Agenda and minutes

          The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st April 2010 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            The Sub-Committee received a report from the Operational Director – Financial Services on the Treasury Management 2009/10 4^th Quarter (January to March) which updated the Sub Committee on activities undertaken on the money market as required by the Treasury Management Policy (TMP).  The Operational Director reported on the current investment market particularly in relation to banks.

            The report provided supporting information on the economic forecast, short term investment rates, longer term investment rates, temporary borrowing/investments, investment income forecast, longer term borrowing/investments and policy guidelines.  It was noted following their

Sovereign downgrading of Spain, Santander PLC had issued a statement confirming that a majority of its UK business was conducted within the UK domestic market, and the company did not expect the Spanish downgrade to adversely affect its UK business or the deposits it received from UK customers. The Operational Director confirmed that the Borough Council did not have any deposits with non UK banks.

            In addition, it was reported that the Council’s contract with Sector, to provide a range of treasury services, had been extended for a further three years. The Council had also extended its contract for banking services with Natwest Bank for a similar period.

            RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

            The Sub Committee was advised that The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 (CNEA 2005) introduced new powers and fixed penalties for local authorities to counter and reduce environmental crime across the public realm. Local authorities were required to carry out statutory public consultation when proposing the making of a Dog Control Order as outlined in The Dog Control Orders (Procedures) Regulations 2006.  Consultation in Halton commenced on 22^nd October 2009 and finished on 23^rd November 2009. The report outlined the consultation procedure with other primary or secondary authority within the area and also the public consultation process. Although no objections were received, one response was received from English Nature stating that they had no objections to the Orders.

            It was noted that anyone who committed an offence under any of the provisions of the Dog Control Orders may be liable to conviction in the Magistrates Court to a fine up to £1000. A fixed penalty notice may as an alternative be offered and paid. This would be £75.  Anyone who failed to pay a fixed penalty may be liable for a fine up to £1,000.

            The Sub Committee was advised that the Safer Halton Policy and Performance Board had been consulted on the outcome of the consultation and the next steps in the procedure and had supported the move towards implementation of the Orders. The Policy and Performance Board were advised that their comments would be considered and the schedule reviewed in twelve months time.

            In considering the report and supporting the implementation of the Orders in principle, the Board requested that more information be provided on the locations affected by the proposal, how they were identified, how they would be specifically affected by the proposals if implemented, and a report be brought back to the next meeting of the Sub-Committee for further consideration.

            RESOLVED: That the report be amended and re-submitted for consideration by the Executive Board Sub-Committee on 17 June 2010.

            The Sub-Committee received a report of the Strategic Director, Adults and Community on the budget outturn for the Traveller transit site at Warrington Road, Runcorn.

The report provided details of the running costs for the site following a full financial year in operation. It was noted that an overall occupancy rate of 69% for the year 2009/10 had been achieved. The report also detailed the feasibility and cost of providing a further four pitches for the Sub-Committees’ consideration.

RESOLVED: That

1)                 the current daily pitch charge of £11 be increased by 2% in line with other Council fees and charges to £11.22 from 1 June 2010 and the charge be reviewed  in line with other Council fees and charges in March 2011; and

2)                 a decision to increase pitch provision be deferred pending the outcome of the Partial Review of the North West Spatial Strategy.

MINUTES ISSUED: 28 May 2010

CALL IN:   4 June 2010

Any matter decided by the Executive Board Sub Committee may be called in no later than 4 June 2010