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 9 March 2010.

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2010, subject to the inclusion of Councillors N Aldis and B Wells being in attendance, were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

There were no communications.

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No 11, Central Bedfordshire Energy and Recycling (BeaR) Project contained an Exempt Appendix with information that was not for publication by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part l of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  Accordingly the Executive agreed that should there be a need to consider the document it could not be dealt with in the public part of the meeting and therefore the press and public would need to be excluded from the meeting during its consideration.

To consider the following petition received in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution:

• Central Bedfordshire Council be called upon to provide a public swimming facility in Sandy for the benefit of the people of Sandy and Beeston and the surrounding parishes.

• The Executive of Central Bedfordshire Council to reject proposals currently before the Council to discontinue Hitchmead Foundation Special School, Hitchmead Road, Biggleswade from 31 August 2010.

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

(i)         Petition calling upon Central Bedfordshire Council to provide a public swimming facility in Sandy for the benefit of the people of Sandy and Beeston and the surrounding parishes.

            Councillor Geoffrey White, Town Mayor of Sandy presented a petition from 1169 residents of Sandy, Beeston and surrounding parishes asking Central Bedfordshire Council to provide a public swimming facility in Sandy, preferably at the Upper School and Sports College in Sandy.  Councillor White explained that if this was not possible, an alternative could be to upgrade the swimming pool at the Middle School and make it available for community use when not being used by the school. 

            The Executive in thanking Councillor White for presenting the petition, agreed that the petition would be referred to the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, Councillor David McVicar to consider the matter, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Councillor Mrs Lewis.  .

(ii)        Petition objecting to proposals to discontinue Hitchmead Foundation Special School

            A petition signed by parents, guardians and carers of children attending Hitchmead Foundation Special School was received objecting to proposals to discontinue the school from 31 August 2010.   As the petition related to Agenda No 8, Statutory proposals to merge Sunnyside and Hitchmead Special Schools (minute No EX/09/below refers) the Executive in receiving the petition, agreed that it would be taken into account as part of the deliberations on the item.

            [Note:  In accordance with the Council’s petition procedure the lead petitioner was accordingly advised of the Executive’s decision on Minute Ex/09/212 below.]

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 Part A4 of the Constitution.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation the Executive received the following statement:

Mr Harry Maughn – Luton and Dunstable Branch of Unite the Union – Sustainable Transport into the Future

Mr Maughn presented the Executive with a copy of Britain’s Growing Railway – An A-Z Guide of Rail Openings: Fifth Edition published by Railfuture and Listings Restored and New Stations and Routes from the Luton and Dunstable Branch of Unite the Union. The publication was offered to the authority in the interests of sustainable transport into the future.

The Chairman, on behalf of the Executive, thanked Mr Maughn for the book which would be placed in the Members’ library for perusal.

The Chairman then announced that there were four requests to speak on Agenda Item No 8, Statutory proposals to merge Sunnyside and Hitchmead Special Schools which would be taken at the start of the agenda item.  She explained that the Scheme of Public Participation allowed for up to three speakers on any particular agenda item.  In view of the amount of public interest in this agenda item, additional representations would be allowed, following the addresses of the first three registered speakers, on any matters that had not been raised already.

The report requests that the Executive approve the statutory proposals published on 15th January 2010 to discontinue Hitchmead Foundation Special School and make an enlargement by expansion to Sunnyside Community Special School, with effect from 31 August and 1 September 2010 respectively.

1.         that Executive approves the statutory proposals to discontinue Hitchmead Foundation Special School (Biggleswade) and make an enlargement by expansion to Sunnyside Community Special School (Biggleswade) with effect from 31 August and 1 September 2010 respectively.

2.         that £70k capital funding be allocated from the 2010/11 Schools Access Initiative budget to enable the necessary modifications to be made to the Hitchmead premises to improve accessibility and the provision of more appropriate changing/WC facilities for disabled pupils.

NOTE:  THIS DECISION IS EXEMPT FROM CALL-IN

The Executive received a report from Councillor Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services recommending that the statutory proposals published on 15th January 2010 to discontinue Hitchmead Foundation Special School and make an enlargement by expansion to Sunnyside Community Special School, with effect from 31 August and 1 September 2010 respectively, be approved.  The report also set out the responses to the consultation on the matter and the legal framework for making the decision.

As background, Members were reminded that the Executive at its meeting on 23 June 2009 (minute Ex/09/09 refers) had resolved to carry out a consultation on the options for the future of special schooling in the east of Central Bedfordshire.  The outcome of the initial consultation was reported to the Executive on 8 December 2009 (minute Ex/09/125 refers).  At that meeting, it had been agreed that statutory notices should be published for the discontinuance of Hitchmead Foundation Special School and the enlargement by expansion of Sunnyside Community Special School. 

Prior to consideration of this item and in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Council’s Constitution, the Executive received representations and statements from the following:

1.         Sheila Grayston – Chair of Temporary Joint Working Group

Mrs Grayston explained that the Temporary Joint Working Group were in agreement that the right way forward was to work in unison to deliver quality education for all pupils.  The Joint Working Group was in the process of consulting upon alternative staffing structures; there were no planned redundancies and most staff would be slotted in.  Members were advised that should the Executive be minded to support the proposed merger, Ivel Valley had been chosen as the new name for the School. Mrs Grayston concluded by seeking assurances that the proposed funding was sufficient to enable the necessary works that would need to be made to Hitchmead School.

2.         Andrew Rutt – Chair of Governors at Sunnyside School

            Mr Rutt advised the Executive that the Governors of Sunnyside School fully supported the proposed merger of the two schools. He questioned whether the School’s current deficit would be written off to enable the “new” school to start with a balanced budget.

3.         Tim Ilett – Chair of Governors at Hitchmead School

            Mr Ilett referred to the objections and concerns Hitchmead Governing Body had to the proposed merger, previously circulated to Members of the Executive. Mr Ilett explained that the School had requested that a new consultation take place, that funding arrangements be reviewed and that a new school be established.

4.         Mrs James – Parent Governor

            Mrs James spoke about the unease of parents on the proposals to discontinue Hitchmead School and the loss of an outstanding special school should the proposed merger of the two schools go ahead.  Mrs James also questioned the validity of the consultation process that had been carried out .

Councillor Mrs Lewis  thanked everyone for attending the meeting and making  ...  view the full minutes text for item 212.

The report invites the Executive to approve the commencement of a number of schools’ capital projects, to note the approval of capital schemes under delegated powers and to approve the Schools Accessibility Strategy for Central Bedfordshire.

1.         that the Executive approves:

            (a)       the commencement of the following capital                                                           projects:

(i)                 Etonbury Middle School – provision of additional pupil places at a capital cost of £941k (S106 funded);

(ii)               the refurbishment of Tithe Farm Lower School at a capital cost of £1.774m (DCSF funded – Primary Capital Programme); and

(iii)             specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Holmemead Middle School at a capital cost of £550k;

(b)       the Schools Accessibility Strategy, as attached at Appendix D to the submitted report, and the use of the Schools Access Initiative funds (£579k) across all community, Voluntary Controlled and Foundation schools in accordance with the priorities set out in the Strategy;

2.         that the Executive notes the approval of the following capital projects under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation:

            (a)       alterations to Arnold Middle School at a capital    cost of £457k;

(b)       teaching/learning practical food skills at Gilbert Inglefield        Middle School at a capital cost of £323k (DCSF grant and S106);

(c)        teaching/learning practical food skills at Parkfields Middle    School at a capital cost of £324k (DCSF grant and S106);and

(d)       rolling programme of improvements to school kitchens and dining rooms at a total cost of £622k across 24 schools (DCSF grant).

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services proposing a number of schools’ capital projects which were ready to commence and the Schools Accessibility Strategy for Central Bedfordshire. The report also set out details of four capital schemes approved under delegated powers which were rolling programmes or projects between £200,000 and £500,000.

During the ensuing discussion, the Executive noted that the focus of the Schools Accessibility Strategy was on accessibility for pupils; however Appendix D of the submitted report addressed schools’ duties in relation to employment under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) Part 2.

Reason for decision:  To enable capital projects to proceed to detailed design, procurement and construction; to approve the Schools Access Strategy as the basis for prioritising the allocation of funding under the Schools Access Initiative; and to note details of capital schemes approved under delegated powers. 

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive approves:

            (a)       the commencement of the following capital                                                   projects:

(i)                 Etonbury Middle School – provision of additional pupil places at a capital cost of £941k (S106 funded);

(ii)               the refurbishment of Tithe Farm Lower School at a capital cost of £1.774m (DCSF funded – Primary Capital Programme); and

(iii)             specialist provision for Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Holmemead Middle School at a capital cost of £550k;

(b)       the Schools Accessibility Strategy, as attached at Appendix D to the submitted report, and the use of the Schools Access Initiative funds (£579k) across all community, Voluntary Controlled and Foundation schools in accordance with the priorities set out in the Strategy;

2.         that the Executive notes the approval of the following capital projects under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation:

            (a)       alterations to Arnold Middle School at a capital cost of      £457k;

(b)       teaching/learning practical food skills at Gilbert Inglefield        Middle School at a capital cost of £323k (DCSF grant and S106);

(c)       teaching/learning practical food skills at Parkfields Middle    School at a capital cost of £324k (DCSF grant and S106);and

(d)       rolling programme of improvements to school kitchens and dining rooms at a total cost of £622k across 24 schools (DCSF grant).

The report proposes that the Executive endorse the adoption of a statutory Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire that will run from April 2010 to March 2015.

that the Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

The Executive received a report from Councillor Rita Drinkwater, Portfolio Holder for Housing, proposing a Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire for the period April 2010 to March 2015.

The strategy was a statutory requirement under the Homelessness Act 2002 and the first one for Central Bedfordshire following the recent local government review. The strategy would continue to build upon the achievements made by the previous districts to tackle homelessness, as well as enhance existing services and develop new initiatives. It was noted that the strategy had been developed in consultation with service users and partner agencies, in particular Aragon Housing Association.

Prior to consideration of the report and in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Council’s Constitution, the Executive received the following representation:

Mr Alan Knowles – Leighton Linslade Homeless Service Charity

Mr Knowles whilst welcoming the proposed homelessness strategy expressed concern that no attention was given to homeless people whose circumstances fell outside of the strategy’s definitions of priority need.  He drew attention to the Leighton Linslade Homeless Service Charity that dealt with all forms of homelessness.  He explained that, to the best of his knowledge, no other body dealt with the non-priority homeless in Central Bedfordshire. Mr Knowles asked whether the work of the charity could be acknowledged in the Homelessness Strategy.

The Portfolio Holder thanked Mr Knowles for attending the meeting and drawing the Executive’s attention to the work of the charity.  She explained that a meeting would be arranged with the charity to develop a fuller understanding of its work.

Introducing the report, the Portfolio Holder explained the proposed strategy presented a real opportunity to address the needs of homeless people in Central Bedfordshire and ensure those needs were taken into account in the emerging Housing and Sustainable Communities Strategies.  It was noted that the strategy would be reviewed regularly, as set out in the Homelessness Act 2002, which would be flexible to take account of changing circumstances.

Whilst welcoming the Homelessness Strategy and acknowledging the importance of  private sector housing, some concern was expressed that Aragon Housing Association had studio flats that had been vacant for over a year whilst people were homeless.  The Portfolio Holder, whilst agreeing to raise the issue with Aragon, explained that the choice based lettings system showed that the demand for such accommodation had declined in recent years. 

Reason for decision: So that the Council can meet the statutory requirements of the Homelessness Act 2002

RESOLVED:

that the Homelessness Strategy for Central Bedfordshire, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

This report, through approval of the recommendations seeks the endorsement by the Executive of the BeaR Project Business Case.

The report includes detail of the revised project scope, funding options, and affordability envelope for the BEaR Project.  It also seeks to refresh the project as a bespoke project for Central Bedfordshire.

1.         that the detail of the BEaR Project Business Case, as    outlined in the            submitted report, be noted;

2.         that approval be given to the Project Governance Structure, as outlined in paragraph 11 of the submitted report and detailed in the Business Case;

3.         endorsement be given to the modelled affordability position of the residual treatment element over the period 2016 to 2041, as outlined in the Exempt Appendix A – Financial Appraisal;

 4.        that approval be given to the inclusion of the additional infrastructure elements within the procurement, as outlined in the submitted report, subject to an affordability review and further report to the Executive;

5.         that approval be given for the Project to move into procurement at the earliest possible date;

6.         that the Executive re-affirms its commitment to achieving 60% recycling/composting by 2020.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities & Healthier Lifestyles proposing a Project Business Case for the Central Bedfordshire, Energy and Recycling (BEaR) scheme. The report included detail of the revised project scope as a bespoke scheme for Central Bedfordshire, funding options and affordability envelope. Attention was also drawn to the Chairman’s Briefing Note containing an updated assessment of the Financial Implications section following the Chancellor’s budget announcement that the Landfill Escalator would increase to £80 per tonne in 2014/15 as opposed to ending at £72 per tonne in 20013/14 as previously proposed, together with the minute of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 25 March 2010.

Prior to consideration of the report, a presentation was made highlighting the options available to the authority and an overview of the financial appraisal undertaken for the options open to the Council.

Introducing the report, Councillor McVicar explained that the BEaR Project would deliver a waste treatment solution capable of diverting the authority’s residual waste from landfill. The solution would transfer significant risk from the authority to the private sector and provide long term comfort over the price of waste disposal. The procurement would be open to all options available, allowing innovative solutions to come forward and would ultimately be awarded to the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT). Additional infrastructure was also included in the procurement process to facilitate an examination of a more integrated solution.

During consideration of the report, the Portfolio Holder  explained that the anticipated amount of residual waste requiring treatment would be 60,000 tonnes per annum.  He confirmed that the Project was technology neutral and that detailed proposals would come back to a future meeting of the Executive. It was noted that the project team would ensure that any sites under consideration were in line with the emerging Waste Core Strategy.

Reason for decision: Approval of the above recommendations would allow Central Bedfordshire to commence the procurement of the waste treatment contract at the earliest possible date.

RESOLVED:

1.         that the detail of the BEaR Project Business Case, as        outlined         in the submitted report, be noted;

2.         that approval be given to the Project Governance Structure, as outlined in paragraph 11 of the submitted report and detailed in the Business Case;

3.         that the modelled affordability position of the residual treatment element over the period 2016 to 2041, as outlined in the Exempt Appendix A – Financial Appraisal be endorsed;

 4.        that approval be given to the inclusion of the additional infrastructure elements within the procurement, as outlined in the submitted report, subject to an affordability review and further report to the Executive;

5.         that approval be given for the Project to move into procurement at the earliest possible date;

6.         that the Executive re-affirms its commitment to achieving 60% recycling/composting by 2020.

The Council Executive agreed this statutory Community Safety Partnership Plan and support the priorities going forward to full Council.

RECOMMENDED

that the Community Safety Partnership Plan and strategic assessment priorities identified for 2010 – 2012, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities & Healthier Lifestyles proposing the adoption of the proposed Community Safety Partnership Plan.

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

Councillor McVicar advised Members that the Council, as a responsible authority of the Community Safety Partnership, had a statutory duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, to work with the other responsible organisations to tackle crime and disorder, including identifying priorities for the area and the creation of the Community Safety Partnership Plan.

The priorities identified for Central Bedfordshire for 2010-2012 through the partnership strategic assessment process were:

1.            Reduce Reoffending

2.            Reduce Substance Misuse – Drugs & Alcohol

3.            Reduce Serious & Acquisitive Crime – Domestic Burglary, Robbery & Theft from Motor Vehicle

4.            Reduce Anti-Social Behaviour

5.            Reduce Domestic Abuse

6.            Casualty Reduction – road safety.

In addition to the priorities outlined above, the Plan supported the Council’s own priority of creating safer communities. 

Members were advised that the proposed Community Safety Plan, which showed how the priorities would be addressed by the Partnership over the next two years, had been approved by the Community Safety Partnership Executive, subject to the agreement by Central Bedfordshire Council, at its meeting on 23 March 2010.

The Executive noted that the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 26 January 2010 had resolved to support the Community Safety Partnership priorities for 2010 – 2012.

Reason for decision: Central Bedfordshire Council is a responsible authority of the Community Safety Partnership under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.  The Act places a statutory duty on the local authority to work with other

responsible authorities to develop and implement a strategy for reducing crime and disorder.  The strategy must cover a district, borough or unitary area.

RECOMMENDED

that the Community Safety Partnership Plan and strategic assessment priorities identified for 2010 – 2012, as set out at Appendix A to the submitted report, be adopted.

The report proposes the implementation of a corporate web strategy as fundamental to the transformation of Council services.

1.         that approval be given to the Web Strategy objectives    and approach,           as outlined at Appendix A to the           submitted report;

2.         that the core strands of activity referred to as the 5 pillars of the             strategy, as set out in paragraph 5 of the report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance proposing a corporate web strategy for the Council. The strategy outlined how a review of the authority’s online approach would save the Council money, give customers a better service and make community engagement easier and more relevant. To support delivery of the above objectives, five core strands of work were recommended, referred to as the 5 pillars of the strategy.

The Executive’s attention was drawn to the deliberations of the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 22 March 2010, circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Note, which supported the proposed strategy.  Councillor Stay thanked Members of the Task Group for their contribution in developing the customer and engagement element of the strategy. 

Reason for decisions: The development of a comprehensive web strategy is fundamental to the transformation of the Council’s services. The significant cost savings that could be unlocked by moving services online would become essential for the delivery of the corporate strategy.

RESOLVED

1.         that approval be given to the Web Strategy objectives and           approach, as outlined at Appendix A to the submitted report;

2.         that the core strands of activity referred to as the 5 pillars of the             strategy, as set out in paragraph 7 of the report, be approved.

The report proposes a communications strategy for the Council to enhance customer satisfaction.

RESOLVED

that the strategic objectives, core strands of activity and performance measures within the Communications Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the submitted report, be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED

that the Communications Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the submitted report,  be approved for implementation.

The Executive considered a report by Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance proposing a Communications Strategy for the Council.

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

Councillor Stay reminded Members that communications were fundamental to the work of the Council in supporting Members, customers, colleagues and partners of the Council and helped the authority to achieve its core objectives.

The proposed Communications Strategy provided focus and direction to the way in which the Council would deliver planned, sustained and two way communication with its key audiences.  It was noted that the strategy drew on local research and national best practice in recommending key objectives, critical performance indicators, priority audiences, messages and services.

Members’ were advised that the strategy also proposed seven priority campaigns for the period 2010 -11;

·        Enhancing communication channels – including the website and News Central

·        Stakeholder communications – improving our relationship with key organisations and individuals

·        Delivering core campaigns

·        Developing internal communications

·        Developing relations with the local and national media

·        Improving our ways of working

The Executive noted that the proposed strategy had been considered by the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 22 February and the feedback provided by the Committee had been incorporated.

Reason for decision:  So that communication activity within the Council could be focused on priority actions to enhance customer satisfaction.

RESOLVED

that the strategic objectives, core strands of activity and performance measures within the Communications Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the submitted report, be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED

that the Communications Strategy, attached as Appendix A to the submitted report,  be approved for implementation.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions which covers the period from 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011 inclusive.

(to follow)

The Forward Plan for the period 1 May 2010 to 30 April 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.

To approve the terms for a 10 year lease at market rent.

that a 10-year lease be granted to the NHS Houghton Regis Health Centre on the basis of the Heads of Terms, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, to enable the opening of the new Health Centre in Houghton Regis.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Stephen Male, Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems & Assets proposing terms for the grant of a 10 year lease to the NHS to enable the opening of a new Health Centre in Houghton Regis.

Reason for decision: To allow for the provision of an improved Health Centre for Houghton Regis.  The proposal meets a number of the Council’s key priorities, including supporting and caring for an ageing population, protecting children and young people and promoting healthier lifestyles, as well as generating income from its assets.

RESOLVED:

that a 10-year lease be granted to the NHS Houghton Regis Health Centre on the basis of the Heads of Terms, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, to enable the opening of the new Health Centre in Houghton Regis.