To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 5 February 2013.

RESOLVED

that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 February 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive from Members any declarations of interest.

Councillor K Matthews, declared a personal interest in agenda item 9 ‘Land Rear of Central Garage, Cranfield, Development Brief’ as he was a Governor at Cranfield Lower School.

Councillor R Stay, declared a personal interest in agenda item 15 ‘Designation of Neighbourhood Areas’ as he was a member of the Steering Group for Neighbourhood Plans.

To receive any matters of communication from the Chairman.

The Chairman thanked Gary Alderson, Director of Sustainable Communities, for his contribution to Central Bedfordshire Council and the former legacy authority Mid Bedfordshire District Council, as he would be leaving the Council on 22 March 2013 and wished him well for the future.

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

No petitions were received.

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 Chairman advised that he would take public questions/statements under the relevant Agenda items.

To receive the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 be noted.

RESOLVED

That the Forward Plan of Key Decisions for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 be noted.

The report sets out the findings of the Gypsy, Traveller Accommodation Assessment 2013 and introduces the draft Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan including site specific policies. 

Please note the Appendices are to follow.

1.      That the total number of pitches and plots required to 2031 recommended by Opinion Research Services in the Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showperson Accommodation Assessment Update 2013, attached at Appendix A to the Executive report be approved.

RECOMMENDED to Council      

1.      that the draft Pre-Submission Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan, attached at Appendix B to the Executive report, be approved for the purposes of Publication and Submission to the Secretary of State; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to make any minor amendments to the Gypsy and Traveller Local Plan:

         (i)           prior to Publication;

         (ii)          after Publication but before Submission; and

         (iii)         during the Examination process.

Prior to consideration of the report, and in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Public Participation, the Chairman invited 16 speakers to address the Executive.  Members of the public raised comments and concerns, which in summary included the following:-

·              concerns about aspects of the process by which the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee had come to conclude that seven sites should be put forward for final consideration;

·              the interpretation of the Government’s Planning Policy for Traveller Sites and in particular Policy E:  Traveller Sites in Green Belt;

·              site 76 – concerns about the health risks this site would have for both  children and adults.  Concerns about the risk of flooding, exposure to farm machinery, air and noise pollution.  There was also concern that local infrastructure including access to the site was not adequate and that Fairfield Park Lower School would not be able to accommodate additional children;

·              site 78 - concern that the community had not been formally advised of the intention to select this site which was in area of great landscape value, about access to it, the onsite waste or recycling facilities and the noise levels from the M1;

·              site 16 – there were concerns that this site was very close to site 116 at Pulloxhill with the residents and businesses of Faldo Road situated between the two.  It was suggested that both gypsy and travellers sites would dominate the area.  Concerns were expressed about access to the site especially as this was used by farm machinery and lorries.  The land was clay and held moisture which could lead to health issues for the gypsy and travellers.  The site would not have ready access to services and facilities.  The speakers also indicated that businesses in Barton felt that the site would impact adversely on the nearby Industrial Estate;

·              site 55 – this area was high grade agricultural land and was near Stratton Manor Moat.  There was concern that there was no public footpath along this stretch of busy and dangerous road and that there was poor access to public transport, health services, community facilities and local schools.  There was also concern about the lack of utilities available at the proposed site and the impact on wildlife; 

·              site  82 – concern that this site was next door to a mobile home park; and 

·              site 58 – this site was high grade agricultural land.  The farmer of this land had produced valuable vegetables, cereal and root crops for many years and losing this site would have an impact on his livelihood.  Concerns were raised about the access to an A class road, public transport, health services, schools, community facilities, utilities and waste and recycling facilities. 

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development thanked the speakers and addressed each site individually where concerns had been raised.  Whilst addressing the issues he read out paragraphs 14 and 15 from the Government’s Planning Policy for Traveller Sites and explained that the Council could make an alteration to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 143.

The report recommends that the Executive adopt the development brief

as technical guidance for development management purposes.

1.      That the Development Brief, Option A, be adopted as technical guidance for development management purposes, as set out at pages 59-74 of the Executive report.

2.      To request that the Directors of Sustainable Communities and Children’s Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development and for Children’s Services, fully investigate all possibilities for alternative pedestrian and highways access to a new Lower School on the site, with the aim of encouraging children to walk to the new school.

Prior to consideration of the report, and in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Public Participation, the Chairman invited 3 speakers to address the Executive.  Members of the public raised comments and concerns, which in summary included the following:-

·              the difficulty that residents of Flitt Leys Close currently experienced as a result of cars parking in front of their houses due to several existing businesses.  This had on occasions led to abusive behaviour towards the residents;

·              the amount of litter that was often present in Flitt Leys Close;

·              the increased risk of accidents involving children who played in the Close;

·              the delivery of  a proposed new lower school would increase the traffic and cause additional parking problems due to the lack of off-road parking; and

·              access into Flitt Leys Close already created a hazard.

The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development thanked the speakers and acknowledged that the existing parking problems in Flitt Leys Close needed to be resolved.  The issue of traffic flow into Flitt Leys Close would need to be considered once a planning application was submitted and discussed by the Development Management Committee.  The Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services advised that officers were looking into resolving the parking issues in Flitt Leys Close.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out options for the development brief for land rear of Central Garage, Cranfield.  The Executive Member moved revised recommendations, which were duly seconded:-

“1.     That the Development Brief, Option A, be adopted as technical guidance for development management purposes, as set out at pages 59-74 of the Executive report.

2.      To request that the Directors of Sustainable Communities and Children’s Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development and for Children’s Services, fully investigate all possibilities for alternative pedestrian and highways access to a new Lower School on the site, with the aim of encouraging children to walk to the new school.”

Councillor Matthews updated the Executive on the three options being considered by Cranfield Lower School either to remain on the existing site and expand the current school; build a new school with a three form entry; or split the current school over two sites.

Reason for decision:  To meet the housing requirements for Central Bedfordshire (North) for the period up to 2026 as set out in the Core Strategy and Development Management Development Plan Document (adopted November 2009).

RESOLVED

1.      that the Development Brief, Option A, be adopted as technical guidance for development management purposes, as set out at pages 59-74 of the Executive report; and

2.      to request that the Directors of Sustainable Communities and Children’s Services, in consultation with the Executive Members for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development and for Children’s Services, fully investigate all possibilities for alternative pedestrian and highways access to a new Lower School on the site, with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

The report proposes that Further Modifications to the Minerals and Waste Local Plan are publicised.

1.      That the proposed further modifications to the Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Strategic Sites and Policies be approved for public consultation for six weeks and subsequent submission to the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State together with any representations received.

2.      To authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to make any minor amendments to the further modifications:-

            (i)         prior to Publication;

            (ii)        after publication but before Submission; and

            (iii)       during the Examination process.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that proposed that further modifications to the Minerals and Waste Local Plan be published.  The Plan had been modified following the hearings into the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy that had taken place in December 2012 and January 2013.

Reason for decision:  To enable the ‘Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Strategic Sites and Policies’ maintain its progress towards adoption, consistent with the Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme 2012.

RESOLVED

1.      that the proposed further modifications to the Minerals and Waste Local Plan: Strategic Sites and Policies be approved for public consultation for six weeks and subsequent submission to the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, together with any representations received; and

2.      to authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to make any minor amendments to the further modifications:-

(i)      prior to Publication;

(ii)     after publication but before Submission; and

(iii)    during the Examination process.

The report proposes that Executive adopts the technical guidance document on wind energy development in Central Bedfordshire for development management purposes.

1.      That Guidance Note 1: Wind Energy Development in Central Bedfordshire as amended be adopted as technical guidance for development management purposes.

2.      To authorise 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 technical guidance note prior to its publication.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that set out the technical guidance document on wind energy development in Central Bedfordshire for development management purposes.  Members noted the amendments that had been made to the Guidance Note since the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 6 March 2013.

In response to questions, the Executive Member referred to the Development Strategy for Central Bedfordshire and the section on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Development. 

Reason for decision:  To provide the Council with additional planning guidance for the consideration of planning applications for wind turbines and larger wind developments.

RESOLVED

1.      that Guidance Note 1: Wind Energy Development in Central Bedfordshire as amended be adopted as technical guidance for development management purposes; and

2.      to authorise 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 technical guidance note prior to its publication.

The report proposes the endorsement of the third round of Local Area Transport Plans (LATPs) for Chiltern, Haynes and Old Warden, and Potton, together with the refreshed LATPs for Arlesey and Stotfold, and Biggleswade and Sandy. Please note that a hard copy of the Appendices have only been provided to Executive and Deputy Executive Members and Senior Management, if you require a hard copy please contact Sandra Hobbs, Committee Services Officer.

1.      That the three Local Area Transport Plans (LATP) for Chiltern, Haynes and Old Warden and Potton, and the associated programmes of integrated transport schemes to be delivered in these LATP areas in 2013/14 and 2014/15, be endorsed.

2.      That the refreshed LATPs for Arlesey and Stotfold and Biggleswade and Sandy, and the associated programmes of integrated transport schemes to be delivered in these LATP areas in 2014/15, be endorsed.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Economic Development and Strategic Planning that set out the third round of Local Area Transport Plans (LATPs) for Chiltern, Haynes and Old Warden, and Potton, together with the refreshed LATPs for Arlesey and Stotfold, and Biggleswade and Sandy

Reason for decision:  To enable the delivery of the integrated transport programme of schemes for 2013/14 and 2014/15 through the Local Area Transport Plans.

RESOLVED

1.      that the three Local Area Transport Plans (LATP) for Chiltern, Haynes and Old Warden and Potton, and the associated programmes of integrated transport schemes to be delivered in these LATP areas in 2013/14 and 2014/15, be endorsed; and

2.      that the refreshed LATPs for Arlesey and Stotfold and Biggleswade and Sandy, and the associated programmes of integrated transport schemes to be delivered in these LATP areas in 2014/15, be endorsed.

To approve expenditure for playing pitches, changing facilities and car parking at Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard.  The project at Astral Park, Leighton Buzzard.  The project is led by Leighton Linslade Town Council, with project management advice and support provided by Leisure Services.  The scheme is funded entirely by Section 106 funds of £1.1m.

To authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities and the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services, to release £1.1m from the Capital Programme, on a phased basis to Leighton Linslade Town Council.

The Executive received a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that proposed a £1.3m project to develop a community pavilion (changing facilities, kitchen, toilets, office and community room) and car park at Astral Park, Leighton Linslade (led by Linslade Town Council); funded by £1.1m Section 106 contributions, included within the Council’s Capital Programme and a £200,000 contribution from the Town Council.

Reason for decision:  To enable the project to be delivered by the Town Council through the use of the Section 106 funds.

RESOLVED

to authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities and the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services, to release £1.1m from the Capital Programme, on a phased basis to Leighton Linslade Town Council.

This report sets out the proposed Outdoor Access Improvement Plan for endorsement by the Executive and adoption by the Council. Please note that a hard copy of the Appendix has only been provided to Executive and Deputy Executive Members and Senior Management, if you require a hard copy please contact Jonathan Woods, Access Development Team Leader.

That the Outdoor Access Improvement Plan, attached at Appendix A to the Executive report, be adopted.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that set out the proposed Outdoor Access Improvement Plan.  The Plan set out the way in which the Council proposed to meet its statutory duty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.  The aim of the Plan would be to facilitate more people accessing the countryside of Central Bedfordshire, volunteering, and understanding and valuing the special landscape character of the area.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to demonstrate a structured and prioritised approach to service developments and outputs on public rights of way, countryside sites and community volunteering/activity. 

RESOLVED

that the Outdoor Access Improvement Plan, attached at Appendix A to the Executive report, be adopted.

The report seeks designation of Caddington and Slip End as a Neighbourhood Area and clearly sets out the process by which Central Bedfordshire Council designates Neighbourhood Areas to facilitate Neighbourhood planning for Central Bedfordshire.

1.      To authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to designate Neighbourhood Areas, even if objections or comments have been received.

2.      To designate Caddington and Slip End as a Neighbourhood Area, incorporating both parish areas.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development that sought the designation of Caddington and Slip End as a Neighbourhood Area.  It also set out the process by which the Council designated Neighbourhood Areas to facilitate neighbourhood planning for Central Bedfordshire.

Members noted that Luton Borough Council had objected to the designation of the proposed Neighbourhood Area.  However, Luton Borough Council would have an opportunity to comment on the content of any emerging plan in the future.

Reason for decision:  To ensure that Neighbourhood Areas could be designated in accordance with the Localism Act 2012.

RESOLVED

1.      to authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Strategic Planning and Economic Development, to designate Neighbourhood Areas, even if objections or comments have been received; and

2.      to designate Caddington and Slip End as a Neighbourhood Area, incorporating both parish areas.

This report outlines five projects within the New School Places Programme 2013/14 – 2017/18 where local pressures of demographic growth require new school places to be provided from September 2014. 

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      that the externally funded rolling Capital Programme for New School Places to 2014/15, as set out in Appendix A to the Executive report, be approved, noting the required amendments to the Council’s approved Capital Programme which will be required beyond 2014/15.

RESOLVED

1.      That the commencement of informal consultation and the publication of statutory notices for the proposal to expand Church End Lower School, Marston from its current capacity of 270 places to provide a total of 450 places across two sites with an implementation date of September 2014 be approved.  The School will also be invited to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in its final determination in August 2013.

2.      To invite the Academy of Redborne Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 and to undertake consultation and approval processes required as an Academy by the Education Funding Agency to expand from its current capacity of 1450 places to provide 1650 places with an implementation date of September 2014.

3.      To invite the Academy of Stratton Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 and to undertake consultation and approval processes required as an Academy by the Education Funding Agency to expand from its current capacity of 1250 places to provide 1650 places with an implementation date of September 2014.

4.      To invite the Academy of Alameda Middle School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 for commencement of the proposed expenditure as outlined in the New School Places Programme, attached at Appendix A to the Executive report, to expand from its current capacity of 600 places to provide 720 places with an implementation date of September 2014.

5.      To invite the Academy of Vandyke Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 for commencement of the proposed expenditure as outlined in the New School Places Programme attached at Appendix A to the Executive report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that outlined five projects within the New School Places Programme 2013/14 – 2017/18 where local pressures of demographic growth required new school places to be provided from September 2014.

Reason for decision:  To ensure the Council continues to meet its statutory obligations to provide sufficient school places and also to meet the legal requirements placed on the Council by the Education and Inspections Act 2006 regarding proposals to expand maintained schools.  Commitment to expenditure and final approval of each of these proposals would be determined by the Executive in August 2013, informed by the outcome of the consultation exercises, Education Funding Agency approvals where relevant, and business cases which were to be prepared by each School or Academy.

RECOMMENDED to Council

1.      that the externally funded rolling Capital Programme for New School Places to 2014/15, as set out in Appendix A to the Executive report, be approved, noting the required amendments to the Council’s approved Capital Programme which will be required beyond 2014/15.

RESOLVED

1.      that the commencement of informal consultation and the publication of statutory notices for the proposal to expand Church End Lower School, Marston from its current capacity of 270 places to provide a total of 450 places across two sites with an implementation date of September 2014 be approved.  The School will also be invited to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in its final determination in August 2013;

2.      to invite the Academy of Redborne Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 and to undertake consultation and approval processes required as an Academy by the Education Funding Agency to expand from its current capacity of 1450 places to provide 1650 places with an implementation date of September 2014;

3.      to invite the Academy of Stratton Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 and to undertake consultation and approval processes required as an Academy by the Education Funding Agency to expand from its current capacity of 1250 places to provide 1650 places with an implementation date of September 2014;

4.      to invite the Academy of Alameda Middle School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 for commencement of the proposed expenditure as outlined in the New School Places Programme, attached at Appendix A to the Executive report, to expand from its current capacity of 600 places to provide 720 places with an implementation date of September 2014; and

5.      to invite the Academy of Vandyke Upper School to prepare a business case for approval by the Council’s Executive in August 2013 for commencement of the proposed expenditure as outlined in the New School Places Programme attached at Appendix A to the Executive report.

The report proposes that the Council adopts a Tenancy Strategy 2013-18, in order to fulfil its legal requirements conferred by the Localism Act 2011.

1.      That the Tenancy Strategy be approved, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Member Task Force, and the recommendations of the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2.      To authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to develop, maintain and review detailed policy and procedures for the implementation of fixed term tenancies.

3.      That a review of the Tenancy Strategy be undertaken during 2016 to specifically consider the impact that Welfare Reform has had on under-occupation and whether the supply of affordable housing is sufficient to meet local housing need.           

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that set out the proposed Tenancy Strategy 2013-2018, in order to fulfil the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.  The report summarised the feedback received during a formal 12 week consultation and drew attention to particular issues which had been considered by a Member Task Force and the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing moved an additional recommendation, which was duly seconded:-

“3.     that a review of the Tenancy Strategy be undertaken during 2016 to specifically consider the impact that Welfare Reform has had on under-occupation and whether the supply of affordable housing is sufficient to meet local housing need.”

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing agreed to investigate whether the ‘Let’s Rent’ scheme was working effectively.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to make best use of the social housing stock, to tackle problems like under-occupation and to be effective in meeting essential housing needs.  The Tenancy Strategy had been developed using the freedom of the Localism Act, as a means to promote social aspiration and mobility, to act as a springboard into work and financial stability.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Tenancy Strategy be approved, taking into consideration the recommendations of the Member Task Force, and the recommendations of the Social Care, Health and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

2.      to authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to develop, maintain and review detailed policy and procedures for the implementation of fixed term tenancies; and

3.      that a review of the Tenancy Strategy be undertaken during 2016 to specifically consider the impact that Welfare Reform has had on under-occupation and whether the supply of affordable housing is sufficient to meet local housing need.          

To approve the setting up and adoption of a Tenant's Scrutiny Panel and Designated Persons and Tenants Complaints Panel for the Council's Landlord Service as part of the new revised regulatory requirements for social housing providers, under the Localism Act 2011.

1.      That a Tenants Scrutiny Panel be established, with the terms of reference set out at Appendix A to the report.

2.      That the appointment of a Tenants Complaints Panel be approved.

3.      That the Social Care, Health and Housing Complaints procedure be revised to include, in respect of the Tenants Complaints Panel, the role of a “designated person” in respect of housing complaints.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that proposed the setting up and adoption of a Tenants Scrutiny Panel and a Tenants’ Complaints Panel, to act as a designated person for the Council’s Landlord Service as part of the new revised regulatory requirements for social housing providers under the Localism Act 2011.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Landlord Service to meet the new regulatory requirements as a social landlord, by ensuring that tenants have opportunities to monitor and shape their housing services.  In addition, the Landlord Service must also respond to the changes in the way that tenants’ complaints were dealt with at a local level and to prepare for the changes in the Housing Ombudsman Service remit.

RESOLVED

1.      that a Tenants Scrutiny Panel be established, with the terms of reference set out at Appendix A to the report;

2.      that the appointment of a Tenants Complaints Panel be approved; and

3.      that the Social Care, Health and Housing Complaints procedure be revised to include, in respect of the Tenants Complaints Panel, the role of a “designated person” in respect of housing complaints.

To authorise the Domiciliary Care Contract awards to the recommended suppliers through a framework agreement, which will apply from May 2013 for four years.

1.         That the arrangements for the allocation of new domiciliary care packages and the proposed quality monitoring arrangements be noted.

2.         That the providers who have been recommended to join the new Framework Agreement be approved.

3.         To authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to make any minor adjustments to price as detailed in paragraph 48 of the Executive report.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing that updated Members on the retendering of the current domiciliary care contracts, using a framework agreement and sought the approval to award contracts to the recommended providers.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to deliver a more robust contract arrangements that over time which would result in improved quality to the Council’s vulnerable customers.

RESOLVED

1.      that the arrangements for the allocation of new domiciliary care packages and the proposed quality monitoring arrangements be noted;

2.      that the providers who have been recommended to join the new Framework Agreement be approved; and

3.      to authorise the Director of Social Care, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing, to make any minor adjustments to price as detailed in paragraph 48 of the Executive report.

The report proposes to set out the arrangements for commencing Flitwick Community Football Centre, Phase 1 of delivering a new Flitwick Leisure Centre. To agree expenditure from the approved capital programme for Flitwick Community Football Facilities in 2013/14.

1.      That the expenditure of £300,000 be approved from the 2013/14 Capital Programme for Flitwick Football to undertake pitch preparation work as the first part of Phase 1 of delivering a new Flitwick Leisure Centre.

2.      To authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services and Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources:

(a)    to award the contract for pitch development in 2013/14; and

(b)    the award of a contract for the pavilion and car park, if Council approves inclusion of a budget for construction of a new Flitwick Leisure Centre in the capital programme for 2014/15 and 2015/16.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services  that proposed arrangements for commencing works associated with Flitwick Community Football Centre, as Phase 1 of a new Flitwick Leisure Centre. 

Reason for decision:  To enable the priorities for investment in the approved Capital Programme for Flitwick Football in 2013/14 to commence.

RESOLVED

1.      that the expenditure of £300,000 be approved from the 2013/14 Capital Programme for Flitwick Football to undertake pitch preparation work as the first part of Phase 1 of delivering a new Flitwick Leisure Centre;

2.      to authorise the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services and Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources:

(a)    to award the contract for pitch development in 2013/14; and

(b)    the award of a contract for the pavilion and car park, if Council approves inclusion of a budget for construction of a new Flitwick Leisure Centre in the Capital Programme for 2014/15 and 2015/16.

The report provides information on the revenue position as at Quarter 3 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

1.      That the Revenue forecast position is noted as a projected underspend of £0.3m.

2.      To request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve a minimum balanced outturn or an underspend.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out spending against the revenue budget as at quarter 3 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

Reason for decision:  To note the financial position of the Council and that efforts continue to achieve a balanced budget outturn for 2012.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Revenue forecast position is noted as a projected underspend of £0.3m; and

2.      to request officers to continue with their efforts to achieve a minimum balanced outturn or an underspend.

The report provides information on the Capital position as at Quarter 3 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

That the overall forecast is to spend £70.3m (proposed deferral of £7.0m into 2013/14 and £3.2m underspend), be noted.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out spend against the capital budget as at quarter 3 2012/13 and the forecast outturn position for 2012/13.

Reason for decision:  To understand progress to date and the projected year end outturn position.

RESOLVED

that the overall forecast to spend £70.3m (proposed deferral of £7.0m into 2013/14 and £3.2m underspend), be noted.

The report provides information on the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account revenue and capital position as at Quarter 3 and the forecast outturn position.

1.      That the Housing Revenue Account financial position as at the end of December 2012 be noted.

2.      That the Revenue forecast position is to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to HRA Reserves of £3.550m, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses.

3.      That the Capital forecast position indicates that expenditure will be £0.410m higher than the budget.  This is due to a higher projected spend to adapt homes to meet the needs of disabled Council tenants.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Social Care, Health and Housing and the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out spend against the 2012/13 Housing Revenue Account revenue and capital budget as at quarter 3 and the forecast outturn position.

Reason for decision:  To enable the financial position of the Council to be noted.

RESOLVED

1.      that the Housing Revenue Account financial position as at the end of December 2012 be noted;

2.      that the Revenue forecast position is to achieve a balanced budget with a contribution to HRA Reserves of £3.550m, thus strengthening the Council’s ability to invest and improve its stock of Council Houses; and

3.      that the Capital forecast position indicates that expenditure will be £0.410m higher than the budget.  This is due to a higher projected spend to adapt homes to meet the needs of disabled Council tenants.

To consider the quarter 3 performance report.

1.            That the continuing overall strong performance in Quarter 3 for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged.

2.            That officers further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that set out the quarter 3 2012/13 performance for the Council’s Medium Term Plan indicator set.

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

RESOLVED

1.            that the continuing overall strong performance in Quarter 3 for the indicators being used to help support monitoring of progress against the Medium Term Plan priorities be acknowledged; and

2.            that officers further investigate and resolve underperforming indicators as appropriate.

To consider whether to pass a resolution under section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the Press and Public from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that the consideration of the item is likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED

that in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The report provides background information relating to the proposed development of an enlarged roundabout on the A1 at the South Biggleswade junction as reported in the Executive report of 10 June 2010. 

1.      That the re-profiling of the expenditure and income for the development of the new improved A1 roundabout at South Biggleswade as set out in the report and as set out in Appendices B and C Be approved.

2.      To authorise the Service Director Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources to approve the figures as set out in the report.

The Executive considered a report from the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources that provided background information relating to the proposed development of an enlarged roundabout on the A1 at the South Biggleswade junction.  The report also outlined the development infrastructure that was needed in the future for this junction.

Reason for decision:  To enable all negotiations to be carried out simultaneously and be dealt with efficiently and deliver best value to the Council as a comprehensive programme.

RESOLVED

1.      that the re-profiling of the expenditure and income for the development of the new improved A1 roundabout at South Biggleswade as set out in the report and as set out in Appendices B and C be approved; and

2.      to authorise the Service Director Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Corporate Resources to approve the figures as set out in the report.

This report recommends an extension of the contract for the management of Central Bedfordshire Councils 4 Household Waste Recycling Centres and to extend the variation for the Food Waste Collection service in the north of Central Bedfordshire from 4 October 2013 on a flexible basis to co-ordinate with the BEaR project organics treatment solution and the end of the main collection contract in October 2016.

That the approach set out in the exempt report, for dealing with the Household Waste Recycling Centres and Food Waste Collection Contracts, be approved.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Sustainable Communities – Services that set out the procedure for dealing with the Household Waste Recycling Centres and Food Waste Collection Contracts.

Reason for decision:  To enable the service to fit in with the revised BEaR project timetable.

RESOLVED

that the approach set out in the exempt report, for dealing with the Household Waste Recycling Centres and Food Waste Collection Contracts, be approved.

To consider the options for resolving current delays in Academy conversions caused by disputed liabilities for pension payments.

That the approach set out in the report, for resolving the current delays in academy conversions caused by disputed liabilities for pension payments be recommended to Council.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Children’s Services that considered the options for resolving current delays in Academy conversions caused by disputed liabilities for pension payments.

Reason for decision: To enable those schools to be able to sign their commercial transfer agreements and convert to academy status without further delay and so that there is an agreed approach with schools to dealing with future instances.

RESOLVED

1.         to make a commitment to share the liability for pensions arrears arising in schools in the manner outlined in the report and to that end agrees to:

a.   cap the liability of schools at 3% of the individual school’s budget  (ISB);

b.   meet the liability for compound interest imposed by the Teachers Pension Agency in respect of any arrears (Option 1 in the report);

c.   allow schools to borrow the remaining sum owed in the form of a licensed deficit to the extent permitted by the school financial regulations, provided that any amount borrowed is repaid within 3 years.

2.         to authorise the Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Executive member for Children’s Services, to undertake the work required to implement this decision.

RECOMMENDEDto Council

1.         that there is no provision in the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2012/13 to cover the costs of making this commitment and accordingly agrees to set aside £600,000 out of the contingency budget to meet the Council’s liability.  This can be accommodated within the current forecast outturn position.

The appendix sets out the process taken to engage the specialist consultant team which required a procurement waiver, in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules.

See minute E/12/155 for details.

To receive the exempt appendix which is a list of recommended providers on the Domiciliary Care Services.

See minute E/12/154 for details.