If any.

The Chairman announced that she was going to take Agenda Item No 21 Local Transport Plan after Agenda Item 7, Overview and Scrutiny matters.

To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 15 September 2009.

(attached)

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 September 2009 were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive Petitions in accordance with the scheme of public participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution the Chairman announced that a petition had been received from a Mrs Jill Bryden raising concerns about the withdrawal of number 34 centre bus service from calling at Salters Way, Dunstable.

As the Executive would be re-considering its original decision made on 15 September 2009 about Supported Local Bus Services (minute E/09/60 refers) as a result of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee calling in its decision, it was agreed that a response to the petition would be considered once a decision had been made on this item.

[NOTE:  As a result of minute E/09/  below where the Executive agreed that support would only be withdrawn from the three poorer value for money bus services listed on page 31 of the Executive agenda, which did not include the number 34 centre bus service, it was agreed that a letter be sent to the petitioner to advise her that the Council would continue to provide support for this service.]

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 question from Mr John Clarke, from Stotfold:

Question – ‘Why are the general public still being excluded from the latest Local Development Framework (LDF) Task Force meetings despite assurances given by the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development at the Executive on 12 May 2009 that as a matter of course meetings should be open to the public, except where there is a need to consider personal information or confidential commercial matters?

Councillor Tom Nicols, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development  thanked Mr Clarke for coming to the meeting and asking his question. He explained that Central Bedfordshire does wish to work in an open and transparent way and as identified by Mr Clarke the Constitution provides for meetings of the Council, its committees and sub committees to be open to the public unless confidential or exempt business is to be considered in which case the statutory rules of exclusion may be used.

However, in order to allow detailed investigation and policy development, in some instances it was also necessary for task groups and working parties to meet privately to develop their proposals which would then be considered in public either by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Executive or relevant Committee, as appropriate or, in the case of some of the work associated with the Local Development Framework,  by way of formal public consultation.

The task force in question (the Development Strategy Task Force) was appointed by the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and has no delegated decision making powers. Its role is to consider all non-strategic matters in relation to the Local Development Framework, Housing Strategy and Local Transport Plan policy preparation and to make recommendations thereon. 

Cllr Nicols clarified that as the Development Strategy Task Force was not a committee or sub committee it was therefore not statutorily required to be open to the public.  The Access to Information Procedure Rules apply to the Council, committees or sub committees.

It was explained that any questions as to the terms of reference of the task force group were more properly addressed to the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee that established the group.   However,  the committee gave very careful consideration to the operation of the task force, even producing a guidance document governing the operation of the task force, including the question of elected member and public involvement  and providing that all strategic matters would be dealt with by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Portfolio Holder concluded by stating that a copy of that guidance document could be made available upon request.

To consider reports from the following Overview & Scrutiny Committees:-

1.                  Business Transformation

2.                  Sustainable Communities

3.                  Children, Families and Learning

4.                  Sustainable Communities

As a result of the call-in by  the Sustainable Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee of the Executive’s decision on the Supported Local Bus Services – Budget Pressures 2009/10 (minute E/09/60 refers) from the meeting held on 15 September 2009 the Executive reconsidered its original decision alongside the concerns and recommendations of the  Overview and Scrutiny Committee and RESOLVED:

1.                  That support be withdrawn from the three poorer value for money services listed on page 31 of the Executive agenda.

2.                  That a full review of public transport provision in Central Bedfordshire be carried out and reported to the Executive at the earliest opportunity. The review, which could take up to 12 to 18 months to complete, to include, amongst other things, the impact of the rationalisation of subsidised bus services on Central Bedfordshire residents and consideration of the use of alternative means of transport.  

As a result of the Sustainable Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee calling in the Executive’s decision on 15 September 2009 on the Supported Local Bus Services – Budget Pressures 2009/10 (minute E/09/60 refers) the Executive reconsidered its original decision alongside the concerns and recommendations of the  Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 29 September 2009.

Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities reminded Members that the Executive’s decision on 15 September 2009 to withdraw support from a number of poorer performing bus services had been taken to avoid overspending on the supported bus services budget.  The decision of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to call-in the decision now presented the Executive with alternative options for reducing the level of overspend.  He emphasised, however, that it was necessary for reductions in subsidy to be made as soon as possible in order to maximise savings in the current financial year.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introducing the Committee’s recommendations explained that the reason the decision had been called-in was the decision had been taken in the absence of a full review of bus services which considered the impact of the proposed cuts on residents and the use of alternative transport.  As a result of the Committee considering the Executive’s decision two alternative recommendations had been put forward; that a decision to cut bus services wait until the outcome of the full review of public transport or alternatively that the Executive consider a reduction in the number of supported bus services to be cut.

The Executive in recognising the concerns raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed that it was not possible to defer making a decision to reduce the projected overspend until the outcome of the full review which would take 12 to 18 months to complete. However, the overall thrust of the Committee’s recommendations at 1(b) and 2 was supported; with the Executive recommending that support only be withdrawn from the three poorer value for money services listed on page 31 of the agenda. The Executive also agreed that the full review of public transport should include, amongst other things, the impact of the rationalisation of subsidised bus services on Central Bedfordshire residents and consideration of the use of alternative means of transport. 

Reason for decisions:  To enable a strategy for addressing an overspend on the Supported Public Transport budget to be agreed following the Overview and Scrutiny Committee calling-in the decision of the Executive on this matter on 15  September 2009.

RESOLVED:

1.                  That support be withdrawn from the three poorer value for money services listed on page 31 of the Executive agenda.

2.                  That a full review of public transport provision in Central Bedfordshire be carried out and reported to the Executive at the earliest opportunity. The review, which could take up to 12 to 18 months to complete, to include, amongst other things, the impact of the rationalisation of subsidised bus services on Central Bedfordshire residents and consideration of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

This report sets out how the Council might go about producing a new Local Transport Plan (LTP) for Central Bedfordshire. It presents two options as to how the Council could develop the LTP and seeks the views of Executive as to the best way forward.

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the Local Transport Plan 3 from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 7 October 2009.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its findings and recommendations which the Executive endorsed.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Council produce a single new Local Transport Plan for the whole of Central Bedfordshire and that the Council maintains a formally constituted transport planning partnership body with Luton to oversee preparation of transport planning policy covering the Luton/Dunstable/Houghton Regis Growth Area.

2.         That stronger partnerships be developed with all neighbouring authorities covering transport strategy and issues over a broader area with agreed policy responses documented in each authority’s own Local Transport Plan, taking account of the priority which needs to be maintained to deliver transport infrastructure and sustainable travel within Growth Areas.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Tom Nicols, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development setting out how the Council might go about producing a new Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP) for Central Bedfordshire to be in place by 31 March 2011 together with an addendum to the report that had been circulated with the Chairman’s briefing note. The report presented two options as to how the council could develop the LTP and sought views on the best way forward.

To aid Members in considering the two options a presentation was given by Paul Cook, Head of Transport Policy covering:

• The requirements of a LTP
• The current LTPs
• Comments from DfT on the current LTP
• Key issues for consideration
• Guidance for the next LTP
• Advantages of each option.

Members noted that LTP was a statutory document which sets out the strategies and programmes of local transport authorities for transport in their areas. Central Bedfordshire was currently covered by two LTPs which were previously prepared by Bedfordshire County Council: The Bedfordshire LTP2 and the Luton, Dunstable and Houghton Regis LTP2. 

The Executive in considering the report agreed that its preferred approach was to develop one LTP for the whole of the Central Bedfordshire.  Members agreed that producing a single plan would create a sense of identity for the new Council that reflected properly its status and promote a sense of place for the area more in keeping with the spirit of government guidance for LTPs.  It was felt that a single plan would also lead to strengthened joint working across all of the Council’s boundaries and ensure that transport maximises its effectiveness in helping to deliver wider goals.  The Executive also stressed the importance of maintaining a formally constituted transport planning partnership body with Luton to oversee preparation of transport planning policy covering the Luton/Dunstable/Houghton Regis Growth Area. 

As part of its deliberations the Executive also considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the LTP from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 7 October 2009. The Committee having fully debated the two options and taking account of a single plan option unanimously supported developing one LTP for the whole of the Central Bedfordshire area whilst strengthening partnerships with neighbouring authorities, particularly Luton.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its findings and recommendations which the Executive endorsed.

Reason for decision: So that Central Bedfordshire can move forward in preparing LTP 3 for the area and can inform the Luton and South-Bedfordshire Joint Transport Committee of its preferred approach. 

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Council produce a single new Local Transport Plan for the whole of Central Bedfordshire and that the Council maintains a formally constituted transport planning partnership body with Luton to oversee preparation of transport planning policy covering the Luton/Dunstable/Houghton Regis Growth Area.

2.         That stronger partnerships be developed with all neighbouring authorities covering transport strategy and issues over a broader area with agreed policy responses documented in each authority’s own  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

To approve the joint delivery and spending plan between Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire to provide breaks and services to carers.

1.         That approval be given to the actions and budget detailed in the Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire Action Plan for Implementing the National Carers Strategy attached as Appendix B to the submitted report.

2.         Noted that there is £350,000 funding within NHS Bedfordshire that people caring for someone within Central Bedfordshire can access by referral to Carers in Bedfordshire.  NHS Bedfordshire is accountable to the Strategic Health Authority for how this money is spent.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Carole Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health seeking approval to the joint delivery and spending plan between Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire to provide breaks and services to carers.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the proposed delivery and spending plan would increase the range and flexibility of carers’ breaks and support.  It was also part of the recovery and improvement journey for Adult Social Care and would contribute to the transformation journey for Central Bedfordshire Council’s customers. The plan was also an opportunity to strengthen partnership working with the NHS and to improve the quality of life of more carers within Central Bedfordshire.

Reason for decision: Central Bedfordshire Council is required to confirm to the Department of Health that:

·        Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire are aware of the new carers funding within Primary Care Trusts

·        This money has been identified to support carers by NHS Bedfordshire

·        A joint delivery and spending plan between Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire has been signed off for 2009-10; and

to enable Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire to comply with the Department of Health requirement to publish the joint plan.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the actions and budget detailed in the Central Bedfordshire Council and NHS Bedfordshire Action Plan for Implementing the National Carers Strategy attached as Appendix B to the submitted report be approved.

2.         Noted that there is £350,000 funding within NHS Bedfordshire that people caring for someone within Central Bedfordshire can access by referral to Carers in Bedfordshire.  NHS Bedfordshire is accountable to the Strategic Health Authority for how this money is spent.

The report highlights the Quarter 1 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council and its partners through the Local Area Agreement (LAA).

That the Quarter 1 Performance report for 2009/10 along with the results of Quarter 1 performance for Central Bedfordshire Local Area Agreement for 2009/10 and the results of Central Bedfordshire Place Survey be noted.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation highlighting the Quarter 1 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council and its partners through the Local Area Agreement (LAA) together with replacement pages 92 - 95 that had been circulated with the Chairman’s briefing note.  The report also detailed the final weighted Place Survey indicators recently released by the Department of Communities and Local Government together with an analysis of the indicators.

Introducing the Council’s first performance report Councillor Stay explained that the Council was the only new unitary authority to report on performance.  Whilst the Council was under no statutory obligation to produce such information and acknowledging more work was needed to develop the reporting mechanism, it was right that the authority started to embed a performance management culture throughout the organisation.

Concluding the general discussion Councillor Stay congratulated officers  for their hard work and effort in producing the performance information.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 1 Performance report for 2009/10 along with the results of Quarter 1 performance for Central Bedfordshire Local Area Agreement for 2009/10 and the results of Central Bedfordshire Place Survey be noted.

The report proposes that Executive approves the draft Community Engagement Strategy for formal consultation with key partners via the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the report from the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 28 September 2009.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its  findings and recommendations  which supported the principles outlined in the Strategy and endorsed the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

1.                  That approval be given to the five key principles of the draft Community Engagement Strategy, which are to:-

·                     Give more people greater opportunity to influence decisions;

·                     Enable Councillors to be leaders in and for their communities;

·                     Enhance the role of Town and Parish Councils;

·                     Build the capacity for local people to engage; and

·                     Ensure a joined-up, strategic and coordinated partnership approach.

2.         Noted that a formal consultation exercise with key partners and officers will be undertaken by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Board, during November 2009 – January 2010, to ensure their agreement and support for its implementation.

3.         Noted that a comprehensive Community Engagement Strategy for Central Bedfordshire will be brought to the Executive meeting on 9 February 2010, in preparation for its implementation from 1 April 2010.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation proposing a draft Community Engagement Strategy for formal consultation with key partners via the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP).

Councillor Stay introducing his report explained that the 5 key principles detailed in the report encompassed the overall thrust of the draft strategy with a slight amendment to the second principle; ‘champions’ to be replaced with ‘leaders; throughout the report and draft strategy. 

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the report from the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 28 September 2009.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its  findings and recommendations  which supported the principles outlined in the draft Strategy and endorsed the recommendations.

During the ensuing discussion a number of general comments and questions were raised which were responded to by the Portfolio Holder including:

·        The replacement of ‘champions’ with ‘leaders i.e. that Councillors be enabled to be ‘leaders’ in and for the their communities as opposed to ‘champions’

·        The adoption of a principle that community consultation should only be undertaken where there is clear evidence that the Council can respond to, and action, any outcomes flowing from such consultation

·        Individual councillor budgets for councillors to spend locally in their ward

·        Generic officer support for ward councillors.

Concluding the general discussion Members were reminded that the draft Community Strategy would be consulted on with key partners and officers by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Board, during November 2009 – January 2010, to ensure their agreement and support for its implementation before being brought back to the Executive.

Reason for decisions: To enable the Council and it’s partners to deliver greater added value to our citizens by understanding their needs and issues, and giving them a greater involvement in the decision-making process and access to public sector services.  The strategy is based on developing a joined-up, strategic and co-ordinated partnership approach, which is consistent with our aspirations for Total Place.

RESOLVED:

1.                  That approval be given to the five key principles of the draft Community Engagement Strategy, which are to:-

·                     Give more people greater opportunity to influence decisions;

·                     Enable Councillors to be leaders in and for their communities;

·                     Enhance the role of Town and Parish Councils;

·                     Build the capacity for local people to engage; and

·                     Ensure a joined-up, strategic and coordinated partnership approach.

2.         Noted that a formal consultation exercise with key partners and officers will be undertaken by the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Board, during November 2009 – January 2010, to ensure their agreement and support for its implementation.

3.         Noted that a comprehensive Community Engagement Strategy for Central Bedfordshire will be brought to the Executive meeting on 9 February 2010, in preparation for its implementation from 1 April 2010.

The report proposes the attached Customer Services Strategy be agreed and recommended to Council for approval. The strategy provides an overview of customer contact development for Central Bedfordshire Council and its ambition to deliver services jointly to our customers with other public sector partners. The Customer Service Strategy plays a key role in how the Council responds to local challenges and aligns fully with the Community Engagement Strategy, our Local Strategic Partnership and our role in national projects such as “Total Place” and “Tell Us Once”, and our overall Business Transformation Strategy.

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the report from the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 28 September 2009.  The Executive having considered the recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which sought a revised vision for the Customer Services Strategy agreed not to accept the recommendation. The Executive agreed it was right that the Council’s vision should be to consistently meet and exceed customers’ expectations through service excellence.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Customer Services Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Council, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.         The  Executive notes that progress against the Customer Services  Strategy will be monitored via the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2.         Noted that the Customer Services  Strategy will take at least two years to fully enact and progress will be overseen by the Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation in conjunction with the Director of Business Transformation.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation proposing a Customer Services Strategy.

Councillor Stay advised that the strategy provided an overview of customer contact development for Central Bedfordshire Council and its ambition to deliver services jointly to its customers with other public sector partners. It was proposed that The Customer Service Strategy will play a key role in how the Council responds to local challenges and aligns fully with the Community Engagement Strategy, the Local Strategic Partnership and the Council’s role in national projects such as “Total Place” and “Tell Us Once”, as well as the overall Business Transformation Strategy.

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the report from the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 28 September 2009.  The Executive having considered the recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee which sought a revised vision for the Customer Services Strategy agreed not to accept the recommendation. The Executive agreed it was right that the Council’s vision should be to consistently meet and exceed customers’ expectations through service excellence.

Reason for decisions: So that the Council is able to effectively implement Customer Services in line with its and its public sector partners strategic priorities.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Customer Services Strategy for Central Bedfordshire Council, as set out in Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved.

RESOLVED:

1.         The  Executive notes that progress against the Customer Services  Strategy will be monitored via the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2.         Noted that the Customer Services  Strategy will take at least two years to fully enact and progress will be overseen by the Portfolio Holder for Business Transformation in conjunction with the Director of Business Transformation.

The report proposes to award the Building Cleaning Services contract (2009 – 2014).

That the Building Cleaning Services Contract 2009 – 2014 be awarded to Tenderer C as detailed in the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Rita Drinkwater, Portfolio Holder for Housing proposing the award the Building Cleaning Services Contract for 2009 – 2014.

Reason for decision:  To deliver the Building Cleaning Services to Housing General Needs Sheltered Housing and Gypsy/Travellers sites and protect the asset value of the Council’s housing stock.

RESOLVED:

That the Building Cleaning Services Contract 2009 – 2014 be awarded to Tenderer C as detailed in the submitted report.

To provide information on the budget position at 31 August 2009 to enable decisions to be taken on resource allocation and service delivery.

1.         That the report setting out the latest budget projections for the year and also that further work is ongoing to establish the likely out turn for 2009/10 be noted.

2..        That, subject to consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, approval be given to the Directorate action plans and Financial Recovery Plan for the Directorate of Adult Social Care Health and Housing, as detailed in the submitted report.

3.         That approval be given to the transfer of £2.74m previously earmarked reserves to General Fund.

4.         That, subject to the views of the School’s Forum, approval of the final decision in respect of school balances be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources setting out the budget position as at 31 August 2009 to enable decisions to be taken on resource allocation and service delivery that had been circulated with the Chairman’s briefing note which replaced the report attached to the main agenda.

During consideration of the report the Portfolio Holder responded to questions and comments raised by Members.  With regards to the Action/Recovery Plans to address the current forecast overspend a Member sought clarification on the figures on the Children Families and Learning Plan for Transport on page 24 of the report.  Members were advised that whilst the figures showed an in-year saving to date it was likely that the savings would be over shadowed by an increase in the demand for transport. 

Concluding the Portfolio Holder complimented finance officers, Directors and HR for the amount of work that had gone into producing the data for the report.

Reason for decisions: Members asked that robust monitoring took place from day one so that corrective action could be taken. This was not only to ensure that spend was delivered to budget but also to ensure that the resources have been allocated appropriately.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the report setting out the latest budget projections for the year and also that further work is ongoing to establish the likely out turn for 2009/10 be noted.

2..        That, subject to consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, approval be given to the Directorate action plans and Financial Recovery Plan for the Directorate of Adult Social Care Health and Housing, as detailed in the submitted report.

3.         That approval be given to the transfer of £2.74m previously earmarked reserves to General Fund.

4.         That, subject to the views of the School’s Forum, approval of the final decision in respect of school balances be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services.

This report proposes the adoption of the ‘Members Acceptable Use Policy’ which provides guidance on the use of computer and telephony services and ensures that these are operated in an economical, secure, accessible and legally compliant manner.

That approval be given to the publication and implementation of the Central Bedfordshire Council Members Acceptable Use Policy Report attached to the Chairman’s Briefing Notes.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing the adoption of the ‘Members Acceptable Use Policy’ which provides guidance on the use of computer and telephony services and ensures that these are operated in an economical, secure, accessible and legally compliant manner.  It was noted that the policy attached at Appendix A to the Chairman’s briefing note clarified in paragraphs 8, 10 and 11 where the policy refers to Council supplied equipment.

Reason for decision: This is one of a suite of policies required to ensure that Central Bedfordshire Council is able to achieve the mandatory Government Connect compliance.     

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to the publication and implementation of the Central Bedfordshire Council Members Acceptable Use Policy Report circulated with the Chairman’s Briefing Notes.

To authorise the execution of a lease document to Potton Town Council to use the premises for a Community Centre for Lifetime Learning until 31 March 2031. 

That, subject to the deletion of paragraph 3 of the submitted report, that approval be given to executing a lease to allow Potton Town Council to occupy Central Bedfordshire Council’s property for 30 years from the 1 April 2001 at a peppercorn rent.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources seeking the execution of a lease document to Potton Town Council to use the premises for a Community Centre for Lifetime Learning until 31 March 2031 at a peppercorn rent together a revised paragraph 4 detailed in the Chairman’s briefing note. It was noted that formalising the occupation of the Community Centre by Potton Town Council would also enable Central Bedfordshire to meet its community service obligation to deliver services to the community.

During consideration  of the report a Member commented that the Quirk report, referred to in paragraph 3 of the submitted report, was not something that the Council should be subscribing to and for this reason suggested that a decision to allow Potton Town Council to occupy the property should not be based upon it.  

Reason for decision: To formalise the occupation of the Community Centre by Potton Town Council and for Central Bedfordshire to meet its community service obligation. To meet the Council’s strategy of delivering services to the community

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the deletion of paragraph 3 of the submitted report, that approval be given to executing a lease to allow Potton Town Council to occupy Central Bedfordshire Council’s property for 30 years from the 1 April 2001 at a peppercorn rent.

Councillor Anita Lewis declared a personal interest in this item and took no part in the discussion or voting thereon.

The report proposes a new policy for the Council in respect of Fees and Charges for services provided.

RECOMMENDED:

That the Fees and Charges Policy, as set out in Appendix A of the submitted report, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources proposing a new policy for the Council in respect of Fees and Charges for services provided. It was noted an additional category ‘people in receipt of higher rate disability living allowance’ had been added to the list of groups on paragraph 1.3 on page 245 and paragraph 7.4 on page 251 where it states that the policy of the Council when charges are reviewed will be to consider concessions for the following groups as detailed in the Chairman’s briefing note.

The Executive was reminded that the Council had set up a Member Working Group to consider and recommend a new Fees and Charges Policy to the Council as well as review proposals for Fees and Charges that will apply for 2010/11. The Working Group had produced a recommended policy and Executive approval was being sought for the document to be forwarded onto  Council for approval at its meeting on 19 November 2009.

It was noted that whilst the adoption of the Policy was a matter for Council, consideration of the document would enable the Executive to subsequently agree a proposed Fees and Charges schedule for 2010/11, subject to approval of the Fees and Charges Policy by Council at its November meeting.

Reason for decision: So that the Council has an agreed policy in place when agreeing Fees and Charges to apply in 2010/11

RECOMMENDED:

That the Fees and Charges Policy, as set out in Appendix A of the submitted report, be approved.

The report presents the Central Bedfordshire commissioning framework which will guide the work of the Children’s Trust.

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations in relation to the report from the Children’s Families and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 6 October 2009.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its findings and recommendations which had been taken into account and which would help in moving forward with the Commissioning Framework.  

RESOLVED:

1.                  That the Strategic Commissioning Framework for Children in Central Bedfordshire, as set out in the submitted report as amended, be adopted.

2.         That the Children’s Trust be asked to consider the involvement of        an external view of the process and the commissioning activity.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services setting out the Central Bedfordshire Commissioning Framework which will guide the work of the Children’s Trust. 

The Strategic Commissioning Framework was designed to ensure that all Children’s Trust partners had a shared understanding about how they will work together to commission services to meet the priorities for children and young people in Central Bedfordshire. The Framework would be adopted by all agencies working with children and young people in Central Bedfordshire under the Children’s Trust governance arrangements.

The Portfolio Holder drew the Executive’s attention to the Commissioning Framework’s vision and values set out in Appendix A to the submitted report.  She explained that the Trust was committed to ensuring that all children and young people have the best possible start in life. Commissioning sets out a framework for making  the best use of resources in order to get the best possible services for local people.

As part of its deliberations the Executive considered the comments and recommendations from the Children’s Families and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee from its meeting on 6 October 2009.  The Portfolio Holder referred to comments from the Committee about the objectivity of the Commissioning Executive, subsequently changed to Commissioning Sub Group to avoid any confusion, as detailed in the Chairman’s briefing note, and the use of independent external experts as a way of increasing the objectivity of the Commissioning Executive (Sub Group).  She clarified that whilst the Committee had this view and, as detailed in the Chairman’s briefing note, an additional recommendation had been put forward asking the Trust to consider the involvement of an external view of the process, the composition of the Group must be from members of the Trust Board i.e. officers from partner authorities.  It was noted that the statutory nature of the Trust required it to self-regulate.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee were thanked for bringing forward its findings and recommendations which had been taken into account and which would help in moving forward with the Commissioning Framework. 

With regard to the financial implications arising from the Commissioning Framework as set out in the submitted report it was agreed that ‘no immediate financial implications from the adoption of the Framework in the current financial year’ should be deleted. 

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 improve outcomes for children and young people.

RESOLVED:

1.                  That the Strategic Commissioning Framework for Children in Central Bedfordshire, as set out in the submitted report as amended, be adopted.

2.         That the Children’s Trust be asked to consider the involvement of        an external view of the process and the commissioning activity.

To approve expenditure of up to £210k from the 2009/10 Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme ‘Community Football Development Centre – Dunstable’ so that the Council can undertake rerouting of the Sustrans cycleway and undertake a tendering exercise on the football development project.

1.         That approval be given to expenditure of up to £210k from the 2009/10 Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme “Community Football Development Centre – Dunstable” to enable rerouting of the Sustrans cycle path, as set out in paragraph 3.3 and 3.4 of the submitted report, and that a tendering exercise be undertaken on the football development project.

2.         That confirmation be given to the appointment of architects currently engaged on the project to act as the lead consultants, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the submitted report.

3.         That the appointment of the preferred contractor to undertake the rerouting work of the Sustrans cycle path to meet planning application conditions, as set out in paragraph 3.3 and 3.4 of the submitted report, be delegated to the Acting Chief Executive and Director for Children, Families and Learning in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Stephen Male - Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills seeking approval to expenditure of up to £210k from the 2009/10 CBC capital programme ‘Community Football Development Centre – Dunstable’ so that the Council can undertake rerouting of the Sustrans cycleway and undertake a tendering exercise on the football development project.

The Portfolio Holder advised the Executive that the Council owned football facility required substantial investment to bring it up to an acceptable standard. The objectives of the project were to provide fit for purpose football facilities to replace the existing tired facilities at Creasey Park whilst integrating Peppercorn Park and Brewers Hill Middle School into a managed, secure area. The facility would be the home of Dunstable Town FC, AFC Dunstable and links the Brewers Hill Middle School site with Peppercorn Park to provide additional community pitches within the area.  The project would also provide a sporting opportunity for all and at the same time, use sport to deliver wider social outcomes of inclusion, crime reduction, health improvement and civic pride for the residents of Dunstable.

Attention was drawn to the fact that because of the deficit in quality football facilities in the area, the Football Foundation and Football Association identified the project as a strategically relevant scheme for funding in 2009/10 and the Council had been successful in bidding for £780,000 (£700k capital and £80k revenue).  It was noted that should  the £210k required to take the project to the next stage of undertaking a tendering exercise not be approved it was likely that the football foundation grant could be forgone without any certainty that a future bid would be successful.

Reason for decisions: So that the employers requirements for Creasey Park Community Football Development Centre in Dunstable can be drawn up and a tendering process can be undertaken for its development. So that the existing Sustrans cycle path can be rerouted to meet planning application requirements.

RESOLVED:

1.         That approval be given to expenditure of up to £210k from the 2009/10 Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme “Community Football Development Centre – Dunstable” to enable rerouting of the Sustrans cycle path, as set out in paragraph 3.3 and 3.4 of the submitted report, and that a tendering exercise be undertaken on the football development project.

2.         That confirmation be given to the appointment of architects currently engaged on the project to act as the lead consultants, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the submitted report.

3.         That the appointment of the preferred contractor to undertake the rerouting work of the Sustrans cycle path to meet planning application conditions, as set out in paragraph 3.3 and 3.4 of the submitted report, be delegated to the Acting Chief Executive and Director for Children, Families and Learning in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills.

To approve the appointment of the current consultants engaged on the project to undertake a traditional build process for the extension of Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre.  To approve £690,000 from the 2009/10 Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme.

1.         That approval be given to capital expenditure of £690,000 from the Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme for 2009/10 for the extension of Sandy Sport and Leisure Centre.

2.         That approval be given to the appointment of the current consultants Architects B3 engaged on the project, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted report, to undertake a traditional build process for the extension of Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Stephen Male, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills seeking approval to the appointment of the current consultants engaged on the project to undertake a traditional build process for the extension of Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre.  Approval was also being sought for £690,000 from the 2009/10 CBC capital programme.

As background the Portfolio Holder advised the Executive that the sports facilities at Sandy Sports Centre had been improved over the last 15 years and was administered through a Joint Management Agreement between Sandy Upper and Community School, Sandy Sports and Leisure Association and Central Bedfordshire Council. The facilities were managed by Stevenage Leisure Limited on behalf of this Council.

Members were advised that the purpose of the extension was to improve the range and quality of leisure provision in Sandy and enable the leisure management contractor to review the leisure activities available during the day to increase income and reduce the contract management fee. In response to noting that the proposal did not include plans for additional cycle stands a Member urged that this be looked into.

Reason for decisions: So that the extension to Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre can be built.

RESOLVED:

1.         That approval be given to capital expenditure of £690,000 from the Central Bedfordshire Council capital programme for 2009/10 for the extension of Sandy Sport and Leisure Centre.

2.         That approval be given to the appointment of the current consultants Architects B3 engaged on the project, as set out in paragraph 4.1 of the submitted report, to undertake a traditional build process for the extension of Sandy Sport and Recreation Centre.

This report requests Executive to approve expenditure of up to £52,000 on improvements to Dunstable and Tiddenfoot Leisure Centres.

That approval be given to expenditure of up to £52,000 from the Central Bedfordshire Council 2009/10 capital programme to fund improvements, as set out in paragraph 3 of the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Stephen Male, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Skills seeking approval of expenditure of up to £52,000 on improvements to Dunstable and Tiddenfoot Leisure Centres.

The Portfolio Holder advised the Executive that a budget of up to £52,000 was needed so that improvements could be made to Tiddenfoot and Dunstable Leisure Centres as set out in the scope of the project in the PID at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.  The improvements were contractual obligations and would deliver improvements identified in the stock condition survey.

Reason for decision:  So that items for improvement as identified by a stock condition survey can be undertaken and contractual obligations are met.

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to expenditure of up to £52,000 from the Central Bedfordshire Council 2009/10 capital programme to fund improvements, as set out in paragraph 3 of the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report.

To receive the Forward Plan which covers the period from 1 November 2009 to 30 November 2010.

The forward Plan for the period 1 November 2009 to 30 November 2010 was received.