Agenda and minutes

The Chairman advised the meeting that the 23^rd May marked the 30^th Anniversary of the Abbeystead disaster where a number of residents of St. Michaels-On-Wyre, visiting a pumping station in Abbeystead, had been killed.

The Chairman requested Members to hold one minute’s silence to commemorate those people who had lost their lives in the tragedy.

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 15 April 2014 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15 April 2014 were approved as a correct record.

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

The Leader advised the meeting of a revision in the order of the agenda with the Request from the Dukes and Grand Theatres for Grant Support being considered after Public Speaking for the convenience of the public speakers who had both registered to speak on that item. 

Councillor Blamire declared an interest with regard to the Request from the Dukes and Grand Theatres for Grant Support in her capacity as a member of the Board of the Dukes and would not chair, speak or vote on this item. (Minutes 5 & 6 refer).

The Vice-Chairman took the chair at this point.

Members were advised that there had been two requests to speak at the meeting from  members of the public in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure, as set out in Cabinet Procedure Rule 2.7, with regard to the Request from the Dukes and Grand Theatres for Grant Support (Minute 6 refers).

Mr Stuart Langhorn as a member of the Board of the Grand, addressed the meeting with regard to The Grand’s application for support.  Ms Sian Johnson, Chair of the Dukes, addressed the meeting with regard to The Duke’s application for funding.

Following the representations from the public speakers Councillor Hanson, as Chairman, adjourned the meeting at 10.40am to enable Cabinet members to seek advice from officers on the content of the presentations.   The public speakers and non-executive members were requested to leave the room during the adjournment.  The meeting reconvened at 11.20am.

(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) to consider requests from the Dukes and Grand theatres for additional funding support.

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

Option 1 is the officer preferred option.  Successful theatres benefit the district in a number of ways and are a key element of the Canal Corridor scheme. The case for providing more financial support must be balanced against the potential for other similar operators to approach the council for support (given the current budgetary climate) and possible conflicts of interest in terms of the Canal Corridor scheme.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Sands:-

“(1)      That Cabinet recognises and supports the continued importance of The Dukes and The Grand as an essential part of the Arts provision in the district, with both theatres effectively being integral to any future redevelopment of the Canal Corridor North site.  Accordingly, Cabinet agrees to the request from The Dukes for £12K as the money is required now to assist with the establishment of their business plan, with the additional £12K being allocated from the Performance Reward Grant Reserve.

(2)        That The Grand be invited to make an application for a grant through the Arts commissioning framework once this is in place.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved:

(5 Members (Councillors Bryning, Hamilton-Cox, Hanson, Leytham and Sands) voted in favour, and 1 Member (Councillor Barry) abstained.) Councillor Blamire had declared an interest in this item and did not participate in the discussions or vote.

(1)        That Cabinet recognises and supports the continued importance of The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

(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 and the Cabinet Committee are:

·         To note existing arrangements and make no amendments.

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

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

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Sands:-

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

·         Business Cabinet Liaison Group to be stood down.

·         Climate Change Cabinet Liaison Group to be reconstituted as the Municipal Energy Strategy Cabinet Liaison Group with the following terms of reference:

(a)   To promote, communicate and monitor the progress of the development and delivery of the Council’s Municipal Energy Strategy.

·         Square Routes Centrepiece Cabinet Committee to be stood down.

(2)        That the following revision be made to appointments to Outside Bodies:

·         Councillor Hamilton-Cox to replace Councillor Leytham on the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved:

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

(1)        That the Cabinet Liaison Groups as set out in Appendix B to the report, be reconvened with the following exceptions:

·         Business Cabinet Liaison Group to be stood down.

·         Climate Change Cabinet Liaison Group to be reconstituted as the Municipal Energy Strategy Cabinet Liaison Group with the following terms of reference:

(b)   To promote, communicate and monitor the progress of the development and delivery of the Council’s Municipal Energy Strategy.

·         Square Routes Centrepiece Cabinet Committee to be stood down.

(2)        That the following revision be made to appointments to Outside Bodies:

·         Councillor Hamilton-Cox to replace Councillor Leytham on the Health and Wellbeing Partnership.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Chief Officer (Governance)

Reasons for making the decision:

The establishment of 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 enable Cabinet to consider the draft Corporate Plan 2014-16, with a view to recommending the Corporate Plan to full Council for formal approval in July.

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 1 as this will underpin Council activities, business and resource planning.  Additionally, local residents, communities and partners will be clear about the Council priorities and outcomes the council wishes to achieve in the coming two years.

The strategic planning arrangements create an opportunity each year to consider the changing needs and aspirations of local communities and the shifting priorities, opportunities and challenges that the Council faces.  These are reflected in the draft Corporate Plan for 2014 - 2016 taking into account recommendations by Council and Cabinet, consultation and engagement with residents and visitors and budget information and options that have been set out in various Budget and Policy Framework updates during 2013/14.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Bryning:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved:

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

(1)          That the draft Corporate Plan 2014-16 be agreed and referred to full Council for approval.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The Corporate Plan is a central part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework stating the key priorities, outcomes and measures that the Council hopes to achieve for the district.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hanson)

Report of Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) which sought approval to enter into formal arrangements with South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to provide Building Control services on behalf of the City Council.

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

                      The officer preference is Option 2.  The Council must take steps to continue providing this service without continuing to build the deficit in its own trading account.  To do this the best alternative is to achieve economies of scale and changes in market perception by merging with another party.  Members have expressed the preference to achieve efficiencies by working with other local authorities.  There are also benefits in strengthening working relations with partners around Morecambe Bay where there is more commonality in local economies.

Although the new operation would be a SLDC service provided for the City Council, this is a confident local brand which is more likely to compete effectively with local approved inspectors than the City Council brand.  This arrangement would also secure employment for the small number of officers currently employed by the City Council should they wish to continue working in this field.  

Councillor Barry proposed, seconded by Councillor Bryning:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That Cabinet agrees that steps should be taken to enter into an appropriate formal arrangement for Building Control services to be provided by South Lakeland District Council on behalf of Lancaster City Council. 

(2)             That the Chief Officers (Regeneration and Planning), (Governance) and (Resources) be instructed to conduct the appropriate negotiations including taking any transitional steps required in the interim period and to report back to Cabinet for approval to formalise arrangements in due course.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Regeneration and Planning)

Chief Officer (Governance)

Chief Officer (Resources)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Sands)

Report of Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Sands)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning) which provided an update on the 2014 Lancaster Fireworks event together with options with regard to event management.

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 1, to approve the procurement and private sector delivery for the Lancaster Fireworks for 2014.  This enables local communities to continue to benefit from an important local event, an economic impact to be achieved for the district and the continuing development of work with arts partners and funders for the Light Up Lancaster Festival 2014 as a whole.

As previous delivery arrangements for the Fireworks event are no longer feasible, a new approach is recommended which will allow the Fireworks event to be delivered again in 2014.  Although there is the potential for some limited additional costs, this is in the context of considerable savings gained as a result of service restructures. Timing is an important issue as a firm commitment will need to be made to an external provider as soon as possible in order to ensure that services are secured and sufficient lead in time is available.

Councillor Hanson proposed, seconded by Councillor Sands:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with an additional recommendation that consideration be given to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

This is to give further notice in accordance with Part 2, paragraph 5 (4) and 5 (5) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of the intention to take the following item(s) in private. 

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

“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(s) of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst the following item(s) have been marked as exempt, it is for Cabinet 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 also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers. 

It was moved by Councillor Hanson and seconded by Councillor Hamilton-Cox:-

“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:-

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 paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) 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 Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Leytham:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the land off Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, as shown hatched red, hatched green and edged blue on the plan attached to the exempt report, be declared surplus to requirements and disposed of on the terms and conditions as set out in section 2.4 of the exempt report.

(2)             That detailed terms for the completion of the sale and the lease renewal be referred back to Cabinet for final decision.

(3)             That Cabinet welcomes the additional capital receipt to be generated from the proposal, together with the resulting reduction in borrowing need and indicative revenue savings.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The Corporate Property Strategy requires the Council review its asset base and only retain those assets required to meet its agreed objectives and priorities. Where assets are not required for this purpose they should be disposed of at best value. This is an opportunistic sale, allowing the Council to improve the management of its assets.