Agenda and minutes

            As part of the Local Transport Plan 2 there was a proposal to provide Variable Message Signs (VMS) on the approaches to the Silver Jubilee Bridge, to provide information on traffic conditions and proposed work. In order to get the most benefit from the system it needed to be the same systems as installed in neighbouring authorities, Liverpool City Council, Warrington BC, and Wirral BC. All these authorities had recently installed systems supplied by Siemens Traffic Controls Limited after obtaining tenders. Liverpool’s system included a sign within Halton on A562 Speke Road near Everite Road, Widnes.

 

            Initially, the VMS system would only be operated by Halton but by agreement, it was envisaged that it would be able to be utilised by neighbouring authorities and the Highway Agency, who would reciprocate with similar sharing arrangements for their signs. It was also planned to show the information displayed on the VMS on the website as part of supplying travel information to the public.

 

            The cost of supplying, installation and commissioning of six number variable message signs (VMS) from Siemens Traffic Controls Limited was £138,479.69. In addition, the Council would need to arrange traffic management for their installation and the provision of a mains electrical supply to each sign.

 

            The Sub-Committee also considered proposals for the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at strategic points throughout the Borough. It was proposed to monitor the journey times across the Bridge on the routes from Speke Road and Watkinson Way to Runcorn and vice-versa. Initially, eight cameras would be needed but this number could be reduced by joint working with Cheshire Constabulary (subject to agreement and technical details).

 

            As part of the Traffic Management Act 2004, the Authority was required to monitor journey time information to ensure that it was able to supply information that may be requested by the Department for Transport, to prove that the Authority was fulfilling its duties. The data could also be used to support the Mersey Gateway Proposal, as information would be constantly gathered about journey times across the existing bridge.

 

            Prices had been obtained from Siemens Traffic Controls who had installed systems for Liverpool and Warrington for the supply, installation and commissioning of a journey time monitoring system including four number Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras for £43,720.00. In addition, the Council would need to arrange traffic management for their installation and the provision of mains electrical supply to each camera.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)            procurement of Standing Orders 3.1 to 3.7 be waived to obtain equipment that is the same as neighbouring authorities to allow future joint use;

 

(2)       the quote from Siemens Traffic Controls for the supply, installation and commissioning of six number Variable Message Signs (VMS) for £138,479.69 be accepted;

 

(3)       the Authority agrees to pursue joint working with the Merseyside Authorities and Highways Agency for joint use of the Variable Message Signs;

 

(4)       the quote from Siemens Traffic Controls for the supply, installation and commissioning of Journey Time Monitoring System including Automatic Number  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

            At a previous meeting of the Sub-Committee held on 12^th October 2006, a further report was requested outlining the range of external providers that the Children and Young People’s Directorate had developed service level agreements with as providers to the Council’s Key Stage 4 Pupil Referral Unit. There were currently 6 providers working with KS4 PRU children, 5 of which provided curriculum and 1 who provided additional support.

 

            The 5 curriculum providers were the Vocational Centre; Riverside College; Rathbone; and Progress Sport. The 6^th provider was Kids First and their role was to provide additional support for pupils whose needs of challenging behaviour meant that they required support to access the other PRU providers. The costs and role of each provider were outlined in the report.

 

            RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

            The Sub-Committee considered a report which set out the implications of the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) on the Council, and the Authority’s current and predicted LATS position based upon the first year of the scheme (2005/06).

 

            The report also sought approval for a decision-making structure, delegated powers to be established to manage the trading of LATS Allowances, and the financial parameters in which to operate considering the current position.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the decision-making structure outlined in the report be approved for the purpose of LATS Trading;

 

(2)            delegated powers to trade for Landfill Allowances are given to the Operational Director Financial Services in consultation with the Strategic  Director, Environment and the Portfolio holders for Environment, Leisure and Sport and Corporate Services;

 

(3)       for the purpose of LATS, authority be granted to purchase or sell LATS provide that the cumulative face value of all such transactions (disregarding whether purchases or sales) in any financial year does not exceed £100,000 and subject to adequate budgetary provision having been made.

 

(4)       further reports are received on LATS as the scheme develops, and in the light of service procurement to implement waste management strategy.

            The Sub-Committee was advised that the Mental Capacity Act 2005 would come into force from March 2007 to protect vulnerable people who were assessed as lacking capacity and, therefore were unable to make informed decisions. The Act required that all local authorities ensured the delivery of an independent Mental Capacity Advocate Service (IMCA) for all people assessed as lacking capacity, who had no family or friends to advocate on their behalf and/or in their best interests.

 

            The Government had allocated funding to each Local Authority based on population size. For 2007/08 Halton had been allocated £18,868 of Mental Capacity Grant. In order to ensure the service was in place by 1^st April 2007, all local authorities must begin the tender process as soon as possible.

 

            It was noted that the low level of funding available would make it difficult to deliver an effective service commissioned by the Council alone as the allocated budget would not fund one full time advocate post. Therefore it was proposed to pool the resources available to Halton, Warrington St Helens and Knowsley (in total £97,897) to commission a service across the localities. The funding of a larger service would provide for greater flexibility in the delivery of the IMCA Service.

 

            Warrington Borough Council had agreed to lead on the tendering process and contract award, in full consultation with representatives from all the other local authorities involved, who would also take part in the evaluation of the tenders.

 

            RESOLVED: That

 

(1)       the arrangements for a joint commissioning and tendering process for Independent Mental Capacity Services be agreed; and

 

(2)            procurement of Standing Orders 2.2 – 2.6 and 2.8 – 2.14 be waived in light of the exceptional circumstances, namely that compliance with Standing Orders would result in the Council having to forego a clear financial or commercial benefit based on the price advantages likely to be achieved by pooled purchasing arrangements with St.Helens, Warrington and Knowsley.       

MINUTES ISSUED: 29^th November 2006

CALL IN: 5^th December 2006

Any matter decided by the Executive Board may be called in no later than 5^th December 2006.