If any.

The Chairman reported that she had agreed to admit consideration of an urgent item of business at this meeting in accordance with Rule No. 5 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules.

This item related to the Growth Agenda and the vast public concern resulting from the submission of a planning application for 900 more houses in Leighton Buzzard.

To receive declarations from Members (if any) in relation to the existence of a whip. (Procedure Rule No. 16 refers)

No declarations were made.

No requests for agenda items under the terms of Rule No. 8 of the Scrutiny Procedure rules have been received.

The Committee noted that no requests for agenda items had been received under the terms of Scrutiny procedure Rule No. 8.

To consider any decision of the Shadow Executive; or an individual member of the Shadow Executive; or a decision made on a key issue by an officer with a delegated authority of the Shadow Executive referred to this Committee under the Provisions of Rule 15 of the Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

Members noted that no decision of the Shadow Executive, an individual Member of the Shadow Executive or one made on a key issue by an officer with delegated authority of the Shadow Executive had been referred to the Committee.

(To report on overall progress towards creating the new council for Central Bedfordshire and to highlight issues in order to assist the committee in the discharge of its functions. (Contact Officer: Simon Redmore  Tel: 01462 611255))

The Committee considered a report of the Central Bedfordshire Management Team on overall progress towards the creation of the new Council for Central Bedfordshire.

This second progress report aimed to assist the Committee in identifying the key issues and risks associated with the changes to unitary local government in Bedfordshire.

Richard Ellis, Director of Business Transformation, presenting the report on behalf of the Management Team drew attention to Appendix A which set out an overall summary of progress made since the Committee's meeting in September and the key challenges in achieving a successful transition to the new Council.

The Committee was then invited to comment on progress on the programme to create the new unitary council for Central Bedfordshire.

In relation to the structure for the new Central Bedfordshire Council, Marion Headicar, consultant for CBC, stressed that there were very strict rules and procedures laid down by Government about the creation of the new unitary council.  The organisation structure had been concluded with the majority of senior posts appointed and the programme to create the new council had reached the implementation phase.  The agreed structure was considered fit for purpose to meet the aspirations and strategic objectives of the new council.  Recognising the new council will evolve over the next thee or four years a new Directorate of Business Transformation, led by Richard Ellis, had been created.  It was acknowledged that the scale of current County Council services means that around 80% of staff will be drawn from the County Council.  In areas such as Adult Services and Children's Services the new council will need to rely on a certain body of expertise from the County Council, along with newly appointed staff, in order to continue to deliver high quality services.

A Member commented that there was no mention about economic development and that given the current economic climate consideration should be given to what support can be given to small businesses.  It was noted that the existing Councils continue to have responsibility for such matters until 1 April.  Concerning the new council's list of approved contractors Members agreed that a policy was needed that encourages engagement with small businesses.

Gary Alderson, Director of Sustainable Communities, advised the Committee that Liz Wade, Assistant Director Economic Development and Growth, BCC had been appointed as Head of Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism and will be leading on economic development matters in Central Bedfordshire.  One of the priorities in moving forward was ensuring a strong local response to current economic situation.

The Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Development updated the Committee on accommodation requirements for the new Central Bedfordshire Council.  Due to practical constraints, some associated with ICT it was now expected that there will be limited moves on day one.  In many cases staff will continue to work at their current location.  The challenge facing the new council in this early stage will be to make sure staff feel part of Central Bedfordshire.  It was noted that a report on accommodation matters was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

(To consider and comment upon the approach being recommended to the next Shadow Executive in setting the schedule of fees and charges for 2009/10.  (Contact Officer: David Sutherland  Tel: 01462 611080))

The Committee considered a report from the Director of Corporate Resources on the approach being recommended to the next Shadow Executive in setting the schedule of Fees and Charges for 2009/10.

The Portfolio holder for Corporate resources introduced the report and advised the Committee that in preparation for the first year of the new Central Bedfordshire Council a schedule of discretionary Fees and Charges needed to be agreed.  The principles set out in the submitted report applied only to those Fees and Charges where there is Member discretion.  To enable the revenue budget setting process to proceed with maximum resource and minimal delays a simplified approach was being proposed for 2009/10 that will enable officers to create a harmonised schedule within certain agreed parameters.

The Committee, whilst acknowledging the proposal to harmonise District Fees and Charges, was mindful of the potential for vast increases where, for example, one authority had a low fee/charge and the other authority was high.  Members were concerned that disadvantaged groups that may not be able to afford a high increase.  Comments were also made that unless increases were modest there was potential for bad press.

A Member sought reassurance that the Committee will have the opportunity to see the harmonised schedule.  The Committee was advised that the Fees and Charges will be included as part of the new Council's proposed Revenue Budget for 2009/10 which will be submitted to the Council for approval.  It was noted that there will be more detailed consideration of the charges by the new Council for 2010/11.

RESOLVED

that the Committee's concern about the setting of Fees and Charges for 2009/10, as set out in the preamble above, be considered as part of the deliberations at Council in the setting of a Revenue Budget for 2009/10.

Councillor Rhys Goodwin introducing this item reminded the Committee of concern expressed at its last meeting about the substantial infrastructure deficit in South Bedfordshire.  He stated that the main cause of increased congestion was the Government's requirement to build at least 1000 houses a year in an area where the infrastructure deficit identified twenty years ago had still not been delivered.  House building was continuing to increase and the next 1000 houses would result in even more congestion.  He was concerned about the result of increased commuting time on the 40,000 commuters in South Bedfordshire and the effect this had on their families.

Councillor Goodwin went on to state that he had written to Government about the need to address the substantial infrastructure deficit and to stop house building in South Bedfordshire until the situation is resolved.

The Committee was urged to support a recommendation to the Shadow Executive asking for the Secretary of State to be informed of the Council's concern about the infrastructure deficit and seeking a halt to house building in South Bedfordshire until the matter is resolved.

The Committee in discussing the impact of increased building alongside an infrastructure deficit and the resulting effects on families questioned what the implications would be for Central Bedfordshire if the authority decided to go against Government policy.

Gary Alderson advised the Committee of the Government's process for determining housing growth which results in planning targets for each region.  Within each region a process is followed for agreeing the best locations for housing growth.  On 28 November, Central Bedfordshire became a statutory consultee on the regional Strategy and is currently being consulted on housing growth proposals.  A report on this matter was schedule to go to the Shadow Executive in February.  Seeking disengagement from the process could limit the influencing effect the authority will have for finding the most suitable locations for housing growth.  In context of the planning system it was noted that appeals for refusal would have a greater degree of success without an agreed Council policy.

The Committee whilst being supportive of the concerns of Councillor Goodwin agreed that as the authority was currently being consulted on the regional Strategy it should not, at this stage, be putting forward such a recommendation to the Shadow Executive.  It was suggested that a report on the consultation be brought to the next meeting of the Committee in January to enable Members to give a more considered response to the concerns expressed.

RESOLVED

that a report on the consultation on the Regional strategy be submitted to the Committee's next meeting on 22 January 2009.