Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 29 May 2012 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 29 May 2012 were approved 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. 

No declarations were made at this point.

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

Members were advised that there had been a request to speak at the meeting from a member of the public in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure, as set out in Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, with regard to Heysham Mossgate Community and Sports Facilities (Minute19 refers).

The Chairman advised the meeting of a change in order to the agenda.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of the Chief Executive

 (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Mrs Jean Yates who had registered to speak on this item in accordance with the City Council’s agreed procedure and Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, spoke on behalf of the Heysham Mossgate(Communities Facilities) Company Ltd).

Having addressed the meeting and having answered a number of questions from Cabinet Members Mrs Yates left the meeting at this point.

It was moved by Councillor Smith and seconded by CouncillorBryning:-

“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 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members then voted as follows:-

6 Members (Councillors Barry, Blamire, Bryning, Hanson, Sands and Smith) voted in favour and 1 Member (Councillor Hamilton-Cox) voted against).

Resolved:

(1)        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 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive which was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12a of the Local government Act 1972.

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

Councillor Barry proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“(1)      That HeyshamMossgate (Communities Facilities) Company Ltd be encouraged to apply for Second Homes Funding, be requested to provide a copy of their business plan to the City Council and that any funding from the City Council be considered as part of the budget process for 2013/14.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That HeyshamMossgate (Communities Facilities) Company Ltd be encouraged to apply for Second Homes Funding, be requested to provide a copy of their business plan to the City Council and that any funding from the City Council be considered as part of the budget process for 2013/14.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Head of Financial Services (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

Cabinet was mindful that the Council’s own capital programme in the current year was presently on hold, pending receiving sufficient capital receipts and therefore supporting the request as set out in the exempt report would add to those difficulties.  In addition the request fell outside of the budget framework/ medium term financial strategy.  The decision enables the request to be considered as part of the budget process for 2013/14.

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

(Cabinet Member with special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of the Head of Regeneration and Planning

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Head of Regeneration and Planning to provide members with the opportunity to review and endorse the emerging Draft Local Plan for Lancaster District; comprising  the Development Management Development Plan Document (DPD), Land Allocations DPD, and, Morecambe Area Action Plan (MAAP).  The report highlighted the key issues which arose from these documents, and advised on how the documents would be progressed as elements of Draft Local Plan for Lancaster District. 

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

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Blamire and Bryning)

Report of the Head of Community Engagement

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a joint report from the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility for Finance in respect of the 4^th Quarter of the Performance Review Team Cycle for 2012.

The report was for noting and comment.

Councillor Bryning proposed, seconded by Councillor Blamire:-

“That the report be noted.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the report be noted.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Head of Community Engagement

Reasons for making the decision:

The Council’s Performance Management Framework requires the regular reporting of operational and financial performance to Cabinet as part of the Performance Review Team cycle of meetings.  The Corporate PRT report provides a summary of key issues and associated actions that have arisen in the quarter and have been escalated to the Leader of the Council for attention.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Bryning)

Report of the Head of Financial Services

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Bryning)

Cabinet received a report from the Head of Financial Services (Resources) which provided summary information regarding the provisional outturn for 2011/12.  It set out information regarding the carry forward of underspent/overspent revenue budgets and capital slippage for Members’ consideration.  It also incorporated the treasury management outturn report and sought approval of various Prudential Indicators for last year for referral on to Council.

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

The City Council had a legal requirement to ensure that its expenditure was fully funded and to produce a Statement of Accounts in accordance with proper accounting practice.  In addition, the Prudential Indicators were a statutory requirement linked to the budgetary framework and therefore there were no alternative options for Cabinet to consider.  Members were asked to endorse certain actions taken by the Head of Financial Services (Resources), however Cabinet needed to consider whether it had sufficient information to do so or whether it required any further justification.  With regard to reserves contributions, there would be opportunities for these to be amended during the current financial year, as part of the usual arrangements.

The report requested Cabinet to consider a number of revenue budget carry forward matters and capital slippage.  The framework for considering these was set out in the report but basically Cabinet may:

·         Approve any number of the items / requests, in full or part.

·         Refuse any number of the requests and if commitments have already been incurred, require alternative funding options to be identified.  Cabinet should note, however, that this may impact on other areas of service delivery.

·         Request further information regarding them, if appropriate.  Cabinet is asked to bear in mind any work required against the value of the individual bids.

Officer recommendations regarding any carry forward of overspendings were set out in Appendix F, as attached to the report.  Where there were alternative options for other aspects of the outturn, in view of the comments made above there were no specific officer preferred options put forward.

As at 31 March the Council had improved its financial standing overall by generating net efficiency savings and through other underspendings.  Balances were again higher than forecast and this gave the Council some flexibility and comfort for addressing future challenges.  Efforts to draw out ongoing efficiencies and other budget savings should be taken wherever possible, to improve value for money as well as financial planning.

Cabinet then voted individually on each of the recommendations, as set out in the report and made a further recommendation regarding possible use of part of the underspends. Members voted unanimously on all of the recommendations.

Councillor Bryning proposed, seconded by Councillor Smith:-

“(1)      That the provisional outturn for 2011/12 be noted, including the transfers to provisions and reserves actioned by the Head of Financial Services (Resources) as set out in section 4.2 of the report.”

Councillor Bryning proposed, seconded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Report of the Chief Executive

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to ask Cabinet to consider the capacity of the City Council’s senior management. 

At its meeting on the 14 February 2012, Cabinet approved a revised Senior Management Structure which was implemented immediately with the exception of filling the Property, Partnerships and Performance post as Cabinet requested further consideration be given to the capacity of senior management across the Council.

Number of Chief Officers based on the future needs of the Council

The current numbers at chief officer level was considered to be sufficient to deliver the Corporate Plan Priorities and actions.  A more appropriate Senior Management Structure was to dispense with the new chief officer post, and create additional capacity below chief officer level, to ensure the structure was capable of delivering the Council’s priorities in an efficient and effective manner as per Appendix A to the report.

With effect from the 18 June 2012, the connection into the Chief Officer structure of the shared property functions had been placed with the Head of Financial Services, with the exception of Parking Administration, Markets and CCTV, which had been placed with the Head of Environmental Services.  As Information Services was also a function within Financial Services, the service had been renamed “Resources” to better identify with the range of functions undertaken within it.  The post of Head of Financial Services had therefore, become ‘Head of Resources’.  It was also considered that re-titling ‘Regeneration and Policy’ to ‘Regeneration and Planning’ was more meaningful.

Capacity at Senior Management level

Following consideration, a particular need had been identified in the Regeneration and Planning Service.  A more detailed report in respect of this would be considered later on the Agenda (Minute 25 refers).

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Smith:-

“That the report be noted.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the report be noted.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The report was for noting and clarified issues regarding senior management capacity raised at the Cabinet meeting on 14^th February 2012.

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

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

“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 1 & 2 or 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the Council itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them 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 CouncillorHanson and seconded by Councillor Bryning:-

“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 paragraphs 1 and 2 or 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members then voted as follows:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        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 paragraphs 1 and 2 or 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson

Report of the Head of Regeneration & Planning

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Head of Regeneration and Planning to respond to Cabinet’s request that senior management capacity in the Regeneration and Planning Service be reinforced following the disestablishment of the post of Deputy Chief Executive.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Bryning:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

(6 Members (Councillors Barry, Blamire, Bryning, Hanson, Sands and Smith) voted in favour, and 1 Member (Councillor Hamilton-Cox) abstained.)

Resolved:

(1)        That Cabinet agrees to fund the creation of a new post of Senior Planning Officer graded at SCP36-41 (Grade 6) from savings made through the deletion of the Deputy Chief Executive post, with the General Fund Revenue Budget being updated accordingly.            

(2)        That Cabinet agrees to review funding for any ongoing need for the temporary post referred to in the exempt report.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Head of Regeneration & Planning

Head of Financial Services (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The Corporate Plan includes economic growth, support for the Energy Coast and major infrastructure projects, housing regeneration and developing the visitor economy as its priorities.  The decision will enable senior management capacity in the Regeneration and Planning Service to be reinforced following the disestablishment of the post of Deputy Chief Executive.  Cabinet were satisfied that the proposals represented sound use of some of the budgetary savings arising from the latest changes to senior management structure and the proposals fit with the approved Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).

At this point Councillor Bryning declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item in view of him being the Council’s representative to the Storey Centre for Creative Industries outside body.  Councillor Bryning left the meeting at this point, did not take part in the discussions and did not vote on this item.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of the Head of Financial Services (Report to Follow)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to provide an update on the Storey Creative Industries Centre (SCIC) Ltd’s current financial position and to determine the way forward regarding the Council’s involvement in the Centre.  An exempt version of the report that included commercially sensitive information had been produced to support Cabinet’s decision-making.

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

OPTIONS FOR THE WAY FORWARD

The way forward therefore depended on whether the Council wished to provide a creative industries centre or whether it wished to pursue an alternative future for the building.

In terms of the Council’s Corporate Plan, there was nothing specific regarding the continuation of a creative industries centre although having a successful operation could contribute to:

-        maximising the district’s cultural offer

-        increasing participation in arts, culture and entertainment events.

The Council has committed to working with the Duchy to consider options for the long term use of Lancaster Castle.  The Storey building occupies a prominent position and in future there may be other potential avenues to be explored regarding its use.

The Council still had service level agreements in place with Litfest and the Storey Gallery but these placed no obligations on the Council in connection with the Storey building itself.

Options for consideration were as follows:

Option1

                      Withdraw support for the Storey being used as a creative industries centre, and request a report back on all future options for the building.

Option 2

                      Continue to support the Storey being used as a creative industries centre but under the Council’s direct management and control, authorising the Chief Executive to take actions as necessary, prior to reporting back to Cabinet.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.