CABINET

 

MINUTES of a meeting held on 17th October, 2007.

 

Present:  Councillor N. Moore (Vice-Chairman in the Chair); Councillors R.F. Curtis, S.C. Egan, N.J. Gibbs, Mrs. V.M. Hartrey, G. John, Mrs. M. Randall, Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson and C.J. Williams.

 

Also present: Councillor Mrs. M. Kelly Owen.

 

 

C3231                        APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE -

 

This was received from Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander.

 

 

C3232                        MINUTES -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting held on 3rd October, 2007 be approved as a correct record.

 

 

C3233                        DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -

 

The following Members declared an interest in Agenda Item No. 13 “Review of Early Retirement and Redundancy Scheme” and vacated the room during consideration thereof:

 

Councillor S.C. Egan       

-   Wife in the employ of the Council

Councillor N. Moore         

-   Daughter in the employ of the Council

Councillor Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson

-   Son in the employ of the Council

Councillor C.J. Williams

-   Wife in the employ of the Council.

 

 

C3234                        CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE (PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY) -

 

The following minutes of a meeting held on 26th September, 2007 were submitted:

 

Present:  Councillors R.F. Curtis, G. John and C.J. Williams.

 

                       

(a)            Appointment of Chairman -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T Councillor G. John be appointed Chairman for the remainder of the municipal year.

 


 

 

(b)            Appointment of Vice-Chairman -

 

RESOLVED - T H A T Councillor C.J. Williams be appointed Vice-Chairman for the remainder of the municipal year.

 

 

(c)        Terms of Reference (DLPPHS) -

 

In considering this item, members also expressed the view that the size of the Sub-Committee should be increased to four given the fact that members, on occasions, would have to declare interests and not take part in proceedings.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the following Terms of Reference be agreed:

 

·                    To consider and determine under delegated powers applications for Footpath Orders made under Sections 25, 26, 118 and 119 of the Highways Act 1980 and Orders made under Sections 53(3)(b), 53(3)(c) and 54 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of modifications of the Definitive Map.

 

(2)       T H A T the delegated powers of the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration be amended as follows:

 

·                    Powers under Section 130 and 149 of the Highways Act 1980 relating to Public Rights of Way

·                    Power to determine Orders made under Sections 53(3)(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, in consultation with the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services.

 

RECOMMENDED - T H A T Cabinet agree to increase the size of the Sub-Committee from three, to four, Members.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To enable decisions on the making of Public Rights of Way Orders to be made in the most efficient manner.

 

 

(d)            Application to Add Two Paths to the Definitive Map at Pentre’r Cwrt, Llantwit Major (DEER) (Scrutiny - Economy and Environment) -

 

The Sub-Committee was advised of the need for a further meeting to consider in more depth an application for the addition to the Definitive Map of two footpaths in Llantwit Major.

 

The application was received on 14th August, 2005 and had been supported by 36 witness forms claiming use of the paths in question.

 

The application was opposed by the owner of the land crossed by the paths, Philip Jones Properties Unlimited, and also by the Parks and Grounds Maintenance Section of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, who were responsible for the adjacent land that was crossed by Public Footpath No. 37, Llantwit Major and a short length of the claimed route.

 

The land had been the subject of an Application for Planning Consent for the construction of a retail development that was refused on 7th July, 2005.  An appeal against the decision was dismissed on 5th April, 2006. 

 

A full report on this matter would be prepared for the consideration of the Sub-Committee.  It was normal for such applications to be held in a quasi-judicial manner, to hear evidence directly from the participants and to be able to question them in turn, before deciding whether or not to make a Definitive Map Modification Order.  It was agreed that, subject to the footpaths being accessible, Members of the Sub-Committee undertake a site visit prior to the hearing of the application.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T a meeting of the Sub-Committee be arranged to hear the applications.

 

Reason for decision

 

To enable the application to be fully considered in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

 

 

(e)            Application for a Public Path Diversion Order, Public Footpath No. 20, Pendoylan (DEER) (Scrutiny - Economy and Environment) -

 

The Sub-Committee considered an application for the diversion of Public Footpath No. 20, Pendoylan and approval was sought for the making of the relevant Diversion Order. 

 

The application had been received from Mr. Terry Jones, Design Director on behalf of Leekes Limited and related to a section of path within the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort at Hensol Castle.

 

The present route followed the line of the old service road within Hensol Castle and passed close to the old hospital buildings that were proposed for refurbishment as dwellings.  The old road would be relegated to the rear of these properties and landscaped, with a new access road created to serve them from the opposite side.

 

The route of the path was now closely paralleled by the more recent access road constructed as part of the development at the Hotel.  Diversions to the east and to the west of this present stretch of path had been carried out in recent years, for the construction of the Hotel itself and for the health trust ward, Hafod y Wennol.  It was now intended that the route between the two areas be diverted onto a specially constructed path along the northern side of the Hotel access road.  This road was located on higher ground than the old route, and consequently the diverted route had a slightly better aspect, and visibility along the road was good. 

 

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. 20, Pendoylan as shown on the map attached to the report.

 

(2)       T H A T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to confirm the Order on completion of the works provided no objections are received, or submit the Order to the Welsh Assembly Government should any valid objections be received.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       The Order is required for the convenience of both the applicant and the users.

 

(2)       To ensure the required works are satisfactorily completed.

 

 

(f)                 Definitive Map: Application for Public Path Extinguishment Order - No. 49, Barry (DEER) (Scrutiny - Economy and Environment)-

 

The Sub-Committee was advised of the application for the stopping up of Public Footpath No. 49, Barry, and approval was sought for the making of the relevant Extinguishment Order.

 

When the dwellings were built on Trem y Don and Marine Drive, no Diversion Order was made for Public Footpath No. 49 and as a consequence the present Public Footpath No. 49 traversed several properties and their respective gardens in both Marine Drive and Trem y Don.  The southern section of the path was being diverted along the unadopted lane between 40 ‑ 41 Marine Drive and 21 - 23 Trem y Don under a separate Diversion Order which had been authorised by Cabinet on 4th July, 2007. 

 

The northern section continued along the adopted highway and as the adopted highway already provided an alternative route to this path, it was considered that an extinguishment was more appropriate for this section.

 

The proposed extinguishment was not being pursued as a result of an application from a member of the public.  The order was being undertaken as part of the ongoing review of the Definitive Map. 

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to make the Order under Section 118 of the Highways Act 1980 extinguishing the northern section of Public Footpath No. 49, Barry as shown on the map attached to the report.

 

(2)       T H A T, provided no objections are 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 and for the safety and convenience of the users.

 

(2)       To correct anomalies on the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way.

 

_____________

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the minutes be noted.

 

(2)       T H A T Councillor Mrs. M. Randall be appointed to serve on the aforementioned Sub-Committee, it being agreed that membership be increased from three to four Members.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To have regard to the views of the Sub-Committee.

 

(2)       To have regard to the Sub-Committee’s recommendation that its membership be increased from three to four Members.

 

 

C3235                        PURCHASING CARDS IN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL (REF - MIN. NO. 372) -

 

Cabinet had previously approved the introduction of a Welsh Procurement Card (WPC) Mastercard on a phased basis in November 2005 (Minute No. C2175).  The Audit Committee, on 26th September, 2007, having had regard to the projected savings per transaction which could be made by using technology to change procurement processes and to the outcome of the internal Audit Review of the Corporate Procurement Card pilot scheme within the Chief Executive’s Department and the Finance, ICT and Property Directorate, had recommended that the scheme be progressed to the next stage of development.  The Audit Committee had recommended that the extension of WPC Mastercard Purchasing Cards for the Council be endorsed and implemented on a phased basis and the matter referred to Cabinet for approval.  Concerns were expressed at the lack of information supporting the recommendation of the Audit Committee, and it was

 

RESOLVED - T H A T consideration of any extension of the WPC Mastercard Purchasing Cards for the Council be deferred for a further detailed report to be submitted to Cabinet identifying, inter alia, the savings to be accrued together with a list of potential cardholders, and details of the safeguards in place to ensure that appropriate financial procedures and processes compliant with the Council’s Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders were in place.

 

Reason for decision

 

To allow detailed consideration prior to any further potential extension of the scheme.

 

 

C3236                        HOME COMPOSTING AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (REF - MIN. NO. 391) -

 

In September 2006, the then Minister for the Environment, Planning and Countryside at the WAG had announced that home composting would be included within the calculation for the recycling and composting and Landfill Allowance Scheme targets set for Welsh Councils.  To assist local authorities, WAG and Waste Awareness Wales (WAW) would distribute home composting bins and kitchen caddies to all Welsh local authorities.  Whilst there was no charge for the bins themselves, the Council would need to pay a delivery charge and, having considered the matter, the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) had recommended that the current charging scheme in relation to home composters be continued.  Whilst subsequent discussion at the Committee focused on the level of benefit that would likely accrue to the Council given future uncertainties and the target set for 2009, the initiative was welcomed and the matter referred to Cabinet in order to progress the scheme.  Given the need to maximise the amount of composting undertaken and thereby assist the Council in meeting the landfill diversion targets, discussion ensued on the possibility of composters being made available at reduced charges to certain categories.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the request of the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) that the full allocation of composters offered to the Council by WAG and their onward sale to householders in line with the existing Scheme be approved.

 

(2)       T H A T a further report investigating the feasibility of a scheme to introduce reduced charges for composters in certain circumstances be submitted to a future meeting of Cabinet.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)&(2)   To continue to promote home composting and to ensure that there is equality of service provision.

 

 

C3237                        DEFECTIVE PRIVATE SEWER, THE BROADSHOARD, COWBRIDGE (REF - MIN. NO. 396) -

 

The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and Environment) had, on 2nd October, 2007 been apprised of the present position in respect of the above together with the relevant history and had considered how to proceed given the complexities of the issues involved.  Following a lengthy debate on the various options and issues put forward, that Committee had recommended to Cabinet to undertake the remedial works as proposed in the report, subject to legal opinion being obtained on the cessation of the Council’s liabilities on completion of the works. 

 

Given the lack of information supporting the recommendation of the Scrutiny Committee and the “complexity of the issues involved”, as referred to above, it was

 

RESOLVED - T H A T consideration of the reference be deferred for a further report detailing all the options available together with the legal position relating to each.

 

Reason for decision

 

To have regard to all the options and the legalities of each prior to making a decision.

 

 

C3238                        BARRY TOWN HALL - EXHIBITION AREA (REF) -

 

The decisions of Cabinet on 19th September, 2007 had been called-in for consideration at the three relevant Scrutiny Committees.  Those Scrutiny Committees had had benefit of comments of representatives from Pride in Barry, the Arts Council and local arts organisations in their consideration of the matter, certain of which had indicated that a compromise solution could be found.  It was stressed that the idea behind the introduction of a coffee shop facility had not been to increase revenue but to encourage entry into the library and the exhibition area by all sectors of the population.  It was further stressed that no decisions as to the future of the exhibition area had been taken but that any such decisions would be made in the best interests of the community as a whole and would have regard to the findings of the report first requested in July on the feasibility of the various proposals contained in Minute No. C3156.

 

Given that the comments of each Scrutiny Committee had not been made available to Cabinet together with the fact that feedback arising from Cabinet’s initial proposals was awaited, it was

 

RESOLVED - T H A T consideration of the matter be deferred for a further comprehensive report encompassing the views of each of the Scrutiny Committees together with the report from the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration arising from the Cabinet’s initial proposals.

 

Reason for decision

 

To have regard to all necessary information prior to coming to a conclusion.

 

 

C3239                        BIG LOTTERY FUND: LANDMARK WALES AND CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

By way of background it was explained that “Landmark Wales” was a partnership of seven local authorities (including the Vale) together with Capital Region Tourism and North Wales Economic Forum with the object of delivering the “Landmark” project for Wales and photographs of projects being undertaken under Phase 2 were displayed at the meeting.  Monmouthshire County Council had agreed to be the lead body and had been awarded funding by the Big Lottery to develop the project further on behalf of the Partners.  Of the various locations identified, Cardiff International Airport was a potential site under Phase 3.  Discussions had been taking place between representatives of the Airport and this Council on the project.  Representatives from Cardiff International Airport had indicated their willingness to participate in the project in principle, whether as part of the potential Terminal development or elsewhere on the site;  further discussions would be required with the owners of the Airport, namely the Abertis Foundation.  Appended to the report was a Draft Memorandum of Understanding put forward by Monmouthshire County Council which set out, inter alia, how the parties would allocate resources to and co-ordinate the work required to be undertaken to deliver the Landmark Wales Project.  Attention was drawn to the fact that this Council was not being asked to commit funding but was being asked to continue its involvement in terms of officer time, involvement in stakeholder groups, public exhibitions, etc.  It was considered that such involvement could be met from within existing budgets. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Council’s involvement in the Landmark Wales Partnership be agreed.

 

(2)       T H A T the Cabinet note the content of the Draft Memorandum of Understanding setting out the responsibilities of both lead and host partners.

 

(3)       T H A T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services negotiates and agrees the final terms and conditions of the Memorandum of Understanding in consultation with the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration.

 

(4)       T H A T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be authorised to complete and, if appropriate, execute the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Council.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To allow the project to proceed.

 

(3&4)  In order to protect the Council’s position and enable the project to proceed.

 

 

C3240                        HOUSING BENEFIT - INTRODUCTION OF LOCAL HOUSING ALLOWANCE (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) would be introduced on 7th April, 2008, its aim being to simplify the Housing Benefit Scheme and support the wider objectives for Welfare Reform.  Initially the Scheme would only affect new claims and change of address claims for the private rented sector.  LHA was a flat rate allowance based on the size of a household and the area in which a person lived.  It was pointed out that there were no changes to the entitlement rules which would continue to be based on a person’s income and savings and proof of a valid tenancy.  Each local authority would be divided into Broad Rental Market Areas (BRMA) and the Rent Officer (RO) would set individual LHA rates for each BRMA.  It was noted that a BRMA would not likely reflect County Borough Council boundaries and that 3 such areas could potentially fall within this Council’s remit.  The local authority would be required to publish the LHA rates so that landlords and prospective LHA customers could be clear about the amount of rent that the LHA would cover, the aim being that prospective tenants would have more choice in respect of the property rented.  Benefit payment would normally be made to the tenant’s bank or building society account but, in some circumstances could be made by cheque.  Landlords would no longer be able to have direct payments made to them on request and it was considered that there would be a consequential increase in rent arrears in the private rented sector which could lead to an increase in pressure on the housing service if there were more breakdowns in tenancies.

 

It was clear therefore that the introduction of LHA represented a major change in the operation of the housing benefits service and that, at least initially, it would add to the complexity of the benefits scheme with five different rent allowance schemes being administered already.  To ensure the smooth introduction of the new scheme various issues would need to be addressed, for example:

 

·                    developing an implementation plan

·                    set up a project team

·                    training

·                    awareness training for all outside bodies

·                    publicity

·                    revised claim forms and leaflets

·                    inform tenants and all stakeholders

·                    devise a policy for vulnerable people.

 

Discussion ensued on certain elements of the scheme including:

 

·                    the provision that tenants could receive up to £15 per week if the rent fell below their allowance and the concern that tenants would choose to augment their weekly income by this means rather than selecting the most suitable accommodation available;

·                    that not all tenants had or wanted to have bank or building society accounts;

·                    the apparent discrepancies concerning direct payments as outlined in paragraphs 11 and 12 of the report. 

 

It was considered that a further report clarifying the position where possible should be submitted to a future meeting.

 

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) had allocated the Vale £116,066 through housing benefit administration subsidy to support implementation of the LHA in the following key areas:

 

·                    software development

·                    start up activities

·                    staff training

·                    communication activities.

 

It was noted that the Council was free to implement the LHA in ways best suited to local circumstances and that the available funding could be spent in 2007/08 or 2008/09. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the action taken by the Benefits Section in implementing the scheme be noted and that the Head of Financial Services be responsible for the budget and allocate funds accordingly to support the implementation of LHA.

 

(2)       T H A T a further report on the implications of the introduction of Local Housing Allowance (including, if necessary, a presentation to Members of the Cabinet on the way in which the scheme was intended to be rolled out) be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1&2)  To keep Members informed and to allow implementation.

 

 

C3241                        FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE PLAN 2007/2008 (DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) required the Council to produce a statutory Plan for food enforcement work to ensure local transparency and accountability.  The Plan for 2007/08 (appended to the report) covered all aspects of food safety enforcement work and facilitated comparisons of performance between local authorities.  The Plans also provided the basis on which all local authorities were monitored and audited by the FSA, this Council having been audited by the FSA in 2003/04.  That audit report had acknowledged improvement in the service achieved and identified areas where the Council had demonstrated real strength; work to comply with the recommendations of that report had been completed.  Environmental Health staff in Regulatory Services were responsible for carrying out the Council’s food law enforcement duties.  The FSA expected authorities to achieve food inspection rates based on the Food Law Code of Practice and, in 2006/07 the Council had delivered 100% of all due food premises inspections thereby putting the service in the top quartile of Councils in Wales.  It was also reported that all planned high-risk food standards inspections had also been carried out.

 

The new Food Law Code of Practice introduced in Wales in October 2006 introduced updated guidance and procedures together with an option of using alternative enforcement strategies for the lowest risk premises.  A new approach in accordance with the new Code was therefore piloted during 2006/07 in respect of category E premises.  The new Code also took Approved Premises out of the risk rating scheme and specified their inspection frequency.  In addition, the Food Law Code of Practice published in December 2006 required inspection of animal feed premises.  While no animal feeding stuffs inspections were carried out in 2006/07, it was noted that those would be carried out in 2007/08 funded from the previous year’s underspend within the service.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the Food Law Enforcement Service Plan, as appended to the report, be adopted subject to the structure chart on page 10 being amended to reflect the structure as at 1st April, 2007, and that a copy of the Plan be submitted to the Food Standards Agency for information.

 

(2)       T H A T the success of the Environmental Health Food Safety Team in achieving its targets in 2006/07 and thereby putting the service in the top quartile of performing Councils be acknowledged.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To comply with the statutory requirements of the Food Safety legislation.

 

(2)       To recognise the efforts of the Team.

 


 

 

C3242                        PROGRAMME OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND COMMUNITY SCHEMES: PENARTH CENTRAL RENEWAL AREA (DLPPHS) - (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -

 

The various major environmental and community issues identified during the consultation process leading up to the declaration of the area had now been examined and prioritised for action.  Of the funds allotted, a balance of £913,000 remained for new schemes, and a list of projects and estimated Renewal Area contributions were appended to the report.  It was noted that some schemes would rely on match funding from other sources, for example, the St. Paul’s Multi-Use Community Facility was expected to attract Section 106 money from the Penarth Heights redevelopment.  It was noted that implementation of the scheme would be dependent on the continued allocation of funds from the WAG and the Council each year.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED - T H A T the programme of environmental and community schemes proposed for the remainder of the life of the Renewal Area, as appended to the report, be approved in principle and subject to the necessary funding being available.

 

Reason for decision

 

To enable progress to be made on the environmental and community schemes in the Penarth Central Renewal Area.

 

 

Councillor N. Moore declared an interest in the following item and vacated the Chair.

 

Councillor G. John, having been duly elected, assumed the Chair for the following item.

 

 

C3243                        REVIEW OF EARLY RETIREMENT AND REDUNDANCY SCHEME (DLD & DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -

 

The Council as an Employer was required to produce a Policy Statement setting out the policies followed in exercising certain discretions under the Local Government Pension Scheme and related regulations.  The policy had been last reviewed in September 2006 to take account of changes to the regulations following which there had been further changes to regulations, particularly the Local Government (Early Termination of Employment) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006

SI No. 2914.

 

The discretionary compensation regulations applied to:

 

·             employees whose employment was terminated by reason of redundancy;

·             employees whose employment was terminated in the interests of the efficient exercise of the employing authority’s functions;

·             employees who were eligible to be a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

 

The discretionary compensation regulations gave the Council power to increase statutory redundancy payments from the statutory level up to a level in line with actual pay;  it was noted that the Council currently applied actual weekly pay to discretionary redundancy payments.  The discretionary compensation regulations set a maximum payment of 104 weeks pay;  to ensure that the Council had a workable policy for discretionary compensation on redundancy as an interim measure, following the enactment of age discrimination legislation, a maximum of 66 weeks x 75% at actual pay had been adopted.  Current advice was that since the statutory redundancy table had legislative backing and was not affected by age discrimination legislation it was in order to use it as a basis for discretionary compensation payments to be made under the regulations.  To achieve a maximum in line with the current scheme (49.5 weeks) would require the application of a factor of 1.65 to the statutory table giving a discretionary table, as illustrated in the appendices to the report. 

 

To comply with age discrimination the policy had to be applied to all staff in an equal manner.  It was noted, however, that different policies could be applied to different circumstances, for example, redundancy and efficiency of the service.  It was also noted that there was no upper limit on the amount of compensation that could be paid under the current scheme and consideration was given to the setting a maximum payment as had been done in some other authorities.  Attention was drawn to the fact that the Council did not currently have a policy to pay discretionary compensation to staff leaving on grounds of the efficiency of the service other than in cases of redundancy.  The discretionary compensation regulations allowed the Council to make compensatory payments to staff leaving in such circumstances and consideration was consequently given to introducing a policy to that effect.

 

As regards resource implications, it was noted that under the Discretionary Compensation Regulations, in formulating and reviewing its policy in this respect, the Council had to be satisfied that the policy was workable, affordable and reasonable having regard to foreseeable costs.  It was further noted that any decision to increase the discretionary compensation to be paid to employees would have an impact on the business case used to justify their release.  The joint Trade Unions had asked that consideration be given to paying the full 66 weeks (as opposed to 75% of 66 weeks) and that the award of additional years be considered.  Attention was drawn to the fact that Cabinet had decided against the discretion to award added years / augmentation in September 2006, given that augmentation had to be paid for up front with a charge from the revenue account to the pension fund.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.


 

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T a policy of applying actual salary to discretionary redundancy pay be reaffirmed.

 

(2)       T H A T, to achieve a maximum in line with the current scheme (49.5 weeks), a factor of 1.7 be applied to the statutory table and that the discretionary redundancy table appended to the report be adopted.

 

(3)       T H A T a limit of £30,000 be set on any redundancy payments made under the scheme, that limit to be reviewed in the light of changes to taxation of such payments.

 

(4)       T H A T a discretionary compensation scheme for staff on the grounds of efficiency of the service be introduced and that the discretionary compensation table appended to the report be adopted.

 

(5)       T H A T a limit of £20,000 be set on any discretionary compensation payments made under the scheme.

 

(6)       T H A T the Council’s Avoiding Redundancy Policy and Policy Statement be revised accordingly and communicated in accordance with the Regulations.

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To continue existing practice.

 

(2)       To align policy with current advice on age discrimination.

 

(3)       To set a maximum payment limit.

 

(4)       To introduce the discretionary scheme.

 

(5)       To set a maximum payment.

 

(6)       For implementation.

 

 

Councillor N. Moore resumed the Chair.

 

 

C3244                        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 indicated underneath the minute heading, be considered.

 


 

 

C3245                        COWBRIDGE FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -

 

Urgent by reason of the need to make a decision before 27th October, 2007

 

The fourth Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival was being held on the weekend of 27th and 28th October, 2007.  Authority was sought to enter into a Deed of Grant with Cowbridge Food Festival Limited to enable a grant of £10,000 to be paid to the Cowbridge Food Festival Limited and to vary the terms of the existing Deed of Grant with Cowbridge Charter Trust as set out in the report and summarised below.  Basically, the Cowbridge Charter Trust had handed over the ownership and running of the Festival to the Cowbridge Food Festival Limited so that the Trust could concentrate on other community activities.

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED  -

 

(1)       T H A T £10,000 be paid to the Cowbridge Food Festival Limited.

 

(2)       T H A T the existing Deed of Grant with Cowbridge Charter Trust be varied and a new Deed of Grant entered into to reflect the change in organisation of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival and the role of Cowbridge Food Festival Limited.

 

(3)       T H A T the Chief Executive be authorised to use his delegated powers to allow the early implementation of resolutions (1) and (2) above.

 

Reason for decisions

 

To enable the event to proceed.

 

 

C3246                        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 item of business on the grounds that it involves 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.

 


 

 

C3247                        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 indicated beneath the minute heading be considered.

 

 

C3248                        AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR BUS SERVICE 86 (MICHAELSTON-LE-PIT TO CULVERHOUSE CROSS) (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) (EXEMPT INFORMATION - PARAGRAPHS 14 AND 16) -

 

Urgent by reason of the need to ensure continued bus service provision

 

As a consequence of Veolia Transport Cymru having given written notice surrendering a number of subsidised local bus service contracts, tenders had been invited for various contracts, the purpose of the current report being the award of contract for Service 86.  Having regard to the current level of service provided and to passenger numbers, it was proposed that Service 86 be better publicised in order to assess whether user numbers could be increased.  Various options were offered up for consideration as to the optimum way forward, including budgetary considerations.  The Caring Coaches option for the remainder of the financial year 2007/08 could be accommodated within that budget.  

 

It was proposed that, given its low frequency and its operation on just two days a week, the service could lend itself to Community Transport provision - a matter which would require further in-depth investigation and consideration. 

 

This was a matter for Executive decision.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       T H A T the contract for Service 86 be awarded to Caring Coaches at a charge of £90 per day, that being the most advantageous to the Council.

 

(2)       T H A T the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration consider methods of improving the publicity for the service.

 

(3)       T H A T a review be undertaken on the Service in March 2008 to ascertain whether passenger numbers and the budget available would warrant its continuation in its current form.

 

(4)       T H A T the Urgent Decision Procedure under Article 13.09 of the Constitution be implemented to authorise the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration to make a decision by 19th October, 2007 in order to confirm contracts and to avoid a break in service.


 

 

Reasons for decisions

 

(1)       To ensure continued service provision following the surrender of the contract by Veolia Transport Cymru.

 

(2)       To improve patronage.

 

(3)       To keep the service and budget under review and to examine whether the service may be better provided by Community Transport.

 

(4)       To ensure continuity of the Service.