CABINET
MINUTES of a meeting held on 18th
July, 2007.
Present: Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander
(Chairman); Councillors R.F. Curtis, S.C. Egan, N.J. Gibbs, Mrs.
V.M. Hartrey, G. John, N. Moore and Mrs. M. Randall.
C3119
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE -
These were received from Councillors Mrs. M.R.
Wilkinson and C.J. Williams.
C3120
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 4th July, 2007 be approved as a correct
record.
C3121
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
The following Members declared interests as
indicated below and left the room when the items were debated:
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Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander
|
Agenda Item No. 7 - Personally recommended to
be appointed as an LEA Governor.
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Councillor S.C. Egan
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Agenda Item No. 16 - In that his wife worked
for the Council.
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|
Councillor N.J. Gibbs
|
Agenda Item No. 7 - Member of the Panel,
confirmation of the decisions of which was being sought.
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Councillor N. Moore
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Agenda Item No. 16 - In that his daughter
worked for of the Council.
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C3122
IMPLICATIONS OF THE WASTE AGENDA (REF. -
MINUTE NO. 154) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources)
had, on 26th June, 2007 considered a reference from the
Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) in order that
consideration could be given to the significant financial risks
associated with the Waste Management Service up to 2009/10 and
beyond. In brief, whilst this Council had met all its
obligations concerning landfill diversion to date, it was accepted
that the forthcoming targets were considerably more
challenging. The Landfill Directive proposed a strict
timetable for reductions in landfilling Biodegradable Municipal
Waste (BMW). In addition to any fines that could be levied
for failure to achieve future EU targets, attention had also been
drawn to the fact that the cost of Waste Management generally would
rise substantially over forthcoming years due to increases in waste
disposal charges and landfill tax. The financial risks
resulting from the failure to meet WAG targets were detailed in the
report. The potential need for additional revenue funding for
the period 2008-13 was also identified, it being anticipated that
there would be costs with the administration arrangements of the
partnership with neighbouring authorities to procure a new Waste
Treatment facility for residual waste. The Scrutiny Committee
(Corporate Resources) had asked the Corporate Management Team and
Cabinet to include the financial risks associated with the Waste
Agenda and the implications for the Council in the Council’s Medium
Term Financial Plan. That Committee had also requested that a
further report be submitted in respect of the cost implications and
cost benefits for the Council associated with the shared service
proposals relating to waste management matters.
RESOLVED - T H A T it be noted that the
financial risks associated with the Waste Agenda and the
implications for the Council had already been included in the
Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan.
Reason for decision
To have regard to the risks.
C3123
DYFFRYN GARDENS: LAND EXCHANGE (REF. MINUTE NO. 160)
-
The Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources)
had, on 26th June, 2007 considered that the above matter
which had been subject to a call-in (Minute No. C3056). The
matter had been called-in to discuss the benefits originally
identified deriving from the proposed land exchange and the
subsequent decision not to proceed. The Committee,
following a full discussion with regard to the future
benefits of acquiring the land concerned, matters relating to the
conflict use of land (2.36 acres) which contained the flood
alleviation measures, and the factors resulting in an increase in
cost of the land exchange, had requested Cabinet to reconsider its
decision not to proceed with the land exchange and continue to
negotiate with the parties concerned to identify a more mutual
solution including giving consideration to the scheme being held in
abeyance until such time as a Capital Bid could be
submitted.
Having regard to the further information
reported by the Cabinet Member on the request from the landowner
and which related primarily to access issues and the flood
alleviation measures, it was
RESOLVED - T H A T the Cabinet decision of
6th June, 2007, that the proposals for land exchange be
withdrawn, be affirmed.
Reason for decision
To minimise capital expenditure to the
Council.
C3124
JOINT CONSULTATIVE FORUM
-
The following report of a meeting held on
14th June, 2007 was submitted:
“Present:Councillor Mrs. M.
Randall (Chairman); Councillors E. Hacker, A.D. Hampton
and Mrs. A.J. Preston.
Representatives of the Trade
Unions:Mr. S. Robertson (AMICUS); Mr. S. Gregory
(ATL); Mr. G. Lewis and Mr. R. Phillips (GMB);
Mr. G. Beaudette (NUT); Mr. N. Patterson (T&G);
Messrs. P. Carter, N. Hart and N. Morgan
(UNISON).
Also present:Councillor N.
Moore.
(a)
Apologies for absence -
These were received from Councillors Miss.
J. Cole and M.R. Wilson; Dr. V. Browne (ASCL); Mr. G.
Moses (ATL); Mr. T. Cox (NASUWT); and Messrs. D. Jones and
G. Moseley (UNISON).
(b)
Minutes -
AGREED - T H A T the minutes be accepted
as a correct record.
(c)
ACCOR Services - Presentation on the Childcare Voucher Scheme
-
The Forum received a presentation by Julie
Derrick, Business Development Manager from ACCOR Services on the
Council’s new salary-sacrifice based Childcare Voucher
Scheme. Ms. Derrick explained that ACCOR was the UK market
leader as regards voucher supplies with over 23,000 existing carers
in their network. Their customer base was broad and ranged
from very large scale companies to numerous small
businesses. In addition to the presentation itself
which outlined the benefits to both employees and the Council,
information leaflets were also circulated. Childcare Vouchers
were tax and National Insurance exempt for up to £55 a week, for
example, which provided huge savings for both the working parent
and the employer. The employer could accrue annual savings of
approximately £370 per annum for each employee enrolled on the
scheme with employees electing to take £55 per week in vouchers
instead of salary potentially accruing up to £1,195 per year
(depending on their salary tax band and salary level).
Attention was also drawn to the ACCOR website from which individual
savings and WTC calculations could be worked out by interested
participants. Ms. Derrick went on to state that the scheme
was very much a partnership with the Council deducting the money
from the employee, sending that money to ACCOR with ACCOR producing
the vouchers for the employee who then paid the carer. The
Forum was reminded that the scheme applied to children up to the
age of 15 or 16 if disabled. In response to questions, Ms.
Derrick confirmed that a service charge was levied on the Council
which was paid by the Council through the savings made by not
paying that employee’s National Insurance contribution. She
further confirmed that family members would not be classed as
carers and that the scheme related to registered child minders
only.
There being no further questions, the
Chairman thanked Ms. Derrick for her most interesting
presentation.
(d)
Minutes of Directorate Consultative Groups -
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the
Learning and Development Directorate Consultative Group held on
1st February, 2007 and those of the Visible and Building
Services Directorate Consultative Group held on 26th
February, 2007 be noted.
(e)
Feedback on Policy Development -
The report detailed those policies
recently approved, those items requiring further clarification,
those policies at the full consultation stage, those with the
Policy Review Group and those at the draft stage prior to being
submitted to the Policy Review Group. Mr. Hart drew the
attention of the Forum to concerns relating to the Smoke Free
Workplace Policy. He stated that the policy had not been
fully discussed with the Trade Unions prior to its approval and, as
had been the case with the Sickness Policy, there was a clear
conflict with the existing flex policy. Whilst UNISON
endorsed the discouragement of smoking in the workplace, the
Council’s policy went far beyond that required under the law and
denied staff the right to smoke in their own time and out of core
hours. He referred to the custom and practice whereby staff
were allowed breaks in their own time with the consent of their
line manager. Employees could still, for example, undertake
personal errands in their own time and with the consent of their
line manager but those employees who wished to smoke could
not. Mr. Hart stated that this was a clear breach of their
human rights, being discriminatory and totally unreasonable.
He further stated that the policy was draconian, placing an
unnecessary strain on recognised smokers and breaching the
Council’s duty of care for its employees.
Whilst the prohibition placed on employees
that they could not smoke on Council owned land or premises,
including parks and car parks, during their contracted hours was
also considered excessive - particularly when the provision of a
discreet facility on those premises would reduce not only the
congregation of smokers at entrances / exits, but also remove the
stigma (perceived or otherwise) of smoking - the matter of prime
concern was the immediate cessation of the current discriminatory
practices. It was explained that the Council had adopted the
current policy in order to achieve the Corporate Health Standard
Platinum Award from the WAG. The question was, however, posed
by the Head of Visible Services as to whether the attainment of the
Platinum Standard was worth it given the levels of stress
identified amongst his workforce and the change in working patterns
already evidenced. The Head of Building Services also
expressed sympathy with the views expressed above but drew
attention to the fact that many of his staff did not have the
benefit of flex time.
There was unanimity between the Trade
Union representatives that all employees should be treated
equitably and the subsequent suggestion that the matter be referred
to the Single Status Group for further consideration
accepted. At that time, consideration would also be given to
developing a method of managing smoke breaks in relation to those
employees not on the flex system prior to a further report on the
issues raised being submitted either to this Forum or direct to
Cabinet, it being recognised that the issues were such that a
resolution should be expedited.
AGREED -
(1) T
H A T the report containing feedback on policy development be
noted.
(2) T
H A T the concerns of the Trade Unions in respect of the current
Smoke Free Workplace policy be referred to the Single Status Group
with a further report being submitted either to this Forum or
direct to Cabinet.
(3) T
H A T, subject to the agreement of the Single Status Group, the
reference in the existing Disciplinary Policy to the Determining
Officer acting in a case of likely gross misconduct / dismissal be
amended to read “a Head of Service as appointed by the Chief
Executive”.
(f)
Sickness Absence Pilot Scheme at the Alps - Overtime and Flex Leave
Accruals -
The Head of Visible Services explained
that he was currently unable to provide the detailed breakdown
requested due to problems with the I.T. Those issues
were being resolved and the report requested would be made
available in time for the next meeting of this Forum. In
response to questions, he confirmed that it would not be possible
to produce the necessary statistics manually. In
response to another question relating to the reintroduction of the
pilot scheme, the Head of Visible Services again drew attention to
the fact that only the statistics would indicate whether or not
sickness absence figures had dramatically altered since the
withdrawal of the pilot scheme. Dependant upon those
statistics, Members might wish to reconsider the
position. Further discussion ensued on the
contention that annual leave patterns had altered during the period
the pilot scheme had been enforced although no evidence was
produced to back that statement. Following further brief
discussion on the above and related matters, it was
AGREED - T H A T the report on the outcome
of the pilot project in respect of overtime and flex leave accrual
control, together with the detailed statistics requested, be
submitted at the next meeting.
(g)
Personal Use of the Internet and Other Related Matters -
The Head of Strategic ICT had tendered his
apologies for absence from the meeting, not having yet received the
necessary statistical information in order to prepare the report as
requested. Consideration was given to the proposal that that
report, when available, be circulated to all Members of this Forum
with the request that any comments thereon be returned direct to
the Head of Strategic ICT by a specific deadline, following which a
composite report would be submitted to the next meeting of this
Forum. The Head of Strategic ICT would also be asked to bring
the Forum up to date as regards the provision of intranet access
for those employees without P.C.s at the Alps Depot.
AGREED - T H A T the above course of
action be endorsed.
(h)
Housing Investment Progress Report -
The review undertaken by Tribal HCH of the
Council’s Housing Investment options to meet the Welsh Housing
Quality Standards (WHQS) by 2012 highlighted that the Council could
retain its housing stock rather than follow a stock transfer
option. Cabinet had subsequently resolved to support the
stock retention strategy (Minute No. C2743). The Business
Plan had been submitted to the WAG in March and the Business Plan
Financial Model had since been updated. It was explained that
the HRA Business Plan included four financial models namely a base
model, the base adjusted for a number of actions, the adjusted base
model showing the impact of Sensitivity 1, and the adjusted base
showing the impact of Sensitivity 2. It was noted that
the position would be kept under review and that, where
appropriate, further reports would be made to this Forum. It
was currently proposed that the use of prudential borrowing be
delayed until at least April 2009 to allow the Council to assess
more fully the viability of the Retention Strategy. Until
that time, the Business Plan would utilise Major Repair Allowance
(MRA) funding and capital receipts.
The purpose of the Housing Investment
Programme was to ensure all Council owned dwellings were brought up
to the WHQS by 2012 and, in order to do that, the Council would
have to spend its available financial resources in a carefully
planned and cost effective way. From the Options
Appraisal process completed previously, tenants had expressed
generally that they would prefer their properties to be dealt with
on a “worst first” basis and that their homes be refurbished
elementally i.e. kitchens and bathrooms, roofs, etc. as opposed to
whole house refurbishment. In order to plan cost effective
work programmes, an up-to-date House Condition Survey was a clear
necessity and that survey would start in July with its findings
being published in September. In the meantime, Tribal HCH had
been commissioned to work with officers to develop an Interim
Investment Programme based on local knowledge and existing known
defects. Details of that Programme were appended to the
report and included the refurbishment of four show homes throughout
the Vale that would be available in the current year for tenants to
view and for the Council to establish its agreed Vale of Glamorgan
Housing Quality Standard. It was also noted that in order to
ensure that the Housing Investment Strategy was driven forward
additional staff resources would be engaged. At present, up
to four new posts had been created, some on a temporary
basis. The posts would include Project Managers and Tenant
Development Officers who would work closely with tenant groups to
ensure their close engagement with the Housing Investment
Strategy.
The Head of Building Services then
referred to the Building Maintenance Business Plan which was being
reported to Cabinet on 20th June, 2007.
Improvements within the Building Maintenance DSO had already taken
place and it was noted that a study would be undertaken over the
coming summer months to identify the further changes necessary to
enable the DSO to deliver services as effectively and efficiently
as possible within the allocated budget to enable the Council’s
housing strategy of retention to be delivered successfully.
As stated above, good progress had already been achieved and
examples quoted included the increase in income per employee by
36.5%, the rationalisation of the Schedule of Rates and the
recharge rate updated, and the financial outturn for 2006/07 which
indicated that the service would make a small surplus for the first
time in several years. It had been recognised that the
performance of Building Maintenance would be an important factor in
achieving a viable Housing Revenue Account Business Plan with
services that focused on customers. The objectives of the
Business Plan laid emphasis on the improvement of services and the
efficiency of the repairs and maintenance function and a four year
financial model for the Business Plan had been
produced. He further confirmed that sustainability
would be at the forefront, referring for example to the question of
the use of recyclable materials, together with matters pertaining
to energy efficiency and the carbon footprint of
manufacturers. Attention was also drawn to the fact that the
full programme was at the heart of community sustainability - of
which tenant engagement was key.
AGREED - T H A T the position be
noted.
(i)
Teacher Association Facilities for National Appointments -
At the last meeting of the Forum Cabinet
had been requested “to give consideration to the development of an
“in principle” Policy in respect of future funding arrangements for
national appointments fair and equitable to all but having regard
to the differences between teaching and non-teaching trade
unions”. As a consequence, Members of Cabinet had recently
met with Messrs. Beaudette, Cox and Lightman when, despite full and
frank discussions taking place, no firm agreement had been
reached. Mr. Beaudette confirmed that, whilst in general
the policy proposed had been acceptable, the stumbling block was
the matter of funding. The proposal that funding towards any
employee taking national office should come from either the current
Teacher Association Facilities, the School’s or the Central
Education Budgets was not acceptable. The point was
made that within the Council there was no corporate fund from which
such finance could be made available and that every other
Department was required to find the necessary funding to cover
persons on trade union duties - albeit no Trade Union
representative from non-teaching unions in the Vale had held
national office. Mr. Beaudette proposed that, in those years
where not all the Facilities allocation was utilised, an
accumulative fund be set aside for national duties as and when
those duties arose. He referred also to the fact that the
current situation related only to two persons, that it would be for
a limited period, and that it was not in fact a substantial sum -
although he realised that in the Council’s current circumstances
there would be a consequent impact on services were that money to
be used for other purposes. In response to questions, none of
the other Trade Union representatives were precisely aware of what
arrangements their respective unions would have adopted in a case
of national representation although the suggestion was made that
perhaps a 50:50 split between the trade union and the relevant
Council could be considered reasonable.
AGREED -
(1) T
H A T a formalised policy regarding Trade Union representatives’
time off for duties be determined. Both the Elected Members
of the Forum and the Trade Union representatives also agreed in
principle some funding for national duties from the Council would
be beneficial, although it was acknowledged that that might not be
possible.
(2)
T H A T the Director of Learning and Development investigate
the feasibility of underspends on the Teacher Association
Facilities Fund being retained for use in future years towards the
cost of national appointments and to ascertain the funding
arrangements within other local authorities where employees had
been required to undertake national trade union
responsibilities. Thereafter a report to be prepared for
Cabinet incorporating a proposed policy to formalise the existing
arrangements regarding time afforded to Trade Union representatives
to carry out their duties and proposals regarding the possibility
of additional funding by the Council for time off to undertake
national duties.
(3) T
H A T the above report be submitted to Cabinet as soon as
possible.
(NB: Councillor N. Moore spoke on the
above matter with the consent of the Forum.)
(j)
UNISON Room -
Attention was drawn to the fact that the
UNISON room had been reduced in size by half on the understanding
that another office would be provided. UNISON representatives
requested that an office of the requisite size be made available as
quickly as possible. The Chairman confirmed that the Chief
Executive had now become involved in the matter and agreed that the
provision of another office of suitable size should be a
priority.
AGREED - T H A T consideration of the
matter be referred to Cabinet and that the Facilities Manager be
requested to resolve the above issue as a matter of
priority.
(k)
Management of Attendance -
The matter was withdrawn without
comment.
(l)
Special Leave Scheme -
The matter had been identified for
discussion by the Forum by the Trade Unions given the current
inconsistencies in application. The Head of Human Resources
and Equalities confirmed that there were no immediate plans to take
any proposals relating to a new Special Leave Scheme to Cabinet and
that all managers should be operating under the existing
scheme. He further referred to the fact that this matter had
been discussed at the Single Status Group and that the Council’s
Employment Lawyer could give advice on any apparent inconsistencies
in interpretation of the Scheme. The response from both the
representatives of the GMB and of UNISON was that they had no need
of such legal advice, being fully au fait with the provisions of
the Scheme. What was required was that the provisions
of the Scheme were consistently applied by managers throughout the
Council.
(m) Date of
Next Meeting -
18th October, 2007.”
_____________________
RESOLVED - T H A T the report be endorsed.
C3125
APPOINTMENT OF LEA GOVERNORS ADVISORY PANEL -
The undermentioned recommendations of the
above Panel which met on 10th July, 2007 were
considered:
“Present:Councillor N.J. Gibbs
(Chairman); Councillors J. Clifford, A.D. Hampton, F.T.
Johnson and G.C. Kemp and Mrs. M. Gibbs (Vale Governors
Association).
Also present:Councillors B.I.
Shaw (Substituting for Councillor C.P. Franks), A.D. Dobbinson
(Substituting for Councillors F.T. Johnson, N.J. Gibbs and Ms. R.
Birch), Ms. R. Birch (Substituting for Councillor M.R. Wilson) and
Councillor Mrs. S.I. Sharpe (Substituting for Councillors J.
Clifford and G.C. Kemp).
(a)
Apology for absence -
This was received from Councillor C.P.
Franks.
(b)
Declarations of Interest -
Mrs. M. Gibbs and Councillors N.J. Gibbs,
F.T. Johnson, G.C. Kemp, J. Clifford and B.I. Shaw withdrew
from the meeting as they were precluded from presiding over
vacancies of schools where they themselves were governors.
(c)
Guidance Regarding Appointments Panel -
It was noted that the date relating to
“length of time as an LEA Governor at Current School”, as contained
in Appendix 1 was not necessarily accurate, but would be corrected
in years to come as a new database has been introduced to track and
monitor governor details much more comprehensively.
RECOMMENDED -
(1) T
H A T the Guidance Note regarding the Appointments Process be
noted.
(2) T
H A T it be noted that Members were precluded from taking part in
the consideration of vacancies of schools where they themselves
were a governor and substitutes were permitted in those
cases.
(3) T
H A T the dates for future Panel meetings be approved as detailed
below:
Tuesday 11th
December, 2007 at 4.30pm
Tuesday 8th
July, 2008
at 4.30pm.
(d)
Exclusion of Press and Public -
RESOLVED - T H A T under Section 100A(4)
of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded
from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds
that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Part 4 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of
the Act, the relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to
in brackets after the minute heading.
(e)
Applications for the Appointment of Current LEA Governors Vacancies
(Exempt Information Paragraph 12) -
Councillor A.D. Hampton was appointed
Chairman of the meeting whilst Councillor Gibbs vacated the room
during consideration of the appointment of a Governor for Cogan
Nursery School.
The Panel having considered the criteria
for the appointment of LEA Governors and the applications
received
RECOMMENDED - T H A T the following
appointments be made
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School
|
Appointment(s)
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Cadoxton Nursery School
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Mrs. P.A. Jones
|
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Cadoxton Primary School
|
Councillor F.T. Johnson
|
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Cogan Nursery
|
Mrs. N. Ward
|
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Colcot Primary School
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Mrs. V.F. Lloyd
|
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Cowbridge Comprehensive School
|
Councillor Mrs. C.V.L. Clay
|
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Eagleswell Primary School
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Mrs. C. Bateman
|
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Evenload Primary School
|
Councillor Mrs. M. Kelly Owen
|
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High Street Primary School
|
Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander
|
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High Street Primary School
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Mrs. G. Bruce
|
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Llanilltud Fawr Primary School
|
Mr. M. Adams
|
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Llantwit Major School
|
Mr. D. Ahearne
|
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Llantwit Major School
|
Mr. J.F. Clarke
|
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Peterston-Super-Ely c/w Primary
School
|
Ms. P. Leech
|
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Romilly Infant School
|
Mr. R.E. Parker
|
|
St. Cyres Comprehensive School
|
Ms. L. Nelmes
|
|
St. David’s c/w Primary School
|
Councillor W.C. Vaughan
|
|
St. Helen’s RC Infant School
|
Consideration Deferred
|
|
Stanwell School
|
Councillor A.M. Ernest
|
|
Stanwell School
|
Councillor A. Clive Williams
|
|
Sully Primary School
|
Mrs. H. McCulloch
|
|
Sully Primary School
|
Consideration Deferred
|
|
Y Bont Faen Primary School
|
Mrs. S. Morris
|
|
Ysgol Gydun Bro Morgannwg
|
Mrs. J. Owen
|
|
Ysgol Gwaun y Nant
|
Consideration Deferred
|
|
Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg
|
Mr. I. Guy
|
|
Ysgol Iolo Morgannwg
|
Councillor T.H. Jarvie
|
|
Ysgol St. Baruc
|
Mrs. S. Hodges
|
|
Ysgol St. Baruc
|
Mrs. J. Owen
|
_____________________
RESOLVED - T H A T the above recommendations
be accepted.
C3126
STAFF SURVEY 2007 (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
The above survey had been conducted internally
by the Consultation Officer and had been distributed electronically
and was available on the StaffNet. The Consultation Officer
had attended two team meetings to enable staff to have an
opportunity to complete the survey and a large number of paper
copies of the same were distributed. A total of 771 completed
surveys had been returned (an increase on the 611 returned in
2005). The results of the survey showed that:
·
80% of respondents received a regular PDR and that they were
generally thought of in a positive light with 72% describing them
as either excellent or good
·
over 70% of respondents agreed that they were encouraged to take up
training, that they derived pride and satisfaction from their work
and that they felt there were opportunities available to enhance
and improve their skills
·
opinions relating to internal communication tools such as Changing
Times, Core Brief and team meetings had also been generally very
positive
·
general comments made relating to the internal staff website
indicated that staff would consider it a more useful resource if it
were easy to navigate and it was noted that the web team was
currently in the process of redesigning the StaffNet
·
79% of respondents stated that they were either very satisfied or
satisfied with internal communications.
Further discussion ensued on the findings,
together with the fact that staff opinion had identified matters
pertaining to PDRs and TDRs as the key issue arising from the
survey.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the results of the 2007 Staff Survey be noted.
(2) T H A
T the need to improve the PDR and TDR system be endorsed.
(3) T H A
T the Corporate Management Team submit a further report to a future
meeting regarding the PDR / TDR system.
(4) T H A
T the PDR and TDR system be improved and made more robust, and that
staff are encouraged to access the StaffNet more frequently (as a
means of allowing them to keep abreast of developments within their
own and other Directorates).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
recognise staff perception of key internal communications and staff
development issues.
(2&3) To progress the matter.
(4) To enhance
communication.
C3127
VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) - REVISION OF APPROVED DELIVERY
AGREEMENT (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (DEER)
-
Details were presented of the significant
progress made to date on the LDP. The programme established
for the LDP preparation had been adhered to up to February 2007
but, notwithstanding the considerable progress outlined in the
report, it was accepted that the original timetable detailed in the
approved DA underestimated the degree of work required and was over
ambitious given the staff resources available and the amount,
complexity and duration of the consultation periods required at the
various stages of the LDP process. A revised work programme
up to and including reporting to Cabinet on the consultation
exercise in respect of the Preferred Strategy was appended to the
report. It was now anticipated that the Preferred Strategy
would be reported to Cabinet in December 2007, the six weeks
consultation period thereafter taking place during February and
March 2008 with the result of the consultation being reported to
Cabinet in May 2008. The revised timetable overlaid on the
approved DA timetable was also appended to the report. WAG
had indicated that the slippage as described above would be
acceptable in principle and that the approved DA should be amended
accordingly to reflect the additional four month slippage.
The view was taken, however, that although slippage as described
above was considered unavoidable at the current stage of the LDP
process, this could be recovered during the later stages of the
process and the LDP deposit date still met. Cabinet Members
would be further updated in September.
The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) had already endorsed the content of the report and the
views of the Planning Committee would also be sought.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RECOMMENDED - T H A T, subject to the views of
the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) and of the
Planning Committee:
·
the revision of the Council’s DA as proposed in the report be
approved;
·
the revision to the Council’s DA be forwarded to the WAG for
approval;
·
following formal WAG approval, those stakeholders and organisations
previously consulted on the drafting of the DA be advised of the
revisions detailed in the report.
Reason for recommendation
To allow sufficient time for preparation and
consultation; to accord with LDP Regulation 9; and to advise
stakeholders and organisations previously consulted of the current
position.
C3128
DRAFT LOCAL TRANSPORT BILL
(SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (DEER) -
The Council had been invited by the Department
for Transport (DfT) to comment on the Draft Local Transport
Bill. It was noted that the Draft Bill conferred a number of
new or expanded powers on the Welsh Ministers in line with changes
being made to certain powers of the Secretary of State in relation
to England. For example, one provision (which related to the
application of revenues from local charging schemes) would replace
an existing power under the Transport Act 2000 which enabled the
Welsh Ministers to make regulations relating to the use of net
proceeds from local charging schemes. Those clauses which
affected or would affect the existing powers of, or confer new
powers on, the Welsh Ministers together with those measures which
would have a different affect in Wales, as compared to England
(outside London), were outlined within the report. It
was noted that the main legislative intended changes within the
Bill that were likely to have current implications for the Council
if implemented were shown in Appendix 1 to the report. Since
the legislation would impact upon various functions within the
Council, a collective response had been collated.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the contents of the draft Local Transport Bill be noted.
(2) T H A
T the response paper as drafted and appended to the report be
endorsed.
(3) T H A
T permission be granted to enable the response paper to be sent to
both WAG and the DfT.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure that members are kept informed of emerging primary
legislation.
(2) To
acquire members’ endorsement of the response paper.
(3) To
allow the response to be sent to WAG and DfT to ensure the
Council’s views are considered.
C3129
VALE OF GLAMORGAN JOINT HOUSING LAND
AVAILABILITY STUDY APRIL 2006 (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
(DEER) -
Each April, the Planning and Transportation
Policy Team undertook a survey which monitored the annual rate of
house building, the information gained providing the baseline data
for the WAG’s monitoring of housing provision in the annual Joint
Housing Land Availability Studies as required under TAN1.
Planning Policy Wales (2002) required local planning authorities to
ensure that sufficient land was genuinely available to provide a 5
year supply of land for housing, and for land to be regarded as
readily available it had to be a site included in the Joint Housing
Land Availability Study. In that regard, the study indicated
that as of 1st April, 2006 the Vale of Glamorgan had a
land supply of 7.8 years. This was based on a projected
annual requirement of 232 units to meet the 6,079 dwellings
forecast in the Adopted Vale of Glamorgan Unitary Development Plan
1996 - 2011. In addition, the study also identified the
following characteristics relating to housing land supply within
the Vale:
·
sites with planning permission at Barry Waterfront, Rhoose Point,
Pencoedtre, Cogan Hall Farm and Sully Hospital comprised the
majority of the 5 year supply on large sites
·
the total number of dwellings completed during the period 2005-06
was 506 dwellings
·
at 65%, brownfield sites dominated the general supply of housing
supply land within 5 years
·
the private sector made up some 95% of the large sites supply
total, with small sites contributing 27% of the overall land
supply.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the survey findings be
endorsed as a factual account of the current land supply of housing
and the performance of the house building industry on large sites
in the Vale over the period 1st April, 2005 to
1st April, 2006.
Reason for decision
So that the survey findings can provide
official Council baseline data for planning policy and development
control activities.
C3130
VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL
DEVELOPMENT PLAN (LDP) - STRATEGY OPTIONS STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOP
FINDINGS (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (DEER) -
In accordance with the approved Delivery
Agreement (DA), specific bodies and relevant general stakeholders
had been invited to attend a Workshop on 24th May, 2007
to discuss the various strategic options for the LDP. A total
of 52 stakeholders had attended and the findings would be used as a
foundation for the Council’s LDP preferred strategy. Those
attending were brought up to date on LDP progress and the role of
Sustainability Appraisal in determining the preferred strategy for
the LDP. Stakeholders were also asked to consider the merits
of each of the following strategy options:
·
Option 1 - maximising the potential of and concentrating growth in
Barry, Penarth, Dinas Powys, Sully and Rhoose (current UDP
strategy)
·
Option 2a - dispersal of housing and employment opportunities based
on the current population of each settlement (without a
sustainability test)
·
Option 2b - dispersal of housing and employment opportunities based
on the current population of each settlement (with a sustainability
test)
·
Option 3 - higher growth in the larger villages in rural areas
·
Option 4 - a rural new settlement able to promote sustainable
self-containment
·
Option 5 - concentrate development opportunities in Barry, Penarth
/ Llandough, Dinas Powys and Sully. Llantwit Major and St
Athan to be a key development opportunity. Smaller
sustainable settlements to accommodate further housing and
associated development.
Detailed explanations of all the options
together with their advantages and disadvantages were appended to
the report. Option 5 was considered to be the most favourable
is it supported the regeneration of brownfield sites such as Barry
Waterfront and made efficient use of existing infrastructure and
transport facilities. In addition, it recognised the
potential development opportunities arising from the proposed
Defence Training Academy at St Athan. Stakeholders also
proposed additional strategy options including various combinations
of the above options, tying in proposed development in the Vale of
Glamorgan with those in neighbouring authorities, focusing
development opportunities around Cardiff International Airport, and
concentrating the majority of developments in and adjoining
existing major settlements but providing area specific allocations
within the surrounding areas.
Attention was also drawn in the report to the
fact that it would not be possible to adhere to the dates
originally set out in the approved DA timetable. It was now
anticipated that the preferred Strategy would be reported to
Cabinet for approval in December 2007 with the six week public
consultation taking place February / March 2008.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T, subject to consideration
by the Planning Committee and the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment):
(1) the
findings from the strategy options stakeholder workshop be
noted;
(2) the
revised time scale for the preparation and consultation of the LDP
preferred strategy be noted;
(3) a
further report be presented to Cabinet later in the year on the
draft LDP preferred strategy.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
advise Cabinet of the findings from the strategy options
stakeholder workshop.
(2) To
allow officers satisfactory time to prepare and consult upon the
strategy options and preferred strategy for the LDP.
(3) To
ensure Cabinet is kept informed of progress on the matter and to
satisfy the statutory requirements of the LDP Regulations.
C3131
DEFINITIVE MAP: APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC
PATH DIVERSION ORDER - NO. 6 PETERSON (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) (DEER) -
The aforementioned application related to a
section of path which ran through 10 gardens in Ael-y-Bryn,
Peterston-Super-Ely. The route of the proposed diversion was
shown on the map appended to the report. The intention of the
application was to divert the route from the agricultural land
along the existing snicket between houses and terminate at the head
of the cul-de-sac of Ael-y-Bryn where it would join the adopted
highway.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to make an Order under Section 119 of the Highways Act
1980 diverting Public Footpath No. 6 Peterston as shown on the map
appended to the report.
(2) T H A
T, provided no objections were received, the Director of Legal,
Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to confirm the
Order on the expiry of the relevant Notice period.
Reasons for decisions
(1) The
Order is required for the security and convenience of the owners of
the dwellings affected and for the safety and convenience of the
users.
(2) To
correct anomalies on the Definitive Map of Public Rights of
Way.
C3132
BARRY STEAM RAILWAY PROJECT - DISCUSSIONS WITH THE NATIONAL RAILWAY
MUSEUM REGARDING THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY ENGINE NO. 28 (SCRUTINY -
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (DEER) -
Members were brought up to date regarding the
ongoing discussions with the English National Railway Museum (NRM)
in respect of the above. A series of meetings had already
taken place to discuss how Council could work with the NRM to the
advantage of both parties. As a first stage of the
development of a process of working together, the NRM was keen to
allow the Council to control the future of the Taff Vale Engine No.
28 under a custodianship arrangement and Council officers would
support entering into a reciprocal arrangement with the NRM under
which one of the Barry Ten engines would be exhibited at the museum
in York. As regards the Taff Vale Engine (TVR 28) the Council
had been developing the steam railway project and it was considered
that appropriate synergies existed between the Council’s plans and
the needs of the TVR 28 and its owners the NRM.
Consideration was then given to the interim
project development and custodianship agreements. In summary,
the Council would enter into an agreement with the NRM to take the
lead in carrying out an appraisal of the engine in order to
establish the costs of restoration (estimated at £160k.).
Subject to the appraisal process, the next step would be entering
into the Custodian Agreement. The TVR 28 would then be
delivered to the Hood Road Goods Shed site at the Barry Waterfront
for exhibition purposes. Discussions had already taken place
with the BRECO Group, (who would be utilising a lease on the Hood
Road Goods Shed to develop an engineering base for the renovation
of engines), in respect of the management and exhibition of the TVR
28 and the related programme for restoration should grant bids be
successful. As part of the proposed Custodianship Agreement,
the Council would then put together a range of funding bids to gain
grant support to restore the engine. If successful in
attracting funding, the Council would then enter into a separate
Operating Agreement with the NRM. The financial costs to the
Council would be those of carrying out the appraisal work and
rebuilding the engine for relocation to Barry, currently estimated
at £7k.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services in
consultation with the Director of Environmental and Economic
Regeneration be granted delegated powers to enter into an Interim
Project Development Agreement and Custodianship Agreement with the
National Railway Museum for the TVR 28 railway engine.
(2) T H A
T the £7,000 cost of rebuilding and moving the engine from the Dean
Forest Railway to the Hood Road Goods Shed be met from
existing resources.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
allow the agreements to be entered into.
(2)
To allocate spending prior to the rebuilding and
removal of the engine.
C3133
BARRY TOWN HALL DEVELOPMENT (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) (DEER) -
Members were updated on the position in
respect of expenditure on the above scheme and the current position
regarding funding. The main works contract achieved practical
completion in September 2006 with Central Park, King Square, the
Wyndham Street Car Park, the public toilet block and the Exhibition
area opening in November 2006 and the new Library in January
2007. The full project cost now exceeded the current budget
allocation and details of the current breakdown of outstanding
items totalling £167k. was contained within the report.
Discussion ensued on the need to eliminate, or at best reduce the
need for additional costs to be requested. Although regular
monitoring reports were made to Cabinet, the culture of creeping
capital costs on projects needed to be addressed. Such costs,
it was considered, should be built into the initial contract.
The approval of the increase to the Capital
Programme was a matter for the Council.
RESOLVED - T H A T the estimated additional
spend on the scheme of £167,000 be agreed and referred to Council
to approve the increase to the 2007/08 Capital Programme, the
additional resources required being funded from capital
receipts.
Reason for decision
In order that a capital allocation can be made
to cover the current estimates of additional expenditure required
to complete the scheme.
C3134
EQUAL PAY GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR EMPLOYEES
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) (DLD) -
A grievance letter on behalf of a group of
employees raising concerns regarding equal pay had been received
from the regional GMB trade union. To ensure that employees
having an equal pay grievance had a clear framework to enable the
grievance to be dealt with fairly and speedily, and due to the
complexity of equal pay issues, a grievance procedure had been
developed specifically for equal pay. A copy of the proposed
procedure was appended to the report designed to deal with both
individual and collective grievances.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Equal Pay Grievance
Procedure for Employees as appended to the report be approved and
endorsed for implementation as soon as practicable
under the Council’s Constitution in order to allow the above
grievance to be progressed.
Reason for decision
To enable the progression of equal pay
claims.
C3135
SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET 2007/08 -
2009/10 (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY AND CORPORATE
RESOURCES) (IDSS) -
Endorsement was sought of proposals to address
the overspend within Social Services as contained within the
report. All aspects of service provision and activity within
the Service had been reviewed, the work undertaken including:
·
agreeing that the focus for the Service for now and the future had
to be to promote and maintain independence for people in the
Vale
·
consulting with staff regarding the current pressure points within
the budget whilst still maintaining service to the most
vulnerable
·
liaising with the Vale Local Health Board regarding the joint
issues to be addressed
·
anticipating future joint strategies with key partners.
It was noted that the outcome of the above
review had informed the budget proposals detailed in the appendix
to the report. Whilst a number of actions would commence in
2007/08, the financial impact would not however be achieved until
the following years. In accordance with the medium term
financial plan, work had started in identifying a further £2m. out
of savings in 2008/09 and 2009/10. It was also noted that
there were a number of budget pressures on the revenue account
which were likely to have an impact in the current and / or future
years, including
·
fee levels for residential care purchased in the independent
sector
·
pressure from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate to ensure
in-house provision met the care standards for service provision as
a result of the increased number of older people with dementia who
were being supported
·
increasing numbers of children with severe disabilities who
survived into adulthood and required substantial care and
support
·
demographic data confirmed that the older population in the Vale
was likely to be above the Welsh average.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the above proposals be endorsed and the report referred to the
Scrutiny Committees (Community Wellbeing and Safety) and (Corporate
Resources) for consideration.
(2) T H A
T the staff throughout the Council involved in progressing the
above be thanked for their achievements to date.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
start to address the serious budget situation within Social
Services, and to enable the relevant Scrutiny Committees to
consider the proposals.
(2) To
recognise the achievement to date.
C3136
SOCIAL SERVICES JOINT EQUIPMENT
STORE (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) (IDSS)
-
Through Occupational Therapy, Children with
Disability and the Sensory Impairment Services, the Council
provided a wide range of aids and equipment to individuals and the
carers to support them to live independently and safely within the
community. Discussions had taken place between this
Council, Cardiff Council, the VOG Local Health Board, the Cardiff
LHB and Cardiff Vale NHS Trust to develop a joint equipment store
to provide a centrally managed procurement, storage and
distribution service to health and social care practitioners in the
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan geographical area.
Consideration was consequently given to the proposal that a JES be
established for use by the five aforementioned organisations, being
hosted by Cardiff Council with all partners contributing to the
operating costs. Details relating to the practicalities of
the JES were contained within the report as was the fact that the
budget required to enable the Council to join the scheme had been
identified. That budget equated to the current budget
allocation for equipment and did not, therefore, represent an
increased pressure.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the proposal to joint the Joint Equipment Store in partnership
with other local statutory agencies be approved.
(2) T H A
T the JES be entered into on terms and conditions to be negotiated
and agreed by the Interim Director of Social Services in
consultation with the Director of Legal, Public Protection and
Housing Services.
(3) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to prepare, complete and execute the necessary legal
documentation to effect the JES.
(4) T H A
T, to encourage the reuse of unneeded equipment, the fact that the
JES would collect, refurbish and decommission all equipment which
could be re-issued for future use be publicised through ValeWaves
and the Council’s website.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
improve the methods of procuring and providing aids and equipment
to people in the Vale of Glamorgan.
(2) To
protect the Council’s financial and legal interests.
(3) In
order to execute and enter into appropriate legal documentation
which will safeguard the Council’s
interests.
(4) To
maximise the potential for reuse.
C3137
MEMBERSHIP OF WESTERN VALE INTEGRATED CHILDREN’S CENTRE MANAGEMENT
BOARD (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) (IDSS)
-
The Cabinet Member for Social and Care
Services already sat as one of the Council’s two representatives of
the Western Vale Integrated Children’s Centre Management
Board. Expressions of interest in being the Council’s other
representative on the Board had now been received.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T Councillor Mrs. S.M.
Bagstaff be appointed to serve on the Western Vale Integrated
Children’s Centre Management Board.
Reason for decision
So that the Council is appropriately involved
with the project.
C3138
ACCOMMODATION REVIEW - SOCIAL
SERVICES (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) (DFICTP AND IDSS)
-
Members were informed of the progress to date
in reviewing the accommodation that Social Services occupied to
deliver the service. Social Services provided services from
27 properties across the Vale, the accommodation being a mix of
freehold and leasehold interest and listed in an appendix to the
report. The Strategic Property Group had undertaken a review
of each of the properties in respect of the suitability,
sufficiency and condition for each property occupied by Social
Services. The results of the survey had been collated and
analysed and a summary of the main outcomes and recommendations
were contained in the report. There were a number of
properties that required further investigation into their future as
they were currently not performing effectively for the service, nor
were fit for purpose. Those properties identified were
outlined as follows:
·
Woodlands Day Centre which provided day services for adults with a
learning disability. The property was in an extremely poor
state of health and it was planned to move the service to Holm View
Leisure Centre at the earliest opportunity and expedite the sale of
the Woodlands site.
·
Hen Goleg, Barry was a base for the Physical and Sensory Impairment
Team, the Occupational Health Team, a Day Service for adults with a
physical disability and some catering staff. The lease on the
above property expired in 2009 and, subject to the reallocation of
those services currently housed therein, it was proposed that the
Council should not seek to renew the lease beyond 2009.
·
Bryneithin Elderly Persons Home was a residential unit for older
people with dementia but had not been purpose built for that
use. It was proposed that a review be undertaken of the
future of Elderly Mentally Infirm residential requirements
involving discussions with partners in health and the social
housing sectors. The Council owned the freehold interest in
the property and, should a decision be made to relocate the service
from the property or to utilise the site for similar purposes,
there did not appear to be any constraints on the future use of the
property.
·
Barry Hostel. It was planned to convert Barry Hostel into
office accommodation, with completion anticipated by February,
2008.
·
79 Eastgate, Cowbridge. Social Services occupied a large room
at the property, providing a joint service with the NHS. An
Area Cash office was also located in the building, the Registrar
utilised one room once a week, and the Citizens Advice Bureau
occupied the building to the rear of the main property. Given
that the Council owned the freehold interest and should alternative
accommodation be found for those services, consideration could then
be given to the future use of the property should Cabinet so
determine.
·
2 and 3 Cross Common Road, Dinas Powys. The Council owned the
freehold interest in the above properties which were occupied by
two Social Services tenants. No action was recommended at
this time other than the status of the tenants’ occupation being
established.
A summary of the review of the remainder of
the Social Services portfolio was appended to the report. It
was anticipated that a Project Manager would be required to
facilitate and co-ordinate the accommodation rationalisation
further and to move forward the strategy for EMI / Extra Care
provision. It was noted that if this could not be carried out
by existing staff there might be a requirement to procure that
expertise externally. As regards resource implications, it
was noted that the capital costs associated with the alterations
and refurbishment works to Holm View Leisure Centre would be funded
from the Council’s building fund. Revenue costs associated
with the physical relocation, staff and equipment from the
Woodlands Day Centre would be met by the Social Services
Directorate with the ongoing running costs being met from existing
resources. Potential revenue savings could be made from
rationalising the portfolio and the resource implications in
respect of engaging a Project Manager would be funded from the
Corporate Governance Reserve.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T arrangements (either internal or external) be put in place
to project manage the continued rationalisation of the Social
Services portfolio and to develop a Strategy for EMI and Extra Care
Housing provision.
(2) T H A
T the Social Services Directorate continue to work with partners to
develop a specification for an extra care facility within the Vale
of Glamorgan.
Reasons for decisions
(1) In
order to deal with the Strategies highlighted expeditiously.
(2) To
extend the service options for older people to enable them to
maintain their independence within the community.
C3139
MATTER WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAD DECIDED WAS URGENT -
RESOLVED - T H A T the following matter which
the Chairman had decided was urgent for the reason stated be
considered.
C3140
REVIEW OF SCHOOL MEAL PRICES
(SCRUTINY - LIFELONG LEARNING) (DLD) -
Urgent by reason of the need to notify
parents of revised school meals charges.
By way of background it was explained that the
Council had maintained the existing cost of school meals in both
primary and secondary schools since 2005 but, however, at the end
of 2006/07 the Schools Meals Service had a net operating deficit of
£115k. A key cost driver for the Schools Meals Service was
the requirement to meet relevant nutritional standards. The
WAG had also recognised that the guidance needed to be reviewed and
the standards made more stringent. It was noted that those
standards had been introduced within the Vale and that the current
pricing framework was no longer sufficient to meet the additional
and rising costs.
Details were contained within the report of
comparative prices in neighbouring authorities. It was also
noted that all authorities were planning increased prices from
September 2007. Parents would be notified by letter through
the schools before the end of the summer term of any increased
prices.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the following charges be
made for school meals from September 2007:
Primary
£1.50
Secondary £1.60
Adult meal £2.20
and that parents be notified of the proposed
charges before the end of the summer term.
Reason for decision
To enable the Catering Services to operate
more effectively, to continue to meet nutritional requirements for
school meals, and to notify parents.
C3141
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC -
RESOLVED - T H A T under Section 100A(4) of
the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded
from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds
that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Part 4 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the
relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to in brackets
after the minute heading.
C3142
BARRY HOSTEL CONVERSION TO OFFICES:
TENDER ACCEPTANCE (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 14) (DFICTP)
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Four tenders had been received in respect of
the above. Those works formed part of the Council’s Capital
Programme for 2007/08 and were programmed for completion by
February 2008. The WAG had confirmed that a Community
Equipment Capital Grant of £35k. was available to achieve the
modernisation and integration of community equipment stores across
Wales. The provision of such a space was included
within the proposed alteration works.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the lowest tender submitted by BECT Building Contractors
Ltd. in the amended sum of £674,260.35 be accepted.
(2)
T H A T the use of WAG Grant of £35k. be approved and the Capital
Programme for 2007/08 increased accordingly.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
enable the contract for the works to be prepared and exchanged.
(2) To
enable the available grant funding to be utilised and supplement
the approved capital funding for the project.
C3143
PENARTH CENTRAL RENEWAL AREA:
GROUP REPAIR PHASE 4F - APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS (EXEMPT
INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 21) (DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY
WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -
Five tenders had been received in respect of
the above and had been subsequently evaluated.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T, subject to the contractor
providing a satisfactory Health and Safety Plan for the
construction stage and the required Performance Bond, the tender
from Ian Williams Ltd. in the sum of £262,473.50 be accepted and
that the Council enter into a contract with that company to
undertake Phase 4F of the Group Repair Programme for the Penarth
Central Renewal Area.
Reason for decision
To enable progress on the Group Repair
Programme and the Penarth Central Renewal Area Strategy
2004/08.