Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence. 

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

Members were asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government

Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

No declarations were made.

Councillor Willmott thanked Councillor Corrall and Councillor Manjula Sood, who were both to leave their positions on the Cabinet.  He also paid thanks to Councillor Draycott for her service as Deputy Leader. 

Furthermore, Councillor Willmott announced that one year had recently elapsed since the establishment of the present administration, and stated that many achievements had taken place and this highlighted the increased pace the Cabinet was working at.  In addition, a document that detailed one-hundred achievements of the administration was to be published in the coming months.  He thanked all who had contributed during the past year.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 April 2008 have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet is asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 April 2008, having been circulated to Members, be taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no matters referred from Committees.

Councillor Dempster submits a report from the Children, Schools and Young People Scrutiny Task Group and the Children and Young People’s Department that sets out the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Task Group concerning a review of service provision by the Youth Service. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations as set out in Paragraph 2.1 of the report.

Councillor Dempster submitted a report from the Children, Schools and Young People Scrutiny Task Group and the Children and Young People’s Department that set out the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Task Group concerning a review of service provision by the Youth Service.

In response to a question from Councillor Follett in respect of when the work carried out by external consultants to define and cost a future Integrated Youth Support Service would be complete, Councillor Dempster confirmed that the conclusions of this work would be presented to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board within three months. 

The Leader recommended that the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services be asked to prepare a further report for Cabinet that provided a clearer strategy of the services that would be provided.

RESOLVED:

(1)               That the contents of the report, as referred by OSMB be noted, along with the progress made to date on the recommendations.

(2)               That the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services be asked to consider the recommendations contained in the report, with a view to appropriate implementation as part of reprofiling the Youth Service into an Integrated Youth Support Service; and

(3)That the Corporate Director of Children and Young People’s Services be asked to prepare a further report to Cabinet that provides a clearer strategy of the services that will be provided.

Councillor Connelly submits a report that presents the Draft Libraries Strategy 2008-2013 and a report of the Culture and Leisure Scrutiny Task Group that sets out its findings, conclusions and recommendations following its investigation of the strategic review. Cabinet is recommended to approve the Libraries Strategy for the next five years as set out in the officers’ report, and to give consideration to the recommendations as set out in Paragraph 2.1 of the Task Group report.

A copy of the strategy document is attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Copies can be viewed at the Customer Service Centre, B Block, New Walk Centre or by viewing the following link:

http://www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.asp?CId=78&MId=2202&Ver=4

A minute extract from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held on 8 May 2008 will be circulated before the meeting.

Councillor Connelly submitted a report that presented the Draft Libraries Strategy 2008-2013 and a report of the Culture and Leisure Task Group that set out its findings, conclusions and recommendations following its investigation of the strategic review.

The relevant minute extract from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held on 8 may 2008 had been circulated to the Cabinet and in response, Councillor Connelly recognised that the long-term aim was for one new library to replace the existing central lending and reference buildings.

Councillor Connelly reported that the Culture and Leisure Task Group, led by Councillor Naylor conducted a price of work, which had successfully   influenced the Libraries Strategy.  Councillor Naylor reported that the Task Group had visited approximately half of the City’s libraries, and as part of the investigation, spoke to both Library staff and service users.  He explained that many positive comments were received, and staff in particular were enthusiastic to contribute to the review.  One issue identified by Councillor Naylor was the need to provide conveniences in every library, partly due to the fact that people now used libraries for longer spells of time.

Councillor Willmott congratulated the Task Group for its work, and noted positive aspects of the review and the overall scrutiny process.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the Libraries Strategy for the next 5 years as set out in this report and the attached strategy “Better Libraries – Better Lives” be approved; and

(2)That it be noted that approval to this report and strategy does not at this stage represent a commitment to identify additional funding, and where necessary, proposals for additional funding to implement the strategy will be brought forward for consideration as part of the Council’s Budget Strategy.

Councillor Wann submits a report that seeks approval to submit the documents to the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government in relation to the Leicestershire and Leicester Joint Waste Development Framework Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Document. Cabinet is recommended to note the report.

A minute extract from the Planning and Development Control Committee meeting held on 15 April 2008 is attached.

The relevant minute extract from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held on 8 May 2008 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Wann submitted a report that sought approval from Council to submit the documents to the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government in relation to the Leicestershire and Leicester Joint Waste Development Framework Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan document. 

The relevant minute extract from the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board held on 8 May 2008 had been circulated to the Cabinet.

In response to a query from Councillor Coley around the uses of construction waste, Councillor Wann stated that this waste was not of a high enough grade for all types of re-usage but it was hoped that this would be achieved in the near future.

Councillor Follett expressed concern with regard to ‘behind the scenes’ waste management and felt that symbolic changes were required to influence the production of waste.  Councillor Willmott felt that door-stop recycling schemes addressed many behavioural and cultural changes, and that the overall aim was to influence the behaviour of all households, in terms of re-cycling.

RESOLVED:

(1)               that the report be noted; and

(2)That, due to the need for this item to be progressed and submitted to Government prior to the next ordinary meeting of Council, that, in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9, this report be considered at the Council Annual Meeting on 15 May 2008.

Councillor Wann submits a report concerning the delegation of enforcement and prosecution powers to Nottingham City Council to enable the East Midlands Public Protection Project Team to undertake investigations into illegal money lending in the Leicester City area and take appropriate enforcement actions. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations as set out in Paragraph 2 of the report.

Councillor Wann submitted a report that concerned the delegation of enforcement and prosecution powers to Nottingham City Council to enable the East Midlands Public Protection Project Team to undertake investigations into illegal money lending in the Leicester City area and take appropriate enforcement actions. 

RESOLVED:

(1)               That the Executive of Nottingham City Council be given delegated authority to the discharge of the enforcement function and powers under the Consumer Credit Acts 1974 and 2006 and any legislation which amends or succeeds the same, including any secondary legislation made there under in so far as they relate to illegal money lending in Leicester City and for such cases and investigations as are agreed between the Authorities.

(2)That the Executive of Nottingham City Council, for the exercise of this function and in so far as the law allows be delegated powers in respect of any associated offence which may become apparent under other legislation or at Common Law including, but not limited to:

·                    The Administration of Justice Act 1970

·                    The Business Names Act 1985

·                    The Consumer Credit Act 1974

·                    The Criminal Attempts Act 1981

·                    The Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001

·                    The Criminal Law Act 1977

·                    The Fraud Act 2006

·                    The Malicious Communications Act 1988

·                    Consumer Protection Act 1987

·                    Offences Against the Person Act 1861

·                    Theft Act 1968 and 1978

·                    Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

·                    Perverting the course of justice

·                    False imprisonment

·                    Kidnap

·                    Blackmail

(3)That the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture be authorised to sign the Protocol subject to the Service Director, Legal Services, being satisfied as to its contents.

(4)That the Corporate Director Regeneration and Culture be authorised to agree any amendments to the Protocol in the light of how the project develops, subject to consultation with the Cabinet lead.

Councillor Wann submits a report concerning the boundary extensions to the Aylestone Village and Market Place Conservation Areas. Cabinet is recommended to approve the extension to the boundaries.

Councillor Wann submitted a report that confirmed the boundary extensions to the Aylestone Village and Market Place Conservation Areas.

RESOLVED:

                        That the extensions to the boundaries of the Aylestone Village and Market Place Conservation Areas be approved.

Councillor Connelly submits a report that provides an update on the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a grant to help restore Spinney Hill Park. Cabinet is recommended to approve work on the development of and submission to the HLF of the second stage application and that the identified match funding remain committed to support the project.

Councillor Connelly submitted a report that provided an update on the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a grant to help restore Spinney Hill Park, advised of success at the initial stage of the application and requested approval for further development work for the second stage application.

RESOLVED:

(1)That work on the development of and submission to the HLF of the second stage application for the Spinney Hill Park project be approved.

(2)That the identified match funding remains committed to support the project.

Councillor Wann submits a report that provides Members with details of the project to plant 10,000 trees across Leicester. Cabinet is recommended to approve the project management and delivery arrangements.

Councillor Wann submitted a report that provided members with details of the project to plant 10,000 trees across Leicester, as per the Labour manifesto pledge of 2007.

RESOLVED:

                        That the project management and delivery arrangements be approved.

Councillor Connelly submits a report that provides an update on the process of updating the existing Parks Byelaws and to seek approval for the new proposed Parks Byelaws, and their subsequent sealing and final public consultation process. Cabinet is recommended to formally approve the final draft and that they the be sealed by the Council, and that the byelaws are advertised by public notice in a newspaper and held in deposit for one month for public comment.

Councillor Connelly submitted a report that provided an update on the process of updating the existing Parks Byelaws and to seek approval for the formal approval of the new proposed Parks Byelaws, and their subsequent sealing and final public consultation process.

The Service Director Legal Services was asked to determine whether Law 11 covered the prohibition of BBQs in parks, and if this was not the case, to find out if the law could be suitably amended. 

RESOLVED:

(1)That the final draft of the proposed Parks Byelaws be approved and that they are then sealed by Council.

(2)   That the byelaws are advertised by public notice in a newspaper circulating in the local area and held on deposit for a period of one month for public comment.

(3)               That the Head of Legal Services be asked to determine whether Law 11 covered the prohibition of BBQs in parks, and if this was not the case, to find out if the law could be suitably amended. 

Councillor Kitterick submits a report that informs Members of the need to join a new Adjudication Joint Committee Agreement for the civil enforcement of Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London, which is to shortly replace the current Agreement. Cabinet is recommended to authorise the Service Director (Legal Services) to make the necessary arrangements for the City Council to enter into a new Adjudication Joint Committee Agreement and appoint a Cabinet Member representative and a substitute Cabinet Member to serve on the Joint Committee.

Councillor Kitterick submitted a report that informed members of the need to join a new Adjudication Joint Committee Agreement for the civil enforcement of Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London, which was shortly to replace the current agreement. 

RESOLVED:

(1)That the Service Director, Legal Services be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the City Council to enter into a new Adjudication Joint Committee Agreement for the Civil Enforcement of Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London.

(2)That Councillor Kitterick be appointed as the Cabinet member representative and a substitute Cabinet member be appointed to serve on the Parking and Traffic Regulations Outside London Joint Committee

Councillor Osman submits a report that seeks the Council’s commitment to the National Skills Pledge, as a major employer in the city. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations as set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

Councillor Osman submitted a report that sought commitment to the National Skills Pledge, as a major employer in the city.

Councillor Willmott saw this as a vital piece of work, and felt that it should help to address the skills shortage identified within the 25 Year Vision.

RESOLVED:

(1)That the Cabinet confirms its commitment to the Skills Pledge and asks that the Leader and Chief Executive sign on behalf of the Authority.

(2)That public sector partners be invited to join the City Council in a city-wide signing of the pledge.

Councillor Corrall submits a report that highlights the need to seek an early decision on the bid submitted for capital resources for the Intermediate Care element of the Butterwick scheme. Cabinet is recommended to note the requirement for an early decision, agree the allocation of the capital to progress the scheme and confirm the receipt from the land to be earmarked as the Council’s contribution to the Extra Care element of the scheme.

Councillor Corrall submited a report that highlightde the need to seek an early decision from the bid submitted for capital resources for the Intermediate Care element of the Butterwick scheme.

Councillor Corrall paid thanks to those officers who had worked to ensure that the scheme be progressed.

RESOLVED:

                        (1)            that the requirement for an early decision be noted.

(2)that allocation of the capital required to progress this scheme be agreed.

(3)that the receipt from the land to be earmarked as the council’s contribution to the Extra Care element of the scheme be confirmed.

Councillor Manjula Sood submits a report that provides a summary of the follow-up meeting held with the National Support Team for Health Inequalities on 26 February 2008.  The Cabinet is recommended to note the progress made in developing a framework to tackle health inequalities, endorse the key areas for action by the Council and Primary Care Trust and promote the health agenda via ward community meetings, making use of ward level health data to inform local priorities for health improvement work.

Councillor Manjula Sood submitted a report that provided a summary of the follow-up meeting held with the National Support Team for Health Inequalities on 26 February 2008. 

RESOLVED:

(1)            That the progress made in developing a framework to tackle health inequalities be noted

(2)That the key areas for action by the Council and Primary Care Trust be endorsed

(3)That the health agenda be promoted via community ward meetings, making use of ward level health data to inform local priorities for health improvement work.

Councillor Willmott submits a report that details all the council’s trading organisations and their 2008/09 budgets in accordance with Finance Procedure Rules.  Cabinet is recommended to approve the 2008/09 budgets for the Council’s trading organisations, note the proposed policies in respect of the sue of retained surpluses for each department and amend the determinations to Finance Procedure Rules allowing the Resources and Regeneration and Culture departments to retain budgeted surpluses for each departments.  

Councillor Willmott submitted a report that detailed all the council’s trading organisations and their 2008/2009 budgets in accordance with Finance Procedure Rules. It also outlined policies in respect of the use of any retained surpluses of the trading organisations.

RESOLVED:

(1)That the 2008/2009 budgets for the Council’s trading organizations be approved;

(2)That the proposed policies in respect of the use of retained surpluses for each department be noted;

(3)That the determinations to Finance Procedure Rules be amended to allow the Resources and Regeneration & Culture departments to retain budgeted surpluses as detailed in paragraph 5.2 of the supporting information.

Councillor Draycott submits a report that reviews the achievements and disappointments of the Customer Access Strategy since 2005 and sets an ambitious programme of activities to achieve a One Council, One Contact experience of customer access.  The Cabinet is asked to agree a number of recommendations as set out in Paragraph 2 of the report.

Councillor Draycott submitted a report that reviewed the achievements and disappointments of the Customer Access Strategy since 2005 and set an ambitious programme of activities to achieve a One Council, One Contact experience of Customer Access. 

Councillor Draycott requested that a report be presented to Cabinet in six months in relation to the progress made with the council complaints procedure. 

In relation to the establishment of the Charnwood Customer Services Centre, Councillor Osman welcomed investment in communities as well as central areas.  

RESOLVED:

(1)That the vision, aims and objectives of the refreshed Customer Access Strategy 2008 – 2011 be agreed.

(2)That the telephone access strategy be noted that aims to reduce the number of externally advertised numbers and move the majority of all initial council contact into a contact centre environment. 

(3)  That the progress made in implementing the Council’s existing Customer Access Strategy since its launch in 2005 be recognised.

(4)That a six monthly progress report in October 2008 and a full annual review in April 2009 be provided to the Cabinet.

(5)That a report be presented to Cabinet in six months in relation to the progress made with the council complaints procedure. 

(6)            That the virement of the corporate budget for the Customer Transformation Fund to the Resources Department be approved as follows:

2008/09:  £800k;

Future years: £1m per annum

Councillor Osman submits a report that recommends arrangements for the formal sign-off of Leicester’s new Local Area Agreement (LAA) prior to submission to Communities and Local Government for Ministerial sign-off.  

Subject to any further direction from government, the Cabinet is asked to recommend to Council that the constitution be amended to add formal sign-off of Leicester’s Local Area Agreement and other LAA functions (e.g. modification at ‘annual refresh’) to the list of local choice matters which are to be Cabinet business.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report that recommended arrangements for the formal sign-off of Leicester’s new Local Area Agreement (LAA) prior to submission to Communities and Local Government for Ministerial sign-off. 

RESOLVED:

(1)               That Subject to any further direction from government, Council be asked to amend the constitution to add formal sign-off of Leicester’s Local Area Agreement and other LAA functions (e.g. modification at ‘annual refresh’) to the list of local choice matters which are to be Cabinet business.

(2)               That, due to the need for this item to be progressed and submitted to Government prior to the next ordinary meeting of Council, that, in accordance with the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 9, this report be considered at the Council Annual Meeting on 15 May 2008.

The meeting closed at 2:20pm.