Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 26 April 2016 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 26 April 2016 were approved as a correct record.

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

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

No declarations were made at this point.

Members were advised that there had been two requests to speak at the meeting from in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure, as set out in Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, with regard to the Review of Museums Service (Minute 5 refers).

Roger Mace spoke on behalf of the Friends of Lancaster City Museum and Major Danny Parsonage, trustee of the Kings Own also addressed Cabinet.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Report of Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) to advise Cabinet on the findings of a high level review of the current museums service and seek guidance on the overall strategy and actions which members might wish to pursue to develop a more sustainable museums service for the future.

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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) for Cabinet to consider whether to fund a new designed pedestrian crossing at the seafront in Euston Road, as part of the improvements to Morecambe’s main streets.

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

Option 2 is preferred as this is consistent with the MAAP and makes appropriate use of funds in the MAAP Reserve. It means the designed crossing can be provided this summer to the benefit of the town centre. Lancashire County Council’s local highways team has the capacity to undertake the works this summer. This offers best value and as a delivery approach is preferable to delivery via a stand- alone works contract.

The MAAP sets that Euston Road should be the main route for pedestrians between the seafront and the town centre. A new designed crossing at Marine Road Central is desirable for this and the report sets out options.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That approval be given to the use of the Morecambe Area Action Plan Implementation Reserve to supplement the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which provided summary information regarding the provisional outturn for 2015/16 including Treasury Management.  It also set out information regarding the carry forward of capital slippage and other matters for Members’ consideration.

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

The City Council has a legal requirement to ensure that its expenditure is fully funded and to produce accounts in accordance with proper accounting practice.  In addition, the Prudential Indicators are a statutory requirement linked to the budgetary framework.  For these aspects, therefore, there are no alternative options for Cabinet to consider.  Members are being asked to endorse certain actions taken by the Chief Officer (Resources), and Cabinet should consider whether it has sufficient information to do so or whether it requires any further justification.

The report requests Cabinet to consider a number of revenue overspending, capital slippage and other budget adjustment matters.  The framework for considering these is set out in the report but basically Cabinet may:

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

-          Refuse various 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.

The Officer preferred options are as set out in the recommendations, on the assumption that Members continue to support their previously approved spending plans.

Although the General Fund budget and associated Government funding reduced again in 2015/16, the Council continued to manage the financial pressures well, and has again improved the Fund’s overall financial standing as at 31 March 2016.  Similarly, the HRA’s standing is sound.  Whilst net revenue underspendings were experienced on both General Fund and HRA, their scale was lower than in previous years, perhaps reflecting the much tighter financial environment within which the Council is working.   Although various actions have been outlined in the report, there are no wholly new matters arising that have not previously been reported or highlighted in some form, and this should give some comfort with regard to the Council’s financial planning and monitoring arrangements.  This is especially so, given that local government finance appears to be getting more complex.  It will be important that capacity is in place to address the various actions highlighted, however, and this is becoming increasing difficult given the resource pressures that exist.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Leyshon:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the provisional outturn for 2015/16 be endorsed, including the transfers to provisions and Balances actioned by the Chief Officer (Resources), and the position regarding overspendings.

(2)          That the requests for capital slippage and the adjustments to reflect accelerated capital spending on projects as set out at Appendix G to the report, be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Report of Chief Executive

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to consider the Cabinet Liaison Groups currently constituted and Cabinet appointments to Outside Bodies, Partnerships and Boards.

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

The options regarding Cabinet Liaison Groups are:

·         To note existing arrangements and make no amendments.

·         To consider and approve, where appropriate, any proposals from Cabinet Members.

With regard to appointments to Outside Bodies, Partnerships and Boards, Cabinet is requested to make appointments as set out in Appendix C to the report.

Councillor Pattison proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“That the Cabinet Liaison Groups as set out in Appendix B to the report, be reconvened with the following addition:

·         Establishment of a City Council Museums Cabinet Liaison Group, the terms of reference to be agreed at a future Cabinet meeting.

That appointments to Outside Bodies, Partnerships and Boards, as set out in Appendix C, appended to the Minutes, be approved with the following revision:

·         Councillor Pattison to replace Councillor Clifford as substitute on the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

Councillors then voted.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the Cabinet Liaison Groups as set out in Appendix B to the report, be reconvened with the establishment of a City Council Museums Cabinet Liaison Group, the terms of reference of which be agreed at a future Cabinet meeting.

(2)          That appointments to Outside Bodies, Partnerships and Boards, as set out in Appendix C, appended to the Minutes, be approved with Councillor Pattison replacing Councillor Clifford as substitute on the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The establishment of Cabinet Committees and Cabinet Liaison Groups assists the Cabinet in the discharge of executive functions.  Representation on Outside Bodies is part of the City Council’s community leadership role.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Report of Chief Executive

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to advise Members of actions taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member with regard to capacity issues as a consequence of the current senior management vacancies.

The report was for noting.

Resolved unanimously:

Option 1 was approved.

Retain the position as determined at Cabinet in August 2015 as Susan Parsonage, the incoming Chief Executive, will be in place in two months’ time, before making any permanent changes. However at the same time address any shortfall in the interim arrangements, namely there is a pressing need for an interim Legal Services Manager to manage the Legal Services Team and report into Preston City Council’s Head of Legal and Democratic Services. Should this option be pursued, the interim Manager would also be required to act as the Council’s Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO), taking on responsibility for information governance, which substantively is part of the Chief Officer (Governance)’s role. Overall, interim arrangements can be less robust than permanent arrangements.  However, option 1, is not considered to be a high risk option given its temporary nature and with the additional measures being taken to increase capacity.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision fulfils the requirements of the City Council’s Constitution in advising Cabinet of urgent decisions taken by the Chief Executive in accordance with the City Council’s Scheme of Delegation.