Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes of the Council meetings held on 11^th  February and 4^th March 2009, having been printed and circulated were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            The Deputy Mayor made the following announcements:

• A plaque presented by the Lion’s Club; and

• An award for the Diversity Peer Challenge March 2009 which was presented by the Improvement Agency and Development.

            The Leader reported on the following issues:-

• The Mersey Gateway Public Inquiry was now set for 19^th May 2009.  It was confirmed that Warrington Borough Council had resolved a call in matter and remained fully supportive of the Mersey Gateway. The Leader reiterated the potential job creation and investment opportunities the Mersey Gateway would attract to the Borough

• The school plans had been sent to the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), which were for the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, that would enable the Council to receive a £170 million investment.  The Leader expressed appreciation of the work carried out by cross party working between Members, Head Teachers, governing bodies plus Gerald Meehan and Ann McIntyre;

• A St George’s day marching parade would take place on Sunday 26^th April and the Council would arrange for flags to be flown from appropriate buildings.

            The Council considered the Minutes of the Executive Board from meetings held on 29^th March, 12^th February, 5^th March, 19^th March, 2^nd April and 9^th April 2009.

            In receiving the minutes for the meeting held on 9^th April 2009, the following amendment was agreed in relation to EXB147: on the first line delete the word “and”, and replace with “at”.

            RESOLVED: That subject to the above amendment, the minutes be received.

            The Council considered the minutes of the Executive Board Sub Committee from meetings held on 29^th January, 12^th February, 5^th March, 19^th March and 2^nd April 2009.

            In receiving the Minutes from 19^th March 2009 it was noted that Councillor Wharton declared a personal interest in item ES106 due to being Treasurer of Hale Youth Centre, rather than Hale Village Hall.

            In receiving the Minutes from the 2^nd April 2009 clarification was sought in relation ES112 regarding the de-linking issues as part of the public consultation.  In response it was noted that the infrastructure and de-linking proposals were not confirmed as yet.

            RESOLVED: That the minutes be received.

            The Council considered the Minutes of the 3MG Executive Sub-Board from the 2^nd April 2009.

            RESOLVED: That the minutes be received.

            The Council considered the Minutes of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board from the 29^th January and 19^th March 2009.

            RESOLVED: That the minutes be received.

            Councillor Murray asked the following question in accordance with Standing Order No. 8.

            “In terms of the Gypsy and Travellers Site in Runcorn a decision made by the Executive Board Sub-Committee and affirmed by Full Council December 2008 following a “Call In” stated (Quote) “That a charge of £11.00 per adult household be set initially for a period of six months and a further report be brought to the Sub-Committee to review income against costs in the light of operational experience” (Un-quote)

Since this decision was made and the site has been operational it appears that financial expenditure has been greater than income with the result that the Site is not operating on a “cost neutral” basis as Officers projected but; is operating at a loss.  The allegation of loss is based upon past Council financial forecasts on the sites projected income and expenditure levels and, observations that overall occupancy levels on the site are not reaching expected levels.

In light of clear indications that this site has greater financial expenditure than income; will the Chairman of the Executive Board Sub-Committee whose Sub-Committee initiated this decision as outlined adopt a proactive and sound business best practice approach and immediately – rather than waiting for six months – call for this report to fully identify/address the sites financial failings and, in addition, develop a new financial business model for this Site that will ensure that its operational costs will not exceed its income thereby enabling it to operate on a cost neutral basis as was originally envisaged without detrimentally affecting existing Police Powers”.

In response Councillor Wharton advised the Council that “Councillors Murray and Findon met with the Chief Executive on Friday, 3^rd April, 2009. The Chief Executive reiterated the position as determined by Council at was meeting in December, 2008 - when Council reaffirmed the decision of the Executive Board Sub of the 16^th October 2008

At this meeting the Chief Executive also provided information to Councillor Murray and Councillor Findon advising the Traveller Transit Site had not been fully occupied since its opening. 

Further, the Chief Executive advised that any scrutiny or determination of whether the site was delivering value for money would be premature, at the present time, as all relevant information was not yet available. 

The Chief Executive reminded Councillors Murray and Findon that the purpose of the site was to offer accommodation to Travellers in transit and/or camped illegally.  To achieve this it must operate a vacancy rate and this was always envisaged from the outset. (see – paragraph 3.3 of the report of the 16^th October 2008 to Executive Board Sub Committee)

Further there was no reference in the report of the 16^th October 2008 to the site being cost neutral as was suggested by Cllr Murray in his question.

The Transit Site had provided accommodation for Travellers in transit as the occupancy rate figures provided demonstrates.

The Chief Executive further advised Councillors Murray and Findon that since the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.

The Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)       the policies, strategies and statements outlined in the Treasury Management Strategy be adopted; and

(2)       delegated authority be given to the Operational Director, Financial Services to set the Minimum Revenue Provision repayment periods.

            The Executive Board had considered a report to propose the Treasury Management Strategy for 2009/10 of which was appended to the report which detailed the following:

• treasury management limits for 2009/10-2011-12;
• current portfolio position;
• borrowing requirement;
• prospect for interest rates;
• capital borrowings and the borrowing portfolio strategy;
• annual investment strategy;
• debt re-scheduling;
• minimum revenue provision;
• prudential indicators;
• interest rate forecasts; and
• economic rate background.

It was noted that the production and adoption, of the Treasury Management Strategy, by Council was a requirement of the CIPFA Code of Practice on Strategy Management.

RESOLVED: That

1)     the Council adopt the policies and statements outlined in the Treasury Management Strategy; and

2)     delegated authority be given to the Operational Director Financial Services to set the Minimum Revenue Provision repayment periods.

The Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)       the incorporation of the Transport Implementation Programme for 2009/10, (shown in Appendix A), in the sum of £ 10,840,200, into the Council’s 2009/10 Capital Programme;

(2)               the carrying forward of £1,608,000 of the Local Transport Plan’s Highways Maintenance Borrowing Power approvals for 2008/09 into 2009/10, to facilitate a re-profiling of works associated with the Primary Route Network Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance allocation; and

(3)               the authority to agree the detail of the programmes of work for: Primary Route Network Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance; Adoptions; Flood Defence; and Street Lighting, for the periods 2009/10 and 2010/11, be delegated to the Strategic Director, Environment, in consultation with the Executive Board Member for Planning, Transportation, Regeneration and Renewal.

            The Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director – Environment, which sought approval to: i) the inclusion of the 2009/10 Transport Capital Implementation Programme into the Council’s 2009/10 Capital Programme; and ii), the carry over of £1,6088,01010 of the 2008/09 LTP Maintenance Block Borrowing Approval to 2009/10.

            It was confirmed that funding would be available for improvements to be made for road re-surfacing in terms of pot-holes etc.         

Reason For Decision

The decision is required to include the 2009/10 Transport Capital Implementation Programme into the Council’s 2009/10 Capital Programme and thereby enable the identified works to be undertaken.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

There are no appropriate alternative options to the proposed course of action.

Implementation Date

            The 2009/10 Transport Capital Implementation Programme will commence during April 2009.

            RESOLVED: That the Council approve the following:

1)     The incorporation of the Transport Implementation Programme for 2009/10, (shown in Appendix A), in the sum of £ 10,840,200, into the Council’s 2009/10 Capital Programme;

2)     The carrying forward of £1,608,000 of the Local Transport Plan’s Highways Maintenance Borrowing Power approvals for 2008/09 into 2009/10, to facilitate a re-profiling of works associated with the Primary Route Network Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance allocation; and

3)     The authority  agree the detail of the programmes of work for: Primary Route Network Bridge Strengthening and Maintenance; Adoptions; Flood Defence; and Street Lighting, for the periods 2009/10 and 2010/11, be delegated to the Strategic Director, Environment, in consultation with the Executive Board Member for Planning, Transportation, Regeneration and Renewal.

(NB: Councillor Hignett declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item due to being employed by C.I.C and left the room for the duration of its consideration.)

The Executive Board considered the attached report.

RECOMMENDED: the Council approve the proposed capital programme for 2009/10 as set out in Appendix 1of the attached report.

            The Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director – Health and Community regarding the likely provisional carry forward to 2009/10 and which sought approval for the draft 2009/10 capital programme.

            The report outlined the provisional outturn for Health and Community’s 2008/09 capital programme, the proposed draft capital programme for 2009/10 and the provisional carry forward to 2009/10.  Detailed in the report were the 2009/10 allocations from grants for consideration.

It was noted that the carry forward figures were subject to variations and would not be finalised until year end, and that at the time of writing, there had been no formal announcement of the 2009/10 housing capital allocation, therefore an estimated figure had been used in order to get a budget approved in time for the new financial year.

            RESOLVED: That the proposed capital programme for 2009/10, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved. 

The Executive Board considered the attached report

RECOMMENDED: That

(1)      Approval is given to the proposal to request that the Phase 3 capital funding is made available to Halton for the enhancement and maintenance of current children centre stock’; and

(2)          Members note the positive developments at Windmill Hill Children’s Centre and Primary School and approve a lease for up to 5 years to the Primary Care Trust to establish a temporary health facility on the school site.

            The Executive Board had considered a report of the Strategic Director – Children and Young People regarding the availability of Phase 3 capital funding for children’s centres and proposed deployment of the resource to maximise access to children’s centre services.

Reason for Decision

The Local Authority had been notified that it would receive capital   funding to develop two further children’s centres in the Borough.  Subsequent advice received had indicated that the capital provision could be used to enhance existing stock if locally it was determined that further centres were not required.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Consideration was given to developing further children’s centres, however, following analysis of reach figures it was recognised that further centres were not necessary.

Implementation Date

This should be confirmed immediately with Together for Children.  Work can then progress on developing the existing provisions at Windmill Hill Children’s Centre and Upton All Saints Children’s Centre and Primary School.   

            RESOLVED: That

1)     Approval is given to the proposal to request that the Phase 3 capital funding is made available to Halton for the enhancement and maintenance of current children centre stock; and

2)     Members note the positive developments at Windmill Hill Children’s Centre and Primary school and approve a lease for up to 5 years to the Primary Care Trust to establish a temporary health facility on the school site.

The Mayoral Committee considered a Part II report making recommendations for the appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2009/10 Municipal Year.

Council is requested to note these recommendations as follows. Formal confirmation will be sought at the annual meeting.

Mayor – Councillor Fraser

Deputy Mayor – Councillor Wright

            The Mayoral Committee had considered a Part II report which made recommendations for the appointment of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2009/10 Municipal Year as follows:

Mayor – Councillor Fraser

            Deputy Mayor – Councillor Wright.

            The Council noted these recommendations, which would be formally confirmed at the annually meeting.  The Leader commended Councillor Loftus on her achievements as Mayor over the last year.

            The Business Efficiency Board considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding the Flexible Framework on Sustainable Procurement.

            The report outlined the Government’s plans for introducing the “Flexible Framework on Sustainable Procurement”, and to identify the actions that should be taken to ensure Halton was able to meet their expectations of the role expected of local authorities.

It was advised that the aim of the Framework was to ensure goods, services, works and utilities procured by the Council were designed, procured, used managed and disposed of in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Action would be needed to further embed sustainability into the Council’s procurement processes.

It was reported that Sustainable Procurement was defined as – ‘A process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis in terms of generating benefits, not only to the procuring organisation, but also to society and the economy, whilst minimising damage to the environment’.

RESOLVED: That

1)     The Sustainable Procurement Policy be endorsed; and

2)     The necessary actions be approved to enable Halton to meet the challenge of the Flexible framework in that:

i)        sustainable Procurement Champions are identified at both Member and executive level;

ii)      key procurement Officers are identified and trained at senior level to act as mentors to other procurement staff in their directorate; and

iii)    progress on the Flexible Framework, be monitored by the Procurement and Commissioning Group and regular reports on progress be made to the Business Efficiency Board.

To consider the attached report.

            The Council considered a report of the Strategic Director – Corporate and Policy regarding recommendations in relation to land at Halebank in its capacity as landowner, and its capacity as Village Green Registration Authority.

            It was advised that there had been two applications for Village Green status for the same plot of Council-owned land in Halebank.  The Leader outlined the progress made to date.  It was noted that the second application had not been the subject of a public inquiry nor was there any express legal requirement to hold a further inquiry to examine the second application.

            It was confirmed that this matter could not be deferred as Council was being pressed for a decision by the applicant.

            RESOLVED: That  

1)     the land shown marked by a red outline be dedicated by the Council as Village Green in its capacity as landowner;

2)     the Strategic Director Corporate and Policy and the Operational Director and Monitoring Officer (Legal, Organisation Development & Human Resources) be authorised to take such actions as are necessary to give effect to the dedication of the land identified above as Village Green; and

3)     the Operational Director and Monitoring Officer (Legal, Organisation Development & Human Resources) be authorised to write in the context of the Council’s role as Village Green Registration Authority to the Applicant referring to the Council decision as set out in 2.1 and enquiring whether the Applicant would wish, in the interests of avoiding further public expenditure associated with a potential further public inquiry, to withdraw the current undetermined Application for Village Green status.

            The Council considered the reports on the work of the following Boards in the period since the meeting of Council on 11^th February 2009:

• Children and Young People;
• Employment Learning and Skills;
• Healthy Halton;
• Safer Halton;
• Urban Renewal;
• Corporate Services; and
• Business Efficiency Board.

In receiving the minutes, the Chairs, Deputy Chairs and all Councillors on the Boards were thanked for their work and assistance throughout the year.

            The Council considered the reports on the work of the following Committees in the period since the meeting of the Council on 11^th February 2009:

            Development Control;

            Standards; and

Regulatory

In receiving the minutes the Chairmen thanked Members and officers for their work throughout the year.