Agenda and minutes

The Committee was advised that a matter had arisen which required immediate attention by the Committee because in this case a decision was required before the date of the next meeting (Minute ES90 refers), therefore pursuant to Section 100 B (4) and 100 E Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman ruled that the item be considered as a matter of urgency.

            The minutes of the meetings held on 25^th January and 8^th February 2007 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which sought approval for revised site charges at the Riverview Gypsy Site for the financial year 2007/08.

 

            A suggested pitch rental increase of 2.5% was in line with inflationary increases being levied for other Council fees and charges for 2007/08. The charge for water costs was based on actual bills and duties incurred in 2006/07, and should be increased by 9.2% for the coming year to cover costs.

 

            The Sub Committee had previously considered a report on the procurement arrangements for the refurbishment of the Riverview Gypsy Site. The scheme would entail residents having to temporarily relocate to a site at Johnson’s Lane, Widnes for a period of 7 – 8 months. Approval was sought to levy the same charges for pitch rental and water/sewerage on the temporary site as recommended above for Riverview. Any reduction in water consumption as a result of this move would be reflected in the 2008/09 charges.

 

            RESOLVED: That the proposed 2.5% increase to pitch rental and 9.2% increase in water charges as set out in the report be approved with effect from 2^nd April 2007, and that the same charges be applied to the temporary site at Johnson’s Lane for the duration of the improvement works at Riverview.

COUNCILLOR HARRIS IN THE CHAIR

            Under the provisions of Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, the authority is allowed to grant discretionary rate relief to organisations who are either a charity or a non-profit making organisation.

 

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which set out details of an application for discretionary non-domestic rate relief for Hale Juniors Football Club, Hale Park, Hale.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       under the provisions of Section 47, Local Government Finance Act 1988, discretionary rate relief be granted to the following organisation at the percentage indicated, for the period 1^st April 2006 or the commencement of liability, whichever is the later, between 31^st March 2009:

 

            Hale Juniors Football Club            100%

COUNCILLOR WHARTON IN THE CHAIR

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which reviewed activities and treasury management for 3^rd Quarter of 2006/07.

 

            It was noted that all policy guidelines including the prudential indicators had been complied with.

 

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which summarised the overall revenue and capital spending position as at 31^st December 2006.

 

            In overall terms, revenue expenditure at the end of the 3^rd Quarter was around £1.97m below the budget profile. However, as the profile was only a guide to spending patterns, it did indicate in overall terms, that spending would be within budget. Within the overall position, there were some significant variances and details of these were outlined in the report.

 

            With regard to capital, it was reported that spending to the 31^st December 2006 totalled £13.5m which represented only 42% of the total programme of £32.4m. In particular, within major projects, the Widnes Waterfront, 3MG, and Castlefields Projects were significantly below their capital programme allocations, however, these were complex multi-funded projects, which made them particularly challenging to deliver. Although spending was likely to be significantly higher in the remainder of the financial year,  it was important that project managers maintained pressure to keep projects and spending on schedule and in particular to ensure that all external funding was maximised.

 

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

In view of the nature of the business to be transacted, it was:

 

RESOLVED: That under Section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, having been satisfied that in all of the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information the press and the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act.

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which outlined the revised proposals for a funding agreement with English Partnerships to support the Compulsory Purchase Order of the Castlefields Local Centre which was required to facilitate the development of the Castlefields Village Square, Runcorn.

 

            RESOLVED: That a funding agreement be entered into with English Partnerships with the agreed funding limit.

            The Sub-Committee was requested to recommend to the Council the appointment of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2007/08 Municipal Year.

 

            RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee recommend to Council:

 

(1)       that Councillor M. Hodgkinson be appointed as the Mayor for the 2007/08 Municipal Year; and

 

(2)       that Councillor A. Cole be appointed as the Deputy Mayor for the 2007/08 Municipal Year.

            The Sub Committee were on advised on the five tenders received for the provision and support at Bredon short term respite service. The tenders had been evaluated for quality and value for money and three organisations were invited to make a presentation. Of the three organisations invited for interview, Creative Support scored high against the published criteria of evaluation and at interview. Therefore the report sought approval to award the contract to Creative Support on the basis that this organisation offers value for money in terms of both cost and quality.

 

            RESOLVED: That the Strategic Director Health and Community be authorised to award the 3 yr contract (with an option to extend for a further 2 years) to Creative Support.

MINUTES ISSUED: 28^th February 2007

CALL IN: 6^th March 2007

Any matter decided by the Executive Board Sub Committee may be called in no later than 6^th March 2007