Decisions

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) which provided the final independent consultants report and requested that Cabinet noted its suggestions for the future direction for the City Council’s museums service and considered some early actions to underpin successful future management and development.

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

Options relating to this report are limited as all recommendations are effectively proposing the means by which earlier decisions can be implemented effectively. Recommendations in relation to the potential Collections Centre and how it might inform the wider museums review will be considered in more detail in a later report.

In terms of risk it should be noted that there are risks associated with the transfer of the service back to the council.  However, recommendations in this report are designed to mitigate these risks. 

The work undertaken to date has been informative and it is clear that the City Council’s museums have the potential for a greater impact, increased presence and profile and, at the same time, to be more sustainable in financial terms. By agreeing to take the museums service in-house the council has already made a strong commitment to repositioning the offer. 

The independent AP&P report presents a series of significant operational and financial implications and considerations which cannot be fully determined at this stage.  In the immediate short term, however, the City Council has to deliver the effective re-integration of the museums service into its establishment and this, in itself will be complex in legal, financial and management terms.

                             At this stage, Cabinet is therefore asked to agree that officers focus on the successful transfer of the Museums Service back to the City Council and recruitment of a specialist manager to play a key role in management and development of the service.  This will be undertaken alongside the development of a HLF Resilient Heritage funding bid and more detailed consideration of options for a potential new Collections Centre and identification of a preferred site.

Councillor Clifford proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That Cabinet reviews and notes the independent consultant report “Reshaping of Lancaster District’s Museums Offer – Report of Findings and Recommendations (Aitken, Prince and Pearce)” at Appendix A to the report.

(2)          That Cabinet notes the initial focus of work over the next 6 months is the successful transfer of the museums service back to the Council and recruitment of a specialist manager to play a key role in management and development of the service.

(3)          That specialist funding support and match funding of up to £37,500 are provided to enable the development, submission and acceptance of a Resilient Heritage funding bid, from the remaining previously approved Budget Support Reserve allocation for the Museums Review, and subject to appropriate due diligence being undertaken.

(4)          That delegated authority be given to the Chief Officer (Resources) to update the General Fund Revenue Budget to reflect the additional expenditure and associated Resilient Heritage funding, if successful, subject to remaining budget neutral for the Council. 

(5)          That a preferred site option for a purpose-built Collections Centre is prepared (to inform the wider Museums Review), for consideration as part of a future report and in order to feed into the relevant annual budget process.

(6)          That a further report is provided for Cabinet towards the end of 2018 when the museums service has transferred back to the Council.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Economic Development Manager

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Council’s Corporate Priorities of Sustainable Economic Growth and Community Leadership, contributing to the attractiveness and offer of the district, as a place to visit or invest in; rationalising the Council’s property portfolio to deliver better value for money; and improving efficiency and effectiveness through re-shaping services. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) to note the initial recent archaeological findings and their potential national significance and consider the recommendations for future work that offers a comprehensive strategic direction for managing future work across the site.

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

The officer preferred option is Option 3 (Take forward a comprehensive approach) as it ensures that the City Council is able to guide the future archaeological investigations within a robust framework that provides the greatest chance of securing external funding necessary. The actions are all linked to the successful achievement of discovering Lancaster’s Roman story and the significant benefits it could bring to the city, subject to the quality and significance of the finds and there being a viable and affordable business case.

Option 1 (Do nothing) fails to acknowledge and capitalise on the potential offered by the new understanding of Lancaster’s Roman history. With discoveries likely to be of national significance this would seem to be a missed opportunity.  It may avoid further cost pressures, however.

Option 2 (Continue piecemeal approach) may provide limited benefits, but will ultimately yield a fragmented archaeological story due to the small scale of investigation over a protracted period.

This project is at an important point and the actions set out in Option 3 provide a comprehensive programme to successfully maximise this heritage opportunity. This approach recognises the likely national significance of the site, as well as its importance to Lancaster. The scale of archaeological potential has the ability to put Lancaster ‘on the map’ as a significant Roman heritage site offering new possibilities as a heritage destination, public space and place of discovery. Telling Lancaster’s Roman archaeology story through further excavation, interpretation and display can be an essential ingredient in the city’s offer for visitors and for local communities, bringing with it significant economic benefits. A strategic partnership with expert advisors, including Universities, is likely to arise from this work with the potential to benefit Lancaster well into the future.

Councillor Clifford proposed, seconded by Councillor Leyshon:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That, subject to the resolutions of Budget Council:

(1)             The Council works with Historic England to establish appropriate protection of the site, including a possible extension of the Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM).

(2)             A formal academic report is commissioned to capture archaeological understanding of the site, to date, and to provide a basis upon which future development of the site can be established.

(3)             An active Site Management Plan is developed to provide ongoing care of the site along with prioritised recommendations for urgent remedial repairs, noting that its implementation may require additional funding in future years.

(4)             An expert project board is established for the site that will set out a five year archaeological research framework and can assist in developing academic, heritage, scientific research and funding partnerships.

(5)             Early work is undertaken to develop a medium term funding strategy for the five year research framework.

(6)           Cabinet notes potential requirements for space, preferably adjacent to the archaeological site, for visitor, museum, education and commercial services.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Economic Development Manager

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with thefollowing outcome of the Corporate Plan 2016-2020, Sustainable Economic Growth: “The attractiveness and offer of the district as a place to visit or invest in will be improved. Enhance Lancaster’s urban centre through investment in the built environment, heritage assets and the public realm.” The decision also recognises the importance of the visitor economy to the district and the work this report will take forward has the potential to make a strong contribution to Lancaster’s history and its narrative.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Whitehead & Leyshon)

Cabinet received a joint report from the Chief Officer (Resources) and Chief Officer (Environment) to consider the annual review of fees and charges for 2018/19.

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

The attached policy remains substantively unchanged and it is considered that it remains fit for purpose (at least in the short term) and it adequately covers Cabinet’s budget proposals.  As such, no options are presented and Cabinet is simply requested to endorse the policy, with a review being undertaken next year.

Options regarding car parking charges are covered in Appendix C to the report.

Options Appraisal

Councillor Whitehead proposed that Cabinet should vote on the general fees first.  Councillor Hughes advised the meeting of a revision to the Bulky Waste proposals with a sliding scale of charges as follows: I item for £20, 2 items for £25, 3 or 4 items for £30 with a charge of £8 for each additional item.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Hughes:-

“That Cabinet endorses the Fees and Charges Policy as set out at Appendix A to the report and that with regard to Bulky Waste proposals the following sliding scale of charges be applied:  I item for £20, 2 items for £25, 3 or 4 items for £30 with a charge of £8 for each additional item.”

Cabinet Members then voted.

Resolved:

(7 Members (Councillors Blamire, Clifford, Hughes, Leyshon, Pattison, Warriner & Whitehead) voted in favour, and 1 Member (Councillor Hanson) abstained.)

(1)          That Cabinet endorses the Fees and Charges Policy as set out at Appendix A to the report and that with regard to Bulky Waste proposals the following sliding scale of charges be applied:  I item for £20, 2 items for £25, 3 or 4 items for £30 with a charge of £8 for each additional item.

Cabinet then considered car parking charges.  Councillor Leyshon moved, seconded by Whitehead:

“That the following options be approved:

·         Off Street Parking charges, option 1C be approved, with the daily charge for Williamson Park increasing to £2.00.

·         Evening Parking charges in Morecambe – Trial in Pedder Street & Billy Hill car parks only

·         Retain Free Christmas parking on the Sundays and Thursday evenings prior to Christmas

·         Increase car parking permits by 3%

·         Introduce formal management and parking charges on St George’s Quay car park

·         Incorporate 7 designated car parking spaces for Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service in Cable Street

·         Reintroduce formal enforcement of Friars Passage car park for pool cars.

·         Instruct officers to work up over the coming year the viability of transferable tickets and pay on exit parking charges in selective car parks.

·         That the Off Street Parking places Order is amended at the earliest opportunity to implement the changes outlined in Options 5, 6 & 7.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(2)          That the following options be approved:

·         Option 1 - Off Street Parking charges - option 1C be approved, with the daily charge for Williamson Park car park increasing to £2.00.

·         Option 2 - Evening Parking charges in Morecambe – Trial in Pedder Street & Billy Hill car parks only

·         Option 3 - Retain free Christmas parking on the Sundays and Thursday evenings prior to Christmas

·         Option 4 - Increase car parking permits by 3%

·         Option 5 - Introduce formal management and parking charges on St George’s Quay car park as outlined in Table C of the car parking report (Appendix C)

·         Option 6 - Incorporate 7 designated car parking spaces in Cable Street when the car park is extended, subject to being approved as part of Cabinet’s budget proposals included elsewhere on the agenda.

·         Option 7 - Reintroduce formal enforcement of Friars Passage car park for pool cars.

·         Option 8 – that officers be instructed to work up over the coming year the viability of transferable tickets and pay on exit parking charges in selective car parks.

·         That the Off Street Parking places Order is amended at the earliest opportunity to implement the changes outlined in Options 5, 6 & 7.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Chief Officer (Environment)

Reasons for making the decision:

Fees and charges form an integral part of the budget setting process, which in turn relates to the Council’s priorities.  Under the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), income generation is a specific initiative for helping to balance the budget.  The proposed increases are considered to be fair and reasonable.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which provided an overview of the Council’s financial position for Quarter 3 of the 2017/18 monitoring cycle and the supporting actions underway.

As the report was primarily for noting and comments, no options were provided.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the report and supporting actions set out therein, be noted.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which set out the 2018/19 Treasury Management Framework for Cabinet’s approval and referral on to Council.

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

Cabinetmayputforwardalternativeproposalsoramendmentstotheproposed StrategyinAppendix B to the report,butthesewouldhavetobeconsideredinlightoflegislative, professionalandeconomicfactors,andimportantly,anyalternativeviewsregarding theCouncil’sriskappetite.Assuchnofurtheroptionsanalysisisavailableatthis time.

Furthermore,theStrategymustfitwithotheraspectsofCabinet’sbudgetproposals, suchasinvestmentinterestestimatesandunderlyingprudentialborrowing assumptions,feedinginto Prudential andTreasuryManagementIndicators. There are no options available regarding other components of the overall framework, as covered in Appendices C and D to the report.

The officer preferred option is to approvetheframeworkasattached to the report,allowingforanyamendmentsbeingmade underdelegatedauthoritypriortoreferraltoCouncil.  ThisisbasedontheCouncil continuingtohave a comparatively low riskappetiteregardingthesecurityandliquidityof investmentsparticularly,butrecognisingthat some flexibilityshouldhelpimprove returns,whilststilleffectivelymitigatingrisk.Itisstressed that intermsoftreasuryactivity, thereisnoriskfreeapproach.Itisfelt, however, thatthemeasuressetoutabove provide a fit for purposeframeworkwithin which to work, pending any update during the course of next year.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the Finance Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to agree the Treasury Management Framework, as updated for Cabinet’s final budget proposals, for referral on to Council.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The proposed Treasury Management framework forms part of the Council’s Budget and Policy framework, and fits into the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) to inform Cabinet of the latest General Fund budget and council tax position so it can make recommendations back to Council in order to complete the budget setting process.

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

Cabinet is now requested to finalise its preferred revenue budget and capital programme proposals for referral on to Council, using the latest information as set out in this report.

Revenue Budget

Cabinet may adjust its revenue budget proposals, as long as the overall budget for 2018/19 balances and fits with the proposed council tax level.  The Chief Officer (Resources), as s151 Officer, continues to advise that wherever possible, emphasis should be on reducing future years’ net spending.

Capital Programme

Cabinet may adjust its capital investment and financing proposals to reflect spending commitments and priorities but overall its proposals for 2017/18 and 2018/19 must balance.  Whilst there is no legal requirement to have a programme balanced over the full 5-year period, it is considered good practice to do so – or at least have clear plans in place to manage the financing position over that time. 

In deciding its final proposals, Cabinet is asked also to take into account the relevant basic principles of the Prudential Code (as being updated), which include:

-                 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.

            Other Budget Framework Matters (Reserves and Provisions / MTFS)

Given known commitments, risks and approved council tax targets there is limited flexibility in financial terms, but depending on priorities Cabinet may consider putting forward alternatives for various reserves, or different approaches for addressing the medium term budget deficit through the MTFS.

Proposals to be put forward by Cabinet should fit with any external constraints and the budgetary framework already approved.  The recommendations as set out meet these requirements; the detailed supporting budget proposals are then a matter for Members.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)       That Cabinet determines its response to the feedback from Council (as set out in section 8 of the report) as part of finalising its budget proposals prior to the Budget Council agenda being published.

(2)       That Cabinet endorses the review of Provisions, Reserves and Balances undertaken by the s151 Officer, and notes her advice regarding the minimum level of Balances being maintained at £1.5M, subject to annual review.

(3)       That subject to any changes arising from the above, and any further budget amendments arising in or agreed by Cabinet after this meeting, Cabinet be recommended to approve for referral on to Budget Council:

-        the 2018/19 General Fund Net Revenue Budget and resulting Council Tax Requirement excluding parish precepts (current position at Appendix A to the report);

-        its supporting budget proposals (current summary of proposals at Appendix B to the report);

-        the resulting position on provisions and reserves (current position at Appendix D to the report); and

-        the resulting Capital Programme (current position at Appendix E to the report).

(4)       That the Finance Portfolio Holder be given delegated authority to update the Medium Term Financial Strategy accordingly, for referral on to Budget Council.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision enables Cabinet to make recommendations back to Council in order to complete the budget setting process for 2018/19.