Venue: The Boardroom, Municipal Building
Contact: Angela Scott on 0151 511 8670 or Email: Angela.scott@halton.gov.uk
No. | Item |
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Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 January 2018 were taken as read and signed as a correct record. |
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Children Young People and Families Portfolio |
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Inspection Framework (Presentation) PDF 259 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People,
regarding the framework for the Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children
Services (ILACS). The Board was advised that the last Ofsted Inspection of Children
Services in Halton took place in 2014, under the Single Inspection Framework
(SIF). It was noted that the overall judgement was “Requires Improvement”, as
detailed in the report. Since that inspection, a plan had been developed to
address the recommendations, with continual monitoring, review and evaluation
of performance undertaken. It was reported that the SIF cycle had ended, and local authorities
would now be inspected under the ILACS framework, which was essentially built
around answering three questions, as stated in the report. In addition, the
presentation provided information on what the authority could expect in terms
of inspection visits, although it was noted that the ‘Annual Conversation’
visit and shared self-evaluation took place on 26 January 2018. RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted. |
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Health and Wellbeing Portfolio |
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HSAB Annual Report 2016-2017 PDF 230 KB Minutes: The Board received the verbal report of the Halton Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) Annual Report for 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. The report was presented by Audrey Williamson, Chair of the HSAB. It was noted that the Annual
Report fulfilled one of the Safeguarding Adults Board’s three core statutory
duties which were to:
It was reported that all members
of HSAB, HSAB sub-group chairs and the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Forum
members were invited to submit an annual summary of their work activity. The focus of work activity addressed HSAB’s
priorities as identified from the 2015-16 Annual Report, Performance Framework
and Strategic Plan (2016-2018), in addition to acknowledging local and national
safeguarding adults emerging issues, trends and policies throughout the year. The report provided a summary
analysis of the data gathered from both NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group
and Halton Borough Council’s Safeguarding Adults Collection and highlighted
what this information meant for informing the work priorities for 2017-18. RESOLVED: That the report be noted. |
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Halton Speak Out Contract PDF 254 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which
sought approval to extend the current contract for the Halton Speak Out
service. The Board was advised that Halton Speak Out was commissioned in 2015 to
provide support services to adults with learning disabilities. The contract had
two elements, which although not statutory, did contribute to the Council’s
prevention agenda which ensured the delivery of outcomes linked to the Care
Act. It was reported that a review of learning disability services, which
included those services delivered by Halton Speak Out, was being undertaken. An
extension to the contract would allow completion of the review and
consideration of other options, and would inform future service delivery. RESOLVED: That the Board approve the waiver of Procurement
Standing Orders 3.0, to award a contract to Halton Speak Out for Person Centred
Planning Co-ordination/Facilitation, Self-Advocacy and Halton People’s Cabinet
for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. |
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Halton Healthwatch & Advocacy Tender PDF 225 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the
Halton Healthwatch and Advocacy Hub contract. The Board was advised that Halton Healthwatch
was first commissioned in 2013/14 and had been extended twice by Executive
Board. It was reported that a provider bidder event was held in October 2017,
when an outline of Halton’s vision for a new combined
Healthwatch and Advocacy Service was presented to
prospective bidders. The contract was advertised on The Chest on 20 October
2017 with evaluation subsequently taking place. It was noted that the contract
would be for an initial period of three years, with the option to extend for a
further two years, and would commence on 1 April 2018. RESOLVED: That the Board note the award of
the Healthwatch and Advocacy Hub contract to Engaging
Communities Staffordshire CIC. |
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Stair lifts – Proposed New Model of Provision PDF 421 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services,
on a proposed new model for the installation and maintenance of stair lifts. The Board was advised that, given the increasing costs of maintaining
stair lifts, a new model of provision was proposed which incorporated two key
changes compared to the current practice. These were outlined in the report as
being the introduction of a means testing element so that those who were able
to fund/contribute to the cost were identified; and the provision of an
extended warranty funded by the Council at the point of installation, after
which the stair lift would become the responsibility of the individual for
ongoing maintenance. It was noted that the new model would only apply to owner-occupiers and
those in private rental accommodation; the current joint funding agreement for
adaptations between the Council and seven of the major Housing Associations
which operate in Halton, would continue. RESOLVED: That 1) the
report be noted; and 2) the
proposed new model for stair lift installation and maintenance outlined in the
report at paragraph 3.6., be approved. |
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Transportation Portfolio and Physical Environment Portfolio |
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Widnes Loops to West Bank Link Road - KEY DECISION PDF 256 KB Additional documents:
Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise,
Community and Resources, which presented design options for a new link road
between the Mersey Gateway Bridge and West Bank. The Board was advised that the Mersey Gateway Regeneration Plan Plus, approved by the Board in March
2017, identified a new link road between the Mersey Gateway Bridge and West
Bank Impact Area as a priority ‘connectivity’ infrastructure project. It was reported
that construction of this new link road would contribute to regeneration and
economic development objectives and provide a more resilient and connected
transport network. A feasibility study was commissioned in August 2017 to undertake initial
design, traffic modelling and costing work of the potential scheme. A series of
options had been considered for the configuration of the new link road and
associated junction, and were summarised in Appendix B, attached to the report.
A further technical review process lead to some of the options being rejected,
as detailed in the report. Therefore, it was noted that three options remained.
The timetable for the delivery of the programme was set out in the report, with
the next step to formally engage with the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and Merseylink to agree the acceptability of Option 5b, in
principle. Reason(s) for
Decision Delivery of the
Widnes Loops to West Bank Link Road would help maximise the regeneration,
economic and transport benefits of the Mersey Gateway Project. Alternative
Options Considered and Rejected These were outlined
at paragraph 3.5 to 3.7 of the report. Implementation
Date April 2018. RESOLVED: That 1) the
development of recommended Option 5b, as outlined in the report, be agreed; 2) the
formal engagement of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board and Merseylink
to enable delivery of the Widnes Loops to West Bank Link Road, be approved; 3) Council
be recommended to approve a variation to the capital programme to cover the
costs, as outlined in paragraph 5.1 of the report; 4) the
Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources be authorised, in
conjunction with the Portfolio holders for Physical Environment and for
Transportation, to take the necessary actions to ensure value for money through
the appropriate procurement processes; and 5) the
Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, be authorised, in
consultation with the portfolio holders for Physical Environment and for Transportation,
to take any other actions necessary to enable timely delivery of the new link
road. |
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Resources Portfolio |
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Budget 2018/19 - KEY DECISION PDF 422 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance,
which outlined a recommendation to Council in respect of the Budget, Capital
Programme and Council Tax for 2018/19. It was noted that at the time of writing, the Cheshire Police and Crime
Commissioner and the Cheshire Fire Authority had not set their budgets and
Council Tax Precepts. However, final figures would be reported to Council when
the information was available. The Government announced the Final Local Government Finance Settlement
figure for 2018/19, which was in line with the Provisional Settlement figure
announced on 19 December 2017. The main change was the announcement of a
one-off Adult Social Care Support Grant for 2018/19 to the value of £0.399m. As
part of the Liverpool City Region (LCR), the Council would continue to
participate in the pilot Business Rates Retention Scheme. Government had
confirmed that the pilot scheme would operate under a “no detriment” policy in
that no Council operating as part of the pilot would see a reduction in their
funding, in comparison to what would have been received previously. The Board was advised that the Medium Term Financial Strategy, approved
on 16 November 2017, had identified a funding gap of around £5.6m in 2018/19,
£13.2m in 2019/20 and £3.3m in 2020/21. The Strategy had the following
objectives: · Deliver
a balanced and sustainable budget; · Prioritise
spending towards the Council’s five priority areas; · Avoid
excessive Council Tax rises; · Protect
essential front line services; and · Deliver
improved procurement. In terms of consultation, it was noted that the Council used various
methods to listen to the views of the public and Members’ own experiences
through their Ward work was an important part of that process. Individual
consultations had taken place in respect of specific budget proposals and
equality impact assessments would be completed where necessary. On 6 December 2017, the Council approved initial budget savings
totalling £2.2m and further proposed savings were shown at Appendix B. The
departmental analysis of the budget was shown at Appendix C, and the major
reasons for change from the current budget were outlined for Members’
information in Appendix D. It was noted that the proposed budget total was
£109.227m. The Board was advised that the proposed budget incorporated grant
figures announced in the Provisional Grant Settlement and included £2.152m for
the New Homes Bonus and £3.045m for Improved Better Care Funding, paid to
councils for the second year. Further information was provided on the budget outlook. As part of the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2016/17, the Government had published indicative Settlement Funding Allocations for the three years up to 2019/20. Local Authorities had been asked to produce and publish an efficiency plan setting out their forecast budget position through to 2019/20, along with their proposed efficiency measures to achieve annual balanced budget positions. The Council’s efficiency plan was published on 14 October 2016. The Medium Term Financial Strategy had been updated to take account of the 2018/19 finance settlement, multi-year allocations and saving measures already agreed or proposed. ... view the full minutes text for item 111. |
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Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2018/19 PDF 658 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance,
proposing the Treasury Management Strategy Statement (TMSS) which incorporated
the Annual Investment Strategy (AIS) and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP)
Strategy for 2018/19. The TMSS was attached to the report and detailed the expected activities
of the treasury function in the forthcoming financial year (2018/19). The Local Government Act 2003 required the Council to “have regard to”
the Prudential Code and to set Prudential Indicators for the next three years,
to ensure that the Council’s capital investment plans were affordable, prudent
and sustainable. The Act therefore required the Council to set out its treasury
strategy for borrowing as well as an Annual Investment Strategy, which set out
the Council’s policies for managing its investments and for giving priority to
the security and liquidity of those investments. However, Government guidance
stated that authorities could combine the statement and the strategy into one report,
and the Council had adopted this approach. It was noted that on 10 November 2017, the Ministry of Housing
Communities and Local Government had issued a consultation on “Proposed Changes
to the Prudential Framework of Capital Finance”, which suggested future changes
to the Prudential Code. However, nothing further had been issued and therefore
the Treasury management Statement had been written in line with the previous
year’s Prudential Code. Members noted that the provision of a Minimum Revenue Provision Policy
Statement was required and a formal statement for approval was contained within
the report at paragraph 2.3, with Appendix A detailing the full policy. RESOLVED: That Council be recommended to adopt the policies,
strategies, statements, prudential and treasury indicators outlined in the
report. |
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2017/18 Quarter 3 Spending PDF 694 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Operational Director, Finance,
which reported on the 2017/18 Quarter 3 Spending as at 31 December 2017. A summary of spending against revenue budget up to 31 December 2017 was attached
to the report at Appendix 1. This provided individual statements for each
department. The Board was advised that, in overall terms, revenue expenditure
was £1.990m above the budget profile. It was noted that the position for the
past three months in certain departments had slowed measurably, in other
departments, increased pressures had developed. The report contained details of the main budget pressure within the
Children and Families Department, with Out-of-Borough Residential Placements
and Fostering dominating the overspend position. However, the 2018/19 budget to
be presented to Council on 7 March 2018, will include an additional £3.0m of
budget provision for the Department, to help alleviate the overspend position
and to bring about ongoing reductions in costs. The report also provided details of other services which had experienced
overspent budget profiles, including Complex Care Pooled Budget; Residential
and Nursing Care; Domiciliary Services and Supported Living; Community and
Environment; and Education, Inclusion and Provision. Also, details of an
underspend in Corporate and Democracy; spending on employees; staff turnover
targets; expenditure on general supplies and services; and the Council Tax
collection rate for the third quarter of 2017/18. The Capital Programme had been revised to reflect a number of changes in
spending profiles as schemes had developed, and these were detailed in the
report. RESOLVED: That 1) all
spending continues to be limited to the absolutely essential; 2) Strategic
Directors continue to take appropriate action to contain overall spending
within their operational budget by year-end; 3) for
those Services experiencing net overspends, Strategic Directors take action to
bring net spend back in line with budget as soon as possible during the next
financial year; and 4) Council
be recommended to approve the revised Capital
Programme as set out in Appendix 3, attached to the report. |
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Calendar of meetings 2018/19 PDF 195 KB Additional documents: Minutes: The Board received a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise,
Community and Resources, which set out the proposed Calendar of Meetings for
the 2018/19 Municipal Year, which was appended to the report for information. RESOLVED: That Council be recommended to approve the Calendar
of Meetings for the 2018/19 Municipal Year, as appended to the report. |
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(N.B. Councillor
Wharton declared a Disclosable Other Interest in the following item of business
as he was Treasurer of Hale Youth Club) |
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Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief - Renewals PDF 270 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise,
Community and Resources, which detailed renewal requests for discretionary
business rate relief for organisations that continued to satisfy the
appropriate criteria. The Board was advised that the Council had previously granted
discretionary business rate relief to a number of organisations which were
Registered Charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASC). It was noted
that the organisations currently received a mandatory 80% business rate relief
and the Council funded the full cost of such relief as part of the 100%
Business Rates Retention Pilot Scheme. Not for profit organisations were not
entitled to mandatory rate relief and therefore, the full cost of any
discretionary rate relief granted was funded by the Council. Details of the organisations currently in receipt of discretionary rate
relief and the costs were listed in the appendix attached to the report. The
Board noted that regulations required that twelve months’ notice of any changes
to provision must be given and therefore organisations must be so notified by
31 March 2018. RESOLVED: That 1) Discretionary
Business Rate Relief of 15% be granted for those registered charities and CASC
organisations currently in receipt of such relief, for the period of three
years commencing 1 April 2019; and 2) Discretionary
Business Rate Relief of 90% be granted for the not-for-profit
organisations currently in receipt of such relief (with lower amounts as
indicated in the Appendix attached to the report), for the period of three
years commencing 1 April 2019. |
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(N.B. Councillor Ron
Hignett declared a Disclosable Other Interest in the following item of business
as he was a member of the Public Sector Joint Venture Board) |
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Sci-Tech Daresbury Implementation Programme - Phase 2 PDF 599 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise,
Community and Resources, which provided an update on the developments at Sci-Tech Daresbury. The report provided an update on the next phase of developments and
proposed funding arrangements. The Implementation Programme, attached to the
report, outlined how the Joint Venture would deliver the masterplan vision to
provide world class science and technology, innovation and business enterprise.
The next development phases agreed were Enabling Works; Project Violet; and Skillspace, as detailed in the report. The Funding Strategy outlined the funding options available to
facilitate future development of the campus; it reflected the designation of Sci-Tech Daresbury as an Enterprise Zone. RESOLVED: That 1) the
proposals outlined in the Sci-Tech Daresbury
Implementation Programme which comprises Project Violet and Skillspace
be approved; 2) the
Council enters into the necessary legal and funding agreements to deliver ‘Skillspace’ and associated enabling works; and 3) authority be
given to the Operational Director, Finance, and the Operational Director, Legal
and Democratic Services, in consultation with the Portfolio holder for
Resources, to conclude the legal and funding arrangements. |
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Fees and Charges 2018/19 – Traveller Sites PDF 206 KB Minutes: The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People,
regarding fees and charges for Traveller Sites for 2018/19. The Board was advised that the Council was required to give 28 days’
notice of a change in rent, under the Mobile Homes Act 2013. In order for any
increase in rent to apply from 1 April 2018, details of proposed increases in
pitch and water fee charges were attached to the report at Appendix A, for
Members’ consideration. It was noted that the effects of the proposed charges
had been incorporated into budgets for 2018/19. RESOLVED: That the 2018/19 proposed fees and charges for
Traveller Sites, as set out in Appendix A attached to
the report, be approved. |
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MINUTES ISSUED: 27
February 2018 CALL-IN: 6 March 2018 Any matter decided by
the Executive Board may be called in no later than 5.00pm on 6 March 2018 |