CABINET

 

 

MINUTES of a meeting held on 5th September, 2007.

 

Present: Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander (Chairman); Councillor N. Moore (Vice-Chairman); Councillors R.F. Curtis, S.C. Egan, N.J. Gibbs,

Mrs. V.M. Hartrey, G. John, Mrs. M. Randall and C.J. Williams.

 

                       

C3171                        APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE-

 

This was received from Councillor Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson.

 

 

C3172                        MINUTES -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 25th July, 2007 be approved as a correct record.

 

 

C3173                        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -

 

No declarations were received.

 

 

C3174                        PENARTH HEADLAND LINK (REF.) -                      

 

Cabinet Minute No. C3078 of 20th June, 2007 had been called-in by Councillor P. Church and was considered by Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) on 24th July, 2007.  The call-in had been made on the grounds of:

 

·                    the need to call-in the whole matter to explore clarification on the availability of funding from other sources

·                    to establish what avenues of funding had been tried

·                    to clarify whether the help of Lorraine Barratt A.M. and Alun Michael M.P. had been sought

·                    to clarify the justification to terminate the project.

 

In confirming his reasons for calling-in the item, Councillor Church indicated he realised that the project could not proceed at present but felt that Cabinet should be recommended to request approval from the Welsh Assembly Government for the money to be retained pending the possibility of the project proceeding at a future date.  He also alluded to an announcement earlier in the day by the relevant Assembly Minister, Jane Davidson, regarding plans for an all-Wales coastal path by 2012.  He considered that the provision of some form of Headland Link would be perfect as part of such an overall coastal link and also suggested that additional finance might become available from WAG towards such a project.

 

The Scrutiny Committee received a further copy of the original report submitted to Cabinet on 20th June, 2007, together with a further report from the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration responding to the specific issues raised in the call-in request.   The latter report confirmed that, during the course of the project, there had been regular examination of alternative sources of funding for the scheme.  However, it had become apparent when pursuing such alternative sources that funding could not be easily achieved from alternative bodies.

 

It was further confirmed that the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council had met with the local Assembly Member and Member of Parliament in order to discuss the project and whether or not it could continue due to the escalating costs.  The possibility of other sources of funding being available, either from the Welsh Assembly Government or from Central Government or elsewhere had also been discussed but no proposals had been suggested or progressed. 

 

Several Members referred to the considerable amount of work already undertaken by Council officers and / or the money which had already been spent on attempts to progress the scheme.  Notwithstanding this, various Members of the Committee alluded to the fact that the number of competing priorities which currently faced the Council meant that it was not practical to continue to give the impression that the Penarth Headland Link scheme was a viable project, capable of being delivered by the Council.  However, it was felt that it was important that work undertaken to date in terms of planning / design work should not be wasted and should be capable of being utilised in the event of any future scheme being considered.

 

The Deputy Leader, having been invited to speak, felt it would disingenuous to appear to be keeping hopes of delivering the scheme alive.  He confirmed that the Welsh Assembly Government required a firm decision as to the future of the project and that it was not practical to expect WAG to leave the funding available.  Notwithstanding this, he stressed that negotiations would take place with WAG during which the Council would be outlining the good reasons why it had not been possible to progress this scheme and seeking to negotiate what, if any, final payments should actually be made.

 

Scrutiny Committee had recommended -

 

(1)       That it be recognised that it is not viable to progress the Penarth Headland Link scheme. 

 

(2)       That Cabinet be requested to pursue the possibility, as part of the progression by WAG of its proposals for an all-Wales coastal path, with other neighbouring local authorities, relevant organisations, SUSTRANS, the possibility of including within such a link provision around the Penarth Headland of a footpath and cycle path, including utilisation of work already undertaken in terms of design / planning.

 

Cabinet, having considered the recommendation of Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources)

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the recommendations of Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the decision of Cabinet Minute No. C3078 of 20th June, 2007 be re-affirmed.

 

(3)       T H A T Cardiff Harbour Authority be requested to transfer the £1m. earmarked by it for the Penarth Headland Link towards the proposed Ely River Bridge scheme.

 

 

C3175                        PUBLISHING OF FOOD HYGIENE INFORMATION: “SCORES ON DOORS” (REF.) -

 

Cabinet Minute No. C3112 of 4th July, 2007 had been called-in by both Councillors H.J.W. James and Mrs. A.J. Moore.  Councillor James’ reasons for calling-in the item related to his view that the impact on businesses and establishments in the tourism industry had not been properly considered.  Furthermore he felt there to be real concerns that a scheme which classed success as 5 star and failure at 4 star or less did not seem to be fair. 

 

The call-ins were considered by Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) on 24th July, 2007.

 

Councillor Mrs. A.J. Moore felt the scheme to require more in-depth discussion, particularly as it was to be retrospectively applied from 1st January, 2006.  She was also concerned that there appeared to be no process of appeal and no revisits would be allowed but only a “right of reply” granted to premises holders which would be posted on the website.  Councillor Mrs. Moore felt this could be totally unfair if measures were subsequently taken to improve the premises or in the event of a business changing hands.  She also referred in her call-in request to her understanding that the process might already have been implemented and letters already issued to proprietors of businesses indicating that the policy had been agreed, notwithstanding that it had, in fact, been called-in. 

 

The Operational Manager (Public Protection) outlined the background to the participation by the Council in the pilot scheme which, in turn, would inform any national scheme subsequently introduced.  The aim of the Scores on Doors scheme was:

 

·                       to provide information about the level of compliance with hygiene legislation to consumers in a way which was clear, easy to understand and available at key places for reference;

·                       to drive up public health standards by encouraging businesses to comply with hygiene legislation.

 

At this point, the Chairman informed the Committee that he had also invited Sir Brooke Boothby (in his capacity as a Wales Tourist Alliance) and Peter Cole (Capital Regional Tourism) to address the meeting.

 

Councillors Mrs. A.J. Moore indicated that she was not questioning the need for effective food standard hygiene but was concerned regarding the apparent haste in progressing the pilot scheme and a lack of wider consultation.  She was also concerned that the pilot scheme did not provide for an appropriate appeal mechanism in the case of premise owners who had undertaken improvements subsequent to a rating being given.  Finally, she was concerned that the proposal included the backdating of information to January 2006 and that premises might well have changed ownership / improved standards since their last inspection.

 

Peter Cole then addressed the meeting.  He confirmed his full support for the principle espoused by the Food Standards Agency and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to drive up standards.  He had no problem regarding the principle of related information being made readily available to the public.  However, he was unaware of any meaningful consultation having been undertaken by the FSA with the tourism industry in Wales.  His experience had shown that any successful quality grading scheme required the input of / full consultation with the industry.  He also raised concerns regarding the proposed use of star ratings and drew a comparison between the apparent scheme to be used which would infer some element of failure should a rating of below five stars be granted compared to other quality grading schemes which assumed all premises were fit for purpose and that all ratings from one star through to five star represented standards achieved beyond that.  He also considered there to be potential for confusion amongst the public between rating schemes covering good hygiene as opposed to good food and service.  He concurred with the point raised by Councillor Mrs. A.J. Moore regarding the need for a mechanism whereby premises could seek re-inspection where they considered this to be appropriate.  He, too, had concerns regarding the proposed use of backdated data.  In conclusion, he suggested that he felt that businesses were generally unlikely to wish to display the Scores on Doors information on the basis of the process undertaken to date.

 

Sir Brooke Boothby explained his role not only as a representative of the Wales Tourist Alliance, but also in terms of his wide experience within the field.  He considered the proposed scheme to be unsatisfactory in terms of its technicality.  He stressed that he had no criticism of the Cabinet decision or of the stance taken by officers given that, in both cases, their understanding had been that consultation had been undertaken by the FSA.  However, in quoting from an FSA document, he alluded to limited interest on the part of the industry in this scheme and to his view that a simple “pass / fail” scheme would meet customers’ requirements.  Whilst he acknowledged the FSA document referred to similar systems existing overseas, he indicated that no such system used star ratings or inferred within the system that the minimum rating equated to a poor standards.  He was concerned that the FSA seemed intent on progressing a scheme despite experience in Scotland indicating that a “pass / fail” scheme incorporating an ability for re-inspection was a more appropriate option.  He would fully support the introduction of a scheme similar to that existing in Scotland.  He felt there to be a need for the issue to be taken up at United Kingdom government level as it appeared to cut across attempts to harmonise grading systems generally.  In conclusion, he suggested that Cabinet consider facilitating a meeting with all relevant parties in order to obtain a fuller picture of the likely changes which would need to be recommended prior to an official scheme being introduced.

 

Most Members of the Committee subsequently spoke regarding this item with the issues raised including:

 

·                       potential confusion amongst the public regarding various systems in place;

·                       possible unfairness given that published ratings could relate to a time when premises were under a different ownership;

·                       the pilot scheme’s apparent inability to provide for re-inspections;

·                       the fact that the issue had been progressed prior to the call-in period expiring.

 

In addition to the above specific points, there was a general consensus that information had come to light at the meeting which had not been available at the time Cabinet had considered this matter and which, in turn, was adding to Members’ general concerns regarding the scheme.

 

In responding to the issues raised, the Operational Manager (Public Protection) felt that continued involvement in the pilot project was important given that all comments, whether supportive or otherwise, could undoubtedly be used to inform the final scheme.  She confirmed that any change of ownership of premises would, in itself, prompt a re-inspection.  Although apologising for any haste in progressing matters during the call-in period, she stressed that the scheme itself had, obviously, not been implemented.  Approaches had been received from a number of businesses who were supportive of such a scheme.  Reference was also made to an FSA document claiming that consultation had been undertaken.  In conclusion, she confirmed that it was likely that an appeal mechanism would be incorporated within a final scheme.

 

Scrutiny Committee had recommended -

 

(1)       That Cabinet review the matter in the light of the considerable amount of additional evidence submitted at the meeting.

 

(2)       That the Council continue its involvement in the pilot scheme but, in doing so, ensure that all issues / concerns raised are fully incorporated in feedback regarding the scheme.

 

(3)       That Cabinet consider the possibility of undertaking a Vale-wide consultation exercise to establish more fully the position in the area.

 

(4)       That in the light of the above recommendations, any scheme launch date remain postponed.

 

Cabinet having considered the recommendations of Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources),

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the recommendations of Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the Council does not take part in the pilot scheme.

 

(3)       T H A T, in the event of a further pilot scheme being held, full consultations take place locally prior to Cabinet receiving a full and detailed report on the matter.

 

(4)       T H A T Cabinet reiterate its determination to ensure that all food establishments meet the required hygiene standards through regular and appropriate inspections.

 

 

C3176                        CABINET FORWARD WORK PROGRAMME SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2007 (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Cabinet were informed of the Forward Work Programme for the period September to December 2007, and were advised of those reports still to be received from the previous Forward Work Programme which covered the period May to July 2007.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Forward Work Programme for the period September to December 2007, together with the publication of details of availability of the Programme be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the reasons supplied by officers for the non-submission of the items from the previous Forward Work Programme May to July 2007 be noted.

 

(3)       T H A T officers be thanked for their efforts in reducing the number of items outstanding from the previous quarter.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2000, subordinate legislation and the Council’s Constitution.

 

(3)       To express appreciation.

 

 

C3177                        VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL HEALTH BOARD: APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Cabinet was asked to further consider the Council’s representation on the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board given that the Board had informed the Council that, as he is now an Assembly Member, Councillor Franks was no longer eligible to be Board Member.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T Councillor Christopher John Williams be nominated to sit on the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board.

 

 

Reason for decision

 

To maintain full representation on the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board.

 

 

C3178                        TELECARE SERVICE (IDSS) (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -

 

Cabinet approval was sought for the development of Telecare Services within the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

Telecare was a means whereby care and support could be provided to people through the use of telecommunication and technology in their homes. 

 

People who could benefit most from Telecare Services were:

 

·                    older people

·                    people with learning disabilities

·                    people with mobility impairments

·                    people with dementia.

 

The use of telecare was intended to reduce the speed at which people ascend the pyramid of care and to reduce the number of inappropriate or unnecessary admissions to hospital, especially as a result of falls or other accidents in the home. 

 

The Telecare Partnership Board had been established which met for the first time in February 2007.  The membership included representation from the Council, the Local Health Board, Cardiff and Vale NHS Trust and the Vale Centre for Voluntary Services.  The Partnership Board was chaired by the Council. 

 

A key role of the Partnership Board was to develop a Telecare Service, including infrastructure and management, that met the needs of the local Authority and the Local Health Board in terms of reducing unnecessary demand for Council services and unscheduled care. 

 

It was proposed that Telecare Services be developed in a two stage approach as outlined below:

 

Tele-V

Tele-V represented an enhancement to the current community alarm service by adding to the existing infrastructure one or more smart sensors which could automatically raise an alarm in the event of an emergency such as fire, flood or an abnormal temperature being detected.

 

Such packages of low level telecare could be provided quickly and without formal assessment to anyone who wished to receive the service and pay the appropriate charge.

 

Tele-V Plus

Tele-V Plus was a more specialist service that managed, for example, the risk of falls, medication mis-management, accidents due to dementia.

 

This level of telecare would be based on an assessment of un-met needs and risks to independence, with appropriate consideration of the responses required in the event of emergency being detected through the telecare equipment.

 

This type of service would provide support to those people recently discharged from hospital, those requiring rehabilitation or re-ablement services and those who have long term conditions. 

 

Every Tele-V Plus package would be different according to the user’s needs, utilising various sensor components and responses according to the assessed needs and the available information network for that individual.  Examples of items in this package were:

 

·                    bed occupancy monitor;

·                    nocturnal epilepsy monitor;

·                    enuresis detector; and

·                    fall detector.

 

The introduction of this service would reduce expenditure for Social Services in the long term by:

 

·                    reducing the level of home care support required and admissions to residential care

·                    reducing the number of responses to emergencies

·                    enabling the development of a cost effective way to manage risk in the community.

 

The introduction of a Telecare Service would enable individuals to remain within their own homes and maintain their independence for as long as possible.

 

It was proposed that a Tele-V Service should start in October 2007.  All current VCAS users would be offered the opportunity to upgrade their current service to the Tele-V Service.  From October 2007 the Tele-V package would be the basic service offered to any new applicants.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the proposed development of the Tele-V and Tele-V Plus Services be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T the proposals for charging for the service as outlined in the report be approved.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To develop services and promote independence among vulnerable groups in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

(2)       To ensure the financial long term viability of the Telecare Service.

 

 

C3179                        CONSULTATION ON THE LEARNER TRAVEL (WALES) MEASURE (DEER & DLD) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Cabinet were advised of a consultation document received from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) which presented draft proposals for a Learner Travel (Wales) Assembly Measure which was intended to replace provisions in the Education Act 1996 (as amended).  A summary of the proposals was attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

 

The report before Cabinet also provided a response to the Welsh Assembly Government’s consultation questions as detailed in Appendix 2 to the report.

 

In January 2007, Cabinet were advised of WAG’s intention to issue new guidance in accordance with new powers they received under the Education and Inspections Act 2006.  One of the new powers provided by the National Assembly for Wales (Legislative Competence) (Conversion of Framework Powers) Order 2007 which converted Section 178(1)(i) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 enabled the National Assembly for Wales to make law for “travel of persons receiving primary, secondary or further education or training to and from the schools or other places”.  This provision reflected the greater legislative competence that the National Assembly had possessed after the changes made by the Government of Wales Act 2006 and which took effect following the 2007 Assembly elections.

 

In June 2007, WAG issued a consultation on the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure in accordance with their new powers and were requesting feedback on the content of same by 29th September, 2007. 

 

Cabinet noted that there were restrictions on the National Assembly’s scope to make a measure for learner travel and they could not legislate for matters which are the responsibility of the Department for Transport, for example, vehicle standards and licensing, vehicle inspection, seating arrangements such as the “3 for 2 concession”, seatbelts, driver licensing, etc.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the contents of the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure document be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T the Council’s response to the document as attached at Appendix 2 to the report be endorsed and issued to WAG prior to 29th September, 2007.

 

(3)       T H A T, if necessary, the Urgent Decision Procedure under Article 13.09 of the Constitution be implemented to authorise the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration to issue the response to WAG in advance of the deadline for comments as referred to in Resolution 2 above.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To ensure that the Vale of Glamorgan has every opportunity to contribute to a fair and consistent approach in providing school transport in the Vale of Glamorgan.

 

(3)       To respond to the deadline set by WAG.

 

 

C3180                        FLOODING - COUNCIL TAX - EXEMPTIONS, DISCOUNTS AND RELIEF (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Members were apprised of the position regarding Council tax in relation to the flooding instant on 20th July, 2007. 

 

Under Council tax legislation, exemptions and discounts were available, as follows:

 

·                    vacant properties undergoing structural alterations or major repair - exempt for up to 12 months so long as they are substantially unfurnished

·                    vacant properties which are substantially unfurnished - exempt for up to 6 months

·                    vacant properties which are substantially unfurnished - properties may receive a discount of 50% for a further 6 months after this exemption

·                    vacant properties which are not substantially unfurnished - 50% reduction whilst property remains vacant.

 

Clearly some residents affected by the flood may be eligible for exemptions and discounts if their properties fell into the above categories. 

 

Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2003 inserted a new section (13(a)) into the Local Government Finance Act 1992 which allowed councils broad discretion to reduce the amount of Council tax payable for a dwelling, to such extent as they thought fit.  Sub-section (2) of the section provided that this may include reducing the amount payable in respect of any day to nil. 

 

Authorities may exercise this power in individual cases or they may determine classes of case in which liability is to be reduced.  This power may be applied where applicants do not meet the criteria for granting of a discount or exemption, but merit a reduction.

 

Where applicants are eligible for exemptions and discounts, these would be granted under delegated authority, on the basis of the claim.  The properties would be subject to an investigation by the Council tax visiting officer.

 

Where applicants were not eligible for exemptions and discounts, it was for Cabinet to consider the merits of each application taking into account the effects of its decision in the interest of all Council tax payers.  Any such cases would be subject to a further report to Cabinet.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the action taken by the Council Tax Section in granting the relevant discounts and exemptions be noted.

 

Reason for decision

 

To keep Members informed.

 

 

C3181                        COMPLAINTS OF MALADMINISTRATION AGAINST THE COUNCIL (MO) (SCRUTINY - VARIOUS) -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the details of the outcome of investigations conducted by the Commissioner for Local Administration in Wales into allegations of maladministration against the Council be noted.

 

 

C3182                        CAPITAL MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2007 TO 31ST JULY, 2007 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -

 

Cabinet were advised of progress on the 2007/08 Capital Programme for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st July, 2007 and, where necessary, considered requests for changes to the Programme. 

 

Financial progress on the Capital Programme as at 31st July, 2007 was detailed in Appendix 1 to the report. 

 

 

Director of Learning and Development -

 

Attendance Management System - the Council had received a grant in the sum of £41,971 for continuation of the procurement of the Attendance Management System.  This funding had been reflected in Appendix 1 to the report. 

 

 

Director of Environment and Economic Regeneration -

 

Coastal Access Improvement Programme 2007-10 - grant funding from the Countryside Commission for Wales had been approved for various items of work relating to coastal access improvements.  The allocation must be spent by February 2008.  Of the total grant allocation of £147,000 the sum of £109,000 related to capital improvements and as such it was requested that the Capital Programme be increased by £109,000. 

 

Civic Amenity Sites - a grant of £18,000 had been received from Valpak Retail WEEE Services for the recycling centres at Sully and Llandow.  The money had been granted for works required to adapt existing facilities required to be recognised as a “designated collection facility” under the UK Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. 

 

Alley Gates - additional work to the value of £50,000 was required under the Alley Gates Initiative to carry out works at Buttrills and Cadoc Wards.  This would be funded from the Visible Services Maintenance Fund.  It was requested that Capital Programme be increased accordingly.

 

Transport Grant - a sum of £447,000 was included in the 2007/08 Capital Programme for completion of works at Barry Central Station, of which £402,000 was anticipated to have been funded via Transport Grant.  However, when the Transport Grant settlement for 2007/08 was awarded, there was no funding for the completion of this scheme.  WAG had since approved a transfer of grant in 2007/08 to the Barry Central Station Scheme from the Merrie Harrier Gyratory Scheme.  The new proposed budgets to be included in the Capital Programme were:

 

            Barry Central Station            £535,000

            Merrie Harrier Gyratory             £  10,000

 

As the total cost of the Barry Central Station scheme was likely however still to exceed the proposed current budget, a further request had been made to WAG for additional funds.  A decision from WAG was awaited and Cabinet would be advised once a reply was received.

 

It was requested that Cabinet agree the scheme entitled “Commercial Quarter Planning Brief Plot A” be renamed “Innovation Quarter Planning Brief / Feasibility / Surveys” which would include a structural survey of an existing retaining wall at the rear of the pump house building adjacent to Plot A.  There was no change to the scope of the project and the budget of £5,000 was still sufficient.

 

 

Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services -

 

Major Repairs Allowance - the Chief Executive emergency powers had recently been exercised to increase the budget for the window replacement contract within the Major Repairs Allowance by £150,000 and reduce the Voids Budget accordingly.  It was requested that, in future, the power to vire between schemes within the Major Repairs Allowance be delegated to the Director of Finance, ICT and Property in consultation with the Leader.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)               T H A T the following changes to the 2007/08 Capital Programme be approved:

 

·                    Coastal Access Improvement Programme 2007-10 - increase the budget by £109,000, funded by a CCW grant.

·                    Civic Amenity Site Adaptation Works - increase the budget by £18,000, funded by a VALPAK grant.

·                    Alley Gates - increase the budget by £50,000, funded from the Visible Services Maintenance fund.

·                    Transport grant - reduce the budget on Merrie Harrier Gyratory Scheme to £10,000 and increase the Barry Central Station Scheme to £535,000.

·                    Commercial Quarter planning brief Plot A - changing title of the Scheme to “Innovation Quarter Planning Brief / Feasibility / Surveys”.

 

(2)       T H A T the power to vire between schemes within the Major Repairs Allowance be delegated to the Director of Finance, ICT and Property in consultation with the Leader.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To allow schemes to be undertaken in this financial year.

 

(2)               To allow the efficient management of the Major Repairs Allowance grant.

 

 

C3183                        REVENUE MONITORING FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL, 2007 TO 31ST JULY, 2007 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -

 

Cabinet were advised of the progress of revenue expenditure for the period 1st April, 2007 to 31st July, 2007. 

 

The projected outturn for the 2007/08 Revenue Budget was shown in comparison with the Revenue Budget at Appendix 1 to the report.  The current forecast was for a deficit of £2,539,000 on the General Fund and a surplus of £215,000 on the Housing Revenue account.  It was reported that a deficit on the General Fund would be eliminated if Social Services achieved their target in reducing their overspend.

 

Education Service - although there were a number of pressures on the service, it was currently projected that there would be savings of £267,000 at the year end.  This would be used to fund overspends elsewhere in the Directorate.

 

Learning and Development - a review of the service indicated that the anticipated savings were not accruing and that there was a potential adverse variance of £147,000.  This was due to delay in starting the new learning programmes to the economically inactive and the low enrolments over the summer period (£51,000), unbudgeted premises costs at the Heritage Skills Centre (£9,000) and the uncertainty of future funding sources of the Vale Learning Network (£87,000).  Actions would be implemented in an effort to reduce this figure and consequently reduce the support needed from the Strategy and Performance Budget.  Any variations would be reported in future monitoring reports.  It was reported that reports would be brought before a future Cabinet concerning the Heritage Skills Centre and Vale Learning Network.

 

Catering - this service was now projected to outturn with an adverse variance of £120,000.  This was due to the reduced meal numbers not recovering to the previous levels and additional cost pressures on food and staff resources resulting from the implementation of Welsh Assembly nutritional guidelines.  The service was currently being reviewed in order to achieve a balanced budget. 

 

Projecting the outturn figures for 2006/07 for Social Services, and using information on current commitments, the budget was projected to outturn with a deficit of £2,539,000.  Actions had been identified to be taken to achieve savings of £2,000,000, further actions would be required to achieve a balanced budget.  Monitoring of the budget would be regularly reported so that the effectiveness of the proposals could be assessed and reflected in the outturn figures.  Any further problems or cost pressures identified would require remedial action to be taken. 

 

The probable outturn for Children’s Services, which reflected the level of the one off uplift and efficiencies allocated to this service, was currently showing a deficit of £379,000 which was unchanged from last month’s figures. 

 

The Community Care and Health Service was projected to outturn with a deficit of £2,160,000 at year end.  This reflected the continued pressures on community care packages and that all the actions included in the Change Plan had not as yet impacted on the projections.  The main areas of spend that needed to be controlled and monitored in order to bring expenditure within budget were, community care packages, managing delayed transfer of care from hospital, supported housing contract and staffing budgets.  In addition to the projected figures, there was additional pressure resulting from the increase in the cost of residential care which could amount to as much as £2,600,000 in a full financial year.  Managing the situation would be extremely difficult, however every effort would be made to ensure that the impact was minimised as far as possible for Social Services clients.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the position with regard to the Authority’s 2007/08 Revenue Budget be noted.

 

Reason for decision

 

That the Members are aware of the projected revenue outturn for 2007/08.

 

 

C3184                        DRAFT IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2007/08 (CX) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -

 

Cabinet received the draft Improvement Plan 2007/08, which contained performance and improvement information for all Directorates and Corporate Plan priorities. 

 

The draft Plan contained all available performance information required by the Welsh Assembly Government, and several local indicators that measured corporate priorities.  This performance information would be used by the Wales Audit Office to assess the Council’s ability to improve, and therefore was of critical importance to the reputation of the Council.

 

The Plan was continually evolving as information was provided by managers, and was not yet fully complete.  This information would need to be included prior to the final draft being presented to Council in early October.

 

The Improvement Plan formed a part of the Policy Framework and was required to be agreed by the Council.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Improvement Plan for 2007/08 as currently drafted be endorsed.

 

(2)       T H A T the Chief Executive be authorised to finalise the Plan in consultation with the Leader.

 

(3)       T H A T the final Plan be submitted to Council for approval.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To ensure that actions are taken to improve services.

 

(2&3)  To agree the Plan for external audit within required timescales.

 

 

C3185                        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.

 

 

C3186                        BARRY REGENERATION PARTNERSHIP - PROJECT DEVELOPMENT FUND 2007/08 (DEER) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 14) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Cabinet was asked to approve schemes for the current financial year, and consider the funding implications for the Barry Regeneration Partnership Project Development Fund 2007/08 which was used for feasibility, design and project management work and where appropriate to lever in external grants.

 

There was an unallocated capital sum of £225,000 in the 2007/08 Barry Regeneration Partnership budget.  This capital sum was supplemented by £93,000 for the 2006/07 schemes carried forward into 2007/08.  This money was already committed.

 

Due to excessive demands on this capital allocation, Council officers had sought assurances from the Welsh Assembly Government officials in the Department for the Economy and Transport that additional funding would be brought forward if required.  Whilst it was prudent to continue to seek assurances from WAG on this matter, it was essential that approval be given for certain schemes to commence in the interim, for the following reasons:

 

(a)       To ensure that funding commitments are honoured.

 

(b)       To undertake essential project management, feasibility and design work to ensure that the Council benefited from future external funding opportunities.

 

It was therefore requested that approval be given to use the unallocated capital sum of £225,000 to fund a number of schemes in 2007/08.

 

In the event of slippage or unexpected circumstances in respect of the schemes listed in the report, it was requested that approval be given to seek additional funds from WAG and other relevant funding providers for a number of further schemes.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.


 

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the schemes identified in paragraph 6 of the report and associated expenditure be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T the schemes identified in paragraph 7 of the report be approved subject to the success of funding bids to WAG and other applicable funding providers and that a separate report be submitted to Cabinet to accept the terms and conditions of grant should this funding bid be successful.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To allow schemes to be undertaken in this financial year.

 

(2)       To access available grant opportunities and to comply with the Council’s financial procedures.

 

 

C3187                        CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: BUSINESS PARK (DEER & DFICTP) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPHS 12, 13 AND 14) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Agreement was sought in principle to allow the owners of the Airport, TBI Airports, to call for expressions of interest in the Business Park, and for the Council to enter negotiations for the potential sale of the site.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T “in principle” agreement be given to TBI Airports for the seeking of and subsequent appointment of a Development and Funding Partner for the Airport Business Park subject to appropriate terms and conditions being agreed.

 

(2)       T H A T authority be granted to the Director of Finance, ICT and Property in consultation with the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration and the Deputy Leader to enter negotiations (including appointment of external valuation consultants) with TBI Airports for the potential sale of the Council’s interest in the land, and if appropriate, to instruct the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services to draft and complete all necessary documentation to complete the sale.

 

(3)       T H A T TBI Airports be required to cover the Council’s legal, estates and other associated costs in this matter.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2) To facilitate development of this key employment site.

 

(3)       To offset any Council expenditure.

 

 

C3188                        SCHOOL INVESTMENT STRATEGY - CONSULTANT PROJECT DESIGN TEAM (DFICTP AND HOSSPPLD) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 21) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

Approval was sought for the appointment of the Consultant Project Design Team to progress the School Investment Strategy.  

 

Selection of the Consultant Project Design Team had been undertaken in accordance with relevant Council contract standing orders and financial regulations, European legislation and in consultation with the Procurement Team.  The tender brief was prepared in liaison with the Corporate Project Management Unit.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the exemption of contract standing orders and the subsequent selection of Davis Langdon as the Consultant Project Design Team be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T delegated authority be granted to the Director of Learning and Development in consultation with the Director of Finance, ICT and Property, Cabinet Member for Education and Training and Deputy Leader to award the various elements of the tender, as required, subject to the costs being within the Capital Programme.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To progress the School Investment Strategy.

 

(2)       To ensure that the commission for the Consultant Project Design Team can be properly scoped.

 

 

C3189                        PENARTH CENTRAL RENEWAL AREA: GROUP REPAIR PHASE 5A - APPOINTMENT OF CONTRACTORS (DLPPHS) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 9) (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -

 

Consent was sought for the appointment of contractors to undertake Phase 5A of the Group Repair Programme in the Penarth Central Renewal Area.

 

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 of £356,720 from Willis Construction Ltd. be accepted and that the Council enter into a contract with them to undertake Phase 5A of the Group Repair Programme for the Penarth Central Renewal Area.

 

Reason for decision

 

To enable progress of the Group Repair Programme and the Penarth Central Renewal Area Strategy 2004-2008.