To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 8 December 2009.

(to follow)

RESOLVED:

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2009 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record, subject to the inclusion of the attendance of Councillor Peter Snelling.

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

The Chairman announced that she was going to vary the order of business and take agenda item 10 – Design in Central Bedfordshire – A Guide for Development as the first main item of business.

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

There were no presentations 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 the following questions:

Q.        Statement and question from Mr Maurice Blackman from Leighton Linslade to Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation

Statement and questionasking what progress had been made in identifying functions capable of devolution to Leighton Linslade Town Council and identification of the budget that would follow.

A.        Response from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation

Councillor Stay thanked Mr Blackman for his question which was in line with the aspirations of Central Bedfordshire Council which saw Town Councils as key partners.  He explained that part of the Council’s policy position on Community Engagement was to devolve ‘quality of life’ services to those Town and Parish Councils interested in providing particular services themselves; a matter currently being consulted upon which would be reported to a future meeting of the Executive.  Councillor Stay also explained that a letter had been received from Leighton Linslade Town Council back in August which summarised some of the Town Council’s aspirations for partnership working.  As the letter preceded Central Bedfordshire’s agreed policy on Community Engagement, the Council welcomed Leighton Linslade Town Council’s continued interest and awaited any request to consider devolving specific services.

Q.        Statement and questions from Mr Harry Maughan to Councillor Ken Mathews, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration about Local Transport Plan round 3 (LTP3) consultations.

A.        Response from the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration

            Councillor Mathews thanked Mr Maughan for attending the meeting and asking his question.  He explained that consultation on LTP3 would take place during Summer 2010.  Rather than a single, large consultation a series of local consultations based around local Community Transport Areas would be held. The Portfolio Holder explained that this method, endorsed by Government, reflected Central Bedfordshire Council’s concern to be close to its communities.  Specific details of consultation locations and contact details would be publicised in due course.  Councillor Mathews advised that the whole Local Transport Plan would be brought together, with the benefit of the consultation, by December 2010. It would then proceed to the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and onto Executive for approval. The Plan would then be submitted to Government by 31 March 2011.

The report considers the responses following public consultation on the draft Central Bedfordshire Design Guide and Design Supplements and recommends adoption of the documents as a Supplementary Planning Document for the consideration and determination of planning applications for development.

1.         That the Executive welcomes the widespread and broadly positive response and support to the Draft Design Guide following formal public consultation and endorsement of the Council’s response, as set out in Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

2.         That the Design Guide for Development be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) constituting part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s  Local Development Framework (LDF);

3.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities be given delegated authority, in consultation  with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, to resolve any minor typographical, quantative and explanatory amendments to the text of the SPD prior to its operation.

Prior to consideration of the report, and in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation, the Executive received a statement and question from Mr Tom Chevalier raising concern about light pollution associated with private floodlighting attached to buildings.  Whilst acknowledging that consultation on the proposed Design Guide had already been carried out and he was late in responding, Mr Chevalier asked the Executive to consider the inclusion of this issue.

Responding, Councillor Ken Mathews, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration acknowledged that the Design Guide did not specifically pick up on light pollution from private buildings.  He explained that there was not very much that could be done in planning terms to control this issue and as full consultation had already been carried out, putting something together at this late stage would not give the issue the attention that it deserved. However, the use of different legislation, for example the Environmental Protection Act, would be looked at to see if there was a more appropriate way of dealing with such problems.  

The Executive then considered the report from the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development setting out the responses from the public consultation on the draft Central Bedfordshire Design Guide and Design Supplements.  The report recommended the adoption of the documents as a Supplementary Planning Document.  It was noted that the documents had been through rigorous consultation and, in broad terms, had been welcomed.  It was further noted that adoption of the Design Guide was also being considered by the Luton and South Beds Joint Committee. Upon that Committee’s adoption, the Design Guide would be used for the whole of the Central Bedfordshire area.

Reason for decision: To help underpin national planning guidance, the Local Development Framework and Development Management through guidance aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of new development.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Executive welcomes the widespread and broadly positive response and support to the Draft Design Guide following formal public consultation and endorsement of the Council’s response, as set out in Appendix 1 of the submitted report.

2.         That the Design Guide for Development be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) constituting part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF).

3.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities be given delegated authority, in consultation  with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, to resolve any minor typographical, quantative and explanatory amendments to the text of the SPD prior to its operation.

The report proposes to consider how the Council, through its Sustainable Communities Directorate implements the range of environmental duties (including environmental crime) for which it is responsible, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and associated legislation.

1.         That approval be given to the new policy approach for undertaking Central Bedfordshire Council’s duties and responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and associated legislation, as detailed in Appendix F to the submitted report); in line with the ‘Working Better Together’ Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Local Government Association and Environment Agency.

2.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, to negotiate a new local agreement to suit local circumstances with the Environment Agency.

3          In noting the financial implications detailed in the submitted report the Executive noted that further thought would be given to the generality of the principle of ring fencing generated income for specific purposes in the service area concerned.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities proposing a new policy approach for a range of environmental duties (including environmental crime) for which the Council was responsible, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and associated legislation. 

As part of its deliberations, the Executive considered the comments from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 4 January 2010 which had been circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Notes.  It was noted that the Committee had endorsed the Portfolio Holder’s recommendation to the Executive.

During the ensuing discussion, Members commented on the different approaches previously adopted by the legacy authorities, agreeing that a harmonised policy approach was needed for Central Bedfordshire Council.  The Portfolio Holders for Business Transformation and for Housing indicated that they wished to be involved in the detailed implementation arrangements to be developed over the coming months, which would lead into the launch of a communications plan for the new policy approach in April 2010. 

In noting the financial implications contained in the report Members asked that further thought be given to the principle of ring fencing generated income.

In response to comments from a Member about the ambiguity of the wording of the financial implications, an assurance was given that closer scrutiny would be given to these implications with a view to ensuring that they were provided in a clear and unambiguous manner.

Reason for decisions:  To ensure a harmonised approach is implemented in respect of the legislation, with consistent and proportionate action taken to deal with the range of environmental crime, anti social behaviour, nuisance etc in Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED:

1.         That approval be given to the new policy approach for undertaking Central Bedfordshire Council’s duties and responsibilities under the Environmental Protection Act, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act and associated legislation, as detailed in Appendix F to the submitted report); in line with the ‘Working Better Together’ Memorandum of Understanding agreed between the Local Government Association and Environment Agency.

2.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities be given delegated authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, to negotiate a new local agreement to suit local circumstances with the Environment Agency.

3.         In noting the financial implications detailed in the submitted report the Executive asked that further thought be given to the principle of ring fencing generated income.

The report proposes revised growth area fund programmes in the two growth areas in the light of the Government’s reductions to the capital allocations in 2010/11.

That approval be given to the changes to the Growth Area Fund Round 3 (GAF3) Programmes for the Bedford and Marston Vale Growth Area and the Luton and South Central Bedfordshire Growth Area, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Ken Mathews, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Regeneration proposing revised growth area fund programmes in the two growth areas, in the light of the Government’s reductions to the capital allocations in 2010/11. 

The Portfolio Holder explained that the Growth Area Fund Programmes Round 3 (GAF3) for the two growth areas in Central Bedfordshire had been reviewed to take account of 43% cuts in the capital funding for 2010/11.  This had reduced the funding available to some Central Bedfordshire led projects which was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Reason for decision:  To enable progress with the delivery of growth and infrastructure and other investment in the Growth Areas.

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to the changes to the Growth Area Fund Round 3 (GAF3) Programmes for the Bedford and Marston Vale Growth Area and the Luton and South Central Bedfordshire Growth Area, as detailed in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

The report provides an update on the current progress of the Total Place Pilot Project as a forerunner to and illustration of the principles which will be embedded within the Business Transformation Strategy.

A presentation will be made to the Executive prior to discussion of this item.

1.         That the Executive notes progress made on the Total Place pilot and endorses the principles, as set out in the submitted report, for moving forward.

2.         That final sign-off of the report for submission to the Leadership Centre for Local Government / HM Treasury on 5 February 2010, be delegated to the Leader of the Council,  Portfolio Holder for Transformation and the Chief Executive.  This is because there is no leeway in the reporting timescale to HM Treasury and officers across a number of public sector organisations in Central Bedfordshire and Luton require the time to finalise the report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation on progress with the Total Place Pilot Project.  The report provided background information on the transformation planning that had taken place during the year and set out the context of the “Total Place” programme which would inform the development of the Council’s wider approach to business transformation.

The Portfolio Holder gave a detailed presentation on progress with the Project which was aimed at driving service quality improvements and efficiencies, through more effective partnership working.  He explained that the chosen theme ‘From dependence to self-reliance’ had been developed with key stakeholders throughout November into two “Total Place” sub themes of:-

·        Integrated Offender Management

·        Access to Benefits

Councillor Stay explained that the outputs from the work were being drafted into a final report to be submitted to Government by 5 February 2010. As the report was still work in progress, the presentation covered the key findings at this stage. 

[Note: A copy of the slides used in the presentation were circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Notes.]

The Executive noted that a Communications/Engagement plan was being developed to ensure all key stakeholders were aware of the project, the key findings of the work to date and the implications going forward. A wider communications plan was also being developed for all staff and Members on the principal benefits of the Total Place Project.  

Members were advised that the final report would need the endorsement of all key stakeholders involved in the Project. In view of the timescales laid down by Government, delegated authority was sought for “sign-off” of the final Total Place report.

During the ensuing general discussion comments were made that whilst the Pilot Project was funded by the Government, there was likely to be significant costs in the implementation of the Project’s aims.  The Portfolio Holder, responding to the comments, referred to the implications of the global economic downturn and its impact on local government finance in general.  With less money available, the Council needed to find different ways of doing things.  He explained that the Total Place Project was enabling the Council to accelerate the work that was already going on.  In addition to tapping into existing funding streams, the Council would be looking for partners and agencies to invest in the different ways of working flowing from the Project.  The Council would also be looking for support from other funding streams such as the Government Office for the Eastern Region etc.  

Reason for decision: So that the Executive have been updated on the progress made on the Total Place Pilot and has endorsed the approach for submission of the final report to Central Government.

RESOLVED:

1.         That progress made on the Total Place pilot be noted.

2.         That final sign-off of the report for submission to the Leadership Centre for Local Government / HM Treasury on 5 February 2010, be delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 149.

The report proposes the adoption of policies for the Council’s adoption and fostering services.

 1.        That the Statements of Purpose for the Adoption and Fostering Services, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Learning, to approve any variations and review of the Statements of Purpose for the Adoption and Fostering Services.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services proposing Statements of Function and Purpose for the Council’s adoption and fostering services in order to comply with regulations.  The policy of the Council was to discharge its statutory duties in relation to adoption, fostering and private fostering through the provision of these regulated services. 

Presenting the aims and objectives of the policy documents, the Portfolio Holder advised that the first bullet point on page 92 of the report, explaining what the Adoption Agency provides in order to meet its objectives, should read ‘Provide assistance to access birth records and counselling for adult adoptees’. 

Reason for decisions: To ensure that the authority complies with regulations in respect of its Adoption and Fostering Services.

RESOLVED:

 1.        That the Statements of Purpose for the Adoption and Fostering Services, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children, Families and Learning, to approve any variations and review of the Statements of Purpose for the Adoption and Fostering Services.

The report presents the Central Bedfordshire Children’s Trust’s Strategy for Children’s Workforce Development and seeks the endorsement of the Strategy by the Executive.

1.         That the Children’s Workforce Strategy, as detailed in the submitted    report, be endorsed.

2.         That approval be given to the budgetary commitment, as outlined in the submitted report, to support the work of the Children’s Workforce Development Service for at least the length of the proposed Strategy.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Children Families and Learning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children's Services and the Children's Trust Board, to approve any future variations and reviews of the strategy, unless such variations or reviews materially affect the direction and purpose of the agreed strategy.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services seeking endorsement of the Central Bedfordshire Childrens Trust’s Strategy for Children’s Workforce, together with an additional recommendation that had been circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Notes.  The Strategy was designed to support the Children’s Trust in delivering its Children and Young People’s Plan.

As part of its deliberations, the Executive considered the comments of the Children, Families and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 3 November 2010, which welcomed the proposed Strategy.  With regards to the resolution asking for details of the membership of the Children Workforce Development Strategy, the Portfolio Holder undertook to ensure that the membership was circulated to the Committee.

Reason for decisions: To ensure that Central Bedfordshire Council meets its statutory duty as set out in the Children Act 2004 to co-operate with partners to recruit and retain a skilled workforce that will ensure the delivery of the Children and Young People’s Plan. To meet the duty this strategy is written in partnership with other agencies.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Children’s Workforce Strategy, as detailed in the            submitted report, be endorsed.

2.         That approval be given to the budgetary commitment, as outlined in the submitted report, to support the work of the Children’s Workforce Development Service for at least the length of the proposed Strategy.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Children Families and Learning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children's Services and the Children's Trust Board, to approve any future variations and reviews of the strategy, unless such variations or reviews materially affect the direction and purpose of the agreed strategy.

The report presents the first annual performance rating for Central Bedfordshire Children’s Services.

1.         That the 2009 annual performance rating for Central Bedfordshire Children’s Services, as outlined in the submitted report, be noted.

2.         That approval be given to the action to be taken to improve future assessment outcomes, as set out in paragraphs 10 to 13 of the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services on the first annual performance rating for Central Bedfordshire Children’s Services which was published by Ofsted on 9 December 2009.  The report set out details of action that the Council would be taking to improve future assessment outcomes ratings.

Reason for decision:  To meet the requirement that this performance rating is reported formally to the Council’s Executive; to ensure that Central Bedfordshire Council meets its statutory duty as set out in the Children Act 2004 to improve outcomes for children and young people.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the 2009 annual performance rating for Central Bedfordshire Children’s Services, as outlined in the submitted report, be noted.

2.         That approval be given to the action to be taken to improve future assessment outcomes, as set out in paragraphs 10 to 13 of the submitted report.

The report sets out the direction of policy to raise achievement in Central Bedfordshire’s schools.

That approval be given to the direction in policy to raise achievement in Central Bedfordshire’s Schools, as detailed in the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services setting out a direction of policy to raise achievement in Central Bedfordshire Schools.  The report set out four key areas of work which would establish the direction for policy.The policy was centred on a radical change in the approach to school improvement and on schools developing partnership arrangements so there was a one phase, 3 to 19 approach, to learning.

As part of its deliberations, the Executive also considered the comments and recommendations from the Children, Families and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting held on 5 January 2010.  The Chairman of the Committee spoke about the Committee’s disappointment with current standards in schools and looked forward to the vision for transforming learning that would enable performance to be improved.  In view that performance in schools was variable, it was suggested that “further” improve should be removed from the Portfolio Holder’s recommendation.

During the ensuing general discussion it was noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be considering the vision for transforming learning in Central Bedfordshire at their next meeting in February.  The report would raise the issue of trusts, federations and partnerships prior to the strategy for change document being considered by the Executive in March 2010.

The Portfolio Holder concluded discussion by advising Members that the proposals outlined in the report were the first steps in the transforming learning strategy that would culminate in the strategy for change document. It was noted that the first steps would be discussed with schools and implemented in advance of the strategy for change document.

Reason for decision: So that there is clear direction in policy for improving outcomes for young people and that this policy is centred on a radical change in the approach to school improvement and in schools developing partnership arrangements so there is a one phase, 3 to 19 approach, to learning.

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to the direction in policy to raise achievement in Central Bedfordshire’s Schools, as detailed in the submitted report.

The report proposes the award of construction contracts related to the Interim Accommodation Plan.

That the construction contract for the Interim Accommodation Plan  be awarded to Contractor 1, and the furniture contract for the Interim Accommodation Plan be awarded to Contractor A, as outlined in the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the award of construction contracts related to the Interim Accommodation Plan. The letting of the contracts related to the recent acquisition of space within Technology House which required fitting out to allow occupation by Council staff, and to works required to the Dunstable offices to enable more staff to be located there.

During consideration of the report, a non-Executive Member in attendance questioned the nature of the works proposed for the Dunstable offices.  The Director of Resources advised the Executive that the exact plans for the Dunstable offices had not been finalised and that the tender was being let on a flexible basis.

Reason for decision: Todeliver the Interim Accommodation Plan and to support the move of staff into the Central Bedfordshire geographic area.

RESOLVED:

That the construction contract for the Interim Accommodation Plan be awarded to Contractor 1, and the furniture contract for the Interim Accommodation Plan be awarded to Contractor A, as outlined in the submitted report.

The report provides information on funds omitted from the Capital Programme.  This document sets out the business case identifying funds omitted and rectifying the omission.

That the funding omission identified in the submitted report  be rectified and the Capital Programme as revised be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing rectification of an omission of funds from the 2009/10 Capital Programme.

Members were advised that the Capital Budget Report submitted to and approved by both Executive and Council in November 2009 (minute E/09/113 of the Executive meeting held on 10 November and minute C/09/46(e) of the Council meeting held on 19 November 2009 refers) revised the 2009/10 ICT Infrastructure budget to £108,000, with £800,000 being identified as slippage into 2010/11. The revised Capital Programme budget, however,  omitted to take into account the existing spend and commitments totalling £342,000; and the budget for providing service areas with equipment for the remaining part of the financial year. It was noted that the budget figure should have been set at £450,000 with £458,000 slippage into 2010/11.  

Reason for decision: To deliver agreed objectives and benefits through the ICT infrastructure across the Central Bedfordshire Council.

RESOLVED:

That the funding omission identified in the submitted report be rectified and the Capital Programme as revised be endorsed.

The report sets out the situation with regard to the work being carried out by the Independent Remuneration Panel, which should culminate with recommendations at a further meeting on 21 December 2009.

That the financial implications of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the year commencing 1 April 2010 be noted.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources setting out the financial implications of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel on the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the year commencing 1 April 2010 which would be submitted directly to Council on 25 February 2010.

Reason for decision: To enable the Executive to address the financial implications of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel to the Council in relation to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the year commencing 1 April 2010.

RESOLVED:

That the financial implications of the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel in relation to the Scheme of Members’ Allowances for the year commencing 1 April 2010 be noted.

This report seeks the approval of the Strategic Risk Register.

1.         That the Strategic Risk Register (SRR), attached at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That the SRR be reviewed by the Executive twice a year.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the adoption of a Strategic Risk Register (SRR).

The Portfolio Holder advised the Executive that the proposed SRR captured the strategic risks that the Council faced, scored each risk and identified the control measures to mitigate the impact and probability of the risks. Once approved, the Register, owned by the Chief Executive, would be monitored by the Corporate Management Team on a quarterly basis and by the Executive twice a year.

The Executive noted that under the Audit Commission’s Use of Resources assessment, risk management was a specific area measured by the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE). Approval of the Register would help to demonstrate that the Council was putting in place effective risk management arrangements.

Reason for decision: Any well managed council will have an effective Corporate Risk Management Strategy in place. As part of the Central Bedfordshire strategy, approved by the Shadow Executive in February 2009, the Executive are asked approve the Strategic Risk Register to demonstrate the council is managing its strategic risks.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Strategic Risk Register (SRR), attached at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That the SRR be reviewed by the Executive twice a year.

The report proposes the establishment of a voluntary severance scheme to aid the reduction in staffing as a result of budget pressures and reorganisation.

That the voluntary severance scheme, to be operated within the parameters of the Council’s existing Severance/Early Retirement Policy,  as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the establishment of a voluntary severance scheme to aid the reduction in staffing as a result of the financial pressures being faced by the Council and reorganisation. It was noted that under the Financial Implications, assumptions about potential costs of the proposed Scheme were incorrectly stated as being set out in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the report.  The correct paragraphs were 11 and 12.

Reason for decision: To provide a mechanism for the organisation to reduce employee numbers in a managed and controlled way, in order to minimise compulsory redundancies with the aim of achieving the necessary budget efficiencies, and to move to new structures.

RESOLVED:

That the voluntary severance scheme, to be operated within the parameters of the Council’s existing Severance/Early Retirement Policy,  as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

The report proposes a revised strategy in response to changes in two key codes and increased risk in investment markets.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

1.         That the Treasury Management Policy and the Treasury Management Strategy, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice 2009 and The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing a revised Treasury Management Policy and Treasury Management Strategy in response to changes in two key codes and increased risk in investment markets. 

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that the greater risk and uncertainty in investment markets had resulted in CIPFA revising both the Treasury Management Code of Practice and the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.  The headline changes of both Codes were set out in the submitted report, together with details of a background paper that provided more detailed commentary.

In response to the revisions and the greater focus on risk in the two codes, the Council’s Treasury Management Policy and Treasury Management Strategy, approved by the Shadow Authority on 26 February 2009 (minute SC/08/22 (i) refers) had been revised and were attached as Appendices A and B respectively.

It was noted that no major changes had been made to the Treasury Management Policy, adopted by the Council in February 2009, although it had been updated for references to the revised Codes. There were two key areas of change to be made to the Treasury Management Strategy; amendments to lending limits and a revision to the operational boundary.

The Executive noted that the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee would be considering the Strategy at its meeting on 18 January 2010 ahead of consideration by Council on 25 February 2010. 

Reason for decisions: To put an effective treasury management framework in place for the Council.

RECOMMENDED:

1.         That the Treasury Management Policy and the Treasury Management Strategy, attached as Appendices A & B to the submitted report, be approved.

2.         That the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services Code of Practice 2009 and The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities be adopted.

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

(to follow)

The Forward Plan for the period 1 February 2010 to 31 January 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 Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The report proposes the basis of an agreement with Bedford Borough Council on the split of assets of the former County Council.

(to follow)

1.         That the Executive agrees the proposals for the disaggregation of the assets of the former Bedfordshire County Council, as outlined in the submitted report, and confirms that  it considers the proposals to be in the best interests of both bodies.

2.         That the proposed agreements with Bedford Borough Council, as set out in the Appendices to the submitted report, on the share of future asset sales for assets formerly belonging to the County Council, be approved.

3.         That the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Resources, be given delegated authority to agree any non-material amendments to the share of assets, liabilities, provisions or reserves still to be determined.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the basis of an agreement with Bedford Borough Council on the allocation of the assets of the former County Council.

The Portfolio Holder reminded Members that in creating the two new unitary councils in Bedfordshire, Central Bedfordshire was nominated as the Authority to ‘caretaker’ all financial affairs of the former body.  Following the successful conclusion of the 2008/09 audit, Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council were required to agree the share of assets, liabilities, reserves and provisions of the former County Council due to each new unitary authority. This was required so that opening Balance Sheets as at 1 April 2009 could be created for each of the two new Councils.

Members were advised that the principles applied in the disaggregation, and the overall methodology, had been discussed with the Council’s external auditor and his comments had been reflected. In addition, the Council had sought external legal advice that the agreements reached had appropriate authority within the various statutory orders relating to reorganisation and met the test of reasonableness.

During consideration of the report, the Chairman paid tribute to the hard work that had taken place to arrive at a conclusion that was in the best interests of both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Councils.

Reason for decisions: As a result of local government reorganisation and the abolition of the County Council, the two successor authorities are required to agree the share of former County Council’s assets and reserves. The recommendations reflect the outcome of negotiations which have been taking place with Bedford Borough Council over the past 12 months.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Executive agrees the proposals for the disaggregation of the assets of the former Bedfordshire County Council, as outlined in the submitted report, and confirms that  it considers the proposals to be in the best interests of both bodies.

2.         That the proposed agreements with Bedford Borough Council, as set out in the Appendices to the submitted report, on the share of future asset sales for assets formerly belonging to the County Council, be approved.

3.         That the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, in consultation with the Director of Corporate Resources, be given delegated authority to agree any non-material amendments to the share of assets, liabilities, provisions or reserves still to be determined.