Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 16^th January 2018 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 16^th January 2018 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 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 the Overview and Scrutiny Report (Minute 73 refers). Paul Gardner addressed Cabinet in his capacity as the Chair of Trustees of Citizens Advice North Lancashire.   Helen Greatorex, Chief Officer, Citizens Advice North Lancashire was also in attendance.

To consider the referral report from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee with regard to the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector Commissioning task group, which was deferred from the Cabinet meeting on 16^th January 2018.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Pattison)

Councillor Ashworth, as Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented a referral report from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee with regard to the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector task group report.  Cabinet were advised that the Committee had rejected the task group report and that whilst there were no plans to reconstitute the task group, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee would work with the Budget & Performance Panel to ensure the additional work identified by the Committee during their consideration of the task group report would be undertaken.

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

The options available to Cabinet are:-

1.         To accept the recommendations of Overview and Scrutiny. 

2.         Not to accept the recommendations of Overview and Scrutiny. 

3.         To make alternative proposals to those recommended by Overview and Scrutiny. 

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee preferred option was to accept recommendation (2), as set out in the report:    “That Cabinet be recommended to retain the current status quo regarding voluntary community and faith sector commissioning grant funding for 2018/19.”

Councillor Pattison proposed, seconded by Councillor Hughes:-

“(1) That Cabinet retains the current status quo regarding voluntary community and faith sector commissioning grant funding for 2018/19.

(2)  That officers be requested to explore the possibility of introducing a local lottery to help support Voluntary Community Faith Sector funding in the future.

(3)   That the following comments be forwarded to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

·         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee consider conflicts of interest when appointing task group members (particularly the chairman)

·         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers the inclusion of the following items when progressing the work on the voluntary community and faith sector commissioning framework:

a.    Description of the current procedure of the Council for allocating grants

b.    How much officer time is devoted to the allocation and management of grants each year?

c.     What are the Council’s priority areas for allocating grants and should these change?

d.    How do organisations apply for grants, and how easy is it for new ones to apply?

e.    What does the Council require of organisations receiving grants (e.g. reports, outcomes) and does this need to change?

f.      Evidence from stakeholders or service providers.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1) That Cabinet retains the current status quo regarding voluntary community and faith sector commissioning grant funding for 2018/19.

(2)  That officers be requested to explore the possibility of introducing a local lottery to help support support Voluntary Community Faith Sector funding in the future.

(3)   That the following comments be forwarded to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

·         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee consider conflicts of interest when appointing task group members (particularly the chairman)

·         That the Overview & Scrutiny Committee considers the inclusion of the following items when progressing the work on the voluntary community and faith sector commissioning framework:

a.    Description of the current procedure of the Council for allocating grants

b.    How much officer time  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Clifford)

Report of the Chief Officer (Regeneration & Planning)

(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:

(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) 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

(Cabinet Members with Special Responsibility Councillors Whitehead & Leyshon)

Joint Report of Chief Officer (Resources) and Chief Officer (Environmental Services)

(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

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)    (Supplementary Report to follow)

(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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)   (Report to follow)

(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 approve  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

(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 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.