Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday 24 April 2018 and Tuesday 15 May 2018 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meetings held on Tuesday 24^th April and Tuesday 15 May 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 no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.

(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 which presented the draft Council Plan 2018-22 ahead of recommending the finalised Council Plan to Council for approval.

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

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 draft Council Plan 2018-22 be endorsed by Cabinet and referred to Full Council for approval.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

Cabinet has given significant consideration to developing its’ strategic priorities to guide the organisation in aligning its strategy and resources in implementing a number of key projects and initiatives.  Setting out a new Council Plan at this stage creates an opportunity to clearly state the Council’s vision for the Lancaster district and, as such must be approved by Council.

(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 2017/18, including treasury management.  It also set out information regarding the carry forward of capital slippage.

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:

-                    Endorse 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 2017/18, the Council continued to manage the financial pressures well and it has again improved the Fund’s overall financial standing as at 31 March 2018.  Similarly, the HRA’s standing is currently sound.  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 adequacy of the Council’s financial planning and monitoring arrangements. 

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Pattison:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the provisional outturn for 2017/18 be endorsed, including the transfers and amendments to Provisions, Reserves and Balances actioned by the Chief Officer (Resources), and the position regarding overspendings.

(2)          That Cabinet approves the requests to carry forward underspent revenue budgets as set out in section 5.2 of the report.

(3)          That the requests for capital slippage and the adjustments to reflect accelerated capital spending on projects as set out at Appendix H to the report be endorsed, with the Capital Programme being updated accordingly.

(4)          That the Annual Treasury Management report and Prudential Indicators as set out at Appendix J to the report be noted and referred on to Council for information.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

The Outturn and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Warriner)

Report of Chief Officer (Health & Housing)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Warriner)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Health & Housing) to update Cabinet members on the project activity for the Transformation Challenge Award (TCA) and seek endorsement for the revised project activity as agreed by the Partnership (i.e. Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council).

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

The officer preferred option was option 2. Considerable effort has gone into building a consensus with partners. There is broad agreement on the main priorities for improving health and wellbeing in the district and the best approach for this. The agreed project activity addresses a number of the underlying problems with innovative, sustainable approaches that are asset based and designed to build resilience in the community.  The outcomes will be the same as the original bid - reduction in repeat demand for services, smarter ways of working with focussed populations, improving community safety and wellbeing and empowering the community to build on its own strengths.

  Councillor Warriner proposed, seconded by Councillor Hanson:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved and that updates on the Transformation Challenge Award Project be reported to the Housing Regeneration Cabinet Liaison Group.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That Cabinet notes the proposed changes to the Transformational Challenge Award project delivery approach.

(2)          That the General Fund Revenue Budget be updated to reflect the proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Report of Interim Head of Legal & Democratic Services

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a report from the Interim Head of Legal & Governance that provided an update on progress made with the GDPR compliance action plan now that the critical date (25^th May 2018) had passed and a summary of the relevant policies to note.  The report also advised Councillors of their responsibilities in relation to information that they were party to as a Councillor.

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

Option 1, to note the information provided and for Cabinet to continue to champion the roll out of the plan for compliance from the highest level was the officer preferred action.

Councillor Blamire proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved, and that officers be requested to give consideration as to how to make e-learning more councillor focused.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the progress to date be noted.

(2)          That the new policies be noted, and Cabinet continue to support the Council’s work to ensure compliance with the new Data Protection Regulations.

(3)          That Cabinet recognise that Councillors have personal liability for the information that they hold, and how it is used, stored, distributed and destroyed.

(4)          That officers be requested to give consideration as to how to make data protection and other e-learning available to Councillors.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Interim Head of Legal & Governance

Reasons for making the decision:

The decision is consistent with the Corporate Plan priority of Community Leadership - commitment to good governance, openness and transparency.  Improving the compliance and data security measures within the Council will help to evidence to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

(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 Cabinet Liaison Groups and 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 were:

·         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 was requested to make appointments as set out in Appendix C to the report.

Councillor Warriner proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with the establishment of a Flooding Cabinet Liaison Group being agreed in principle, the terms of reference of which would be tabled at a later Cabinet meeting.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the Cabinet Liaison Groups as set out in Appendix B to the report be re-constituted with the following revisions approved:

·         Revised terms of reference of the Housing Regeneration CLG as set in Appendix B to the report.

·         Canal Corridor CLG to be stood down and replaced by the Canal Quarter CLG.

(2)          That a Flooding Cabinet Liaison Group be established in principle, the terms of reference of which will be agreed by Cabinet at a future meeting.

(3)          That appointments to Outside Bodies, Partnerships and Boards as set out in Appendix C to the report be noted with the following revision:

·         Councillor Pattison appointed to Health & Wellbeing Partnership with Councillor Warriner the substitute.

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 Councillor Blamire)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to report on the key indicators for January -  March 2018 (Quarter 4) and the full year April 2017-March 2018.

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

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That the report be noted.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The City Council’s Performance Management Framework requires regular reporting of operational, as well as financial performance.  Performance Monitoring provides a link between operational achievement and the policy framework, by providing regular updates on the impact of operational initiatives against strategic aims and objectives.

Whilst the following report is public it contains an exempt appendix.  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 for Cabinet to go into private session if it becomes necessary to refer to the exempt appendix.  The Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee has agreed to the meeting going into private session if required.

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

“That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting if it becomes necessary to refer to Appendix B, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 & 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

Members are reminded that, whilst Appendix B has been marked as exempt, it is for Cabinet itself to decide whether or not to consider the Appendix 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. 

As it became necessary to refer to the exempt Appendix it was moved by Councillor Pattison, seconded by Councillor Hanson and resolved unanimously:

Resolved unanimously:

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 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The press and public were excluded from the meeting at this point.

The Interim Head of Legal & Democratic Services left the meeting at this point.

(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) to consider proposed allocations from the Budget Support Reserve to enable the progress of related matters.

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

Approve the allocation as proposed:

Senior Management - Essentially the proposal is to help ensure that the Council has adequate senior management capacity for the relevant periods, to progress various initiatives and to protect its interests. Should the allocation be supported, it is advised that some flexibility be built in, to manage the corporate turnover savings position.

Environmental Services restructuring - The proposal provides the one off funding required to produce the ongoing savings agreed by the Council in 2016. It will not impact negatively on service delivery.

Amend the proposed allocations

Should Cabinet consider this option, the rationale and implications of any proposed amendment would need to be considered and addressed.

Do not approve the allocation

Should this option be chosen, regarding the HR proposal, as there are no other obvious sources of financing available at this point, then as a consequence the Council would need to readjust its work priorities, and put in place other arrangements to ensure that meets its legal obligations.  There is no guarantee that these could be met from within existing budgets, and so alternative reserve allocations may arise in due course.

Regarding the Environmental Services proposal, the restructuring could not go forward and the budgetary savings and operational efficiencies would not be realised.  Alternative ways of achieving savings would need to be identified, but any such options are likely to involve other up-front costs in any event.

The relevant Officer preferred options are as set out in the attachments. In respect of the interim capacity proposal, some flexibility regarding the corporate turnover position is advised; this is reflected in the Member recommendations of this report.

Councillor Whitehead proposed, seconded by Councillor Burns:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)          That Cabinet approves a total allocation estimated at £145,000 from the Budget Support Reserve to cover:

-     the continued engagement of the interim Head of Legal and Democratic Services to 31 October 2018, and the interim Human Resources Manager to 31 July 2018, with any further extension being subject to decisions regarding the management restructure; and

-     the one off costs arising from a minor structural reorganisation resulting from Council’s decision to reorganise the management and administration of Environmental Services.

(2)          That the allocation regarding interim capacity be subject to the use of turnover savings to help finance the engagement and should any adjustment be required to the allocation, it be addressed through quarterly financial monitoring reporting (through which the corporate turnover position will be monitored).

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

As reflected within its Medium Term Financial Strategy and related Provisions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.