Agenda and minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 12^th April, 2022 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 12 April 2022 were approved as a correct record.

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

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

Councillors 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, Councillors 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, Councillors 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 Dowding)

Report of Director for Economic Growth and Regeneration.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Dowding)

Cabinet received a report from the Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration to consider the draft Sustainable Travel Supplementary Planning Document, the draft Incorporating Green and Blue Infrastructure into the design of development Supplementary Planning Document, and the draft Sustainable Design, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Generation Supplementary Planning Document and sought authorisation for the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to proceed with informal and statutory consultation.

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 1 - Progress the draft SPDs through informal and statutorily defined consultation process to ensure that if adopted it can be given weight in decision making.

Councillor Dowding proposed, seconded by Councillor Matthews:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That Cabinet approve the draft SPDs and delegate authority to the Service Manager – Planning and Housing Strategy to advance the draft SPDs through informal and statutory defined consultation processes.

(2)        That the SPDs will then be adopted unless the consultation results in any significant changes, in which case the amended SPD will be reported back to Cabinet for final endorsement.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Director for Economic Growth & Regeneration

Reasons for making the decision:

The Corporate Plan and Priorities includes a priority to create a sustainable district by taking action to meet the challenges of the climate emergency and transitioning to a low carbon transport system and to provide for healthy and happy Communities by supporting wellbeing. The Climate Emergency Local Plan Review (CELPR) includes policies which seek to climate change related issues such as energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, sustainable design, the incorporation of green and blue infrastructure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

(Cabinet member with special responsibility Councillor Frea)

Report of Chief Executive.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Frea)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive that sought approval for £300k capital growth in the 22/23 – 25/26 capital programme to cover essential gas boiler replacements at The Storey, Palatine Hall and Williamson Park and refer the matter to full council for approval and to make the necessary budget adjustments

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 1: Approve Proposal  - That Cabinet support the proposal for capital growth and refer the matter to full council for approval and to make the necessary budget adjustments. This will provide officers with an opportunity to submit funding applications to decarbonise the sites in line with the approved Heat Decarbonisation Plans, should funding opportunities arise.

It was noted that since the publication of the report officers had received revised figures in relation to the possible savings which could be achieved and Cabinet were advised that these revised figures would be included in the referral report to Council.

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

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That Cabinet refer the capital growth requested to Council for approval in order to ensure the buildings remain fit for purpose and deliver on the projects listed within the Building Heat Decarbonisation Plan, should funding become available.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

The project currently sits outside of the Council’s approved Capital Programme and Treasury Management Strategy and so will require approval by Council in order to bring it within the Budget & Policy Framework.

The decision is consistent with the following priorities and cross-cutting themes:

·        An inclusive and prosperous local economy. A proportion of the overall evaluation will include an element of social value, in line with the procurement strategy and contract procedure rules.

·        Climate Emergency – Net zero 2030 ambition.

(Cabinet member with special responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Report of the Chief Executive.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Whitehead)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive that provided an update on performance and projects during quarter 4 of 2021/22 (January-March 2022) and some annual measures covering April-March 2022.

As the report was primarily for noting no options were provided. Members commented on the continued low sickness rates, the inclusion of quarterly figures for comparison purposes and requested further information/ benchmarking regarding exposure to pollution at roadside figures.

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the report be noted.

(Cabinet member with special responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Report of the Chief Executive.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive to enable Cabinet to revise the current appointments to Outside Bodies and confirm the appointment to the Lancashire Police & Crime Panel for 2022/23.

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

Cabinet was requested to confirm current appointments to Outside Bodies or make any revisions to those appointments as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Cabinet was requested to confirm that the appropriate portfolio holder be appointed to the Police and Crime Panel.

Members were reminded that Members nominated to outside bodies, partnerships and boards by Cabinet are representing the views of Cabinet in such positions, rather than any views they might hold as individuals. It was recommended that appointments be aligned as closely as possible to individual Cabinet Members’ portfolios.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Brookes:-

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

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the appointments to outside bodies as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be re-confirmed.

(2)             That following on from Council agreeing that the appointment to the Lancashire Police and Crime Panel be by ‘virtue of position’, Councillor Thornberry as the appropriate Cabinet member be appointed to the position.

(3)             That Blackburn with Darwen be notified of the appointment of Councillor Thornberry, as the appropriate portfolio holder, to the Lancashire Police & Crime Panel.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Executive

Reasons for making the decision:

Representation on Outside Bodies is part of the City Council’s community leadership role.