CABINET
MINUTES of a meeting held on 13th
February, 2008.
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
and Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson.
C3382
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE -
These were received from Councillors Mrs. M.
Randall and C.J. Williams.
C3383
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 23rd January, 2008 be approved as a correct
record.
C3384
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
No declarations were received.
C3385
CONDOLENCES -
On behalf of the Cabinet and the attendant
officers, the Chairman offered Councillor Wilkinson condolences on
the recent sad loss of her father.
C3386
PENARTH LEISURE CENTRE - EFFECT OF INTERNATIONAL SPORTS VILLAGE
(REF - MIN. NO. 701) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) had, on 15th January, 2008 considered a
report on the potential effect of the opening of the International
Sports Village (ISV) on Penarth Leisure Centre and the measures
taken to date to reduce that impact. Whilst accepting that
there would be a likely drop-off in the numbers utilising the
Leisure Centre at least initially, discussion had ensued on ways in
which to encourage use, to maintain the existing customer base and
to identify potential new markets. Attention had been drawn
to presently unused space at the Centre, occasioned as a
consequence of the closure of the bar and catering facilities, and
the desirability of bringing those spaces into beneficial use
thereby increasing income. It had been noted that while the
gyms in the Centre had now reached saturation point, any such
refurbishment would require investment and that resources were
limited / targeted elsewhere. The Committee had commended
Leisure Centre staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to not
only running the Centres but for their suggestions as to ways in
which to improve and expand the services offered and had asked
Cabinet to consider maximising those suggestions as to ways in
which to improve and expand services, including making available
additional funding for asset renewal.
Given that the longer term impact of the ISV
remained to be determined, it was considered premature that
consideration should be given at this stage to allocating
additional asset renewal funding, the need for which could not be
assessed. As far as encouraging usage of the Leisure Centre
was concerned, attention was drawn to the fact that, in addition to
the frequent bus services to and from the Leisure Centre, the train
station with its service to and from Cardiff and Bridgend (and
beyond) was also close at hand and that any advertising campaign
should include both modes of public transport. The lack of
local Ward Member consultation on the content of the Director’s
report was referred to with disappointment.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A The recommendations of the
Scrutiny Committee be noted.
Reason for decision
It was considered premature to consider making
available additional funding.
C3387
LEISURE CENTRE USAGE (REF - MIN. NO. 735) -
The Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources)
had, on 22nd January, 2008 considered a report in
respect of progress achieved in relation to the “increased usage of
leisure centres” which had been a recommendation of a previous
Council Public Opinion Survey undertaken in 2006. It had been
noted that, in 2006/07, uses of the Council operated indoor leisure
facilities at various locations within Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit
Major and Penarth had dropped, the reduction being attributable to
a number of reasons including increased private sector competition,
lack of available finance to make significant investment in
facilities and new school hall facilities at Barry and
Penarth. Investment had been made in new equipment, including
Point of Sale System and Technogym gym equipment which had resulted
in improved performance in key business areas; the new Membership
Scheme branded in as Freestyle had also been introduced to
encourage greater usage. As indicated above, the opening of
the International Sports Village was also likely to have a
significant impact on attendances in the forthcoming year and
details of the measures taken to date to reduce that impact were
included in the report. The point was made that officers
would continue to market the Leisure Centre in order to maintain
and improve usage, subject to budgetary considerations, and
attention was drawn to the fact that any future improvements to the
Leisure Centre would have to compete for asset renewal resources
which were used almost exclusively for essential Health and Safety
works. It had been further noted that capital bids to upgrade
facilities had been unsuccessful in recent years and reference was
again made to the recent closure of bar/café areas within the
Leisure Centres which provided the opportunity to increase usage
and income but which required appropriate financial
investment. Following consideration of related matters,
discussion had ensued on the current Asset Renewal budget for all
leisure and community centres and the need to re-examine the
current allocation of funding having regard to the increasing age
of such buildings. The Committee had consequently requested
Cabinet to review the level of funding for asset renewals in
relation to the above facilities.
Attention was drawn to the fact that Cabinet
was currently awaiting further information including a presentation
from another Local Authority, in respect of future options for the
operation of Leisure Centres generally, a report on which would be
submitted once available. It was, therefore, premature at
this date to consider making available additional funding.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the recommendations of the
Scrutiny Committee be noted.
Reason for decision
It was considered premature to consider making
available additional funding.
C3388
VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL ACCESS FORUM -
The following minutes of a meeting held on
16th January, 2008 were submitted:
Present: Mr. M.R. Harvey (Chairman); Mr.
D.J. Field (Deputy Chairman); Mr. J.V. Custance, Mrs. V.M.
Hartrey, Mr. J.J. Herbert, Mrs. H. March, Mr. H.S. McMillan,
Mrs. M. Morgan, Mr. N. Moss, Mr. R. Simpson and
Mrs. V. Warlow.
Mr. C. Fray, Mr. B. Guy, Mr. C.
Jones-Jenkins and Mrs. S. Thomas (VOGC); Ms. S. Tyndall (CCW); Ms.
T. Cottnam (Coastal Access Officer, Cardiff Council).
|
|
Action
|
|
(a)
Apologies for absence -
These were received from Mr. R. Pittard
and Mr. R. Traherne; Mr. J. Wyatt (Secretary); and Councillor G.
John (Cabinet Member, Tourism and Leisure).
|
|
|
(b)
Welcome -
The Chairman welcomed all present to the
meeting, specifically Mr. Bob Guy as the recently appointed
Operational Manager for Countryside and Economic Projects.
|
|
|
(c) Minutes
-
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the
meeting held on 19th September, 2007 be
approved as a correct record, subject to the reference to ValeWaves
in the penultimate paragraph of minute no. (e) being amended to
read for Valeways.
|
JLP
|
|
(d)
Coastal Access Improvement Programme -
The Chairman welcomed Irene Evison,
Consultant from “Resources for Change”, to the meeting. Ms.
Evison briefly explained her role in the process and outlined the
aim of the Wales Coastal Access Programme. The programme, funded by
WAG and administered by CCW, was currently in its first year and
the remainder of phase 1 (April ‘07 to March ‘10) would commence in
the new financial year. The programme related to the coastal
zone and 2 kilometres therein. She referred to the work
undertaken by the Council’s Rights of Way team and to the
consultation undertaken. It was now important to identify
those actions / improvements the Council would like to see over the
next three to five years and the views of the Local Access Forum
were requested. The Deputy Chairman asked whether the selection of
those actions / improvements should have regard to the outcome of
the recent CCW consultation paper on route criteria and,
indeed, what that outcome had been. Whilst Sarah Tyndall would
ascertain when the findings of the consultation would be published,
Irene Evison confirmed that the current guidance on the CAIP was
relevant and that there was, therefore, a basis on which to build
an action plan. Chris Jones-Jenkins confirmed that the
responses of the LAF, Council officers and the Glamorgan Heritage
Coast Advisory Group had been submitted and that an analysis of the
responses from all over Wales would be made available to the
Council in due course. Sarah Tyndall confirmed that whilst
overall priorities would be set for Wales in various respects, for
example the percentage of routes available for riders/cyclists,
serious consideration would be given to accommodating the views of
this and other LAFs / consultees in maintaining and improving
coastal access within their areas having regard to individual
circumstances. She was reminded that this LAF had expressed strong
views that, although a permanent path was to be desired, the
emphasis on permanence in the consultation paper was seen as overly
prescriptive.
Discussion then focused on the suggested
action plan projects as shown below and maps tabled, the maps
having been split into 8 sections with section 1 showing the most
easterly section of the Vale and map 8 the most westerly:
|
ST
|
Map 1
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Cross Border issues with Cardiff –
Pont-y-Werin / barrage
|
H
|
|
|
Cycling Schemes in Penarth
|
H
|
|
|
Promotion / Improvement under Access for
All of Circular Routes linking to the WCP- Seafront to Railway
Circular
|
M
|
|
Map 2
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Investigate options for improvement of
access through Barry Docks:
- Access across
Dock Gates to lead on to Redbrink Point
- New bridge
across entrance to No.2 Dock
- Access to
Wimbourne Road
|
H
|
|
|
Access through Atlantic Trading Estate to
provide a link to the coast and the public right of way.
|
H
|
|
|
Create new PROW between Swanbridge Farm
and St. Mary’s Well Bay (potential road eroding)
|
L
|
|
|
Restore PROW due to erosion at St. Mary’s
Well Bay , following investigation undertaken this year
|
H
|
|
|
Potential re-alignment / disabled access
at Lavernock Nature reserve
|
M
|
|
|
Lavernock Point - Car Park
improvements
|
L
|
|
|
Lavernock Point – Missing link
|
H
|
|
|
Lavernock Point – Create beach
access
|
L
|
|
|
Create new footpath at Searchlight Lane to
provide a circular walk linking Compensation to the coast.
|
M
|
|
|
Information Boards about Sully
Island
|
L
|
|
|
Promotion / Improvement under Access for
All of Circular Routes linking to the WCP- Cosmotron Park to Sully
Circular
|
M
|
|
|
Negotiate Missing Link at Captain’s Wife
following this year’s investigation.
|
H
|
|
|
Resurface Sully Coastal path between
Bendricks and Sully 5 including inland links
|
H
|
|
|
Resurface Sully Coastal path between Sully
5 and The Captain’s Wife including inland links
|
H
|
|
|
Continue resurfacing of Penarth to
Lavernock WCP
|
H
|
|
Map 3
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Missing Link from Porthkerry Park to
Egerton Grey to provide a circular walk and improve access to the
coast
|
M
|
|
|
Rebuild Golden Stairs
|
H
|
|
|
Improve disabled access in Birchgrove
Woods and investigate link to the coast
|
M
|
|
|
Investigate opportunities to create the
missing link around Whitehouse Development
|
H
|
|
|
Ensure PROW linkage across Phase 2 of the
Waterfront Development.
|
H
|
|
|
Investigate the opportunities to improve
Disabled access on Nell’s Point
|
M
|
|
|
Improvements to Clement Colley
Way
|
L
|
|
|
Open up coastal viewpoints through
vegetation at Marine Drive, Barry and elsewhere
|
M
|
|
|
Steps / surface works between The Bulwarks
and Porthkerry Country Park
|
H
|
|
|
Install improved drainage system at
Porthkerry beach to alleviate flooding
|
H
|
|
|
Upgrade Friars Point Paths to provide a
circular route.
|
M
|
|
|
Refurbishment (under access for all) of
all furniture on north side of Porthkerry Park to provide a
circular route.
|
M
|
|
Map 4
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Re-assess permissive / public paths at
Aberthaw Power Station (i.e. Public WCP)
|
H
|
|
|
Improved access at Rhoose Point
Development – Rail Crossing
|
M
|
|
|
Rebuild cliff steps at Aberthaw
|
H
|
|
|
Cliff steps in Fontygary Caravan
Park
|
M
|
|
|
Rebuild concrete path at Penmark
1
|
H
|
|
|
Improved access at The Dams
Valley
|
H
|
|
|
Steps / surface works around disused
quarry at Porthkerry Caravan Park
|
H
|
|
|
Erosion along the length of the Rhoose
Point development.
|
H
|
|
Map 5
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
New Route along Hoddnant River
|
M
|
|
|
Permissive access along road between
Boverton Farm and Summerhouse Point
|
H
|
|
|
Permissive Link from Gileston to
Summerhouse?
Walking on pebble beach.
|
H
|
|
|
Improve PROW at Gileston Beach
|
H
|
|
Map 6
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Re-assess access through St. Donat’s
Castle
|
M
|
|
|
Re-assess permissive / public paths at
Sheeplays Barn
|
M
|
|
|
Blaen-y-Cwm - Flooding
|
H
|
|
|
Blaen-y-Cwm – Bridge erosion
|
H
|
|
|
Blaen-y-Cwm – New stream crossing at
northern end
|
H
|
|
|
Blaen-y-Cwm – Slippery slopes on coastal
approaches
|
H
|
|
|
Replace stiles with gaps / gates west of
Nash Point
|
H
|
|
|
Resolve bog / flooding in Cwm
Marcross
|
M
|
|
|
Improve coastal path from Cwm Col-huw
westwards
|
H
|
|
|
Dimhole erosion / surface works
|
H
|
|
|
Flooding at Waterfall stile
|
M
|
|
|
Erosion along the section at King George V
Field and on to Tressillian Bay
|
H
|
|
|
Footpath crosses pebble beach at
Tressillian
|
M
|
|
|
Cadw site at Castle Ditches Fort Cwm
Col-huw
|
H
|
|
|
Promotion / Improvement under Access for
All of Circular Routes linking to the WCP - Cwm Colhuw to Dimhole
Circular
|
M
|
|
Map 7
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Use of existing slipways to access beaches
at Ogmore, Dunraven, Cwm Colhuw
|
H
|
|
|
Improve erosion of emergency escape route
at Temple Bay
|
H
|
|
|
Surface and steps at Cwm Mawr
|
H
|
|
|
Emergency ladders at Cwm Bach
|
H
|
|
Map 8
|
Action
|
Priority
|
|
| |
|
Use of existing slipways to access beaches
at Ogmore, Dunraven, Cwm Colhuw.
|
H
|
|
|
Ogmore River Crossing
|
H
|
|
|
Improve surfacing and waymarking on Ogmore
Down
|
M
|
|
|
Improve coastal path at pinch point west
of Marine Drive, Ogmore
|
H
|
|
|
Improve coastal path at pinch point at the
Sea Lawns
|
H
|
|
|
Installation of steps in Pant y Slade
valley
|
M
|
|
|
Promotion / Improvement under Access for
All of Circular Routes linking to the WCP
- Ogmore River and Downs Circular
- Ogmore to Pant-y-Slade (linear
WCP
- Dunraven to Ogmore Downs
Circular)
|
M
|
|
|
Points raised in subsequent
discussion included:
Map 1
A note added to the effect that, because
of the non-continuance with the Penarth Headland Link Scheme, the
proposed coastal path would be driven inshore.
Map 2
The need for the projects to be listed in
sequential order along the coastline, it being noted that the order
would be re-worked for insertion into the final action plan; and
the suggestion made that the content of the information boards
relating to Sully Island needed to give clear and precise
information as to the potential dangers of accessing and egressing
the Island.
Map 3
The question was asked as to why the
rebuilding of the Golden Stair had been given a high priority and a
request made that the priority be reduced.
Map 4
In response to questions, issues including
the reassessment of paths at Aberthaw Power Station, the cliff
steps at Aberthaw and the erosion at the Rhoose Point development
were clarified. The suggestion was made that consideration
could be given to improving disabled access on to a section of the
path at Aberthaw Power Station.
Maps 5 and 6
Reference was made to a very heavily used
route from the bottom of Colhuw Street to the beach and the strong
local feeling that the route could be much improved. It was
considered that the route could be made disabled user friendly and
that it should be accorded high priority. It was recognised
that the path in question was already included on the list as part
of a proposed circular work, given a medium priority, but it was
felt that this particular section should attract a higher
priority.
It was also suggested that the bridleway
that presently ran along Church Road to a dead end where it became
a public footpath could be extended as a bridleway westwards or up
to the main road thereby providing a much appreciated local
facility.
Maps 7 and 8
The Council had yet to determine its
stance in relation to the slipways mentioned given the question of
ownership and the use of slipways for both the launching of
waterborne craft and access onto the beach by walkers and disabled
users. Given that the CAIP related specifically to pursuits
such as walking and cycling, clarification was required as to
whether CCW meant coastal access and / or access to the beach /
foreshore and whether works to slipways would attract
funding.
In response to questions, Irene Evison
confirmed that with all the above proposals more detail would be
given as the action plan was drawn up and refined.
It was accepted that the highest priority
was to put the coastal path into place and noted that a lot of the
actions contained within the above list related to missing links in
the network. Other issues to be raised when discussing the
action plan would include those projects which were not site
specific such as guided walks, working in partnership, way marking
surveys, and staff costs. A particular point raised at the
meeting was the use of the Sea Watch Centre at Summer House Point
on a part time basis as a Coast Watch location although the
security of the car parking facilities there would require
addressing and the fact that it was accessed by a permissive
path. Ms. Evison concluded her presentation by referring to
the timetable whereby grant applications had to be submitted to CCW
by mid-February with the CAIP being with CCW by the end of June
2008. Members of the LAF were invited to contact her
and / or the Rights of Way Team with any further comments.
The Chairman subsequently thanked Ms. Evison for her contribution
to the meeting.
(e)
Forward Work Programme-
·
Resignation - the Chairman announced that he was to relinquish
his seat on the Council at 1st May, 2008 and that he
could, therefore, no longer continue in the post of Chairman of the
LAF. The process to be followed as a consequence in respect
of electing a new Chairman was briefly outlined, it being confirmed
that a letter giving further details would follow.
·
Valeways - in response to a question relating to possible
future funding difficulties and the possible consequential impact
on the ROWIP, Bob Guy confirmed that he was meeting the Chief
Officer of Valeways imminently to discuss the present
situation. It was further explained that Valeways was a
charity and obtained funding from a number of organisations but
that, in the current financial climate, the likelihood was that
there would be a funding gap with consequent implications for the
current staffing levels and therefore the work able to be
undertaken for the Vale.
·
Three Fields, Cowbridge - the position in relation to the
inability of the Council to undertake refurbishment works at the
above location (and for which grant aid had been obtained) was
attributable to land ownership issues which had not been able to be
resolved.
(f)
Thanks-
At the conclusion of the meeting, the
thanks of the Forum were conveyed to the Chairman for his
leadership and guidance since the inception of the LAF.
|
PROW Team / I
E
JLP
BG
|
______________
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted.
Reason for decision
To receive the views of the Local Access
Forum.
C3389
USE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S EMERGENCY POWERS (CX) (SCRUTINY - AS
INDICATED BELOW) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the use of the Chief
Executive’s emergency powers as indicated below be noted:
(a)
Authority to implement award under NJC for Local Government
Services Circular 4/07 - 2007/08 Pay Scales and Allowances.
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(b)
Authority to implement Change Control 11 within the agreed time
scales and the associated additional costs (necessitated as a
consequence of there being a number of unforeseen Change Controls
as part of the implementation process).
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(c)
Authority to implement the pay award under the JNC for Chief
Officers of Local Authorities - Chief Officers’ Pay 2007/08.
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(d)
Authority to implement pay award under the JNC for Coroners -
Coroners’ Circular No. 47.
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(e)
Authority to implement the pay award under the JNC for Local
Authority Craft and Associated Employees - Correction Circular
CR1/07, 2007/08 Craft Pay Rates.
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(f)
Authority to implement the pay award under The Soulbury Committee
Joint Education Services Circular No. 153.
(Scrutiny - Corporate Resources.)
(g)
Authority to approve an additional £500k. to the Thompson Street
Footbridge Scheme which will be met from Capital Receipts and to
amend the Capital Programme accordingly.
(Scrutiny - Economy and Environment.)
Reason for decision
To inform the Cabinet.
C3390
DEVELOPMENT OF A CHARTER BETWEEN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL AND
TOWN AND COMMUNITY COUNCILS (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
The Community Liaison Committee had previously
considered a draft charter in November 2007 which had subsequently
been agreed in principle by Cabinet in December. In order to
progress the matter, full approval by Cabinet of the draft charter
as appended to the report was now required. Attention was
drawn to the fact that the draft charter was a set of principles,
some of which were already being implemented whilst others were
aspirations which the unitary and town and community councils would
need to try to achieve over a number of years. Once agreed,
the charter would be put forward for consideration and adoption by
individual town and community councils. It was noted that in
order for the principles to become reality, an action plan would
need to be developed between those councils which agreed to sign up
to it. A working group would be established from the
participating councils to develop that action plan which would then
be presented to the Community Liaison Committee and thence Cabinet
and the town and community councils. The charter would be
reviewed following the local government elections in 2008 and
should there be a major revision of WAG guidance.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the draft charter be adopted.
(2) T H A
T all Town and Community Councils be requested to consider adopting
the charter.
(3) T H A
T a further report be submitted to Cabinet identifying those Town
and Community Councils which had agreed to become signatories and
proposing the composition of a working group to develop an action
plan.
Reasons for decisions
(1)&(2) So
that the charter can be progressed.
(3)
In order to progress the development of an action plan.
C3391
PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY 2007 - RESULTS (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE
RESOURCES) -
The above survey had been carried out by a
market research company employing a quota sampling process to
ensure representativeness. In order to ensure that the data
was as representative as possible, weightings had been attached for
ward, age and economic status. Particular attention was drawn
to the following:
·
overall satisfaction levels with the service provided by the
Council had increased from 74% in 2005 and 86% in 2006 to 89% in
2007;
·
there had been fluctuations in the percentage of people who felt
able to influence decisions affecting their local area, namely, 34%
in 2005, 47% in 2006 and 36% in 2007;
·
the number of those proud to live in the Vale had increased from
87% in 2005 and 2006 to 93% in 2007.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the results of 2007 Public Opinion Survey be welcomed.
(2) T H A
T those results be used to inform 2008/09 Service Plans in relevant
Directorates.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
recognise public perception of the Council and its services.
(2) To
ensure that public perceptions are considered when services are
planned.
C3392
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE SERVICE (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
The current TIC service comprised two
Wales-networked centres at Penarth Pier and Barry Island managed by
the Council, the hours of operation of which throughout the 2007
season were 10.00am to 5.30pm on weekends and during school
holidays only. Were the TICs to continue to operate on those
same hours in 2008 however, networking status and its benefits
would be removed. Discussion and consultations had taken
place with various parties interested in promoting tourism, the
results of which had shown that all tourism operators considered
maintaining the networked TIC service to be essential. The
improvement and maintenance of the existing level and quality of
tourist information provided at TICs, subject to funding, had been
identified as a strategic tourism objective within the draft Vale
of Glamorgan Tourism Strategy. During August and September
2007 a Tourist Information Satisfaction Survey had been undertaken
at the TICs which indicated:
·
the Barry and Penarth TICs were providing an informative, efficient
and friendly service and one that was considered essential by those
visiting the centres;
·
the TICs were expected to be open throughout spring, summer and
autumn on a daily basis from 10.00am to 5.30pm;
·
insufficient accommodation (particular bed and breakfast) in Barry
and Penarth to meet customer demand.
In addition, the Council’s own satisfaction
survey in 2007 recorded a 90% overall satisfaction with tourism
facilities. In April 2007, Cabinet had recommended that
further negotiations be carried out with Capital Region Tourism
regarding funding to staff the Cardiff International Airport
Information Post. It was noted that, given Capital Region
Tourism lack of funding available and the Council’s own financial
constraints, it had not been possible to progress that
matter. Once again, it was noted that in order for the TICs
to remain Wales-networked, both centres were required to open at
least five days a week for a minimum of twenty six weeks.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the hours of operation at
both the Barry and Penarth TICs be based on daily opening from
Easter until the end of September from 10.00am to 5.30pm with a
half hour lunch break.
Reason for decision
To continue to provide a quality service and
maintain Wales’ networking status.
C3393
DAY CARE PROVISION IN THE WESTERN VALE (DSS) (SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY
WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -
The Council currently provided day care
facilities for vulnerable older people living in the Western Vale
through the British Red Cross. Working in partnership with
the Methodist Church in St. Athan, a suitable building had been
identified within the area of the airbase and the day service had
transferred to the refurbished former NAAFI building in April
2006. The service agreement had anticipated the possible
creation of enhanced facilities in any church building or community
centre built by the Church. The announcement of the proposed
Defence Training Academy base in St. Athan had accelerated the
development of a new community centre and the building currently
used for the day service was to be demolished. It was
reported that the Council was contractually committed to a further
year with the British Red Cross. Since the cessation of the
service was not considered an option and suitable alternative
accommodation had not been identified, the proposal was to transfer
the day care service to the new community centre which would
provide better facilities for the same number of service
users. It was noted that there were financial consequences to
the Council, with premises costs increasing to £1,560 annually
which would have to be found from savings within the allocated
budget for Community Care and Health. The proposal would
require a formal leasing agreement to be agreed between the Council
and the Methodist Church.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the proposals contained within the report be agreed.
(2) T H A
T the Director of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services be
authorised to sign the lease on behalf of the Council.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
ensure continuity of service to vulnerable older people in the
Western Vale.
(2) To
ensure services transfer to the new building in a planned way.
C3394
THE HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING STRATEGY 2008-2011 (DSS)
(SCRUTINY - COMMUNITY WELLBEING AND SAFETY) -
Appended to the report was a second Health,
Social Care and Wellbeing Strategy for the Vale of Glamorgan which
had been developed in partnership by the Council and the Local
Health Board (LHB). The draft Strategy had been the subject
of public consultation for a twelve week period from October to
December 2007 following which the final version of the Strategy was
developed to take account of the contributions made during that
process. The Strategy had been designed to promote the
independence of individuals thereby reducing unnecessary reliance
on social care and health services, helping also to encourage
developments which improved the provision of effective and
efficient health and social care services for those who required
them. The Strategy identified the following key priorities
for the Council and the LHB in their joint work:
·
older people
·
children
·
people with learning disabilities
·
people with mental ill health
·
people with cancer
·
people with chronic conditions.
A more detailed implementation plan and
resource framework were being developed to specify the actions
required to deliver the Strategy and which would be presented to
Cabinet in due course for approval. The Health, Social Care
and Wellbeing Strategy Partnership would be responsible for
overseeing and monitoring implementation of the Strategy with
regular monitoring reports being made to Cabinet and the Scrutiny
Committee (Community Wellbeing and Safety). Attention was
drawn to the real commitment to partnership demonstrated by the
Council and the LHB to date with reference being made, inter alia,
to the creation of a joint Head of Adult Services post.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Health, Social Care and
Wellbeing Strategy 2008-2011, as appended to the report, be
approved.
Reason for decision
To support improvement of health and social
care services by providing a framework for partnership working by
the Council, the LHB and key stakeholders.
C3395
TREASURY MANAGEMENT (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
Consideration was given to the interim report
on the Council’s treasury management operations for the period
1st April to 31st December, 2007 and the
proposed 2008/09 Treasury Management and Annual Investment
Strategy. In order to manage the increased flexibility which
had arisen as a consequence of new Finance Regulations coming into
force back in 2004, Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003
required local authorities to have regard to the Prudential Code as
a professional code of practice. The introduction of the
Prudential Code and new legislation required the Council to set out
its Treasury Strategy for Borrowing and to prepare an Annual
Investment Strategy, both of which were appended to the
report. The Treasury Management Strategy covered a rolling
period of three years and was intended to link into the Medium Term
Financial Planning process whilst the Investment Strategy covered
the next financial year. It was reported that the Council’s
treasury management operations for the period 1st April
to 31st December, 2007 had been conducted in
accordance with the Council’s current approved Strategy on Treasury
Management. Details were contained within the report of the
monies borrowed during the period together with the interest paid
on those loans. Details were also given of investments during
the period together with the interest received.
Approval of the proposed Treasury Management
and Annual Investment Strategy 2008-09 was a matter for decision by
Council.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Treasury Management interim report for the period
1st April to 31st December, 2007 be
noted.
(2)
T H A T the proposed 2008/09 Treasury Management and Annual
Investment Strategy be referred to Council for approval including
the following specific resolutions as set out in the Strategy
Action Plan:
(i)
The Authorised Limit for External Debt be set at £147,041,000 for
2007/08, £151,026,000 for 2008/09, £157,000,000 for 2009/10 and
£163,000,000 for 2010/11.
(ii)
The Operational Boundary for External Debt be set at £130,041,000
for 2007/08, £132,026,000 for 2008/09, £138,000,000 for
2009/10 and £143,000,000 for 2010/11.
(iii) The
Director of Finance, ICT and Property be given delegated authority
within the total Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary as
estimated for individual years to effect movement between the
separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long term
liabilities.
(iv) An upper limit be
set on its fixed interest rate exposures for 2007/08 of
£111,000,000, for 2008/09 of £113,000,000, for 2009/10 of
£118,000,000 and for 2010/11 of £123,000,000 of its net outstanding
principal sum on its borrowings / investments.
(v)
An upper limit be set on its variable interest rate exposures for
2007/08 of (£84,000,000), for 2008/09 of (£82,000,000), for 2009/10
of (£72,000,000) and for 2010/11 of (£68,000,000) of its net
outstanding principal sums on its borrowings / investments.
(vi)
An upper limit of £13,000,000 be set for total principal sums
invested for over 364 days for 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 and
2010/11.
(vii)
The amount of projected borrowing that is fixed rate maturing
in
each period as a percentage of total projected
borrowing that is fixed rate be set as below:
|
Maturity Structure of New Fixed
Borrowing During 2008/09
|
Upper
Limit
|
Lower
Limit
|
|
Under 12 months
|
50%
|
0%
|
|
12 months and within 24 months
|
20%
|
0%
|
|
24 months and within 5 years
|
30%
|
0%
|
|
5 years and within 10 years
|
30%
|
0%
|
|
10 years and above
|
100%
|
0%
|
(viii) The Prudential Indicators set out in
the Strategy be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) The
Treasury Management Interim Report is prepared as required by the
Council’s Treasury Management Policy Statement.
(2) The
Treasury Management and Annual Investment Strategy is prepared as
required by the Local Government Act 2003.
C3396
FINAL CAPITAL PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2008/09 (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Details pertaining to the progress of the
2007/08 Capital Programme for the period 1st April to
31st December, 2007 were submitted together with any
proposed changes to the Programme, and authority sought to set the
2008/09 Capital Programme.
As regards the 2007/08 Capital Programme,
details in respect of variances / carry forwards of budgets under
the headings of the Directorate of Environmental and Economic
Regeneration, Directorate of Learning and Development, Directorate
of Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services, and Directorate
of Social Services and Policy were submitted. Particular
reference was made to the final estimated outturn in respect of the
Barry Town Hall scheme, following which it was agreed that a review
of the entire scheme should be undertaken.
Consideration then focused on the 2008/09
Capital Programme as appended to the report. It was reported
that the future indicative budget for the Housing Investment
Programme included a figure of £2.7m. from the Major Repairs
Allowance (MRA) which was a grant that provided capital funding to
the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). Once the actual grant
allocation had been announced by the WAG, Cabinet would be
informed. In addition to funding from WAG, it was noted that
the Council would finance part of the Capital Programme from its
own resources. The 2008/09 Housing capital budget was
appended to the report and the table below detailed the capital
funding and internal resources required to fund the proposed
schemes:
|
Analysis of Net Funding Required for
the Indicative 2008/09 Capital Programme
|
£,000
|
£,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Fund Resources from Welsh
Assembly Government
|
|
|
|
Supported Borrowing
|
6,151
|
|
|
General Capital Grant
|
2,047
|
|
|
|
|
8,198
|
|
Council Resources
|
|
|
|
HRA Capital Receipts
|
2,000
|
|
|
HRA Revenue
|
1,081
|
|
|
General Fund Capital Receipts
|
2,979
|
|
|
General Fund Reserves / Leasing
|
1,412
|
|
|
|
|
7,472
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Capital Resources
|
|
15,670
|
Attention was drawn to the fact that the
Council would be submitting pre-feasibility grant applications to
WAG in respect of possible flood prevention measures which, if
successful, would require a 15% contribution from the
Council. If no grant were available, the Council would then
have to decide whether to proceed with any of the schemes should
funding become available. As regards the Barry Leisure Centre
gym extension following the closure of the catering facility, it
was proposed that the anticipated cost of £270k. be funded from the
Project Fund initially and recharged with interest to the Client
Department over a period of five years. As regards capital
bids 2008/09, no specific comments had been received from the
Scrutiny Committees to the initial proposals as put forward by
Cabinet. Cabinet had already approved the transfer of funding
of £100k. during 2007/08 from the Refurbishment of Bridges budget
into the Access Road at Dunraven Beach in order to proceed with the
works required before April 2008 with the approved 2008/09 capital
bid on Dunraven Beach being transferred to the Bridge Refurbishment
budget in 2008/09. Cabinet had also approved the School
Investment Strategy with an increase in the school development
budget of £1m. from 2008/09; a £9m. one-off School Building
Improvement Grant being utilised for the School Investment
Strategy; and the use of £1.4m. of general capital receipts
for the scheme with the capital receipts generated by schools being
ring-fenced for the Investment Strategy up to a sum of £6.5m.
Reference was also made within the report to those bids for schemes
which were 100% grant funded even though grant approval had not yet
been received and the fact that those schemes had not been included
in the Capital Programme at present. Details were also
contained of schemes relating to the required match funding for
various grant applications in the sum of £2.183m. over three years,
funding for which had been incorporated into the future Capital
Programme. No provision had been made in the Capital
Programme for the Cardiff Council scheme for Pont Y Werin although
the Council would consider ways in which it could assist as the
detail of the scheme progressed and, primarily, as progress was
made in respect of the Council’s own schemes and any subsequent
capacity identified.
Attention was drawn to the fact that the WAG
was proposing to amend the Capital Finance and Accounting (Wales)
Regulations which, if approved, would be in place on
31st March, 2008 and would require an Authority to
charge an amount of minimum revenue provision (MRP) in respect of
the financing of capital expenditure it considered prudent.
It was noted that MRP had been calculated and included in the
Authority’s estimates for 2008/09 in accordance with WAG’s
proposals, i.e. being based on the current regulations.
If the schemes shown in Appendix 3 to the
report were approved, the effect of the use of General Fund capital
receipts would be as shown in the following table:
|
General Fund Capital
Receipts
|
£,000
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 1st April
2007
(excludes £1.4m for Schools Investment
Strategy)
|
9,796
|
|
|
|
|
Anticipated Requirements – 2007/08
|
(4,879)
|
|
Anticipated Receipts – 2007/08
|
969
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 31st March
2008
|
5,886
|
|
|
|
|
Anticipated Requirements – 2008/09
|
(2,979)
|
|
Anticipated Receipts – 2008/09
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 31st March
2009
|
2,907
|
|
|
|
|
Anticipated Requirements – 2009/10
|
(1,657)
|
|
Anticipated Receipts – 2009/10
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 31st March
2010
|
1,250
|
|
|
|
|
Anticipated Requirements – 2010/11
|
(1,250)
|
|
Anticipated Receipts – 2010/11
|
0
|
|
|
|
|
Balance as at 31st March
2011
|
0
|
Staff across the Council’s Departments were
commended on their efforts in compiling the report and in meeting
the necessary targets.
The final 2008/09 budget proposals would
require the approval of Council.
RECOMMENDED -
(a)
2007/08 Capital Programme
(1) T H A
T, in respect of the 2007/08 Capital Programme, the following be
approved:
(i)
Leisure Centre Refurbishment - the Capital Programme be increased
by £36,362, funded by a Sports Council for Wales grant
(ii)
Entrepreneurship Centre - the Capital Programme be increased by
£72,000, funded by WEFO
(iii)
Alley Gates Phase 8 - the Capital Programme be increased by
£80,000, funded by a WEFO grant
(iv)
Knap Development - transfer funding of £100,000 from the Network
Rail Bridges budget into the Knap Development budget in 2007/08 and
reverse in 2008/09 be increasing the Network Rail budget by
£100,000 and reducing the Visible Services Asset Renewal budget by
£100,000
(v)
Flying Start grant - the Capital Programme be increased by £13,000,
funded by a WAG grant
(vi)
Barry Town Hall - the Capital Programme be increased by £124,000,
funded by £25,000 from the Visible Services Maintenance Fund and
£99,000 from capital receipts
(vii)
Attendance Management System - the Capital Programme be increased
by £42,000, funded by a WAG grant.
(2) T H A
T, in respect of the 2007/08 Capital Programme, the following be
approved and referred to Council for approval:
(i)
Works to Existing Civic Amenity site - reduce the budget to £11,000
(carry forward £44,000 into 2008/09)
(ii)
Civic Amenity Adaptations for WEEE - reduce the budget to nil
(carry forward £18,000 into 2008/09)
(iii)
Ystradowen - reduce the budget to £2,000 (carry forward £107,000
into 2008/09)
(iv)
Network Rail Bridges - assuming the approval of recommendation
a(1)(iv) above, the remaining budget of £475,000 be slipped into
2008/09, reducing the current budget to nil
(v)
Holton Road Shopfronts - reduce the budget to nil (carry forward
£50,000 into 2008/09)
(vi)
Upgrade Primary Schools (Cogan Hall Farm development) - reduce the
budget to £20,000 (carry forward £130,000 into 2008/09)
(vii)
OneVale - reduce the current budget to £617,000 (carry forward
£346,000 into 2008/09).
(b) T H A
T in relation to the 2008/09 Capital Programme:
(i)
The proposed Capital Programme for 2008/09 as set out in Appendix 3
to the report be approved and referred to Council
(ii)
Council be requested to give Cabinet delegated authority to bring
forward identified budgets approved in 2009/10 into 2008/09, if
schemes were progressing ahead of schedule
(iii)
Council be requested to approve now those budgets in future years,
shown in Appendix 3 to the report, highlighted in bold, whilst it
be noted that the remainder were indicative only
(iv)
The Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration produce a
report for a future Cabinet’s approval detailing the works to be
undertaken from the Visible Services Asset Renewal allocation of
£700,000 and consider the requirement for funding drainage
works
(v)
The Director of Finance, ICT and Property produce a report for a
future Cabinet’s approval detailing the works to be undertaken from
the 2008/09 General Asset Renewal Programme
(vi)
The Director of Finance, ICT and Property, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member responsible for Finance, be given delegated
authority to make additions, deletions or transfers to or from the
2008/09 Asset Renewal budgets as appropriate
(vii)
The Director of Finance, ICT and Property, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member responsible for Finance, be given delegated
authority to make additions, deletions or transfers to or from the
2008/09 Housing Capital Programme as appropriate
(viii)
The submission of grant applications for the following schemes be
approved and the Capital Programme be automatically amended
thereafter:
|
Safety Cameras
Dinas Powys Bus Prioritisation lane
Five Mile Lane highway improvements
|
£50,000
£500,000
£250,000
|
(ix)
The current regulations used to calculate the MRP for 2008/09 be
approved.
(c)
T H A T an annual transfer of £450,000 from the General Fund
Disabled Facilities Grant be made into the Housing Capital budget
from 2009/10 to 2012/13.
(d) T H A
T the Director of Finance, ICT and Property, in consultation with
the Cabinet Member responsible for Finance, be given delegated
authority to transfer supported borrowing between General Fund and
the Housing Capital budget as appropriate.
(e) T H A
T a review of the entire Barry Town Hall scheme be undertaken
culminating, if appropriate, in a series of recommendations to
obviate any similar delays or increases in costs.
Reasons for decisions
(a)(1) To allow Capital Schemes to
proceed as soon as possible.
(a)(2) To allow schemes to be
undertaken / completed in a future financial year.
(b)(i) To set and approve
future Capital Programmes.
(b)(ii) To allow Capital Schemes
to proceed as soon as possible.
(b)(iii) To allow schemes that span more
than one year to be fully approved.
(b)(iv) For Cabinet to approve the
schemes to be funded from the Visible Services Asset Renewal
allocation.
(b)(v) For Cabinet to approve the
schemes to be funded from the General Asset Renewal allocation.
(b)(vi) To enable the Asset Renewal
budget to be managed efficiently.
(b)(vii) To enable the Housing Capital budget
to be managed efficiently.
(b)(viii) To allow grant submission and
subsequent approval in the Capital Programme.
(b)(ix) For Council to agree the basis
of the MRP calculation for 2008/09.
(c)
To simplify and aggregate expenditure on the Council’s housing
stock.
(d) To
enable the Housing Capital budget to be managed efficiently.
(e) To be
aware of the position and make any necessary changes.
C3397
FINAL PROPOSALS - REVENUE BUDGET 2008/2009 (DFICTP) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
The report contained proposals in respect of
the latest financial monitoring information for the current
financial year and the budget for the financial year 2008/09.
The Council’s total Standard Spending Assessment (SSA) had been
notified by WAG as £188.448m. The figure included sums
transferred into the general settlement that had previously been
mostly paid as specific grants and included additional resources of
£89k. for increased court costs in Children’s Services.
Transfers out of the settlement had been made for Better Schools
match funding now paid as specific grant. WAG would again be
requiring each local authority to compare its total budget for
education to its Education Indicator Based Assessment (IBA), and a
draft report on reasons why it might have chosen to set a budget
for education that differed from its IBA (£87.377m. for the Vale)
was appended to the report. The Council would receive from
WAG Revenue Support Grant (RSG) of £110.226m. and Non-Domestic
Rates of £31.929m. which together constituted the Council’s
Aggregate External Finance (AEF). Net transfers into the
settlement left £5.124m. as the general underlying increase (an
increase of 3.7% on the 2007/08 AEF). Cabinet was updated in
respect of the position regarding the Local Authorities Business
Growth Incentive Scheme (LABGI) in that WAG had confirmed that no
such grant would be made available in 2008/09. For the first
time the WAG had given indications of funding for two years from
2008/09 as follows:
|
|
2009/10
|
2010/11
|
|
|
£’000
|
£’000
|
|
Aggregate External Finance
|
146,906
|
151,333
|
|
Total Standard Spending Assessment
|
194,175
|
199,973
|
Appendix B to the report had detailed the
financial monitoring position as at the end of December 2007 and
showed the probable actual revenue outturn for 2007/08 as compared
to the revised estimate. It indicated that there would be a
net overall surplus of £1.05m. on General Fund which would reduce
the amount to be met from the General Fund Reserve to £3m.
Details were contained within the report of particular variances
within Learning and Development, Social Services and the underspend
on Policy, particular attention being drawn to the continuing
reduction in the Social Services deficit and that the position in
relation to Catering would be addressed later in the meeting.
It was noted that the final outturn for the year in respect of the
Chief Executive’s Department, Environmental and Economic
Regeneration and Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services was
anticipated to be within budget. There was an estimated
Council Tax surplus for 2007/08 of £700,000 which would be
transferred to the General Fund. The currently projected net
overall surplus of £1,050,000 would reduce the amount required to
be taken from reserves to balance the 2007/08 budget to
£3,000,000. It was reported that General Reserves as at
1st April, 2007 amounted to £5.7m.
Cabinet had approved the Budget Strategy and
Timetable for 2008/09 in July 2007 as part of the Medium Term
Financial Plan (Minute No. C3160). The initial revenue budget
proposals had been considered by both the Cabinet and each Scrutiny
Committee during November/December with the comments of each
Scrutiny Committee being reported to Cabinet on 19th
December, 2007 from where they were referred for consideration to
the Budget Working Group. The Cabinet Budget Working Group
had noted all the Scrutiny recommendations and had taken those
responses into account in drafting the final budget
proposals. In arriving at the final proposals, the views of
the Schools Budget Forum had been very carefully considered,
education being a high priority for the Council and, within the
resources available, it was felt that the budget did its utmost to
protect schools by giving an uplift in the Education and Schools
budget. The proposed budget for 2008/09 had been set broadly
in line with the findings of the Budget Review and the Budget
Strategy with a summary of the overall position being attached at
Appendix C to the report. Further general details relating to
the budget were contained within the report together with specific
details relating to efficiency savings given that savings totalling
£3.992m. were required from services to bring expenditure to a
level consistent with a 4.5% increase in Council Tax and use of
£2m. General Reserve. The efficiencies targets for services
for 2008/09 were shown as:
|
|
£’000
|
|
Education and Schools
|
427
|
|
Libraries
|
50
|
|
Lifelong Learning
|
33
|
|
Catering
|
21
|
|
Human Resources
|
34
|
|
Children and Family Services
|
480
|
|
Community Care and Health
|
1,480
|
|
Youth Offending Team
|
|
|
Service Strategy
|
40
|
|
Planning and Transportation
|
52
|
|
Economic Development and Leisure
|
82
|
|
Visible Services
|
337
|
|
Building Services
|
141
|
|
Legal, Democratic and Registrars etc
|
48
|
|
Public Protection
|
39
|
|
Private Sector Housing / Community Safety
|
64
|
|
Finance, ICT and Property
|
147
|
|
Chief Executive
|
48
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,523
|
Specific details were then presented under the
following headings:
Environmental and Economic Regeneration;
General Policy and Support Services; Learning and Development;
Legal, Public Protection and Housing Services and Social
Services. Particular reference was drawn to the implications
to the Visible Services budget of the lack of LABGI grant, it being
proposed instead that any surplus identified following the
finalisation of the Accounts should be made available for that
specific purpose with first call on that money being to deal with
issues relating to drainage and flooding. Reference was also
made to the identification of a sum within net growth to fund
initiatives designed to improve life chances for young people.
Consideration was also given to the management
of reserves since, while the Council presently benefited from a
reasonable level of reserves, it was recognised that those reserves
were not exhaustible and taken many years of prudent and financial
management to develop to the current level. A schedule
showing the reserves and anticipated balances as at 31st
March, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011, as summarised below, was appended
to the report:
|
Summary of Estimated
ReservesProjected to 2009/10
|
Est.
Bal.
1/4/2008
|
Net
Mov’t
|
Est.
Bal.
31/3/2011
|
|
|
£’000
|
£’000
|
£’000
|
|
General Reserve
|
3,421
|
|
3,421
|
|
|
25,519
|
-12,413
|
13,106
|
|
|
28,940
|
-12,413
|
16,527
|
|
Schools Balances
|
718
|
-48
|
670
|
|
HRA
|
4,767
|
-3,124
|
1,643
|
|
Total Reserves
|
34,425
|
-15,585
|
18,840
|
The total budget shown at Appendix A to the
report was £187.612m. Approving the budget at that level gave
a level of Council Tax for this Council’s purposes (excluding
police and community council precepts) for Band D properties of
£828.45, an increase of 4.5% over the current year. It was
noted that the proposed budget used £2m. of General Reserve
although it was accepted that the use of reserves for such purposes
was unsustainable and the “unearmarking” of Specific Reserves
also meant that the Council no longer had funding set aside for
purposes previously specified. The need, therefore, for all
services to maintain expenditure within budget was paramount.
Particular risks facing the Council had been identified in Social
Services and as a consequence of Single Status and Job
Evaluation.
This was a matter for decision by Full
Council.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T -
(i) The budget
for 2008/09 be fixed at £187.612m. including a provision of
£150,000 for discretionary rate relief to rural shops and post
offices and charitable organisations.
(ii) The budgets for
2008/09 as set out in Appendix C to the report be approved, the
totals as follows:
|
|
£’000
|
|
Education and Schools
|
85,297
|
|
Libraries
|
2,568
|
|
Lifelong Learning
|
1,887
|
|
Catering
|
1,074
|
|
Human Resources
|
-23
|
|
Children’s Services
|
13,497
|
|
Community Care
|
30,181
|
|
YOT
|
778
|
|
Service Strategy
|
208
|
|
Planning and Transportation
|
3,043
|
|
Economic Development and Leisure
|
5,668
|
|
Visible Services
|
19,279
|
|
Building Services
|
-30
|
|
Legal, Democratic & Registrars
|
450
|
|
Regulatory
|
2,277
|
|
Private Housing/Community Safety
|
3,098
|
|
Finance, ICT & Property
|
-118
|
|
General Policy
|
21,372
|
|
Chief Executive
|
-894
|
|
General Fund Reserve
|
-2,000
|
(iii) That the
recommendations regarding Net Growth as set out in Appendix D to
the report be approved.
(iv) That the Council Tax
for 2008/09 for its own purposes (excluding police and town and
community council precepts) be set at the following levels:
|
Band
|
Council
Tax
£
|
|
A
|
552.30
|
|
B
|
644.35
|
|
C
|
736.40
|
|
D
|
828.45
|
|
E
|
1012.55
|
|
F
|
1196.65
|
|
G
|
1380.75
|
|
H
|
1656.90
|
|
I
|
1933.05
|
(2) T H A
T the proposed draft report on Education Budget and IBA at Appendix
A to the report be endorsed and the Director of Learning and
Development make arrangements for it to be forwarded to the School
Budget Forum and WAG.
(3) T H A
T should the superannuation reductions as set out in Appendix C to
the report be less than anticipated Services be required to find
other savings to compensate.
(4) T H A T £3m. from the
Job Evaluation Reserve be transferred back to Revenue, that a
transfer of £2m. be made to the Council Building Fund and that a
transfer of £1m. be made to the Early Retirement/Redundancy Fund in
2007/08.
(5) T H
A T the Director of Finance, ICT and Property consider the
details of the Specific Reserves to be repaid into the General
Reserve when preparing Final Accounts for 2008/09 and report at
that time.
(6) T H
A T, given that no LABGI grant would be forthcoming in
2007/08, approval be given for any sums identified as surplus
following the finalisation of the Accounts for 2007/08 to be
carried forward and used to fund additional Visible Service’s
expenditure in 2008/09.
(7) T H A
T the Director of Learning and Development be given delegated
powers to determine the amount of money to be allocated to the
schools’ delegated budgets after consultation with the Schools
Budget Forum.
Reasons for decisions
(1)(i)
To set the 2008/09 budget in line with statutory requirements.
(ii)&(iii)
Allocation of budget to services.
(iv)
&nbs