the 17 March 2010 send it to the Secretary of State for formal sign off.

RECOMMENDED:

1.            That the revised Local Area Agreement (LAA) target being proposed by Central Bedfordshire Council for National Indicator 152 working age people on out of work benefits, as detailed in paragraph 12 of the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That the revised LAA targets being proposed by Central Bedfordshire Council for National Indicator 154 Net additional homes provided, as detailed in paragraphs 13 and 14 of the submitted report, be approved.

To consider the quarterly Budget Monitoring Report and agree the latest position.

(Report circulated separately)

That the Executive be recommended to:-

(a)       Note the latest budget projections for the year and the continuing work to bring expenditure into line with budget for 2009/10

(b)       approve the virements as set out in paragraph 26

(c)        Approve the remodelled use of the PFI reserve

(d)       Approve the new grant allocations as set out in paragraphs 15 and 39

(e)       Agree to a further review of earmarked reserves.

The Executive received a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources on the budget position as at 31 December 2009.

Reason for decisions: To report to Members that robust budget monitoring has been undertaken since day one to ensure spend was delivered to budget and that resources have been allocated appropriately.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the latest budget projections for the year and the continuing work to bring expenditure into line with budget for 2009/10, as detailed in the submitted report, be noted.

2.         That approval be given to the virements set out in paragraph 26 of the             submitted report.

3.         That the remodelled use of the PFI reserve, as detailed in the      submitted report, be approved.

4.         That approval be given to the new grant allocations as set out in           paragraphs 15 and 39 of the submitted report.

5.         That agreement  be given to a further review of earmarked           reserves.

To recommend a Capital Programme to Council for approval. 

(Report circulated separately)

[NOTE: Members are asked to retain the report circulated separately for consideration at Council on 25 February 2010]

That the Executive recommends the Council to:-

(a)       Approve the Capital Programme 2010/11 to 2014/15

(b)       Approve the reserve list of schemes to go forward in the event of slippage or new capital receipts

(c)        Note the future resourcing issues and risks associated with the delivery of a robust capital programme beyond 2011/12

(d)       Approve the Housing Revenue Capital Programme.

Prior to consideration of the report, and in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Public Participation, the Executive received a statement from Mr Andrew Hicks, a member of the Clophill Parish Action Sub-Committee urging the Executive to include the £75K for the Old Church (St Mary’s) Clophill in the 2010/11 Capital Programme to assist with building a lodge for a resident warden. The Executive was advised that the building works were part of a much wider project with EEDA and the development of the Greensand Ridge Walk.  Mr Hicks explained that the money from the Council would enable further funding to be raised, including from English Heritage. The local Members contributed their perspectives on the project

The Executive then considered the report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Resources setting out the proposed programme for 2010/11 to 2014/15 including the associated funding arrangements.  Attention was drawn to two minor corrections to the report and a report from the Chairman of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, containing the comments and observations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that had been circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Note. 

(Note: A copy of the report had been circulated with the Executive agenda to all Councillors.)

Introducing the report, the Portfolio Holder explained that the provisional 2010/11 programme agreed in February 2009, plus the additional slippage from the legacy authorities had created serious financial challenges for the Council over the next three years and had raised expectations about the overall size of the programme. The proposed Capital Programme 2010/11 had therefore been comprehensively reviewed and prioritised against agreed criteria, and proposals for an affordable and sustainable programme were put forward for the approval of Council. It was noted that there had also been a change in approach with no slippage assumed to balance the programme.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources then tabled revised recommendations as follows:-  

To recommend a Medium Term Financial Plan to Council for approval. 

(Report circulated separately)

[NOTE: Members are asked to retain the report circulated separately for consideration at Council on 25 February 2010]

That the Executive recommends to Council to:-

(a)       Agree the Revenue Budget for 2010/11 and the Medium Term Financial Plan 2010/11 to 2014/15

(b)       Note the Council Tax Base as set out in Appendix A

(c)        Agree a Band D Council Tax of:

            £1,308.33 for residents in the north of Central Bedfordshire

            £1,344.15 fpr residents in the south of Central Bedfordshire

(d)       Agree the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan set out in Appendxi I

(e)       In the event of the final HRA rent/subsidy determination being amended authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder in consultation with the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to amend the rent increase accordingly.

The Executive received a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan 2010/11 to 2014/15 and the Council Tax increase for 2010/11, with indicative figures for future years. Attention was drawn to a number of typographical amendments to the report and a report from the Chairman of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, containing the comments and observations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, that had been circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Note. 

(NOTE:  A copy of the report had been circulated with the Executive agenda to all Councillors.)

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources then tabled revised recommendations as follows:-  

The Portfolio Holder introduced the revised recommendations and explained that recommendation 2(b) above had been added in order to achieve targeted efficiency savings of £12.074M.  It was clarified that in instructing the Corporate Management Team (CMT) to implement the savings, where any specific proposal identified could not be delivered, CMT would  propose compensatory savings to the Executive.  As an example, the Chief Executive pointed out that the outcome of certain consultation processes could not be pre-empted.

In response to a Member question, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources confirmed that the purpose of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.

To agree the Asset Management Strategy and Plan.

(Report circulated separately)

That the Executive Committee adopt the Asset Management Plan as its approach to management of its assets.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing an Asset Management Plan (AMP) for the Council for the period 2009/11.  It was noted that a revised AMP had been circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Note that replaced the version circulated with the main agenda.

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that the Council’s property assets would play a key role in supporting and enabling the delivery of improved public services. The AMP took into account the Council’s Medium Term Property Strategy 2009/12 and provided a framework for the use of the Council’s assets in the most efficient, effective and economic way possible. In response to a question about allotments on land at Beeston, Councillor Jones explained that the AMP would enable the Council to consider whether the land was potentially classed as surplus and whether it could be released for that purpose.

Reason for decision: The Asset Management Plan sets out the principles which provide the platform from which the Council’s priorities will be delivered

RESOLVED:

That the Asset Management Plan, as attached to the Chairman’s Briefing Note, be approved as Central Bedfordshire Council’s approach to management of its assets.

The report proposes that the Executive endorse an innovative private sector housing option that allows households a choice to access a regulated private sector home, with all requisite support mechanisms for tenancy sustainment,  if required.

1.         That the Executive supports and endorses this innovative Housing Option.

2.         That the “Let’s Rent” scheme will be formally launched in March 2010.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Rita Drinkwater, Portfolio Holder for Housing proposing an innovative private sector housing option that allowed households in Central Bedfordshire with access to a regulated private sector home, with all requisite support mechanisms for tenancy sustainment, if required.

It was noted that the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee had considered the proposals at its meeting on 5 November 2009 and had asked that its support for the Scheme be reported to the Executive.

Reason for decision: So that the diverse housing needs of customers can be met across Central Bedfordshire, whilst increasing customer choice and control and promoting high quality sustainable homes.

RESOLVED:

That the “Let’s Rent” innovative Housing Option scheme, as detailed  in the submitted report, be endorsed for formally launching in March 2010.

The report proposes a response to the national Putting People First concordat and local transformation plans which will improve performance, be financially sustainable and result in better outcomes for local people

1.         That the Executive approves the adoption of Putting People First, the national strategy, and supports the local draft vision statement for ‘Transforming People’s Lives’ so consultation with stakeholders can commence.

2.         That the executive supports the proposed local partnership approach and governance arrangements as detailed in paragraphs 21 – 26 of the report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health proposing a response to the national “Putting People First” concordat and local transformation plans which would improve performance, be financially sustainable and result in better outcomes for local people.

The Portfolio Holder explained that Putting People First was launched by the Government in December 2007 which set the direction for adult social care over the next ten years. The changes would be a key element of the Council’s transformation programme and would be developed in partnership with NHS Bedfordshire; especially the personal health budget initiatives. ‘Transforming People’s Lives’, the name of the programme for Central Bedfordshire, would give people more choice and control over how care and support was provided. The proposals included earlier involvement with customers through preventative services rather than waiting until critical intervention was needed.

A short DVD was played to the Executive which showed real life experiences of how the personalisation approach to care and support actually transformed people’s lives.

Members, in supporting the enabling proposals that would improve the quality of life for local people, noted that as the strategy developed, further reports would be brought back to the Executive, including details of the financial implications of the approach. In terms of the proposed governance arrangements, the Portfolio Holder agreed to look at the scope for strengthening the Overview and Scrutiny role as the strategy moved forward.

Reason for decisions: Central Bedfordshire Council is required to respond to the national Putting People First concordat and develop local transformation plans which will improve performance, be financially sustainable and result in better outcomes for local people.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Executive approves the adoption of Putting People First, the national strategy, and supports the local draft vision statement for ‘Transforming People’s Lives’ so consultation with stakeholders can commence.

2.         That the proposed local partnership approach and governance arrangements, as detailed in paragraphs 21 – 26 of the submitted report, be supported.

To approve the recommendations for re-tendering the streetlighting electricity supply contract.

1.         That Executive endorse the proposal that Central Bedfordshire Council uses the Central Buying Consortium’s flexible energy contract for electricity supplies to streetlighting for the period October 2010-2012 on a “Purchase within Period” basis.

2.         That Executive give delegated powers to the Director of Sustainable Communities to accept tender prices for an interim 6 month fixed price contract for the period April – September 2010.

3.         That future tender decisions for streetlighting electricity supply are delegated to the Director of Sustainable Communities to take in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Safer and Stronger Communities and Corporate Resources.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities proposing that the Council use the Central Buying Consortium’s flexible energy contract for electricity supplies to streetlighting for the period October 2010-2012.  The report also sought approval for future tender decisions for streetlighting electricity supply to be delegated to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Safer and Stronger Communities and Corporate Resources.

The Portfolio Holder proposed a further recommendation that in exercising the delegations referred to in his report, that due regard should be had to the Council’s carbon reduction aspirations.

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

RESOLVED:

1.         That approval be given to Central Bedfordshire Council using the Central Buying Consortium’s flexible energy contract for electricity supplies to streetlighting for the period October 2010-2012 on a “Purchase within Period” basis.

2.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities be given delegated authority to accept tender prices for an interim 6 month fixed price contract for the period April – September 2010.

3.         That future tender decisions for streetlighting electricity supply be delegated to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Safer and Stronger Communities and Corporate Resources.

4.         That in exercising the delegations referred to in resolutions 1 to 3 above, due regard shall be had to the Council’s carbon reduction aspirations.

To recommend the adoption of the Policy for the Gambling Act 2005.

That the Executive:-

1.         Endorses the Gambling Act 2005, ‘Statement of Principles’ policy now submitted.

2.         Recommends that Council:-

(a)       adopt the Gambling Act 2005, ‘Statement of Principles’ policy; and

(b)       delegate authority to undertake any necessary minor amendments to the policy, prior to publication, to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities proposing a Statement of Principles Policy under the Gambling Act 2005.

(NOTE: A copy of the report has been circulated with the Executive agenda to all Councillors.)

The Portfolio Holder advised the Executive that the Council, as the licensing authority, was required under the Gambling Act 2005 to adopt a ‘Statement of Principles’ policy every three years in line with statutory dates.  Due to the transition to a Unitary Authority, the Council was required to ensure the policy was in place by the 1 April 2010.

The report advised that the policy must promote the three licensing objectives:

·        Preventing gambling from being a source of crime, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime.

·        Ensuring that gambling was conducted in a fair and open way.

·        Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.

The Executive noted that the draft policy had been endorsed by the Licensing Committee on 13 January 2010. It was also noted that two responses had been received to the consultation which supported the policy.

Reason for decisions: So that the ‘Statement of Principles’ policy required by the Gambling Act 2005 can go to Full Council on the 25 February 2010 for adoption.

RECOMMENDED:

1.            That the Gambling Act 2005, ‘Statement of Principles’ policy, as attached to the submitted report, be adopted.

2.            That delegated authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, to undertake any necessary minor amendments to the policy prior to its publication.

To receive the Forward Plan for the period 1 March 2010 to 28 February 2011.

(to follow)

The Forward Plan for the period 1 March 2010 to 28 February 2011 was received.

RESOLVED:

That under Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 the Press and Public were excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that consideration of the item was likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in the paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The report proposes the replacement of the existing ground lease with Toy Box Nursery.

That a 60 year lease with five yearly rent reviews be granted to Toy Box Nurseries at a rent of £4,000 in the first year rising to £10,000 in the fifth year and that:-

(a)       the existing lease be terminated;

(b)       additional fencing to be built, relocated and the existing gate relocated at the Council’s expense.  Any amendment to the design of the fence to be agreed by the parties.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources seeking agreement to the termination of the existing ground lease with Toy Box Nursery at a site at Sandy Upper School and proposals for its replacement.  The proposals included additional and replacement of some fencing to enable the school grounds to be secured and to provide independent access to the nursery.

Reason for decision: To enable the nursery to be financially viable, meet current demands, have its own access and provide security for the school site.

RESOLVED:

That a ground lease be granted to Toy Box Nurseries Limited to occupy a site at Sandy Upper School on the terms detailed in the submitted report subject to:-

(a)       the termination of the existing lease; and

(b)       additional fencing being built and relocated and the existing gate relocated at the Council’s expense.  Any amendment to the design of the fence to be agreed by all parties.