THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COUNCIL
MINUTES of a meeting held on 20th
February, 2008.
Present:; Councillor A.C. Williams
(Mayor); Councillors Mrs. S.M. Bagstaff, R.J. Bertin,
Mrs. M.E.J. Birch, Ms. R.M. Birch,
Ms. L. Burnett, Mrs. J.E. Charles, P. Church,
Mrs. C.V.L. Clay, J. Clifford, Miss. J. Cole, G.A. Cox,
R.F. Curtis, A.D. Dobbinson, S.C. Egan, A.M. Ernest, C.P.
Franks, N.J. Gibbs, E. Hacker, A.D. Hampton, Mrs. V.M.
Hartrey, M.R. Harvey, N.P. Hodges, H.J.W. James, T.H.
Jarvie, G. John, Mrs. M. Kelly Owen, G.C. Kemp,
Mrs. A.J. Moore, N. Moore, C.L. Osborne,
A.G. Powell, Mrs. A.J. Preston, Mrs. M. Randall, Mrs.
S.I. Sharpe, B.I. Shaw, K.R. Stockdale, J.W. Thomas,
W.C. Vaughan, Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson, S.T. Wiliam,
A.J. Williams, C.J. Williams, E.T. Williams and
M.R. Wilson.
813 APOLOGIES FOR
ABSENCE -
These were received from Councillors Ms. M.E.
Alexander and F.T. Johnson.
814 DECLARATIONS OF
INTEREST -
No declarations were received.
815 MINUTES -
The minutes of the meeting held on
5th December, 2007 were approved as a correct
record.
816 ANNOUNCEMENTS
-
(i) The Mayor
referred to the fact that the Lord Lieutenant, Captain Norman Lloyd
Edwards had received a Knighthood in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours
List. A dinner had been hosted by the Mayor in recognition of
the conferring of the Knighthood.
(ii) The Deputy Leader
referred to the recent sad death of Mr. Albert Clarke. Mr.
Clarke had been a much admired and respected figure within the
local community. He had been active on many community fronts,
particularly with regard to housing issues. A celebration of
his life was to be held on 26th February at 14:30 at the
Memorial Hall. In addition, the Deputy Leader also conveyed,
on behalf of the Council, condolences to Mr. Clarke’s daughter,
Councillor Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson.
817 PETITIONS -
The following petition was submitted and
passed to the relevant Director :
(i) Petition
from Penarth residents concerning Penarth Conservation Area
(submitted by Councillor Mrs. M. Kelly Owen).
818 QUESTIONS PURSUANT
TO COUNCIL PROCEDURE RULE 8.2 -
Due notice had been given of the following
questions:
(i)
Question from Councillor R.J. Bertin
With the threat of closure looming on the
Barry Theatre Royal Cinema, will the Leader please give us an
update on the campaign to keep it open?
Reply by the Deputy
Leader
The Leader is particularly concerned about
this issue as a Buttrills Ward Member. She has attended a
number of meetings of the ‘Theatre Royal Action Group’ chaired by
Jane Hutt and has given the full support of this Administration in
fighting this proposal.
Whilst the Council has an obligation to aid
the regeneration of the town centre and wider area, as with many
issues, the Council does not have the power and control over many
decisions made by the private sector.
The Action Group has decided to contact the
landowner to request a meeting to discuss his intentions on the
future use of the Cinema building. In addition, Jane Hutt is
going to contact CADW officials to ask that the building be
considered for listed building status. This could lead to
greater grant funding opportunities, if awarded. It is only
when the landowner’s intentions are known that progress can be
made. Many attempts have been made to contact the landowner,
both by Council officers and the Action Group.
Whilst the Council is limited in what it can
do in this matter, it will pursue action as appropriate. In
addition, the Council’s Economic Development Unit is in the process
of making contact with the businesses occupying space within the
Theatre Royal building in order to provide business support and
assistance. There is little else the Council is able to do at
this stage but we will continue to support our officers, who have
already met with CADW regarding ascertaining whether there is any
possibility of the building being listed.
Supplemental
Councillor Bertin asked the Deputy Leader
whether he would keep Members informed of future
developments. In reply, the Deputy Leader indicated that he
would, indeed, do so.
(ii)
Question from Councillor G.C. Kemp
Will you please outline the format for the
State of the Area debates scheduled for next month?
Reply by the Deputy
Leader
It had been the Leader’s intention to make an
announcement tonight regarding this matter but I will use the
opportunity afforded by Councillor Kemp to remind Members of the
arrangements for this year’s programme of debates, details of which
have been previously communicated to Group Leaders and Members.
The format for each debate has been agreed
with the Mayor. Each debate will be opened and chaired by the Mayor
or Deputy Mayor.
Cabinet will provide updates on the issues
that were raised from last year’s debates. This will be
followed by a presentation on the recent results of the public
opinion survey. After these presentations the public will
have the opportunity to pose their questions to Cabinet
Members.
The Venues and start times are;
Llantwit Major (Llantonian Hall): 3rd March
2008 at 6.00pm
Dinas Powys (Parish Hall): 4th March 2008 at 6.00pm
Penarth (Albert Road Methodist & Community Centre): 6th March
2008 at 6.00pm
Barry (Civic Offices Council Chamber): 10th March 2008 at
6.00pm
and Sully (Jubilee Hall) 11th March 2008 at 6.00pm.
Supplemental
Referring to the provision in the Constitution
whereby issues raised should be considered as part of the budget
process, Councillor Kemp asked whether the issues raised last year
were considered as part of the budget planning process.
In reply, the Deputy Leader confirmed that the
Mayor and Deputy Mayor would, as had occurred last year, be given
opportunity to open/chair the various debates. Referring to
last year’s debates, the Deputy Leader referred to questions having
either been answered on the night or in writing. Many areas
which had been raised such as waste management and highways had
been considered by/with Cabinet Members as part of the subsequent
budget process.
(iii)
Question from Councillor M.R. Wilson
Is the Leader of the Council committed to the
Pont y Werin Bridge scheme?
Reply by the Deputy
Leader
I am happy to confirm that this Administration
is committed to supporting both walkers and cyclists and for this
reason the Council was happy to support the bid by Sustrans for
Lottery funding towards Pont y Werin. The Cabinet Member for
Planning and Transportation also played a key part in supporting
this successful bid.
However, due to the demands on the capital
available it had not proved possible to include funding for the
project in the proposed capital programme that was presented to
Cabinet last week. We were at that time unclear what
Cardiff’s decision was to be in relation to the project, as they
appear to have made certain assumptions about this Council’s
financial commitment to the project for 2008/09 and beyond. A
paragraph outlining our support was included in the report to
Cabinet last week.
I would confirm that this project has always
been seen as a Cardiff Council project, which is essential to the
successful implementation of the International Sports Village
proposals. The Council has already agreed to consider ways in
which it can assist by looking at the issues arising from the
Penarth landfall infrastructure works that will result from the
building of the bridge by Cardiff. Obviously this will be
subject to the details of the fully developed and costed project,
planning and land issues, the sum involved and availability of
funding.
Until very recently we had not received any
formal request from Cardiff Council with regard to any financial
support for their project. Indeed, the eventual request made
several assumptions.
It is also understood that there is no design
for the bridge, as yet, but merely an artist impression.
There has been no costing developed or estimated other than an
initial figure of £3.5m, which has subsequently, and for no
apparent reason, risen to £4m.
This Administration understand that Cardiff
Council made no provision for Section 106 monies from the Sports
Village and have effectively missed the boat on this obvious source
of funding. However, they may still have the ability to
obtain Section 106 funding from other, yet to be determined,
planning applications within the Vale and we would urge Cardiff
Council to seek funding by these means, especially as Cardiff,
rather than the Vale will reap greater benefits from the Pont Y
Werin bridge, especially in economic terms.
We would also urge the Cardiff Harbour
Authority to reconsider how much it is committing to the project,
as we understand that they have extra funds available.
The Council will also be pressing the Welsh
Assembly Government to consider allocating funds towards the
construction of the Bridge.
That being the case, I would confirm that as
well as reaffirming our support for the building of the Pont Y
Werin Bridge as indicated earlier, we will be putting forward an
amendment to the capital programme to include a provision of up to
£200k for the forthcoming financial year towards this
project. This will be available to be drawn down to ensure
that the Pont Y Werin Project is not lost.
To that effect we will be asking the Director
of FICT&P to identify funds for this project including the use
of the Project Fund if necessary.
Supplemental
Expressing delight regarding the Council’s
commitment to provide £200,000 towards the project, Councillor
Wilson asked whether Members would be kept informed of future
developments.
In reply, the Deputy Leader indicated that
this would, indeed, be the case.
(iv)
Question from Councillor G.C. Kemp
On 17th October, 2007, the Cabinet
deferred consideration of the proposals in respect of the
exhibition area at Barry Town Hall. What is the current
position as far as this matter is concerned?
Reply by the Deputy
Leader
Tenders had been invited for operators to run
a ‘Café facility’ in part of the Town Hall Exhibition area.
These have come in and are currently being evaluated and a full
report will be submitted to Cabinet before any further action is
taken, if, indeed any action is taken.
Supplemental
Referring to recent successful exhibitions
which had utilised the whole of the available space, Councillor
Kemp asked whether the Deputy Leader considered the people of the
Vale would support the concept of a coffee shop being
provided.
In reply, the Deputy Leader confirmed that the
quality and feasibility of tenders would be considered, together
with the outcome of consultations carried out and any comments
received. He reiterated his earlier comments regarding the
process.
(v)
Question from Councillor M.R. Wilson
Can the Cabinet member responsible for
sustainability make a statement regarding the Council’s commitment
to Fair Trade?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Finance, ICT and Property
I am pleased to be able to inform all Members
of the Council that the Vale of Glamorgan will officially receive
Fair Trade County Status on the 25th February 2008.
Considerable work had been put into the bid
with representatives from the towns of Cowbridge, Llantwit, Barry
and Penarth working with officers from the Visible Services
Division.
Over 30 retail outlets now stock Fair Trade
products in the Vale of Glamorgan and we have 14 catering
outlets. This number is continuing to grow and these outlets
will soon be included on the Vale of Glamorgan Fair Trade
Website.
A display is being produced for the Town Hall
in Barry and Fair Trade stalls are planned for the Vale of
Glamorgan Show and Cowbridge Food and Wine Festival.
I will seek to ensure that the Council
continues to support the Fair Trade initiative, which has such a
positive impact on the lives of so many people in developing
countries.
(vi)
Question from Councillor G.C. Kemp
Will you please update the Council with regard
to the claims against the Council for equal pay in the light of
media reports that Cardiff Council appear to be close to reaching a
settlement?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Finance, ICT and Property
The Council has, indeed, received a number of
equal pay claims linked to the Job Evaluation process. These
will be considered on their merits and in accordance with the
agreed procedures. I am unable to comment about press reports
relating to Cardiff Council but would emphasis that it is a matter
for each Council to resolve equal pay issues according to the
circumstances that apply locally, as has been the case throughout
Wales.
Supplemental
Councillor Kemp asked whether it was
anticipated the process would continue via negotiations or through
litigation.
In reply, the Cabinet Member indicated that,
to date, the Council had received 230 equal pay collective
grievances via Trade Unions. Of these 153 had been registered
with the Employment Tribunal.
Equal pay collective grievances were currently
being progressed in accordance with the Council’s grievance
procedure for equal pay claims and to date the following had been
progressed:
- two grievances awaiting first stage meeting
- three first stage meetings held and determined
- one appeals meeting held and determined
- date arranged for one appeals meeting
The Employment Tribunal was considering equal
pay grievances from a number of neighbouring local authorities at
the same time and were currently holding regular meetings to
ascertain additional information required from both local
authorities and the Trade Unions.
(vii)
Question from Councillor M.R. Wilson
Could the Cabinet Member for Social Services
tell us in brief what steps have been taken to reduce the Social
Services overspends caused by the previous administration?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Social and Care Services
In August 2006, the predicted overspend on
Social Services for the 2006/2007 financial year was £5.65
million. The subsequent outturn was a £3.8 million
overspend. In June 2007, Cabinet agreed a Change Plan to
transform Social Services and a package of corporate support for
the new Directorate. This set a target of £6 million in
savings over three years, to achieve spending within base
budget.
In the current financial year, savings targets
have been met in a number of key areas.
Ø A vacancy
factor has been implemented, with a saving on the salary budget of
over 3 per cent.
Ø Re-tendering
the supported accommodation service has enabled the Council to
provide the same level of service on a more cost effective
basis.
Ø A review of
children’s services placements has produced greater consistency in
the decisions about placing children and ensured best use is being
made of in-house service provision (rather than costly external
placements that do not necessarily meet children’s needs).
Stringent budget monitoring has underpinned
delivery of the plan. When it became apparent that some
savings were not being realised, a revised plan was agreed by
Cabinet in January 2008. The Social Services Directorate gave
a commitment to produce a £700,000 increase in savings during the
final three months of the current financial year. This was to
be achieved through measures such as maximising the use of grant
funding, deferring non-urgent expenditure and more efficient income
generation.
In the last quarter, the projected overspend
in Social Services has been reducing month by month. It is
anticipated that the monitoring report for January will project
savings in the current financial year of at least £1.4 million.
(viii)
Question from Councillor M.R. Harvey
The Vale of Glamorgan Railway Company provides
a tourism attraction in Barry when there is a general decline in
attractions. As a former Director of the Company, I am very
concerned over the funding provided by the Vale Council which is
vital to provide a secure future for the railway company which has
gradually expanded to reach the heart of Barry at the Waterfront by
Morrison’s Supermarket.
I am also concerned about the morale of the
many volunteers who give an enormous amount of time to run and
maintain the railway, estimated at 21,000 man hours in 2007.
Support for this railway is contained in the
agreed Council Strategy for the regeneration of Barry and if this
is not continued, this indispensable manpower resource could be put
in jeopardy, leaving the Vale Council an even bigger problem.
Will the Cabinet Member responsible confirm
adequate continuing support to maintain and expand this tourism
attraction?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Tourism and Leisure
Members will be aware that over the
past two years the Council has been considering the heritage
railway options available for the project. Proposals have
been reported to Cabinet in respect of the Barry Railway Depot, the
Hood Road Goods Shed and the Heritage Skills Training Centre in
Barry. Progress in respect of the Steam Railway Project has
been ongoing but the Council needs to consolidate its position in
respect of the management of the estate, legal and operational
issues associated with the scheme and to review whether the Vale of
Glamorgan Railway Company (VGRC) can continue to play its current
leading role in the project development.
The VGRC have submitted a bid, supported by a
Business Plan document, that seeks approval of continued
substantial revenue grant. Officers have reviewed the
Business Plan and it is not considered sufficiently robust to
substantiate their case for additional funding as it does not give
sufficient financial information.
A Cabinet report for the meeting of
5th March 2008 has been prepared which seeks approval to
market test the operational side of the steam railway in respect of
services and events and to discuss with the VGRC the outcome of
such market testing. The intention is to see whether an
alternate provider can be found who would manage and take forward
this aspect of the project together with providing an attraction at
the Barry Island Station building comprising a fully open shop,
café and exhibition area, as the VGRC have not yet managed to take
forward these aspects of the overall strategy for the larger
project in the manner originally envisaged. The VGRC will be
invited to bid as part of this process.
The intention is to try and relieve some of
the financial burdens of the VGRC by means other than the
continuation of a substantial revenue grant that officers currently
consider is unjustified. This may result in a lower profile
for the VGRC in overall project terms but is more likely to result
in their continued existence, possibly operating from the Barry
Railway Centre site, and the involvement of their volunteers.
The VGRC are already discussing such options with other stakeholder
groups.
The Cabinet report is also due to be reported
to the Scrutiny (Economy and Environment) meeting of
26th February 2008.
Supplemental
Referring to his concern regarding the morale
of volunteers, Councillor Harvey asked whether the need to manage
the process sensitively was acknowledged.
In reply, the Cabinet Member indicated that,
having been personally involved in voluntary sector work, he was
well aware of the need to handle such matters with sensitivity.
(ix)
Question from Councillor M.R. Harvey
Valeways is an organisation which undertakes a
considerable amount of work in the rural and coastal areas of the
Vale of Glamorgan Borough Council. Question marks have arisen
regarding the financial support it receives from the Vale Council
without which its future and what it delivers is in doubt.
Can the Cabinet Member responsible confirm
that funding support will be maintained at a time when the
importance of our footpaths is increasingly recognised as vital to
health issues and tourism?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Tourism and Leisure
The role of Valeways in co-ordinating
volunteer time into improving footpaths and rights of way in the
Vale is fully recognised and the group adds considerable value to
the work of the Council. The organisation works closely with the
Council’s Countryside Group in delivering improvements and has
received funding for doing so.
The Council relies heavily on grants from the
Countryside Council for Wales to fund its programme of
improvements, and decisions are yet to be made on the total
allocation of CCW grants for next year. With this in mind, I am
reasonably confident that next year the Council will be in a
position to continue to work with Valeways to deliver improvement
projects on at least a similar basis to this year. However,
Valeways has submitted a bid for an additional £20 000 of core
funding from the Voluntary Action Scheme. This application,
to fund the organisation’s Chief Officer post for the year, will be
considered by the Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee at the
end of February, with a recommendation being subsequently made to
Cabinet in March.
I believe that we should also consider whether
a SLA should be considered for future years.
Supplemental
Councillor Harvey asked whether the Cabinet
Member agreed the need to handle the issues regarding the role of
volunteers carefully.
In reply, acknowledging the valuable work
undertaken by Valeways, the Cabinet Member confirmed that this
would be done.
(x)
Question from Councillor M.R. Wilson
What initiatives have been undertaken by the
Council to assist in the reduction of the carbon footprint?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Visible and Building Services
Initiatives to date include:
· 5% bio
diesel mix for fleet vehicles running on diesel.
· Partnership with Carbon Trust
in implementing a Carbon Management Plan
· Cavity
wall insulation installed in Civic Offices and Barry Leisure
Centre
· Energy
reduction devices installed on lighting circuits (33% reduction) at
Cogan LC,
Barry LC,
Holton Road Multi storey car park and external lighting at the
Alps
· Automatic
switch off of networked PCs at 7.30 pm each evening.
· Invertor
pumps on pool circulation pumps at Cogan
· New more
efficient controls within schools and Civic buildings. New
more efficient
boiler
systems in our Council houses (rolling programme).
The above are some of the key initiatives that
have taken place in the past two years. Some 85 projects have
been identified during the development of the Carbon Management
Plan. 21 of these projects are being put forward into the
Strategic Implementation Pan which will be reviewed in March 2008,
with anticipated adoption for April 2008. I can assure
Councillor Wilson that this Council will play its full part in
reducing its carbon footprint and, thereby, helping combat the
devastating effects of global warming.
(xi)
Question from Councillor H.J.W. James
Can the Cabinet Member please advise why there
are still several blockages in the length of the culvert and pipe
work which is causing the residents who were recently flooded in
lower Barry to be concerned about the ongoing threat?
Reply by the Cabinet Member for
Visible and Building Services
I assume that Councillor James is referring to
the culvert and associated pipe work within the Coldbrook catchment
area of Barry. As part of this catchment runs through my ward
I am obviously very familiar with the flooding problems experienced
in July of last year.
A significant amount of remedial work has
already taken place in this area to reduce the future risk of
flooding. As part of this work, and in order to obtain
information to inform a bid to the Welsh Assembly Government for
funding towards a flood prevention scheme, a survey has been
undertaken of the culverted areas along the entire catchment.
This survey has identified a number of minor blockages along the
length of the culvert. The exact location and nature of the
material within the culvert was discussed with residents at the
most recent Flood Risk Management Group meeting on 30th
January 2008. As removal of the material required the
services of specialists this work could not be undertaken at the
time of the survey. We are currently awaiting quotations for
this work which are due to be returned this week. The
required work to remove all debris should be undertaken during
March this year. Whilst the flows within the culvert will be
improved by the removal of any debris, it is the view of officers
that such debris did not significantly contribute to the failure of
the culvert to remove flood waters caused by the severe weather
event of the 20th July 2007.
The previous Leader may be interested to know
that, during his eight years in office, the culvert in question was
not cleared once.
Supplemental
Councillor James asked whether the Cabinet
Member could confirm that video evidence, supported by written
evidence, had been submitted by residents of Rhoose Point and
whether this had been considered and/or action taken in
response.
The Cabinet Member confirmed that the material
had been received and that Members would be receiving a report
shortly. He expressed his view that flooding should not be a
political issue.
819 CONSULTATION WITH
NON-DOMESTIC RATEPAYERS (CX) -
In accordance with Section 65 of the Local
Government Finance Act 1992, an advertisement inviting non-domestic
ratepayers to inspect the Council’s expenditure proposals and
submit representations had been placed in the press and copies of
the proposals had been forwarded to non-domestic ratepayers.
No responses had been received in respect of the above.
RESOLVED - T H A T the position be noted.
820 HOUSING REVENUE
ACCOUNT BUSINESS PLAN -
Council on 5th December, 2007, had
resolved to endorse the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and
to forward it to be Welsh Assembly Government for approval.
It had been further resolved that, in the event of any further
necessary minor changes being required to be made to the Business
Plan, authority be granted to the Chief Executive, in consultation
with the Leader and Deputy Leader, to agree such necessary
changes.
Given the nature of the Business Plan, which
was a dynamic document likely to change frequently over coming
years, it had been necessary to make further changes to the Plan
prior to its submission to the Welsh Assembly Government. The
changes had been favourable to the Council, particularly in the
light of advice received from the Council’s consultants regarding
the reduced investment required and had been agreed with Group
Leaders prior to the document being submitted to WAG. The
report submitted to Members outlined the changes and their
implications, which, as stated above, were favourable as far as the
Council were concerned.
With regard to the recommendations, Councillor
H.J.W. James moved an amendment to the effect that the recommended
delegation of authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation
with various officers and Members, to make any further necessary
changes, be not approved. Upon being put to the vote, the
amendment was lost and it was
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the latest changes to the Business Plan, as set out in the
report, be noted and endorsed.
(2) T H A
T, in view of the fact that the Housing Revenue Account Business
Plan is, and will continue to be, a living document requiring
change throughout its existence, delegated authority be granted to
the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director of Legal,
Public Protection and Housing Services, Director of Finance, ICT
and Property, Cabinet Member for Housing, Cabinet Member for
Finance and the Leader, to make the necessary changes as
required.
(3) T H A
T Cabinet receive updated reports on an annual basis or more
frequently should there be a need to do so.
821 CAPITAL MONITORING
FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2007 -
30TH NOVEMBER 2007 (CMT) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet, as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3356, 9th
January 2008, be approved.
822 COWBRIDGE VIADUCT
REFURBISHMENT: A48 COWBRIDGE PROGRAMME OF WORKS (DEER) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3378, 23rd
January 2008, be approved.
823 LOCAL HOUSING
STRATEGY (DLPPHS) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3376, 23rd
January 2008, be approved.
824 TREASURY
MANAGEMENT (DFICTP) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3395, 13th
February, 2008, be approved.
825 FINAL HOUSING
REVENUE ACCOUNT BUDGET PROPOSALS 2008/09 AND REVISED BUDGET 2007/08
(DLPPHS / DFICTP) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3398, 13th
February, 2008, be approved.
826 FINAL CAPITAL
PROGRAMME PROPOSALS 2008/09 (DFICTP) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the proposals of the
Cabinet, as set out in Cabinet Minute No. C3396, 13th
February, 2008, be approved.
827 FINAL PROPOSALS:
REVENUE BUDGET 2008/09 (DFICTP) -
The Deputy Leader, given his portfolio as
Cabinet Member for Finance, ICT and Property, outlined the way in
which the budget exercise 2008/09 had been undertaken, together
with the budget proposals themselves.
The report before Members 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 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. 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.
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
The total budget 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.
The Leader of the Opposition expressed his
disappointment regarding the proposed Council Tax increase of 4.5%
and to the fact that the Administration had not been able to
alleviate some of the burden which residents would face. He
also referred to his concern regarding the further use of reserves
and to his belief that services would be affected. In
conclusion, he confirmed that the Conservative Group would not be
supporting the proposed budget.
The Leader of the Plaid Cymru Group referred
to his pride at being part of a successful administration during an
interesting / challenging time for the Cabinet and the Council as a
whole. He considered that the Cabinet had already made
significant progress.
Councillors A.J. Williams and H.J.W. James
also expressed concern regarding the budget proposals, with the
latter referring particularly to the impact on the voluntary
sector, including bodies such as Herian and the Vale of Glamorgan
Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
Councillor C.P. Franks referred to the
situation which the current administration had inherited from the
former Conservative administration and to the issues which had
already been tackled.
In conclusion, the Deputy Leader referred to
the Council as being subject to one of the lowest funding regimes
in Wales. He considered the settlement from the Welsh
Assembly Government of 3.7% to be a low overall figure and to the
proposed increase in the Council Tax of 4.5% as equating to
approximately 10p per day in respect of a Band D property.
This, he indicated, would still be one of the lowest Council Tax
levels in Wales. Councillor Moore also referred to the
administration having introduced a Social Services Change Plan and
having halted the Social Services overspend. He also alluded
to progress made in respect of the School Investment Strategy and
the Housing Strategy. Notwithstanding the difficult nature of
the budget exercise, the Council would continue to provide services
for the benefit of the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan.
Upon being put to the vote, the proposed
budget was approved.
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.
828 POST OFFICE
CLOSURE PROGRAMME: CARDIFF AND THE VALLEYS AREA PLAN (DEER) -
RESOLVED - T H A T the use of the Urgent
Decision Procedure (Cabinet Minute No. C3293, 20th June
2007), as set out in Article 13.09(a)(ii) of the Constitution, in
order to enable the Director of Environmental and Economic
Regeneration to proceed to forward the Council’s representations
regarding this matter, be noted.