Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on 9^th December 2008 (previously circulated). 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 9^th December 2008 were signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To consider any such items authorised by the Leader and to consider where in the agenda the item(s) are to be considered. 

The Chairman advised that there were no items of urgent business.

To consider any such declarations. 

Councillors Blamire and Burns declared personal and prejudicial interests with regard to the report concerning Williamson Park, in view of their membership of the Williamson Park Board of Directors. (Minute 134 refers).

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) declared an interest with regard to the report concerning Williamson Park in view of his role as Secretary to the Williamson Park Board of Directors (Minute 134 refers).

To consider any such requests received in accordance with the approved procedure. 

Members were advised that there had been two requests to speak by members of the public at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure, set out in Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7 with regard to Review of Community Transport (Minute 115 refers) and Star Chamber (Minute 117 refers).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

Report of the Chief Executive.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

(Mr Blears, who had registered to speak on this item in accordance with the City Council’s agreed procedure and Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, spoke to this item on behalf of Lune Valley Transport).

The Chief Executive submitted a report to determine whether there should be changes in the provision of Community Transport for NoWcard holders within the Lancaster City Council district.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment for Community Transport and Service Level Agreement, were set out in the report as follows:

Community Transport

Option 1 – No change to the present service provided by Lune Valley Transport. Under this option financial commitment may rise in future years due to the continued increase in demand for the service. The increase in costs will depend to a large degree on the level of contract and hire work achieved by the present operator.

Option 2 – Restrict the use of Community Transport to either the disabled only or to include in the restriction those over 60s who live in “hard to reach areas”. With this option, many of the over 60s may move to the standard Concessionary Fare Scheme resulting in an additional cost to the Council under this budget area, however, this would reflect the true costs of this service.  There may be other issues arising, linked to the extent of the reduction in operation.

Option 3 – Achieve a % reduction, as determined by Cabinet, in agreement with the Lancashire County Council Community Transport Team and Lune Valley Transport. The reduction could be achieved by capping the number of single journeys claimed or setting a budget amount for Lune Valley at the beginning of each financial year.  There would be practicalities attached to adopting this approach, however.

Option 4 – Introduce a half fare charge for all journeys made by the over 60s and disabled who use Lune Valley Transport. This charge is already in operation in Burnley, Pendle and Blackpool.

Option 5 – Remove the provision of Community Transport within the Lancaster City Council district. The saving made by this option will be approximately £156,000 in 2009/10, increasing to £164,000 in 2010/11 and £172,000 in 2011/12. It is likely the removal of Community Transport will result in numerous complaints and a potential backlash against the removal of the means of “social inclusion” for the disabled and those isolated from the public transport network. There could also be implications for Lune Valley Transport as an organisation affecting their drivers, employees, etc. Also, there is a further risk that many of the over 60s would move to the standard Concessionary Fare Scheme and in so doing add an additional cost to the Council in a different budget.

Service Level Agreement

Option 1 – Continue with an SLA between Lancaster City Council and Lune Valley Transport. A continuation of the SLA would result in a financial commitment of £3,300 per year.

Option 2 – Discontinue the SLA with Lune Valley Transport. In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 115.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received the final report and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Anti-Social Behaviour Task Group. 

The recommendations of the Task Group and officer comments were set out in the report as follows:-

Recommendation 1

That consideration be given to establishing funding to enable the creation of a part-time post in the MAPs Office to deal with co-ordination between Council Services and with partner agencies of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour, as an item of growth.  This could link closely to the part-time Domestic Violence Co-ordinator post.

Officer Comments on Recommendation 1

Currently there is no funding available within the Community Safety Partnership budget to create such a post.  It is unlikely that the County allocation to the CSP from the Area Based Grant will increase so this would need to be a growth bid into the Council’s 2009/10 budget process.

Recommendation 2

That, as part of the agreement for the Council’s part funding of 4 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) (out of a total of 20) totalling £44,000 per year, the Council be provided evidence that they are working to enforce the Council’s byelaws and issuing fixed penalty notices to ensure the authority receives value for money.

Officer Comments on Recommendation 2

PCSO evaluation is also a requirement of the Community Safety Partnership which currently allocates some £110,000 into their funding.  So this evaluation of the “environmental” PCSO’s could be built into that work.

Recommendation 3

That the City Council endorses the ‘Restorative Justice’ Programme and explores future involvement in the initiative in conjunction with Lancashire Constabulary where resources permit, applying this process to cases falling under the Council’s jurisdiction.

Officer Comments on Recommendation 3

The Task Group report outlines the principles of Restorative Justice which does seems to have great potential.  However, the funding bid for a local scheme was unsuccessful.  There has been a pilot project in Preston and Members might want to consider the evaluation of that scheme before endorsing such an approach.

Recommendation 4

That a single form for reporting incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) be developed as part of the re-design of the City Council’s website, using Wyre Borough Council’s form as an example of best practice.

Officer Comments on Recommendation 4

Whilst a single form could be developed fairly easily, the Community Safety Partnership would need to consider its support for such a development and, more essentially, how that form would then be used for onward referral to relevant agencies who can take action.

Recommendation 5

That all PCSOs be issued with the City Council’s Customer Service Centre telephone numbers, and possibly other useful numbers such as Lancashire County Council Customer Services, to inform residents who raise queries with them.

Officer Comments on Recommendation 5

This is an operational recommendation which has already been actioned.

Recommendation 6

That the City Council seeks additional and significant funding from the LDLSP via the Children and Young People Thematic Group  to provide sufficient ‘diversionary activities’  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

Report of Corporate Director (Finance and Performance).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

(Mr Hamilton-Cox, who had registered to speak on this item in accordance with the City Council’s agreed procedure and Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, spoke to this item).

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) submitted a report updating members on the Star Chamber meetings held since the last report to Cabinet of 9^th December 2008.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Charles:-

“That the report be noted.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)     That the report be noted.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Corporate Director (Finance and Performance)

Head of Financial Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is in line with the requirement for Cabinet to receive regular updates on Star Chamber meetings.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Fletcher)

Referral report from Overview and Scrutiny.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Fletcher)

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report requesting Cabinet to consider a recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Call-in on the Dome.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Charles:-

“That the further report requested with regard to the Dome (Cabinet Minute 97 (3) refers) contain details of the urgent works and financial implications of running the Dome until 1st June 2009.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved:

(5 Members (Councillors Barry, Bryning, Charles, Gilbert and Mace) voted in favour, 2 Members (Councillors Blamire and Burns) voted against and 2 Members (Councillors Archer and Kerr) abstained)

(1)     That the further report requested with regard to the Dome (Cabinet Minute 97 (3) refers) contain details of the urgent works and financial implications of running the Dome until 1st June 2009.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Corporate Director (Regeneration)

Head of Cultural Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is in line with the Overview and Scrutiny recommendation to Cabinet following the call-in of Cabinet’s decision to close the Dome.

Joint Report of Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) and Head of Financial Services.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) and the Head of Financial Services submitted a joint report informing members about the latest budget position for current and future years, to allow Cabinet to make recommendations to Council on Council Tax levels for 2009/10.  The report was split into four parts:-

Corporate Plan

General Fund Revenue Budget

General Fund, Capital Programme

Housing Revenue Account Budget and Capital Programme

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment regarding the Corporate Plan, were set out in the report as follows:

Corporate Plan

Option 1:- To approve the draft Corporate Plan as set out in Appendix Ato the report as a basis for consultation in accordance with the agreed timetable and as the basis for determining its budget proposals.

Option 2:-   To approve an amended version of the draft Corporate Plan as set out in Appendix Ato the report as a basis for consultation in accordance with the agreed timetable and as the basis for determining its budget proposals. 

Option 1 is the officer preferred option regarding the Corporate Plan as this best reflects the latest position on local priorities.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Barry:-

“That Cabinet approves the draft 2009/10 Corporate Plan attached as Appendix A to the report, as a basis for consultation in accordance with the agreed timetable and as the basis for determining its budget proposals, subject to the reference to Street Pride under “Safe and Healthy Communities” (page 6) being rewritten into “Clean and Green” (page 4).”

By way of amendment, which was accepted as a friendly amendment by the mover and seconder of the original proposition, Councillor Gilbert proposed and Councillor Bryning seconded:

“(1)      That Cabinet approves the draft 2009/10 Corporate Plan attached as Appendix A to the report, as a basis for consultation in accordance with the agreed timetable and as the basis for determining its budget proposals, subject to

·         the reference to Street Pride under “Safe and Healthy Communities” (page 6) being rewritten into “Clean and Green” (page 4)

·        and that the narrative part of the report contains references to the current global economic recession.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

“(1)      That Cabinet approves the draft 2009/10 Corporate Plan attached as Appendix A to the report, as a basis for consultation in accordance with the agreed timetable and as the basis for determining its budget proposals, subject to

·         the reference to Street Pride under “Safe and Healthy Communities” (page 6) being rewritten into “Clean and Green” (page 4)

·        and that the narrative part of the report contains references to the current global economic recession.”

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Corporate Director (Finance and Performance)

Head of Financial Services

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision made allows Cabinet to agree the Corporate Plan in order for it to meet the requirements of the agreed timetable for bringing forward its Budget and Policy Framework proposals.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) and Head of Financial Services submitted a joint report providing information on the General Fund Revenue Budget, to allow Cabinet to make recommendations to Council on Council Tax levels for 2009/10.

The options and options analysis including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:

Options are dependent very much on Members’ views on spending priorities balanced against Council Tax levels.  As such, a full options analysis could only be undertaken once any alternative proposals are known and it should be noted that Officers may require more time in order to do this.  Outline options are highlighted below, however.

·         With regard to the Revised Budget and resulting overspending, Cabinet could consider other proposals that may influence the Revised Budget for the year.

·         In terms of surplus Balances generally, it could consider retaining balances at a higher level than the minimum or a different phased use of balances.

·         Regarding Council Tax increases, various options are set out at section 6 of the report.  In considering these, Members should have regard to the impact on service delivery, the need to make savings or provide for growth, the impact on future years and the likelihood of capping.

·         With regard to items for noting, no options are presented.

With regard to options to produce a budget in line with preferred Council Tax levels, any proposals put forward by Cabinet should be considered alongside the development of Cabinet priorities, and emphasis should be very much on achieving recurring reductions to the revenue budget, and avoiding any “unidentified” savings targets that undermine the robustness of the budget and financial planning arrangements generally.

Under the Constitution, Cabinet is required to put forward budget proposals for Council’s consideration, in time for them to be referred back as appropriate.  This is why recommendations are required to feed into the Council meeting on 04 February, prior to the actual Budget Council.

The Officer Preferred options are as reflected in the report’s recommendations.

 It was proposed by Councillor Barry and seconded by Councillor Gilbert:

“That Cabinet recommend a Council Tax increase of 4% to Council for 2009/10.”

Members then voted as follows:

Resolved:

(7 Members (Councillors Archer, Barry, Blamire, Bryning, Burns, Gilbert and Kerr) voted in favour and 2 Members (Councillors Charles and Mace) voted against)

 (1)       That Cabinet recommend a Council Tax increase of 4% to Council for 2009/10.

It was proposed by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Kerr:

“That recommendations 1-6 in the General Fund Revenue Budget report be approved”.

It was proposed by Councillor Barry that “Cabinet receive an options report on how the City Council can address the public inquiry into the Canal Corridor”.

However, it was noted that there was no seconder to the proposition and, therefore, the proposition was deemed to have fallen.

Councillor Mace proposed and Councillor Charles seconded:

“(1)      That Cabinet supports in principle the savings items set out in Appendix F to the report,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) and Head of Financial Services submitted a joint report providing information on the General Fund Capital Programme, to allow Cabinet to make recommendations to Council on Council Tax levels for 2009/10.

The options and options analysis including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:

Funding Assumptions and Achieving a Balanced Capital Programme

The broad options for achieving a balanced programme are set out below and are very much dependent on Members’ views on spending priorities.  As such, a full options appraisal and risk assessment cannot be completed until budget proposals are known in more detail.  That said, the basic options for achieving savings include:

• removing schemes from the draft programme, taking account of service needs and priorities;
• reducing proposed net expenditure on schemes, where possible;
• generating additional capital resources (e.g. receipts, direct revenue financing or borrowing), within affordable limits;
• deferring projects into later years – although this would not help with the overall five-year programme unless schemes were deferred until after 2013/14.

Should surplus resources be available, these could be used:

• to repay borrowing, or to reduce the call on the revenue budget;
• to fund new capital schemes;
• to make provision for other anticipated liabilities.

As referred to in earlier reports, setting a balanced capital programme is an iterative process, essentially balancing service delivery impact and aspirations against what the Council can (and is prepared to) afford.

In deciding the way forward, Cabinet is asked also to take into account the relevant basic principles of the Prudential Code, which are:

·         that the capital investment plans of local authorities are affordable, prudent and sustainable, and

·         that local strategic planning, asset management planning and proper options appraisal are supported.

The Officer preferred options are as set out in the recommendations of the report.

Councillor Mace proposed and Councillor Charles seconded:

“(1)      That Cabinet notes the latest position regarding the General Fund Capital Programme and supports in principle the funding assumptions from 2008/9 onwards as set out, but that these be reviewed in light of the further work underway.

(2)        That the outcome of the work ongoing as set out in the report, including the capital receipts review and updates on the issues outlined in sections 2 and 3 of the report, be fed into Star Chamber for initial consideration, in order that a fully balanced programme can be developed for formal consideration by Cabinet at its February meeting.

(3)        That the current capital position be referred on to Council for consideration.”

Members then voted as follows:

Resolved:

(8 Members (Councillors Archer, Blamire, Bryning, Burns, Charles, Gilbert, Kerr and Mace) voted in favour and 1 Member (Councillor Barry) abstained)

(1)               That Cabinet notes the latest position regarding the General Fund Capital Programme and supports in principle the funding assumptions from 2008/9 onwards as set out, but that these be reviewed in light of the further work underway.

(2)               That the outcome of the work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 121.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

The Corporate Director (Community Services) and Head of Financial Services submitted a joint report updating the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revised budget position for the current year and setting out the recommended budget for 2009/10 and future years. It also set out the updated Capital Programme for 2008/9 and the proposed programme to 2013/14.

The options and options analysis including risk assessment were set out in the report as follows:

With regard to the Revised Budget, Cabinet could consider other proposals that may influence the Revised Budget for the year and the call on revenue balances.

The options available in respect of the 2009/10 rent increase are to:

i)                    Set the average housing rent at 5% as proposed in paragraph 2.3.1 to the report;

ii)                   Set the rent at a lower level: this would reduce the income available to the Housing Revenue Account.  For example a 1% change in the rent equates to a change of around 59 pence per week per property and a £111K change in annual income for the HRA.

iii)                 Set the rent increase at a higher level, up to 5.9%, i.e. within the Limit Rent

iv)                 Set the rent increase at a level higher than 5.9%, i.e. above the Limit Rent.  Although this would generate additional income, around 60% of that income would have to be paid over to the Government through Rent Rebate Subsidy Limitation.

The options available in respect of the minimum level of HRA balances are to set the level at £350,000 in line with the advice of the Section 151 Officer, or to adopt a different level. Should Members choose not to accept the advice on the level of balances, then this should be recorded formally in the minutes of the meeting, and could have implications for the Council’s financial standing, as assessed by its external auditors. 

The options available in respect of the revenue budgets for 2009/10 to 2011/12 are to recommend the budget as set out to Council for approval, or to consider other proposals for incorporation.

The options available in respect of the Capital Programme are:

i)                    To approve the programme in full, with the financing as set out;

ii)                   To incorporate other increases or reductions to the programme, with appropriate sources of funding being identified.

Any risks attached to the above would depend very much on what measures Members proposed, and their impact on the council housing service.  As such, a full options analysis could only be undertaken once any alternative proposals are known.  It should be noted that Officers may require more time in order to do this. 

The Officer Preferred options are to:

·         approve the 2008/09 revised Revenue Budget as set out;

·         approve the provisions, reserves and balances positions as set out;

·         set a 5% increase in average rents, and to approve the draft revenue and capital budgets as set out in the appendices to the report, and as amended for any revenue growth supported by Cabinet, for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

Report of Corporate Director (Community Services).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

The Corporate Director (Community Services) submitted a report prepared as part of the 2009/10 estimate procedure, which set out options for increasing the level of fees and charges.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The options to Members include:

(i)        To approve either the 2%, 5% or 10% increase in fees for Health & Strategic Housing charges.

(ii)       To approve a different % increase.

(iii)  To approve an increase to £25.00 (with a reduction to £12.50 for those in receipt of Council Tax and/or Housing Benefit) for rats, mice and flea treatments.

(iv)  To approve the fees for rats, mice and fleas in line with the other increases or a different amount.

(v)   To approve an increase of £100 in the base Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB) fee.

(vi)  To approve the proposed fees and charges for the provision of new cemetery services.

The Officer preferred option is (i) 5% increase, (iii), (v) and (vi) for reasons set out in the report.

It was moved by Councillor Kerr and seconded by Councillor Archer:

“(1)      That the Health & Strategic Housing fees in Appendix 1 to the report should be increased by 5% with the exception of the fees for rats, mice and fleas and the fee for Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB).

(2)               That the fees for rats, mice and fleas are increased to £25.00 with a reduction to £12.50 for customers in receipt of Council Tax and/or Housing Benefit.

(3)               That the EROB base fee is increased by £100 to reflect the costs of maintaining cemeteries and bring our charges in line with most other Councils.

(4)               That Cabinet agrees to the introduction of new charges for cremated remains, memorial vaults and reduced EROB fee for purchased baby graves at 50% of the adult fee applicable at the time of purchase.”

By way of amendment to (3) above, it was moved by Councillor Barry and seconded by Councillor Gilbert:

“That the EROB base fee is increased by 5%.”

2 Members (Councillors Barry and Gilbert) voted in favour of the amendment and 7 Members (Councillors Archer, Blamire, Bryning, Burns, Charles, Kerr and Mace) voted against, whereupon the Chairman declared the amendment to be lost.

It was further proposed by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Burns:

“(5)      That the decisions in (1)-(4) are made subject to budget considerations”.

Members then voted as follows on each recommendation in turn:-

Resolved:

(8 Members (Councillors Archer, Barry, Blamire, Bryning, Burns, Charles, Kerr and Mace) voted in favour and 1 Member (Councillor Gilbert) abstained)

(1)        That the Health & Strategic Housing fees in Appendix 1 to the report should be increased by 5% with the exception of the fees for rats, mice and fleas and the fee for Exclusive Right of Burial (EROB).

Resolved:

(6 Members (Councillors Archer, Barry, Blamire, Bryning Burns and Kerr) voted in favour and 3 Members (Councillors Charles,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 123.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

Report of Corporate Director (Community Services).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

The Corporate Director (Community Services) submitted a report informing Cabinet of the options for the future of the Council’s Memorial Safety Programme.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Kerr and Mace)

Report of the Chief Executive to follow.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Kerr)

The Chief Executive submitted a report to enable Cabinet to consider the updated financial information in respect of its preferred new pay and grading structure and to recommend Council to approve the new structure.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

Options for the new pay and grading structure have previously been considered by the JCC, by Personnel Committee and by Cabinet, and as a result of the preference expressed for structure 9.5.4.5, that option is now presented for further consideration and approval with structure 9.5.4 included for comparison and evaluation purposes.  As the projected cost of the either new structure in future years falls outside the budget and policy framework, it will be necessary for it to be approved by Council.

In addition to the pay and grading structure, it is intended that other elements will form part of the new pay package, which have been reported to Cabinet previously.  These are pay protection, on the basis of 100% in the first year, 50% of the difference between old and new salary in the second year and 25% in the third year, market supplement where this can be objectively justified for a particular post, and a basic annual leave entitlement of 26 days plus eight statutory days.

The officer preferred option is to proceed with 9.5.4.5.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Kerr:

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)     That structure 9.5.4.5 be recommended to Council.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision reflects previous considerations by the Joint Consultative Committee, the Personnel Committee and Cabinet and is in line with the agreed process and timetable for implementing Fair Pay.

Report of the Head of Democratic Services. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report to allow Cabinet to review the procedure for public speaking at meetings of Cabinet, as previously requested. 

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The options are set out below:-

Public Speaking at Cabinet meetings:

Report of the Council Business Committee.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

(Councillor Gilbert declared a personal interest in the following item in view of his wife’s involvement with the James Bond/Henry Welch Trust)

Cabinet received a report setting out a recommendation from Council Business Committee on the options for use of existing charity funds for which the Council is responsible which are currently dormant.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option is 2 above as this brings into use funds which have lain dormant for many years.  This proposal takes full advantage of the expertise of a specialist grant making organisation and provides better value for money than the administration of individual Trust Funds by the City Council.  Grant allocations will still be made for the benefit of the Lancaster District.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Archer and Bryning)

Report of the Head of Economic Development & Tourism.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Archer and Bryning)

The Head of Economic Development and Tourism submitted a report seeking approval for proposals for the delivery of the NWDA Business Start Up Service in Lancaster District from April 2009.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The following options have been identified:

As background to Option 4 it should be noted that within Lancashire it was always likely that the two Multi Area Agreement local authority groups, Pennine Lancashire and the Fylde, would propose arrangements for delivery of the Business Start Up project within their respective boundaries.  Consequently, one possible arrangement was for the remaining Mid Lancashire authorities, including Lancaster, to act as a third grouping with one of the authorities acting as Accountable Body.  This option has not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 128.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

Report of Corporate Director (Community Services).
 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Corporate Director (Community Services) submitted a report proposing an amendment to the Terms of Reference of the Neighbourhood Management Cabinet Liaison Group.

The proposed amendment was the addition of the words and/or third tier Councils into the first part of the Group’s terms of reference as shown below:-

(1)     That a Cabinet Liaison Group be formed, chaired by the Portfolio Holder responsible for Neighbourhood Management, to advise the Cabinet Portfolio Holder on options for the development of neighbourhood management arrangements for the District.  The terms of reference of the Group to be that it should examine the options of an effective model for the delivery of Neighbourhood Management, considering how this would integrate into mainstream service delivery for Lancaster City Council and/or third tier Councils, and how such a model would relate to the LDLSP, and the community engagement agenda, and be supportive of the Council’s priorities and Core Values around Putting Our Customers First and Leading Our Communities.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Charles:-

“(1)   That Cabinet approves the amendment recommended by the Neighbourhood Management Cabinet Liaison Group to its terms of reference, adding the words “and/or third tier Councils” as indicated in the report.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)     That Cabinet approves the amendment recommended by the Neighbourhood Management Cabinet Liaison Group to its terms of reference, adding the words “and/or third tier Councils” as indicated in the report.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Corporate Director (Community Services)

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision allows a necessary change to the Cabinet Liaison Group’s Terms of Reference. As the original terms of reference were agreed by Cabinet, the amendment needed to be considered by Cabinet.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

Report of Corporate Director (Regeneration).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Corporate Director (Regeneration) submitted a report asking members to consider the Annual Review of Parking Fees and Charges for 2009/10.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The following options for pay and display and public permits have been put forward for consideration. The temporary benefit of the reduced standard rate of VAT from 1^st April to 31^st December 2009 as outlined in paragraph 2.3 has been taken into account in the Financial Implications section of the report.

Option 1 a

This option is aimed at minimal price increases and achieving the budgetary commitments, but only after allowing for the VAT increase:

          Pay and Display

This option limits the price increases as shown above and assumes that 60% of customers already pay £1.00 as per a sample analysis that has been undertaken. The City Council’s pay and display machines can be either programmed to accept overpayments and issue a pay and display ticket, or to reject incorrect payments and only accept the correct fee and not print a pay and display ticket. The City Council’s machines are programmed to allow the customer to purchase their pay and display ticket.

Total estimated additional income for Option 1 a - £23,000

Option 1 b

This option is aimed at discouraging long stay parking whilst addressing the budgetary commitments:

          Pay and Display

          Public Permit Charges

Note 1: The Morecambe permit will not sustain a 15% increase due to the daily cost of all day long stay parking in Morecambe being £3.00 compared with £6.00 in Lancaster.

          This option is directly linked to the Parking Strategy in that it discourages long stay parking. Resistance and reduced sales has been allowed for in calculating the estimated income that is outlined in the table at paragraph 3.2 of the report.

          Under this option it is also suggested that officers investigate the introduction of Green Permit options for next year’s review. This would potentially allow price reductions for vehicles with low cubic capacity or low emissions but research would have to be undertaken with other Council’s to gauge the success of this type of scheme and to see how administrative and enforcement arrangements are dealt with.

          Total estimated additional income for Option 1 b -  ...  view the full minutes text for item 130.

Report of Corporate Director (Regeneration).

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Gilbert)

The Corporate Director (Regeneration) submitted a report providing an update on the progress of the communications and marketing review.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

Option 1

This would provide a centralised co-ordinated approach to all council marketing activity – internal, local and external. It is made up of the core team’s current areas of work plus:

·         Management and co-ordination of all short lifespan leaflets, adverts, fliers, newsletters, together with distribution, monitoring and evaluating

·         Management, co-ordination and development of all council website activity, including the development of the council’s e-marketing capacity (as described above).

·         All council advertising

·         All ‘external’ marketing activity (economic development, tourism, festivals/events)

·         Corporate sponsorship

·         Member, including  civic, communications

·         All marketing budgets will be pooled centrally.

This approach requires a core team sufficiently resourced to deliver within agreed time/quality levels, especially where service income targets are affected. A centralised function means a small residual function will still be required within the service to liaise with the corporate team. As is the case with each of the options, evidence demonstrates that a centralised function works most effectively where all officers are co-located.

Option 2

This option sees the centralisation of all marketing functions, as set out in option 1, plus tourism services and the whole festivals and events team.

It sits outside the scope of the original project plan but has arisen out of concerns that separating tourism marketing from the tourism delivery function may be detrimental to the service delivery of that area. Option 2 therefore transfers the whole of those functions – festivals and events team, tourism and the TICs – so avoiding any potential downside caused by splitting the functions.

Option 3 

This consists of option 2, but would also include Customer Services

Again, it is outside of the scope of the original project plan but has been put forward by the project group in recognition that communications and marketing is interlinked with good customer service. Both are based around identifying our wide range of customers/service users, the information they require, providing that information in the formats and ways that suit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 131.

Members are asked whether they need to declare any further declarations of interest regarding the exempt appendix to the report. 

Cabinet is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item:- 

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the appendix to the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Council itself to decide whether or not to consider it in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and should balance the interests of individuals or the Council itself in having access to information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

The Chairman asked for any further declarations of interest from Cabinet Members regarding the exempt report.

It was moved by Councillor Kerr and seconded by Councillor Burns:-

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph(s) 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

Report of the Chief Executive.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Mace)

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking Cabinet’s approval for the filling of established vacancies where recommended.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

The information contained within each form provides details related to the risks of not filling the related vacancy.  Cabinet has the option of releasing funding on either a time limited or permanent basis or withholding funding.  If funding is not released, there will be an impact on Service provision.  If funding is time limited, it will be more difficult and possibly more expensive to fill a post.

The officer preferred option is to fill those posts as recommended by Service Heads unless Cabinet identifies the work as being of a low priority.

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Charles:

“(1)      That the filling of post AD0071 be deferred until the end of March 2009.”

It was moved by Councillor Mace and seconded by Councillor Gilbert:

“(2)      That post PP0021 be filled.”

It was proposed by Councillor Charles and seconded by Councillor Mace:

“(3)      That posts GM0200-224 and posts GM0012; CH0272; CHO156 and PS0023 be filled.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the filling of post AD0071 be deferred until the end of March 2009.

(2)        That post PP0021 be filled.

(3)        That posts GM0200-224 and posts GM0012; CH0272; CHO156 and PS0023 be filled.

Note: Councillor Gilbert was not present when the vote on (3) was taken.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The decisions enable the decision made at Cabinet on 11^th November 2008, removing the delegated decision making to fill employee vacancies away from Service Heads to Cabinet to be implemented.

At this point the press and public were re-admitted to the meeting.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Fletcher)

Report of the Head of Cultural Services.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Fletcher)

(It was noted that Councillors Blamire and Burns had previously declared personal and prejudicial interests in the following item in view of their role as members of the Williamson Park Board of Directors. Councillors Blamire and Burns left the meeting prior to consideration of this item. It was further noted that the Corporate Director (Finance and Performance) had also declared an interest as Secretary to the Williamson Park Board of Directors. He also left the meeting prior to consideration of this item.)

The Head of Cultural Services submitted a report updating Cabinet on the latest position at Williamson Park following the interim management arrangements undertaken by Cultural Services.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment, were set out in the report as follows:

Theoretically, there is a further option of retaining the status quo i.e., where Williamson Park reverts to operating without support of interim management arrangements from City Council and estimated budget for 2009/2010 remains at standard inflationary increase on previous year. However, this is not really a viable option for the Council as the Company is Local Authority Controlled, therefore the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 134.