To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 2 November 2010.

RESOLVED

the minutes of the meeting held on 2 November were confirmed as a correct record.

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

There were no matters of communication.

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

1.                  Stop the proposed cut of mobile library service

2.         Stop cuts to the Sensory Impairment Provision for Deaf and Visually    Impaired Children

3.         Stop the closure of Houghton Regis Leisure Centre

4.         Save the Music Service

5.        Request that Church Road, Aspley Heath be included in the winter        gritting programme

6.        Stop cuts to the early years support team .

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

1.         Petition requesting that Church Road, Aspley Heath be included in the Winter Gritting Programme

Mr Piers Willott, Aspley Heath Parish Council presented a petition containing in excess of 200 signatures requesting that Church Road, Aspley Heath be included in the winter gritting programme.  Mr Willott explained that Church Road was a steep no through road that became inaccessible during poor weather.  Reference was made to residents not being able to get to work during the bad weather and concerns about road safety.

The Chairman also allowed a local resident from Aspley Heath, Mr Ian Townsend to speak in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Appendix A of Part A4 of the Constitution:

Winter Gritting - Church Road, Aspley Heath

Mr Townsend concurred with the views of Aspley Heath Parish Council that Church Road was inaccessible during poor weather. He commented, however, that if the Council was unable to include the road in its winter gritting programme because of financial pressures, an alternative option could be to install an additional salt bin so that residents could grit the road themselves.

The Chairman thanked Mr Willmott for presenting the petition to the Executive and Mr Townsend for his comments and invited the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles to respond. 

Response by Councillor McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles

Councillor McVicar advised the meeting that he was aware of the problems in Church Road.  He explained that the petition would be referred on for more detailed consideration to a future Traffic Management Meeting.  It was noted that both the lead petitioner and Mr Townsend would be notified of the date of the meeting and be invited to attend.

2.         Petition seeking a Parking Restriction in Faynes Court, Sandy

Councillor Nigel Aldis presented a petition, on behalf of the lead petitioner, containing 23 names seeking the introduction of a parking restriction in Faynes Court, Sandy. Councillor Aldis explained that there was a long standing problem with parking congestion in the area which created a hazard to those needing to gain access, including emergency vehicles.

Response to the petition by the Chairman

The Chairman thanked Councillor Aldis for introducing the petition. As the petition related to a traffic order matter it would be referred on for more detailed consideration to a future Traffic Management Meeting.

The Chairman advised the meeting that the following petitions all related to savings proposals that were currently being considered.

3.         E-petition to Stop the proposed cut of the mobile library service

Mr Bannister presented a petition to the Executive containing in excess of 300 signatures urging Members not to proceed with the proposed cut to the mobile library service.  He explained that the well stocked mobile library was a highly valued service and should be retained.  He referred to the possible closure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.

To respond to general questions and statements from members of the public in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Appendix A of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The following statements were received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme:

1.                  Hazel Cooper – Support for the Youth Service

Hazel Cooper, nineteen years old, introduced herself to the Executive and explained that she had returned to education because of the support and guidance she had received from a Youth Support Worker.  She referred to the excellent work and support that Youth Workers and the Connexions Service gave to young people and expressed her concern about the proposed cuts.

2.         Emily Midgley – Support for the Youth Service

Emily Midgley introduced herself to the Executive and explained with the help and support of a Youth Worker she had been able to move forward with purpose in life; this meant a lot to her as she had been diagnosed as suffering from ADHD. She explained that Youth Workers were able to help young people to do good things with their lives and urged the Executive not to make cuts to the Youth Service.

3.         Maya Data – Support for the Youth Service

Maya explained to the Executive that she was introduced to Youth Workers when she was in Year 10 at school and at that time was very shy. She explained how Youth Workers had given her new skills and confidence and because of this she had been able to make friends.  Maya asked the Executive not to make cuts to the Youth Service which she explained also provided support to the Youth Parliament and the Connexions service.

Response by Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children Services

Councillor Mrs Lewis thanked the young people for coming to the meeting and making their presentations to the Executive.  She explained that their views would be taken into careful consideration when the Executive considered the future funding of the Youth Service.

To consider the forecast outturn position as at 31 March 2011.

1.         That the improved forecast outturn position of £3.251M over budget which is a reduction of £2.685M when compared to the Quarter 1 report be noted.

2.         That the £1.390M compensatory efficiencies, as set out in the   submitted report, be noted.

3.         That the use of £0.525M of contingency, as detailed in paragraph 2.33            of the submitted report, be approved.

4.         That approval be given to the use of contingency to fund estimated Appendix E costs, as detailed in paragraph 2.35 of the submitted report.

5.         Note that management action is being taken to curb discretionary spend in the remainder of the 2010/11 financial year, to avoid the overspend that is otherwise projected to occur.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Finance Governance and People setting out spend to date as at 30 September 2010 against approved profiled budgets and the forecast outturn financial position as at 31 March 2011. 

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that the latest forecasts indicated a significant improvement since the last quarter report.  However, there continued to be an increased demand for Council services which presented a further financial challenge to the Council.  In addition, the Coalition Government’s in year funding cuts had resulted in a £2.0M reduction to the Council’s Area Based Grant which placed an additional pressure on achieving a balanced budget.

The Executive noted that management actions and compensatory savings to address the financial pressures were having the desired impact, although further savings would still be required to achieve a balanced budget at year end. 

Reason for decision:  To facilitate effective financial management and planning.

RESOLVED

1.         that the improved forecast outturn position of £3.251M over budget which is a reduction of £2.685M when compared to the Quarter 1 report be noted.

2.         that the £1.390M compensatory efficiencies, as set out in the      submitted report, be noted.

3.         that the use of £0.525M of contingency, as detailed in paragraph           2.33 of the submitted report, be approved.

4.         that approval be given to the use of contingency to fund estimated Appendix E costs, as detailed in paragraph 2.35 of the submitted report.

5.         that it be noted that management action is being taken to curb discretionary spend in the remainder of the 2010/11 financial year, to avoid the overspend that is otherwise projected to occur.

To consider an update on the Corporate Budget Strategy.  (Report to follow)

1.         That the Executive acknowledge the additional challenges facing the Council in view of the Government’s Spending Review announcement and the expected reduction in funding for local authorities, including its profiling.

2.         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committees and other stakeholders be invited to comment on the supplementary saving proposals set out in Appendix A of the submitted report.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Maurice Jones, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and People setting out an update to the Corporate Budget Strategy reported to the Executive on 2 November 2010 (Minute E/10/83 refers).

Councillor Jones explained that the funding assumptions made in the Corporate Budget Strategy were broadly in line with the overall funding settlement for local government set out in the Spending Review announcement on 20 October 2010.  However, more up to date information had shown the profile of the reductions to be front loaded with a greater impact on 2011/12.   For this reason, an early assessment of the impact had been made and further savings proposals amounting to a further £8.3M for 2011/12 were now considered appropriate.

The Portfolio Holder drew attention to Appendix A to the submitted report containing details of the supplementary savings which the Overview and Scrutiny Committees would be invited to comment upon. Comments and recommendations made by Overview & Scrutiny would then be taken into account before the Executive made its final recommendations to the Council.

During the ensuing debate the Portfolio Holder responded to comments and questions raised by non-Executive Members in attendance. 

Reason for decision: So that the Council is prepared to introduce and implement a budget for 2011/12, through the active engagement of Members, Staff, Customers and Stakeholders.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive acknowledge the additional challenges facing the Council in view of the Government’s Spending Review announcement and the expected reduction in funding for local authorities, including its profiling.

2.         that the Overview & Scrutiny Committees and other stakeholders be invited to comment on the supplementary saving proposals set out in Appendix A of the submitted report.

To consider a draft interim strategy for supporting local bus and community transport services in the face of corporate budget pressures.

1.         That the results of the consultation with the public, concessionary pass holders and with bus and dial-a-ride service users in respect of the Council’s support for local bus and community transport service provision, as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

2.       (a)         that the time before which national concessionary pass holders may board a local bus service and travel without payment be restricted to the statutory 09.30 on Mondays to Fridays; and that delegated authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, to authorise exceptions.  This will generate annual savings of £65,000.

(b)                   that disabled pass holders be exempt from the 09.30 restriction.  This exemption will cost in the order of £5,000.

3.         That concessionary pass holders be asked to pay a fare of £1.50 for each individual trip they make on dial-a-ride services.  This will generate an annual saving of £80,000.

4.        (a)        that the Council withdraw support from the contracted bus services listed in Appendix D of the submitted report, subject to the period of notice specified in the conditions of contract.  This will generate an annual saving of £400,000.

(b)       that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, be given delegated authority to apply the principles and evaluation criteria, as set out in paragraph 9 of the submitted report, to future decisions in respect of assessing the suitability of local bus services for public funding.

5.         That further work be undertaken to stimulate and support the community transport sector in Central Bedfordshire in order to reduce social isolation and to provide mobility options for people unable to use local bus services.  This will require an annual investment of £100,000.

6.         That the business case for introducing a taxi-based “safety-net” service for rural communities be assessed.

7.         That grant funding for the three dial-a-ride operators, as set out in the submitted report, be maintained at its current level.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles proposing a draft interim strategy for supporting local bus and community transport services in the face of corporate budget pressures. The submitted report included an outline of the predicted changes in respect of passenger transport financing from Government, together with a summary of the consultation undertaken with the public and with service users.

The Portfolio Holder explained that the proposals had been developed after consultation with the public, service users and the community and voluntary sector.  The proposals included restricting the time before which use of concessionary passes was allowed on local bus services and charging for the use of concessionary passes on dial-a-ride services; withdrawing support from poorly used local bus services, whilst reinvesting some of the resulting savings in developing community transport services to mitigate against social isolation and assessing the business case for a taxi-based ‘safety net’ service for rural communities.

The Executive wished to offer all Members a further opportunity to raise any particular comments or concerns on the detailed implementation proposals, as set out in Appendix D to the submitted report (pages 89 – 105).  To this end the Executive requested that any such matters be communicated in writing to the Director of Sustainable Communities by Friday 17 December 2010.  The Director would then consider the issues with the Portfolio Holder and seek to address the concerns raised.

Reason for decision: To enable the Council to deliver a balanced budget in 2011-2012, whilst meeting the cost-effectiveness criteria contained in the Bus Strategy. Taking action now would ensure delivery of the full savings in 2011-12 and partial savings in 2010/11 whilst maximising the amount of time available to develop and implement mitigating actions.

RESOLVED

1.         that the results of the consultation with the public, concessionary pass holders and with bus and dial-a-ride service users in respect of the Council’s support for local bus and community transport service provision, as set out in the submitted report, be noted.

2.       (a)         that the time before which national concessionary pass holders may board a local bus service and travel without payment be restricted to the statutory 09.30 on Mondays to Fridays; and that delegated authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, to authorise exceptions.  This will generate annual savings of £65,000.

                        (b)       that disabled pass holders be exempt from the 09.30                                 restriction.  This exemption will cost in the order of £5,000.

3.         that concessionary pass holders be asked to pay a fare of £1.50 for each individual trip they make on dial-a-ride services.  This will generate an annual saving of £80,000.

4.        (a)        that the Council withdraw support from the contracted bus services listed in Appendix D of the submitted report, subject to the period of notice specified in the conditions of contract.  This will generate an annual saving of £400,000.

(b)       that the Director of Sustainable Communities,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

The consider a methodology for the review of vehicular speed limits in rural communities requested by the Executive.

1.         That the Executive approve the revised approach to        vehicle speed management, as set out in the submitted report, whilst also agreeing that application of the new approach will be constrained by existing budgets and the particular circumstances of each case.

2.         That Town or Parish Councils, or others proposing schemes under the            new approach, be encouraged to           bring forward funding for them.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles proposing a methodology for the review of vehicular speed limits in rural communities requested by the Executive at its meeting on 17 August 2010  (Minute E/10/51 refers).

The Portfolio Holder reminded Members that at its meeting on 17 August 2010, the Executive had considered a request from Councillor Chapman to support the implementation of changes to existing speed limits in Husborne Crawley requested by the community. The Executive had been minded to support the request but agreed that its decision should not be taken in isolation.  As a result officers were asked to undertake a review of speed limits across Central Bedfordshire to consider how best to support and work with communities concerned about speed and to achieve their objectives.

Councillor McVicar advised Members that if the suggested changes to the existing policy, as detailed in the submitted report were fully implemented, it would cost the Authority around £1M.  For this reason Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance moved the following amendments to the recommendation, which were duly seconded:-

1.      that the revised approach to vehicle speed management be approved whilst also agreeing that application of the new approach would be constrained by existing budgets and the particular circumstances of each case.

                     2.     that Town or Parish Councils, or others proposing schemes                              under the new approach, be encouraged to bring forward                               funding for them.

Reason for decision: To allow a more flexible application of the national guidelines to deliver lower speed limits in the smaller communities of Central Bedfordshire.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive approve the revised approach to vehicle speed management, as set out in the submitted report, whilst also agreeing that application of the new approach will be constrained by existing budgets and the particular circumstances of each case.

2.         that Town or Parish Councils, or others proposing schemes under      the new approach, be encouraged to contribute the necessary        funding.

The purpose of the report is to agree the preferred operator for Creasey Park Community Football Development Centre, Dunstable.

1.         That the Executive endorses the partnership approach of the Football Development Plan Bid and agrees that Dunstable Town Council be appointed as the managing operator of the Creasey Park Football Development Centre, Dunstable, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of final negotiations.

2.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, be authorised to conclude negotiations with the Town Council. 

The Executive considered a report from Councillor David McVicar, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles proposing that the preferred operator for Creasey Park Community Football Development Centre, Dunstable be appointed.

The Portfolio Holder reminded Members that the Executive in June 2010 (Minute E/10/25 refers) had authorised expenditure to build a new Community Football Development Centre at Creasey Park, Dunstable and had authorised the Director of Sustainable Communities to agree management arrangements for the facility.  At that time only one operator had been identified; as a second proposal had since come forward it was appropriate for the Executive to consider both proposals.

The submitted report set out the relative strengths and weaknesses of each of the potential operators of the facility.

During consideration of the report, Members noted that there had been a partnership approach to the submission of the original Football Development Plan Bid to the Football Foundation.  For this reason, coupled with no significant financial differences between the two potential operators, the Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance moved the following recommendations which were duly seconded:-

1.         that the partnership approach of the Football Development Plan Bid be endorsed and Dunstable Town Council be appointed as the managing operator of the Creasey Park Football Development Centre, Dunstable, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of final negotiations.

2.         that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, be authorised to conclude negotiations, to ensure a financial contribution to the rates payable, with the Town Council. 

Reason for decision: So that the delivery of the vision and objectives of the facility is carried out in accordance with the Football Development Plan and associated Football Foundation grant conditions.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive endorses the partnership approach of the Football Development Plan Bid and agrees that Dunstable Town Council be appointed as the managing operator of the Creasey Park Football Development Centre, Dunstable, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of final negotiations.

2.                  that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, be authorised to conclude negotiations, to ensure a financial contribution to the rates payable, with the Town Council. 

  Non-Executive Member Councillor Peter Hollick declared a personal interest as a Member of Dunstable Town Council who had been involved in the development of the partnership bid.

The report proposes that £5 million of Growth Area Fund (GAF) money be made available to the Highways Agency as part of a local contribution to develop the A5-M1 link.

1.         That £5 million of GAF money be made available to the Highways Agency to develop the A5-M1 link scheme, as set out in the submitted report and that the work being carried out by Central Bedfordshire Council in facilitating the delivery of a local contribution towards the A5-M1 link be endorsed.

2.         That the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, be authorised to finalise the agreements with the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport referred to in resolution (1) above.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Tom Nicols, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development proposing that £5 million of Growth Area Fund (GAF) money be made available to the Highways Agency, as part of a local contribution to develop the A5-M1 link.

The Portfolio Holder drew attention to the importance of the A5-M1 link for Central Bedfordshire. Its delivery would enable significant housing and promote quality of life and economic benefits to a large part of the local population

Reason for decision: To enable the  A5-M1 link to be progressed.

RESOLVED

1.         that £5 million of GAF money be made available to the Highways Agency to develop the A5-M1 link scheme, as set out in the submitted report and that the work being carried out by Central Bedfordshire Council in facilitating the delivery of a local contribution towards the A5-M1 link be endorsed.

2.         that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development, be authorised to finalise the agreements with the Highways Agency and the Department for Transport referred to in resolution (1) above.

The consider options with regard to future provision and management arrangements for the Music Service.  

1.         That having consider the options set out in the report submitted,  option 4 be confirmed, i. e that the Council  moves forward with the disaggregation of the Music Service from Bedford Borough Council on 31 August 2011.

2.         That the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, takes forward detailed work on the re-design of the service to meet required efficiencies for the service whilst ensuring that an appropriate offer is in place that meets local needs for music education in Central Bedfordshire.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services proposing options for future provision and management arrangements for the Music Service when the Service Level Agreement with Bedford Borough Council ends in March 2011.  The report did not include the Sensory Impairment Music Therapy Service which would be covered in the Special Educational Needs report.

Councillor Mrs Anita Lewis introduced her report which set out the current configuration of the Music Service as a shared service provided by Central Bedfordshire Council on behalf of Bedford Borough Council.  As the Service Level Agreement was due to come to an end, the report set out four options for future delivery. It was clarified that making a decision on the policy for the future delivery of the service would not fetter the Executive’s position on the level of financial support to be allocated. 

The Portfolio Holder acknowledged that the Music Service was well known for its high quality and was a valued service.  However, there was a significant cost when compared to both the Council’s statistical and near geographical neighbours. Pressures on local government finances meant that savings needed to be made to the Council’s base budget. 

As a result of the debate, the Executive agreed that the preferred way forward was Option 4 i.e. to reorganise and disaggregate the Music Service to achieve a cost neutral service for Central Bedfordshire whilst ensuring an appropriate offer was in place that meets local needs for music education.

Reason for decision: The Service Level Agreement with Bedford Borough Council for the provision of a shared Music Service expires on 31 March 2011 and a decision is required on the preferred option for future delivery of the Service.

RESOLVED

1.         that having considered the options set out in the report submitted,  option 4 be confirmed, i. e that the Council  moves forward with the disaggregation of the Music Service from Bedford Borough Council on 31 August 2011.

2.         that the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, takes forward detailed work on the re-design of the service to meet required efficiencies for the service whilst ensuring that an appropriate offer is in place that meets local needs for music education in Central Bedfordshire.

The report proposes that consultation begin with schools on alternative options to deliver the school meals service after March 2011.

1.         That schools be consulted at the earliest opportunity on future options for delivery of the school meals service.

2.         That a further report on options for the service be brought back to a future meeting of the Executive once consultation feedback is received from schools.

3.         That following the outcome of the consultation with schools, the Director of Customer and Shared Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems & Assets, be authorised to agree to a negotiated extension for the schools meals’ services with Eden Food Services until the end of the schools’ summer term on 22 July 2011.

The Executive considered a report by Councillor Steve Male, Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems and Assets proposing that consultation begin with schools on alternative options to deliver the school meals service after the existing contract expires at the end of March 2011.

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that with the increasing financial pressures facing the Council, there was a need for  early consultation with schools. In the interim, the Council would seek to extend the existing arrangements with Eden Food Services to the end of the summer term.  This would give schools sufficient time to arrange alternative provision for school meals to commence at the start of the autumn term 2011.

Reason for decision: So that arrangements can be made for school meals  when the current contract comes to an end in March 2011.

RESOLVED

1.         that schools be consulted at the earliest opportunity on future options for delivery of the school meals service.

2.         that a further report on options for the service be brought back to a future meeting of the Executive once consultation feedback is received from schools.

3.         that following the outcome of the consultation with schools, the Director of Customer and Shared Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Customers, Systems & Assets, be authorised to agree to a negotiated extension for the schools meals’ services with Eden Food Services until the end of the schools’ summer term on 22 July 2011.

To consider the outcome of the performance assessment for Adult Social Care.

That the Annual Performance Report for Adult Social Care 2009/10 be noted.

The Executive considered a report by Councillor Mrs Carole Hegley, Portfolio Holder for Social Care & Health on the outcome of the annual performance assessment for Adult Social Care Services in 2009/10 received from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). 

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that the view of the regulator was that the Council had made good progress, in a focused manner and achieved key improvement priorities. As a result the CQC had concluded that the service was performing adequately.

Councillor Hegley in drawing attention to the CQC recognition of the good progress that had been made in Adult Social Care pointed out that the Council had inherited an under performing service and paid tribute to the commitment and hard work of the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing and her team. 

Reason for decision: To meet the requirement of the Care Quality Commission that the outcome of the annual assessment for adult social care is reported to the Executive.

RESOLVED

that the Annual Performance Report for Adult Social Care 2009/10 be noted.

The report highlights the key Quarter 2 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council.

That the Quarter 2 Performance Report setting out the Council’s overall performance position be noted.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Richard Stay, Portfolio Holder for Policy and Performance highlighting the key Quarter 2 performance for Central Bedfordshire Council for 2010/11.

It was noted that overall, performance was generally strong even though the Council had set itself challenging performance targets and was operating within a difficult financial climate. 

A number of Portfolio Holders commented on performance in their respective areas.

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

RESOLVED

that the Quarter 2 Performance Report setting out the Council’s overall performance position be noted.

The consider comments made by the Council’s four Overview & Scrutiny Committees during their examination of saving proposals .  (Report to follow)

That the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees be noted and taken into consideration as part of the 2011/12 draft budget process.

The Executive received the recommendations of the Council’s four Overview and Scrutiny Committees during their examination of the savings proposals outlined in the Executive’s Corporate Budget Strategy report to the meeting on 2 November 2010.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Governance and People thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Committees for bringing forward their recommendations which would be taken into consideration as part of the 2011/12 draft budget process.

Reason for decision: So that the Executive can take account of the comments and recommendations made by Overview & Scrutiny before it makes final recommendations to Council regarding the savings proposals outlined within its Corporate Budget Strategy report.

RESOLVED

that the recommendations from the Council’s four Overview and Scrutiny Committees be noted.          

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 December 210 to 30 November 2011. 

The Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 December 2010 to 31 November 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.

To consider Local Government Business Growth Reserve to support  Town Centre Regeneration.

1.         That Central Bedfordshire Council, in partnership with Development Securities PLC, seek to secure the acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre to deliver the regeneration of Dunstable Town Centre.

2.         That officers continue to negotiate  terms for the partial acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre in             partnership with Development Securities PLC.

3.                  That the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration, be given delegated authority to approve the final terms of the agreement for the partial acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre in Spring 2011, prior to completion.

It was also RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That £1.5 million of capital be used to support the acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre to deliver the regeneration of Dunstable Town Centre and that £1.5 million from the £1.791 million earmarked reserve be transferred into the Redundancy Reserve; with £291k of the remaining earmarked reserve retained to cover the further costs of the delivery of the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.

The Executive considered a report from Councillor Ken Mathews, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration proposing the part acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre to deliver the regeneration of  Dunstable Town Centre. 

The Portfolio Holder advised Members that the refurbishment/redevelopment of the Quadrant shopping centre was crucial for the delivery of the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan and the wider regeneration of the town centre.  It was noted that the Local Authority Business Growth reserve, originally approved by South Bedfordshire District Council and confirmed by Executive as part of Quarter 1 Budget Report in August 2010 (Minute E/10/52 refers), was established for the specific purpose of supporting the implementation of the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.

Reason for decision: To enable the regeneration of a key part of Dunstable  Town Centre

RESOLVED

1.         that Central Bedfordshire Council, in partnership with Development Securities PLC, seek to secure the acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre to deliver the regeneration of Dunstable Town Centre.

2.         that officers continue to negotiate  terms for the partial acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre in partnership with Development Securities PLC.

3.                  that the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration, be given delegated authority to approve the final terms of the agreement for the partial acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre in Spring 2011, prior to completion.

It was also RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

that £1.5 million of capital be used to support the acquisition of the Quadrant shopping centre to deliver the regeneration of Dunstable Town Centre and that £1.5 million from the £1.791 million earmarked reserve be transferred into the Redundancy Reserve; with £291,000 of the remaining earmarked reserve retained to cover the further costs of the delivery of the Dunstable Town Centre Masterplan.