To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 4 October 2011.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2011 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations and the nature in relation to:-

(a)    personal interests in any agenda item

(b)    personal and prejudicial interests in any agenda item.

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

The Leader gave a presentation summarising the feedback received from the recent Residents Survey.

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

(a)    e-Petition requesting the Council to ‘Save Leighton Buzzard Library Café’ – 106 signatures.

(b)    e-Petition to request that the Council build a footpath on Greenfield Hill in Pulloxhill following the deaths of two pedestrians since September 2010 – 368 signatures as at 2 November 2011.  (The e-petition is due to run until the 4 November 2011)

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 ‘To Save Leighton Buzzard Library Café’

The Chairman acknowledged that an e-petition had been submitted ‘To Save Leighton Buzzard Library Café’.  As the lead petitioner was not in attendance to present the petition, the Executive could not consider it.

2.      Petition to request the Council to ‘Build a footpath on Greenfield Hill in Pulloxhill following the deaths of two pedestrians since September 2010’

         Mrs Tennant presented an e-petition and paper petition, containing a total of 728 signatures.  Mrs Tennant acknowledged that she had been notified that the Council had agreed to build the footpath requested during this financial year.  She requested that the Executive Member keep her informed of progress with the project. 

         Mrs Tennant also took the opportunity to raise two further issues that she would like the Council to consider in the future.  Firstly, was the issue of traffic speeding outside Greenfield School and secondly was the extension of the footpath from Oak Drive into Pulloxhill village.

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services thanked Mrs Tennant for presenting the petition and confirmed that design work had started on the footway that would be constructed on the east side of Greenfield Road.  Mrs Tennant would be kept informed of progress.  He also advised that any additional work would need to be prioritised alongside other requests for highways maintenance work.

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 statement was received in accordance with the Public Participation Scheme:

1.      Mr M Marshall

Mr Marshall spoke to Agenda item 12 ‘Central Bedfordshire Housing Allocations Policy’.  Mr Marshall commented on the following three areas:

·        resident prioritisation;

·        housing banding; and

·        under-occupation.

The Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing thanked    Mr Marshall for his comments and explained that the Local Lettings Policy would be consulted upon for a period of 12 weeks, with Parish Councils and other key stakeholders prior to consideration by the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  She advised that Mr Marshall’s comments would be included in the consultation process.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2012.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2012 be noted.

RESOLVED

that the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2012 be noted.

To consider the recommendations from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 25 October 2011 with regard to the review of Highways and Transportation.

The Executive agreed a detailed response to the recommendations from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 25 October 2011, with the exception of recommendation 3 regarding the residents’ parking zones not being used by the Council in the future as a parking control measure and that any further requests should be considered in the context of controlled parking zones.

The Executive considered a report from the Chairman of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) following a review of Highways and Transportation.  A Highways and Transportation Task Force had met to consider and make recommendations to the Sustainable Communities OSC on the following:

• The Council’s draft “Approach to Parking”;
• The managing agency contract (MAC) with Amey LG; and
• The Council’s draft approach to road and footway maintenance – “Approach to Delivering a Sustainable Highway Network”.

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services thanked the Members of the Sustainable Communities OSC in full.  A detailed response to the recommendations was tabled at the meeting.  Members agreed to support the recommendations subject to recommendation 3:

“The Executive to resolve that residents’ parking zones should be used within controlled parking zones but in some cases residents’ parking schemes can be used in isolation outside of parking zones.”

The Executive Member explained that the only practical way to control parking, in many residential areas of Central Bedfordshire, was to use resident parking zones.  The current cost to implement and administer these schemes had exceeded the revenue received.  However, measures aimed at reducing administration costs were being introduced.

RESOLVED   

to agree the response, attached at Appendix A to the minutes, to the recommendations from the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 25 October 2011.

The report defines the process for consulting on the draft budget and includes feedback from the market research phase of public engagement in the budget setting process for 2012/13. 

1.         The feedback from the public research on issues relating to the 2012/13 budget be noted.

2.         The proposed approach to consultation and communication with residents and stakeholders be agreed.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources on the process for consulting on the draft budget.  The report included feedback from the market research phase of public engagement in the budget setting process for 2012/13.

Reason for decision:  To meet statutory responsibilities for consultation and to ensure that the Council was able to develop its draft budget informed by public views about priority issues.

RESOLVED

1.         the feedback from the public research on issues relating to the 2012/13 budget be noted; and

2.         the proposed approach to consultation and communication with residents and stakeholders be agreed.

The Executive’s approval is sought for the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy to undergo consultation on issues of soundness prior to its submission to the Secretary of State and to approve a revised Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2011.  Please note that the Appendices to the report have been circulated separately to Executive Members, Deputy Executive Members and Directors.  Copies can be obtained from our website www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or from Sandra Hobbs on 0300 300 5257.

1.         That the Executive notes:

·        the representations received from the Waste Core Strategy consultation in 2010;

·        the Minerals Safeguarding Areas consultation in the spring of 2011; and

·        the recommended responses to them.

2.         The Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Document be approved for public consultation on issues of soundness.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities - Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to make minor amendments to the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Document prior to consultation on issues of soundness.

4.         That the Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2011 be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out:

·        the representations received from the Waste Core Strategy consultation in 2010;

·        the Mineral Safeguarding Areas consultation in the spring of 2011; and

·        the recommended responses to them. 

The Executive’s approval was sought for the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy to undergo consultation on issues of soundness, prior to its submission to the Secretary of State and to approve a revised Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2011.  Members were advised that Luton Borough Council and Bedford Borough Council had worked with Central Bedfordshire Council to produce the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy.  The Executives at both these authorities had approved the Core Strategy for public consultation.

Reason for decision:  To progress the development of the Minerals and Waste Local Development Framework.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Executive notes:

·        the representations received from the Waste Core Strategy consultation in 2010;

·        the Minerals Safeguarding Areas consultation in the spring of 2011; and

·        the recommended responses to them;

2.         that the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Document be approved for public consultation on issues of soundness;

3.         that delegated authority be given to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to make minor amendments to the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy Document prior to consultation on issues of soundness;

4.                  that the Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2011 be approved.

The report presents the Economic Development Plan for consideration and proposes that the Executive endorse the plan and support its presentation to full Council at the 24 November 2011 meeting as part of the Council Policy Framework. 

That the Economic Development Plan be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That the Economic Development Plan be adopted as part of the Council’s Policy Framework.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that presented the proposed Economic Development Plan.  The Economic Development Plan sought to affirm the Council’s commitment to support sustainable economic growth in Central Bedfordshire.  The plan followed extensive public consultation and had been positively received across a wide range of businesses, partners and organisations from across all sectors.

In response to a question on youth unemployment, the Executive Member explained that the Council would be focusing on securing and influencing the delivery of externally funded provision to ensure young people were better equipped for work and were able to access employment and training opportunities.

The Executive Member responsible for Economic Partnerships reported that the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) had been awarded £13.1m to help accelerate infrastructure, new homes and employment across the area.  This reinforced the importance of the Economic Development Plan and the Council had the opportunity to put forward schemes for support from the SEMLEP funding. 

Reason for decision:  To put in place an up to date, targeted and shared corporate plan, in response to the need to achieve job growth (27,000 jobs by 2026) in Central Bedfordshire to help realise the area’s economic potential.

RESOLVED

that the Economic Development Plan be endorsed.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

that the Economic Development Plan, as set out in the Executive report, be adopted as part of the Council’s Policy Framework.

The report proposes that the Council adopt the Central Bedfordshire Allocations Policy in order to discharge its statutory duties under the Housing Act 1996, Part VI.

1.         That the Central Bedfordshire Allocations Policy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be adopted as the Allocation Scheme for social housing in Central Bedfordshire.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to vary the operation of the Choice Based Lettings Scheme, where so doing is not a material change to the Allocations Policy.  The delegation includes all operational matters related to cross border mobility, including the numbers and types of properties made available for cross border letting.

3.         That the Local Lettings Policy be noted, in relation to Rural Exception sites in Central Bedfordshire set out at Appendix C to the report, following further consideration from legal Counsel’s advice.  This policy will be consulted upon, with Parish Councils and other stakeholders for a period of 12 weeks, prior to consideration by the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and subsequent adoption by the Executive during 2012.

4.         Note the opportunities afforded by the Localism Bill to consider fundamental changes to the Allocations Policy during 2012, on which basis an updated Policy will be presented to the Executive during 2013.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that proposed the adoption of the Central Bedfordshire Allocations Policy to enable the Council to discharge its statutory duties under the Part VI of the Housing Act 1996.  The Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing moved the following amendment to recommendation 3, which was duly seconded:-

“3.     note the Local Lettings Policy in relation to Rural Exception sites in Central Bedfordshire, set out at Appendix C to the report, following further consideration from legal Counsel’s advice.  This policy will be consulted upon, with Parish Councils and other stakeholders for a period of 12 weeks, prior to consideration by the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and subsequent adoption by the Executive during 2012.”

Members noted that the Allocations Policy would be revisited during 2012/13 due to the introduction of the Localism Bill.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to meet its statutory obligation in meeting the diverse housing needs across Central Bedfordshire, whilst increasing customer choice and control.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Central Bedfordshire Allocations Policy, as set out at Appendix A to the report, be adopted as the Allocation Scheme for social housing in Central Bedfordshire;

2.         that delegated authority be given to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to vary the operation of the Choice Based Lettings Scheme, where so doing is not a material change to the Allocations Policy.  The delegation includes all operational matters related to cross border mobility, including the numbers and types of properties made available for cross border letting;

3.         that the Local Lettings Policy be noted, in relation to Rural Exception sites in Central Bedfordshire set out at Appendix C to the report, following further consideration from legal Counsel’s advice.  This policy will be consulted upon, with Parish Councils and other stakeholders for a period of 12 weeks, prior to consideration by the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee and subsequent adoption by the Executive during 2012; and

4.         note the opportunities afforded by the Localism Bill to consider fundamental changes to the Allocations Policy during 2012, on which basis an updated Policy will be presented to the Executive during 2013.

The report proposes the revised Capital Programme for 2011/12.

1.         That a net additional £5.032M to the original Capital Programme for 2011/12 be approved to fund the slippage from the previous years’ Capital Programme.  This includes slippage of £6.9M approved by the Executive on 12 July 2011.

2.         To recognise that there will be slippage of some expenditure into future years, and accordingly authorise the Executive Member for Corporate Resources to approve expenditure in the current financial year in respect of schemes that are included in future years of the Capital Programme but which can be brought forward and delivered in 2011/12, provided that the borrowing limits approved for the Capital Programme for this financial year are not exceeded.

3.         That the inclusion of Flitwick Town Centre Development Scheme of £1.8M, be approved, subject to the Business Case.

4.         That the inclusion of Channel Shift of £0.4M be approved and funded from the Customer Relationship Management budget allocation.     

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That the revised Capital Programme for 2011/12 be approved.     

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources setting out the proposed revised Capital Programme for 2011/12.  The Executive Member moved the following amendments to the recommendations, which were duly seconded:-

“1.     as set out in the report;

2.      approve a net additional £5.032m to the original Capital Programme for 2011/12 to fund the slippage from the previous years’ Capital Programme.  This includes slippage of £6.9m approved by the Executive in July 2011;

3.      recognise that there will be slippage of some expenditure into future years, and accordingly authorise the Executive Member for Corporate Resources to approve expenditure in the current financial year in respect of schemes that are included in future years of the Capital Programme but which can be brought forward and delivered in 2011/12, provided that the borrowing limits approved for the Capital Programme for this financial year are not exceeded;

4.      as set out in recommendation 3 in the report; and

5.      as set out in recommendation 4 in the report.”

Reason for decision:  To facilitate the effective delivery of capital projects, with a consequent increase in the Council's borrowing requirement.

RESOLVED

1.         that a net additional £5.032M to the original Capital Programme for 2011/12 be approved to fund the slippage from the previous years’ Capital Programme.  This includes slippage of £6.9M approved by the Executive on 12 July 2011;

2.         to recognise that there will be slippage of some expenditure into future years, and accordingly authorise the Executive Member for Corporate Resources to approve expenditure in the current financial year in respect of schemes that are included in future years of the Capital Programme but which can be brought forward and delivered in 2011/12, provided that the borrowing limits approved for the Capital programme for this financial year are not exceeded;

3.         that the inclusion of Flitwick Town Centre Development Scheme of £1.8M, be approved, subject to the Business Case; and

4.         that the inclusion of Channel Shift of £0.4M be approved and funded from the Customer Relationship Management budget allocation.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

that the revised Capital Programme for 2011/12 be approved as set out in the Executive report.   

This report requests capital funding for the Design Phase of the Channel Shift Strategy.

1.         That the Channel Shift design phase, be approved, as a new scheme in the 2011/12 Capital Programme based on the business case in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.         That the Channel Shift scheme be funded by using existing capital budget currently allocated to the Customer Relationship Management as this was now not needed for that purpose at this time.

3.         That this results in no increase in the overall budget for the Capital Programme in 2011/12.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources seeking approval for capital funding for the Design Phase of the Channel Shift Strategy.  The Channel Shift Strategy would determine the design and marketing of effective and efficient communication channels that were most appropriate for specific types of customer contact.

Members noted that this would be funded using exsiting capital allocated to Customer Relationship Management, as this was not needed at this current time.

Reason for decision:  In order to progress the Channel Shift Strategy project, and identify the clear costs and benefits of the construction and implementation phase.

RESOLVED

1.         that the Channel Shift design phase, be approved, as a new scheme in the 2011/12 Capital Programme, based on the business case in Appendix 1 to the report;

2.         that the Channel Shift scheme be funded by using existing capital budget currently allocated to Customer Relationship Management as this was now not needed for that purpose at this time; and

3.         that this results in no increase in the overall budget for the Capital Programme in 2011/12.

To propose that the Executive grants delegated powers to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing to award the tender for Landlords’ electricity supplies to the most economically advantageous offer when prices are called.

1.         That the recommendation to retender the Landlords’ Electricity Supply contract as a fixed-price, fixed-term contract, be endorsed.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the tender for the Landlords’ electricity supplies to the most economically advantageous offer when prices are called.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources seeking delegated powers for the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to award the tender for Landlords’ electricity supplies.  The Leader advised Members of the following amendment to recommendation 2, which was duly seconded:-

“2.     that delegated authority be given to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the tender for the Landlords’ electricity supplies to the most economically advantageous offer when prices are called.”

Reason for decision:  To provide the most cost effective approach to procuring electricity for the Landlords’ supplies.

RESOLVED

1.         that the recommendation to retender the Landlords’ Electricity Supply contract as a fixed-price, fixed-term contract, be endorsed; and

2.         that delegated authority be given to the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, to award the tender for the Landlords’ electricity supplies to the most economically advantageous offer when prices are called.

To consider the Adult Social Care Health and Housing Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Peer Challenge final report.

That the final report of the LGG Adult Safeguarding Peer Challenge attached at Appendix A to the report be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that summarised the findings of the Local Government Group (LGG) Adult Safeguarding Peer Challenge, July 2011.

Members commended the Executive Member and the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing and her staff for building sound foundations upon which the Council could build in this key area of its responsibilities.

Reason for decision:  To ensure the outcome of the peer challenge is effectively communicated throughout the Council.

RESOLVED

that the final report of the LGG Adult Safeguarding Peer Challenge attached at Appendix A to the report be noted.

The report outlines the actions taken to ensure business continuity and minimise risks following the notification from the Responsive Repairs contractor that they were withdrawing from the Council’s contract one month from 1 October 2011.

1.         That the actions taken by Housing Services to ensure as far as possible continuity of service and minimisation of risk to the Council be noted.

2.         That the award of the emergency interim contract be noted.

This decision was urgent and therefore not subject to call-in.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member Social Care, Health and Housing that outlined the actions taken to ensure business continuity and minimise risks following the notification from the Responsive Repairs contractor that they were withdrawing from the Council’s contract one month from 1 October 2011.

Reason for decision:  To ensure service continuity.

RESOLVED

1.         that the actions taken by Housing Services to ensure as far as possible continuity of service and minimisation of risk to the Council be noted; and

2.         that the award of the emergency interim contract be noted.

The appendix sets out  the budgeted costs of the detailed design phase and the estimated costs of the full channel shift project.

See minute E/11/84 above for details.

The appendix sets out the emergency procurement process and evaluation summary for an emergency interim Housing Responsive Repairs contract.

See minute E/11/87 above for details.