CABINET
MINUTES of a meeting held on 3rd
October, 2007.
Present: Councillor Ms. M.E. Alexander
(Chairman); Councillors R.F. Curtis, S.C. Egan, N.J. Gibbs, Mrs.
V.M. Hartrey, G. John, N. Moore, Mrs. M. Randall, Mrs.
M.R. Wilkinson and C.J. Williams.
C3210
CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENT -
The Chairman announced that those Councillors
participating in the “I’m a Councillor get me out of here” activity
as part of Local Democracy Week on 16th October, 2007
would not be able to stand as a candidate in the event of a General
Election on 1st November, 2007.
C3211
MINUTES -
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes of the meeting
held on 19th September, 2007 be approved as a correct
record, subject to the declaration of interest recorded in respect
of Councillor G. John and ‘Christmas Lights Grants’ being amended
to reflect the fact that Councillor John is a member of Llantwit
Major Town Council.
C3212
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST -
The following Members declared interests as
indicated below and vacated the room during the consideration of
the matter:
|
Councillor S.C. Egan
|
Agenda Item No. 15 - Wife is employed by the
Council.
|
|
Councillor N. Moore
|
Agenda Item No. 15 - Daughter is employed by
the Council.
|
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Councillor Mrs. M.R. Wilkinson
|
Agenda Item No. 15 - Son is employed by the
Council.
|
|
Councillor C.J. Williams
|
Agenda Item No. 15 - Wife is employed by the
Council.
|
C3213
CARDIFF BAY ADVISORY COMMITTEE -
The following minutes of a meeting held on
12th September, 2007 were submitted:
Present:
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Councillor N.J. Gibbs (Chairman)
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Penarth Town Council
|
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Mrs. C. Dimond (Vice-Chairman)
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Cardiff Flood Action Committee
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Mr. A. Parker
|
|
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Mr. J. Taylor
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Glamorgan Anglers
|
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Mr. T. Davies
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Royal Yachting Association
|
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Councillor N. Howells
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Cardiff County Council
|
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Mr. P. Barry
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Cardiff Yacht Club
|
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Mr. J. Reeves
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Environment Agency
|
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Councillor J. Norman
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Cardiff County Council
|
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Mrs. S. Howard
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Countryside Council for Wales
|
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Councillor Mrs. V.M. Hartrey
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Vale of Glamorgan Council
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Mr. S. Jones
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Quay Marinas
|
Also present:
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Mr. S. Howell
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Cardiff Harbour Authority
|
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Mr. C. Hope
|
Vale of Glamorgan Council
|
(a)
Apologies for absence -
These were received from Ms. S. Newbold
(British Marine Federation) and Mr. R. Harvey (Welsh Canoeing
Association).
(b)
Minutes -
AGREED - T H A T the minutes of the
meeting held on 23rd July, 2007 be approved as an
accurate record.
(c) Cardiff Harbour
Authority Progress Report -
The following progress report was received
from Mr. Simon Howell:
Barrage
Hydraulic refurbishment of the first two
sluices would be completed within the next two weeks. These
were done one at a time to maintain four sluices to deal with peak
flows. Two further sluices would be worked on next
year.
September to December inclusive was the
period for the lock maintenance programme. After current
inspections in lock 2 this year, lock 1 will have its three yearly
maintenance works undertaken.
July saw the highest summer combined river
flow to date of just over 320 cumecs. The highest number of
boat movements through the locks was recorded in August at 1,570
which was 70 higher than the previous record. This number was
for one way movements so this could be doubled to show the number
of actual lock movements.
Dredging of the Outer Harbour was
successfully completed during August.
The Water Bus trial took place shortly
after the last meeting of the Committee. Thanks were
expressed to all who attended the trial as it was important to
receive as much feedback as possible on this. A report was
being finalised which would be sent out to participants when
completed.
The separation of the commercial berth
from the visitor moorings in the Inner Harbour had been
completed.
The Council’s Harbour Master, Rob
Freemantle, had left to take up a post with a commercial
organisation in the Bay.
The final consultation on the Harbour
bye-laws was currently underway.
Expressions of interest had been sought
for the provision of a water transport service in Cardiff
Bay. These were currently being assessed and a tender was
likely to be issued with an intended start of the service next
Spring.
Environment
Dissolved oxygen levels had been
maintained above the statutory minimum level of 5mg/l for 99.78% of
time to date this year (April to August).
The oxygenation barge had been deployed
four times this year to date - twice in the main Bay to increase
mixing and twice in the River Ely to help maintain the oxygen
level.
There had been no algal scums present in
the Bay to date this year.
Water quality in the Bay had been good
with over 85% compliance with the European Bathing Water Standard
since April. The Water Quality computer prediction model had
indicated excellent quality in the main Bay area since
24th August to date.
Since April, 28.4 tonnes of litter and
debris had been removed from the Bay.
The BTi control measure had not been
implemented this year as approval had not been received from the
Health and Safety Executive for a permanent licence to use the
larvicide. Seven complaints about midges had so far been
received this year.
General
The Olympic Standard Canoe Slalom Centre
tenders had been received and a report was considered by the
Executive on the tender process for this project. Planning
approval was expected to be obtained on 19th September,
2007.
WAG approval to the funding arrangement
was required and a decision on this was anticipated in early
October. The scheme was planned to commence at the end of
this year and completed in early 2009.
Events
The latest Summer events had benefited
from very good weather and had been very successful. The
Harbour Festival attracted very large crowds with over 70,000
people estimated to have attended the Bank Holiday event.
The British Water Ski Championships had
been held on the weekend of 8/9th September in the
Bay. The organisers had been very complimentary about the
venue and were considering making a bid to attract the European
Championships to the Bay in future.
The Shanghai Cup had also started the
previous weekend from CBYC and would continue next
weekend.
The No Fit State Circus is in Roald Dahl
Plasse until 22nd September, 2007.
(d)
Environment Agency Progress Report -
Mr. J. Reeves from the Environment Agency
provided the following update report.
Water Quality
The Environment Agency reported that the
number of water pollution incidents was reducing following a
clampdown on causes of pollution. The Environment Agency was
liaising with the Cardiff Harbour Authority to reduce levels of
pollution from the River Ely.
Fisheries
The Environment Agency had intended to
conduct a hydrocoustic survey on fish levels during
September. The survey would take place in October when oxygen
levels would be lower. The survey would be carried out in the
evening to avoid interference from other users of the Bay.
(e)
Any Other Business -
(i) Earmarked
Funds
The Advisory Committee were advised that
the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Cabinet had resolved that no
further work be progressed on the Penarth Headland Link project and
that Cardiff Harbour Authority be requested to transfer the £1m.
earmarked by it for the Penarth Headland Link towards the proposed
Ely River bridge scheme.
The Advisory Committee were also advised
that Cardiff Council’s Executive had, on 11th September
2007, resolved that the £1m. previously committed for the proposed
Penarth Headland Link be reallocated to the Olympic Standard Canoe
Slalom Centre.
Mr. S. Howell drew the Committee’s
attention to the Cardiff Harbour Authority’s Business Plan for
2007-2010, in particular to the Programme of Projects. The
Ely River Bridge project was planned to be progressed over the next
three years, and had been placed as Priority No. 5 on a list of 17
projects.
Members were advised that a joint survey
with SUSTRANS had been commissioned. A bid could then be made
for monies in the “Enhancement Fund” which would be determined by
Cardiff Council’s Executive.
Councillor N. Howells stated that he
thought there was an excellent chance of the funding being
secured.
(ii) Cardiff
Harbour Authority
Final Draft of
Cardiff Harbour Authority Bye-Laws
Cardiff Harbour Authority had issued the
final draft of the Cardiff Harbour Authority Bye-Laws for
consultation, the consultation period ending on
15th October, 2007.
A copy of the draft Bye-Laws was
distributed at the meeting. It was agreed that, should any
Member of the Advisory Committee wish to comment on the draft
Bye-Laws, any comments should be passed to the Clerk to the
Advisory Committee by 10th October, 2007 at the
latest.
(iii) Representation on
the Committee
Mr Barry queried the representation on the
Committee for the Royal Yachting association which had only one
representative as a result of the review of Membership by the
Committee earlier in the year as opposed to having had two when the
Committee was originally set up some time ago. It was therefore
agreed for completeness that the Clerk should confirm with the
Association the name of their representative and substitute if
required.
(f) Date of
Next Meeting -
The date of the next meeting was confirmed
as Wednesday 14th November, 2007 at 5.15pm at the
Cardiff Harbour Authority offices.
______________
RESOLVED - T H A T the minutes be noted
together with Cabinet’s disappointment that the requested transfer
of the £1m. earmarked for the Penarth Headland Link towards the
proposed Ely River bridge scheme had not been acceded to.
C3214
SCHOOL FLOODING (REF - MINUTE NO. 321) -
Scrutiny Committee (Lifelong Learning) had, on
10th September, 2007 considered the current position in
respect of four schools involved in the recent flooding, namely,
Bryn Hafren, St. Richard Gwyn, Oak Field and Gwaun-y-Nant.
Classrooms and other facilities had been lost in each of the above
schools and it was reported that asbestos had also been disturbed
in a number of schools. Whilst no overall figure in respect
of the damage could be given, all schools were insured and liaison
with the insurance company was ongoing on a daily basis. In
addition to facilities, the schools had also lost a number of
materials.
During the discussion, Members raised concerns
in respect of English local authorities which had received some
substantial funds from Westminster in order to assist with the
flooding problems. The Director had confirmed that the
Council was pursuing two sources of emergency funding through the
Emergency Finance Assistance scheme by means of the WAG and was
working with other areas of the U.K. regarding a claim for European
financial assistance. The Committee had been advised that in
the flooded areas of England, funding had been made available by
Central Government without the need for the affected authorities to
submit a claim and Members queried whether similar financial aid
would be received from WAG. The Committee had subsequently
recommended that the following recommendations be referred to
Cabinet for information and endorsement:
·
that the WAG be approached in relation to financial aid for schools
with flooding problems and the procedure to be adopted in order to
obtain that aid;
·
that a further report in respect of the implications of the flood
and the up-to-date position in respect of the four schools be
presented to the Scrutiny Committee in due course.
Subsequent discussion indicated that there had
been a level of misfounded concern expressed at the meeting of the
Scrutiny Committee. In relation to the funding issue,
attention was drawn to the fact that the scale of the financial
costs in England had been very much greater than in Wales and that
the vast majority of the costs within the Vale would be met from
insurance.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the views of the Scrutiny Committee be noted.
(2) T H A
T it be confirmed that the Council had already pressed WAG for
financial assistance, that the schools had been now been brought
back into use, that the costs had been covered to a large extent by
insurance and that there would be no consequent effect on the
School Investment Strategy.
(3) T H A
T a press release be issued to publicise the facts as set out at
(2) above.
Reasons for decisions
(1)
To have regard to the views of the Scrutiny Committee and to
progress matters.
(2)&(3) For
clarification.
C3215
ECONOMIC VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING WITHIN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN (REF -
MINUTE NO. 338) -
The Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee
had, on 12th September 2007, considered an audit of
voluntary activity in order to calculate the economic value of
volunteering within the Vale. The Vale Volunteer Bureau had
sent questionnaires to all recruiting organisations based in the
Vale and registered with the Bureau. The information received
from the returned questionnaires provided the average number of
active volunteers per organisation and the average number of hours
worked by those volunteers each week. According to national
statistics New Earning Survey 2003, £10.42 was recommended as the
hourly rate for volunteering. In comparison with the previous
year, the amount had increased by in excess of £4m., the economic
value of volunteering within the Vale of Glamorgan being calculated
at £20.72m.
It was further reported that the Council
provided £751k. to the Voluntary Sector in grants but that that
amount excluded Service Level Agreements worth in excess of
£2m. It was evident, therefore, that the Council’s investment
provided a staggering return in voluntary activity. The
Committee had subsequently noted the contents of the report,
acknowledging the twenty seven fold return on the investment
through voluntary activity alone, and referred the report to the
Cabinet and other Members of the Council for information.
RESOLVED - T H A T the reference from the
Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison Committee be noted.
Reason for decision
To recognise the value of voluntary activity
in the Vale of Glamorgan.
C3216
CORPORATE EQUALITY PLAN (CX) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
The Council had developed the Corporate
Equality Plan, which provided an integrated approach to equality
strands and linked together the separate equality schemes, to
progress with its work towards achieving level 3 of the Equality
Standard for Local Government in Wales. Equality legislation
required the Council to comply with general and specific duties
relating to race, gender, disability and the Welsh Language, part
of the requirement being to produce the scheme and action plan to
demonstrate the Council’s compliance and progress with the
legislation. Consideration was then given to the Draft Plan
which incorporated the actions from the Council’s equality schemes
into one document as well as issues and actions related to age,
sexual orientation and religion and belief.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Draft Corporate
Equality Plan, as appended to the report, be approved.
Reason for decision
To allow progress with achieving level 3 of
the Equality Standard for Local Government in Wales and provide an
integrated approach to equality and service delivery and
employment.
C3217
LOCAL GOVERNMENT DATA UNIT - STANDARDISED SURVEYS (CX) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
By way of background, it was explained that
the WAG and the Welsh Local Government Association had introduced a
new performance measurement framework (PMF) in April 2005,
including a number of new national statutory Performance Indicators
(PIs) and core set indicators. The new PIs had been developed
by technical reference groups with the assistance of the Local
Government Data Unit and WAG officials.
As part of the PMF, and in order to improve
measurement of outcomes, the reference groups were now introducing
a range of standard surveys to enable Councils across Wales to
share results with each other and compare performance. The
standard surveys had been introduced to promote good practice and
to enable outcomes to be measured in a more consistent
manner. As regards this Council it was considered that some
of the standard questions could be built into existing processes
without additional work or expenditure being incurred.
Details were contained within the report of
surveys which had already been released and those in the process of
being developed. The details of the proposed surveys could be
viewed on the Local Government Data Unit website.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the introduction of standardised surveys be endorsed.
(2) T H A
T the Consultation Officer work with other officers to introduce
the standardised survey questions where appropriate.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
make Members aware of changes being made to existing surveys and
new systems that will be required to collect customer feedback.
(2) In
order to improve and standardise customer feedback.
C3218
APPROVAL TO SUBMIT EXTERNAL FUNDING APPLICATIONS (CX) (SCRUTINY -
CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
In recognition of the fact that bidding for
grants needed to be better aligned with agreed Council priorities
and mechanisms developed which encouraged and supported
cross-departmental applications (thereby avoiding internal
competition for the same funds), the Corporate Management Team had
established an External Funding Steering Group to oversee the
development of new procedures and mechanisms for accessing external
funding. An “External Funding Framework” had been developed
and the use of an external funding proforma enabled that Group to
consider project ideas at an early stage. The Group then
recommended to CMT the relative priority of potential bids to
support the delivery of the Council’s key actions or strategic
priorities in light of competing Council resources.
Details were contained in the report of two
proformas recently considered by CMT namely:
·
Vale of Glamorgan Partnership Grant - Countryside Council for
Wales;
·
Aquatic Improvement Fund 2007/08 - WAG administered by the Sports
Council for Wales.
In respect of the former, the Countryside
Council for Wales had requested local authorities to submit a
four-year outline grant programme for the period April 2008 to
March 2012 in respect of revenue funding delivered through
Partnership Grant to enable a range of countryside and
environmental schemes to progress within the Vale. Based on
the potential grant available, it was proposed that £330,500 be
sought against a project cost of £736,501, activities to be match
funded from staff and volunteer time. As regards the latter,
which was part of the WAG Free Swimming Initiative, permission was
sought to apply for £32,000 to improve leisure centre changing
facilities in the centres at Barry, Llantwit Major and
Penarth. Attention was also drawn to the possible submission
of a retrospective European Regional Development Fund application
in respect of the public realm improvements to Holton Road /
Thompson Street. The application would relate to works
completed between 1st April, 2006 and 31st
August, 2007 and would be on the basis that any domestic funding
released as a result of a successful approval would be reinvested
in a similar economic regeneration activity by December 2008.
It was envisaged that approximately £450,000 grant aid would be
sought. Depending on the level of funding becoming available,
it was proposed that the following areas would be priorities for
the next stage of environmental improvements:
·
Area 1 - Civic Frontage;
·
Area 2 - Gateway Approach - Gladstone Road Bridge: from the
junction of Buttrills Road / Holton Road to the Theatre Royal,
Broad Street.
It was once again noted that, in respect of
the above, there were no additional resource implications for the
Council.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the retrospective submission of applications to the WAG and
Countryside Council for Wales be approved.
(2) T H A
T, should the capital grant applications be successful, the Capital
Programme be amended to reflect the approved amount(s).
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
maximise resources available to the Council to support the delivery
of the Council’s corporate objectives.
(2) To
update the Capital Programme to reflect the increase in capital
funding due to the approval of external funding.
C3219
PROPOSED NEW ROOF COVERING AT EAST LODGE, DYFFRYN GARDENS (DEER)
(SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
The renewal of Dyffryn Gardens had been
proceeding since 1997 with the benefit of two phases of grant made
available by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The prime
objective of the HLF awards had been to restore the Gardens and
provide new visitor, educational and horticultural
facilities. Whilst some improvements had, nevertheless, been
undertaken to the East Lodge as part of the phase two award, the
re-roofing exercise had not been considered eligible for financial
support as part of those works. The existing roof covering to
the Lodge was constructed of concrete tiles and was considered to
be visually inappropriate when viewed in its landscape setting and
the proximity to the new visitor centre / tea room buildings which
had a natural slate roof finish. It was therefore considered
desirable to replace it with a more sympathetic covering namely,
the Welsh slate reclaimed and stored from the re-roofing recently
completed at Dyffryn House. In order to specify, tender and
apply for consent for the works, it was proposed that Caroe and
Partners (Consultant Architects) be utilised (given their
experience on repairs to buildings in the Gardens and the House)
and therefore recommended that an exception to Contract Standing
Orders be approved to deliver the service. It was also
necessary to apply for a modified bat licence in accordance with
the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994.
The works were estimated to cost not more than £30,000 and
consideration was given to those costs being provided from the
existing budget allocated for the repair of Dyffryn House.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the roofing of East Lodge be approved at a cost not exceeding
£30,000 (inclusive of fees and preparation of a licence under the
Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994.
(2) T H A
T the capital sum for the repairs be made available from the
existing budget allocated to the improvements of Dyffryn House.
(3) T H A
T Caroe and Partners be appointed as external design consultants
and an exemption to Contract Standing Orders be granted in order to
procure the repairs and obtain listed building consent from the
WAG.
(4) T H A
T the submission of an application for listed building consent to
gain approval for the works under the Planning (Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 be agreed.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
approve the proposed repair to East Lodge and the estimated
cost.
(2) To
fund the repair from the existing budget allocated to Dyffryn
House.
(3) In
order to progress the proposed works at the earliest possible
opportunity.
(4) In
order to comply with current legislation.
C3220
LISTED BUILDINGS CONDITIONS SURVEY - LISTED BUILDINGS “AT RISK”
(DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT) -
Cabinet was updated on the next steps to be
taken following the findings of a conditions survey of listed
buildings in the Vale of Glamorgan. In March 2006 the Council
had commissioned a condition survey of all the 731 listed buildings
in its area and had informed Cabinet of the findings of the survey
in October 2006 together with potential actions that might be
progressed in respect of the 77 buildings identified as being at
risk, namely:
·
17 Scheduled Monuments where consolidation and managed decay
through a process of repairs was considered preferable to
renovation or restoration
·
4 related to ecclesiastical buildings which were generally subject
to parochial powers presided over by the local Diocese, such
structures being subject to five yearly review by the Church and to
a corresponding programme of planned maintenance
·
the remaining 54 ranged from ruinous structures to buildings in
quite reasonable condition but which were considered at risk
because of the failure of a single critical element which made them
vulnerable or likely to degrade exponentially in a short space of
time.
When the buildings were identified as being at
risk, appropriate action, relative to the degree of risk
identified, might be pursued by the local authority. Outside
of legislation, the local authority could encourage the undertaking
of maintenance to the structures identified. In instances of
deliberate or conscious neglect, the Council could utilise the
Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 in
order to address the deterioration of listed buildings.
Details were contained within the report of various sections of the
Act under which Notices could be served although attention was
drawn to the fact that Sections 47 - 55 were open to challenge,
appeal and claims for compensation. The report to Cabinet in
October 2006 provided an outline of those building where action
ought to be considered based on the findings of the survey
work. It was considered that further detailed reports
specific to each case would be required and, if formal action was
required, the detailed assessment of each case would be a matter
for the Planning Committee.
Reference was made during the course of
subsequent discussion to listed buildings within the ownership of
the Council. Attention was drawn to the fact that the Dock
Office and the Town Hall had now been brought into full beneficial
use and that discussions were ongoing in relation to the Pump
House, Barry Waterfront and Old Place, Llantwit Major.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T, subject to consultation with the Planning Committee, the
proposed methodology of reviewing individual cases, prioritised and
informed by the findings of the Buildings at Risk Survey, be
endorsed.
(2)
T H A T the requirement for formal action under the terms of
legislation be considered by the Planning Committee on a case by
case basis, with reports to include a consideration of the likely
financial implications, liabilities and options inherent in the
service of such Notices on each of the individual buildings
concerned.
Reasons for decisions
(1)
To allow progress in implementing the findings of the Buildings at
Risk Survey.
(2)
To allow full, detailed consideration of the need for action on a
case specific basis.
C3221
RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
Under the provisions of the Countryside and
Rights of Way Act, the Council was required to produce a Public
Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) for the Vale of Glamorgan by
November, 2007. Widespread consultation had been undertaken
including, most recently, consideration by the Vale of Glamorgan
Local Access Forum and the Scrutiny Committee (Economy and
Environment) - both of which had endorsed the final draft.
It was explained that the ROWIP focused on the
three main themes of management, stakeholders, and information,
communication and promotion. For each of those themes, aims
had been derived to produce a series of proposed actions. It
was that Statement of Action which provided the procedural
framework for future work on the Rights of Way network over the
next ten years. It was noted that certain typographical
amendments were required to the document as previously
circulated. The ROWIP was intended to provide the basis for
an annual work programme based upon evolving priorities and
resourcing, although it was noted that existing staff resources
would be stretched to deliver the proposals. It was hoped,
however, that additional resources would be made available from
WAG.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the Rights of Way
Improvement Plan as amended be approved and submitted to the WAG by
the due deadline.
Reason for decision
To allow the Authority to meet its statutory
obligations to produce a ROWIP.
C3222
TRANSPORT GRANT SUBMISSIONS 2008/09 (DEER) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT) -
WAG intended that 2008/09 would be the last
year for funding transport infrastructure schemes through the
annual Transport Grant process. The four Regional Transport
Consortia in Wales (including Sewta, of which this Council was one
of the constituent local authorities) were currently working up the
first tranche of Regional Transport Plans (RTPs) to cover the
period from 2009/10. Local authorities progressing major
transport schemes had been given indicative allocations for 2008/09
when the 2007/08 allocations were announced in March 2007.
WAG had advised that TG bids were only invited for:
·
schemes already receiving Transport Grant support
·
new Safe Routes in Communities projects.
It was evident, therefore, that only new Safe
Routes in Communities projects and the ongoing schemes at the
Merrie Harrier and the Barry Dock Station scheme were eligible to
be submitted for TG funding in the current year. Details were
contained within the report of both the Merrie Harrier Junction
(MHJ) and Cardiff Road Bus Lane scheme and that in respect of Barry
Dock Station. It was intended to make an application to the
WAG for the full £973,360 required for the MHJ scheme for 2008/09
to enable the scheme to be completed in the next financial
year. As regards Barry Dock Station, it was noted that a mid
year bid had been made to WAG for the further £194,000 required to
completed the current phase; the amount of the bid for
2008/09 would be attendant upon the success or otherwise of that
earlier application. It was proposed that the bid for new
Safe Routes in Communities projects would be targeted at schools
within the Vale of Glamorgan and would be used to provide a
combination of engineering measures to reduce traffic speed and
provide other safety features along primary routes to
schools. The 2008/09 TG bid would comprise bids associated
with the following schools: Barry Comprehensive School, Sully
Primary School, Llandough Primary School, Cadoxton School, St.
Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School and Cowbridge
Comprehensive / Y Bont Faen Primary School, Cowbridge. As the
bid was still being prepared, it would be necessary to provide
Cabinet with a copy of the final submission at a later date.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the contents of the 2008/09 Transport Grant bid, as outlined in
the report be agreed in principle to enable the bid to be forwarded
to WAG by 26th October, 2007.
(2) T H A
T the Director of Environmental and Economic Regeneration in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and
Transportation be given delegated powers to agree the final details
of the 2008/09 Transport Grant submission.
(3) T H A
T a further report be presented to Cabinet in Spring 2008 outlining
the results of the 2008/09 Transport Grant bid process.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
provide Cabinet with guidance on the proposed content of the
2008/09 Transport Grant bid to WAG and to ensure that the bid
reached WAG by the due deadline.
(2) To
enable the details of the bid to be finalised and forwarded to WAG
by 26th October, 2007.
(3) To
advise Members of the Council’s Transport Grant Award for
2008/09.
C3223
FLOODING - COUNCIL TAX - EXEMPTIONS, DISCOUNTS AND RELIEF (DFICTP)
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Cabinet had been apprised of the position
regarding Council Tax in relation to the flooding incident on
20th July, 2007 and had noted the action taken by the
Council Tax section in granting the relevant discounts and
exemptions (Minute No. C3180, 19th September,
2007). Given the nature of the incident on
20th July and the fact that Council had a broad
discretion under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act
1992 to reduce the amount of Council Tax payable for a dwelling, it
had been considered reasonable to award a further 50% discretionary
relief in respect of those cases where a 50% statutory discount had
been agreed. The Chief Executive had exercised his delegated
powers in this respect. It was further proposed that, subject
to a satisfactory claim and an inspection by the Council Tax
Visiting Officers, all properties where residents were flooded as a
result of the incident on 20th July, be subject to a
discretionary relief of 50% where they were not eligible for a full
discount. The exemptions and discounts would run to
31st March, 2008 or until the property was reoccupied
whichever was the earlier. It was noted that the position of
the properties remaining unoccupied beyond 31st March,
2008 would be subject to review.
It was noted that 32 enquiries relating to
exemptions and discounts had been received to date. It was
considered that the availability of such exemptions and discounts
should be further publicised. This would be done initially
under the auspices of Local Ward Members and followed up by a press
release.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the use of the Chief Executive’s emergency powers in awarding
discretionary Council Tax relief be noted.
(2)
T H A T the award of discretionary relief on Council Tax at a rate
of 50% in respect of properties where residents were flooded out as
a result of the incident on 20th July, 2007 (and where
they were not eligible for a full discount) be approved.
Reasons for decisions
(1) To
keep Members informed.
(2) To
implement discretionary relief.
C3224
EQUAL PAY GRIEVANCES (DLD) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES)
-
By way of background it was explained that the
National Single Status agreement harmonised the terms and
conditions of former APT&C and former Manual employees
including the introduction of a fair and equitable pay and grading
structure. Cabinet had already agreed a clear framework to
enable employees with equal pay grievances to be dealt with fairly
and speedily (Minute No. C3134). Two Trade Unions had now
submitted formal notification on behalf of their members of equal
pay grievance, details of which were contained within the report
and updated at the meeting. It was accepted that such types
of grievance generated an increased volume of work and, as there
were no additional resources available to handle those grievances,
the three employees within the Job Evaluation Team would be
required to cover the workload.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the internal equal pay grievances be dealt with through the
Council’s new procedure.
(2) T H A
T the Job Evaluation Team be deployed to work on Equal Pay, in
addition to Job Evaluation roles.
(3) T H A
T the consequential delay in the implementation of the general Job
Evaluation programme be noted.
Reason for decisions
(1-3) To enable the
progression of Equal Pay claims.
C3225
WALES AUDIT OFFICE REPORT: SICKNESS ABSENCE MANAGEMENT (DLD)
(SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Consideration was given to the result of the
review of Sickness Absence Management undertaken by the Wales Audit
Office (WAO) in 2006. The WAO had concluded that the Council
had improved some arrangements for the management of sickness
absence but that there was much to do to develop and translate its
policy aspirations into practice to improve attendance across the
organisation. The report had made three recommendations, as
detailed in the report and outlined below:
·
to improve management information on which to measure, monitor,
review and report progress by developing a new HR system, by
refining reports to Corporate Management Team and members to ensure
that key issues relating to attendance were clearly identified and
summarised, by developing robust target setting processes, and by
comparing performance with other local authorities through
benchmarking clubs and other technical groups
·
to undertake further action to develop an appropriate policy
framework which would comprise co-ordinated and complementary
policies to improve attendance by developing a suite of policies
which encompass the Council’s aspirations to create a positive
attendance culture and by developing an action plan
·
revise the current attendance management policy
·
clarify the roles and responsibilities of CMT, HR and the
Management of Attendance Group to become more strategic
·
to ensure that the Council had appropriate and targeted
Occupational Health support services.
Officers’ comments on the recommendations were
broadly supportive of the WAO recommendations and details were
contained in the report of ways in which those recommendations
could be taken forward.
Subsequent discussion focused on the fact that
the WAO report related to 2006 and had concluded that the sickness
absence statistics for this Council were well above the Welsh
average. It was, however, widely accepted that those
statistics had reduced considerably in the intervening period but
that there had been a lack of hard data to evidence that as
yet. Attention was also drawn to the fact that comparative
statistics could be misleading given that statistics were not
collected in the same way by all the organisations concerned.
It was further accepted that sickness
monitoring was the responsibility of Cabinet and that the third
recommendation in the report was not acceptable.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the concerns of the WAO report in relation to its sickness
absences in 2006, which was carried out under the previous
administration, be noted.
(2) T H A
T sickness absence be addressed in all Service Plans 2007/08, but
that the Head of Human Resources continue to co-ordinate a
corporate approach to managing sickness absence.
(3) T H A
T it be noted that sickness monitoring reports had not been made to
Cabinet since December 2006 due to the inability of the
computerised system, which had been inherited by this Cabinet, to
produce such reports.
(4) T H A
T it be further noted that the computerised system had now been
reconfigured and that sickness absence reports should be available
in the near future with Cabinet receiving a comprehensive report at
the next available Cabinet meeting.
Reasons for decisions
(1) For
information.
(2) To
ensure the recommendations are taken forward across the
Council.
(3) For
clarification.
(4) For
clarification and to monitor progress in the management of sickness
absence.
C3226
THE ENVIRONMENT ACT 1995, THE AIR QUALITY (WALES) REGULATIONS 2000,
AS AMENDED, LOCAL AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (ROUND 2 - PROGRESS REPORT
2007) (DLPPHS) (SCRUTINY - CORPORATE RESOURCES) -
Approval was sought to carry out statutory
consultation in respect of the Council’s latest Review and
Assessment of Air Quality (Round 2 - Progress Report 2007) prepared
in accordance with statutory guidance and appended to the
report. The outcome of the recommendations contained within
Minute No. C2815 (December 2006) were also presented.
The findings of the latest Review and
Assessment Air Quality (Round 2 - Progress Report 2007), contained
within the report, were summarised below. It had been
considered unlikely that the air quality objectives would be
exceeded anywhere within the Vale of Glamorgan for the seven
pollutants, namely carbon monoxide, benzene, 1.3-butadiene, lead,
nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulates (PM10). No
exceedances of the one hour mean had been observed in the Windsor
Road, Penarth area since the completion of infrastructure works at
Barons Court in February 2007. Nor were there exceedances of
the annual mean in 2006 although there was one site on Windsor Road
which had been close to the limit; additional diffusion tubes
had subsequently been installed along Windsor Road to provide more
data. Results of the ozone monitoring at Fonmon had
demonstrated that the number of exceedances of that pollutant was
greater than the number allowed in the Expert Panel on Air Quality
Standards ozone standard. WAG had been provided with an early
draft of the report, subsequently agreeing the findings set out in
the draft with the proviso that, if at any time the Council
identified a risk of an air quality exceedance, the Council should
proceed to a Detailed Assessment. A presentation on the
latest air quality monitoring results had been submitted to the
Scrutiny Committee (Corporate Resources) in July 2007 which had
recommended that:
·
there was no need to proceed further for the four pollutants,
namely carbon monoxide, benzene, 1.3-butadiene and lead
·
the monitored levels of nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and PM10
did not warrant a Detailed Assessment at the present time but
monitoring for those pollutants should continue at current
locations
·
ozone monitoring should continue
·
the impact on air quality of all major developments within the Vale
and its neighbouring regions should be closely monitored
·
the Council should continue to implement its Transport Policy.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the Review and Assessment of Air Quality (Round 2 - Progress
Report 2007) be approved and circulated for consultation, subject
to the following amendment to paragraph 1.3, as indicated at the
meeting, being made:
“The major population centres in the Vale are
to the south and comprise Wenvoe, Penarth, Dinas Powys, Barry,
Llantwit Major, Rhoose,
St. Athan and Cowbridge”.
(2) T H A
T monitoring for nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, PM10 and Ozone
continue at the current sampling locations and the outcome reported
to Cabinet.
(3) T H A
T a Detailed Assessment be carried out in respect of nitrogen
dioxide in the Penarth area if there was a risk that the objective
would be exceeded.
Reasons for decisions
(1&3) To comply with statutory
requirements.
(2&3) To ensure that Air Quality
Objectives are not exceeded and to protect public health.
C3227
REVENUE MONITORING: 1ST APRIL 2007 - 31ST
AUGUST 2007 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -
The projected outturn for the 2007/08 Revenue
Budget was for a deficit of £3,209,000 on the General Fund and a
surplus of £215,000 on the Housing Revenue Account. It was
noted that the deficit on the General Fund would be eliminated if
Social Services achieved its target in reducing the
overspend. It was reported that the anticipated efficiency
savings of £267,000 at the year end in respect of the Education
Service would be used to fund overspends elsewhere in the
Directorate. As regards Learning and Development, the service
continued to predict a potential adverse variance of
£147,000. A potential adverse variance of £120,000 was also
predicted in respect of Catering. The figures appended to the
report showed the budget for each Division of Service within Social
Services and reflected the allocation of the Temporary Uplift of
£3,641,000 and the savings of £2,000,000 originally needed to
achieve a balanced budget. Monitoring of the budget would be
regularly reported so that the effectiveness of proposals to reduce
the deficit could be assessed.
During the course of the subsequent
discussion, particular reference was drawn to the position in
relation to Catering and to Social Services and to the fact that
revenue monitoring reports contained insufficient data to properly
inform the decision-making process and consequent forward plans for
action.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED -
(1) T H A
T the position with regard to the Council’s 2007/08 Revenue Budget
be noted.
(2) T H A
T a further report detailing the current position in relation to
the Catering budget and proposals for the future be submitted to a
future meeting.
(3) T H A
T a full and comprehensive report in relation to Social Services,
specifically Community Care and Health, clearly indicating the
progress that had been made and had yet to be achieved, be
submitted to a future meeting.
Reason for decision
(1)
So that Members are aware of the projected revenue outturn for
2007/08.
(2)&(3) In
the interests of transparency and expediting progress.
C3228
CAPITAL MONITORING: 1ST APRIL, 2007 - 31ST
AUGUST, 2007 (CMT) (SCRUTINY - ALL) -
Financial progress on the Capital Programme as
at 31st August, 2007 was detailed in the appendix to the
report. Specifically, under the Director of Environmental and
Economic Regeneration, attention was drawn to a Town Improvement
Grant offer of £8,950 from WAG and authority sought to increase the
Capital Programme to reflect that amount. Under the auspices
of the Interim Director of Social Services, WAG had confirmed that
a Community Equipment Capital Grant of £35,000 was available to
achieve the modernisation and integration of community equipment
stores across Wales. The provision of such a space had been
included within the proposed alteration works at Barry Hostel and
the Capital Programme had already been increased to reflect the
aforementioned funding. Reference was also made to the budget
of £1m. for Adult Respite Care, which would be provided equally
between the purchase of a property for Adult Respite Care and the
provision of additional EMI beds. Details of the schemes were
appended to the report.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the following change to the
2007/08 Capital Programme be approved:
Barry Regeneration Partnership - increase of £8,950 to reflect
additional WAG funding.
Reason for decision
To allow the scheme to be undertaken in this
financial year.
C3229
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC -
RESOLVED - T H A T under Section 100A(4) of
the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded
from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds
that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Part 4 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of the Act, the
relevant paragraphs of the Schedule being referred to in brackets
after the minute heading.
C3230
AWARD OF CONTRACTS FOR SCHOOL TRANSPORT SERVICES (DEER) (EXEMPT
INFORMATION - PARAGRAPH 20) (SCRUTINY - ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT)
-
Following the surrender by Veolia Transport
Cymru (formerly Thomas of Barry / Shamrock) of a number of
both school and “subsidised” Local Bus Service Contracts, a
re-tendering exercise had been undertaken. A summary of the
results of the tender exercise was appended to the report. In
order to ensure continuity of the service, the Director of
Environmental and Economic Regeneration in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Planning and Transportation had awarded
contracts under existing delegated powers. The criteria used
in deciding the award of contracts took such matters into
consideration as costs, vehicle age, whether seat belts were fitted
and whether CCTV would be included on the vehicles
provided.
This was a matter for Executive decision.
RESOLVED - T H A T the award of contracts for
school bus services as detailed below be endorsed:
(a)
Education Act Services commencing 4th September, 2007
and terminating July, 2011
|
Service
|
Route
|
Operator
|
Cost per
Operational Day
|
|
S8
|
Llantwit Major to Bishop of Llandaff
|
Edwards Coaches
|
£179
|
|
S12
|
Barry to Bishop of Llandaff
|
Watts Coaches
|
£170
|
|
S42
|
Rhoose Point to Llantwit Major Comprehensive
School
|
Watts Coaches
|
£155
|
|
S43
|
Rhoose to Llantwit Major Comprehensive
School
|
Watts Coaches
|
£155
|
|
S75
|
Wick to Ysgol Bro Morgannwyg
|
Cartel
|
£138-72
|
|
S78
|
Ewenny to Ysgol Bro Morgannwyg
|
Cartel
|
£142-86
|
|
S79
|
Craig Penllyn to Ysgol Bro Morgannwyg
|
Easyway
|
£118
|
|
S81
|
Maendy to Ysgol Bro Morgannwyg
|
Easyway
|
£92
|
|
P105/ S37
|
Wick and Marcross Primary and Llantwit Major
Comprehensive School
|
Peyton Travel
|
£145
|
(b)
Transport Act 1985 Services commencing 5th November,
2007 and terminating July, 2011
|
Service
|
Route
|
Operator
|
Cost per
Operational Day
|
|
S10
|
Barry Holton Road to Ysgol Bro Morgannwyg /
Bryn Hafren
|
Caring Coaches
|
£110
|
|
S20
|
Llangan to Cowbridge Comprehensive
|
AP Travel
|
£120
|
|
S40
|
Pinewood Square to Llantwit Major
Comprehensive
|
EST Coaches
|
£140
|
|
P122
|
Treoes to Llangan Primary
|
Easyway
|
£74
|
|
P138
|
Woodpecker Square to St. Illtyds Primary
|
Cartel
|
£120
|
|
P123 /
S2
|
Barry Island Primary and Barry Comprehensive
Schools
|
Caring Coaches
|
£120
|
Reason for decision
To ensure continued School Bus Service
provision following the surrender of various contracts by Veolia
Transport Cymru.