Agenda and minutes

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 requested to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Act applied to them.

No declarations were made.

Leicester Tigers

The Leader passed on congratulations to Leicester Tigers who clinched a place in the Guinness Premiership final after a thrilling 40 to 8 win over London Irish in front of a capacity crowd at Welford Road yesterday.  Leicester meet the Sale Sharks in the final at Twickenham on Saturday 27^th. Best wishes were sent on for a great match.

Bands in the Park season

The Leader reported that the popular Bands on the Park season was being supported by East Midlands International Airport this year. It was noted that these concerts gave many of our local talented musicians – young and not so young – a great opportunity to entertain the public. Bands on Parks was a very popular season, and with the backing of EMIA it would get wider recognition.

Inland Waterways Association

The Leader reported that as part of The Inland Waterways Association’s diamond jubilee celebrations, their narrow-boat “Jubilee” was undertaking a twelve-month voyage along the entire length of the nation’s waterways and this week was passing along the Grand Union Canal and River Soar through Leicestershire. 

Leicester Shire Promotions

The Leader reported that he had just heard from Leicester Shire Promotions that the Tourism Management Institute would be holding their Annual Conference at the newly-opened Leicester Marriott Hotel in September, with a dinner at the National Space Centre for approximately 200 delegates.

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2006 have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet is asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting held on 24 April 2006, having been circulated to Members, be taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

INFORMATION FAIR

PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS OF SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES YOU CAN TALK TO AT THIS MEETING.

- You can raise matters of concern, give any opinions and find out information which may be of use.

TABLE 1

- Ward Councillors and General Information

Talk to your local Councillors or raise general queries.

TABLE 2

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Details Here

TABLE 3

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TABLE 4

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TABLE 5

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TABLE 6

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Councillor Blackmore submits a report seeking approval to spending proposals by Area Committees and also responding to a matter referred from Aylestone, Eyres Monsell and Freemen Area Committee on 11 April regarding the budgets for those Area Committees not yet set up.

Councillor Blackmore submitted a report seeking approval to spending proposals by Area Committees. It was noted that the Braunstone Motor Project Buzz Bus should have included a figure of £2000 against costs.

RESOLVED:

that the items of expenditure put forward by the Area Committees, as detailed at Appendix A to the report, with the above addition, be approved

Councillor Suleman submits a report which summarises the results of the annual statutory consultation on admissions arrangements and limits for entry into schools and seeks approval for the arrangements for the academic year 2007/08.

The relevant minute extract of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee on 27 April will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Suleman submitted a report which summarised the results of the annual statutory consultation on admissions arrangements and limits for entry into schools and sought approval for the arrangements for the academic year 2007/08.

The relevant minute of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee on 27 April had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the existing arrangements for the priority order for over-subscription be maintained;

(2)that the existing priority areas for secondary schools be maintained but a further report be submitted setting out in detail the implications for Leicester schools and families of any boundary changes and the effects of Academy admissions on school rolls;

(3)that Admission numbers be confirmed without change; and

(4)that a further report be submitted before the end of the current Academic Year, setting out details of an improved consultation framework, to include formative consultation meetings for all stakeholders to contribute to the development of revised proposals that will be brought forward in the Autumn Term.

Councillor Gill submits a report proposing a way ahead for the redesign of the Adult Learning service.

The relevant minute extract of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee on 27 April will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Gill submitted a report proposing a way ahead for the redesign of the Adult Learning Service.

The relevant minute of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee on 27 April had also been circulated to the Cabinet along with comments of a working group of the Scrutiny Committee. It was noted that, since the report was written it had been found that some of the staff data was inaccurate. Therefore, urgent work had been started to review the relevant systems. Councillor Gill also reported that the comments of the working group of the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee had been taken on board by the Corporate Director.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the design and cost parameters of the realigned service be approved as detailed in the report;

(2)that the commencement of Phase 3 of the implementation plan with immediate effect be approved;

(3)that the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services be authorised to undertake implementation of Phase 3 in accordance with the protocol for organisation and staffing changes;

(4)that the timeframe for implementation of Phase 3 be noted;

(5)that the establishment of appropriate Advisory and Service Delivery Groups be approved;

(6)that the fee policy for 2006-07 be approved;

(7)that the progress of the implementation plan be the subject of regular reporting to the Cabinet Lead; and

(8)that under the provisions of the Cabinet Procedure Rule 12 (d) no call-in of the decision be allowed as further delay, as identified by the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee, will have a serious adverse financial impact.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report seeking a decision on funding arrangements of the Festivals and Events programme for 2006/07 to 2008/09.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report seeking a decision on funding arrangements of the Festivals and Events programme for 2006/07 to 2008/09.

In response to a Member’s query, it was noted that discussions were ongoing with potential contractors aimed at providing an ice rink in December.

Councillor Mugglestone also thanked all officers involved in bringing forward the strategy.

RESOLVED:

(1)that an increase in funding for Group 1 be approved by transferring £13,400 from the growth budget for new festivals for this year only;

(2)that Group 3 festivals (i.e. those that do not meet the council's criteria) be supported by means of a guarantee against loss by transferring up to £20,000 from the growth budget for new festivals for this year only, the guarantee against loss to be up to the value of the existing grant and must be used to provide an event comparable to previous years, and will be subject to the provision of independent accounts for the event and subject to the organisation taking all reasonable steps to secure other income and avoid financial loss;

(3)that Group 3 festivals be assisted to meet the criteria by becoming more self sufficient, at a cost of up to £15,000 by transferring £15,000 from the growth budget for new festivals for one year only;

(4)that it be noted the maximum total cost of this option is £48,400, leaving £36,600 available for the development of new festivals and events;

(5)that it be noted that a sponsorship deal with East Midlands International Airport has been agreed to cover the full costs of this year's Bands on Parks Season; and

(6)that under the provisions of Cabinet Procedure Rule 12 (d) no call-in of the decision be allowed as further delay will affect the delivery of the events programme in the City.

Councillor Farmer submits a report seeking decisions to take Neighbourhood management arrangements forward in the five priority neighbourhoods for neighbourhood renewal in Leicester.

The maps are attached for Cabinet Members only.  Further copies are available by contacting Committee Services on 252 6028.

Councillor Farmer submitted a report seeking decisions to take Neighbourhood management arrangements forward in the five priority neighbourhoods for neighbourhood renewal in Leicester. He also noted that proposals for community wardens would be coming forward shortly.

Councillor Farmer also referred to the comments of the Aylestone, Eyres Monsell and Freemen Area Committee on 11 April that they were concerned about the proportion of money being spent on administration as part of Neighbourhood Management.

Councillor Farmer noted that the posts had been evaluated independently at that level. He also referred to suggestions that candidates must live in the relevant area and noted that this was not a lawful request that could be made. However, candidates could be encouraged to live in or near the relevant areas. Councillor Farmer also thanked staff involved in bringing these proposals forward.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the boundaries of the neighbourhoods to be targeted for Neighbourhood Management shown in Appendix A of the draft plan attached to the report be approved;

(2) that the staffing and budget plan detailed in Section 3 of the report be approved;

(3)that the potential mainstreaming costs of the project in years 3 and 4, i.e. of £103,200 in 2008-9 and £258,000 in 2009-10, to be met by partners, be noted;

(4)that the arrangements for Neighbourhood Boards in the five neighbourhoods and their relationship with Area Committees and Crime and Disorder Joint Action Groups described in Section 4 be approved;

(5)that the arrangements set out in Section 5 of the report for commissioning community engagement work from the Leicester Community Network to support neighbourhood management in the five areas  be noted;

(6)that additional funding to Single Community Programme (SCP) Team be not provided beyond the passported £166,700 and NRF funding of £90,050, for 2006-7, and to request support for Neighbourhood Management from these existing resources; and

(7)that the plans described in Section 6 to develop the use of Neighbourhood Wardens in the priority neighbourhoods be noted, that the successful candidates be encouraged to live in or near the areas they work and that a report be bought back to Cabinet on the proposals of Neighbourhood wardens.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report seeking approval to implement the above programmes.

The relevant minute of the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee on 10 May will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report seeking approval to implement the above programme.

The relevant minute of the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee on 10 May had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

that the Corporate Capital Programmes 2006/7 for Local Environmental Works detailed in paragraph 1.2 of the report and Bridge Refurbishment detailed in paragraph 1.3 of the report, be approved.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report seeking agreement to proposals for spending the surplus income generated by the on street parking scheme in order to improve transport in the City.

The relevant minute of the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee on 10 May will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report seeking agreement to proposals for spending the surplus income generated by the on street parking scheme in order to improve transport in the City.

The relevant minute of the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee on 10 May had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)that it be reaffirmed that it is not currently desirable nor necessary to provide further off-street parking;

(2)that the proposals for spending the surplus income set out in the Appendix to the report be approved; and

(3)that the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Link Member, to vary the amounts spent on the various  items  referred to in the Appendix, subject to funding being available

Councillor Coley submits a report which enables compliance with the requirements of the Council's Corporate Governance Code by carrying out an annual review of Corporate Governance arrangements for 2005/06 and to enable the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to sign a Corporate Assurance statement.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee on 4 May will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Coley submitted a report which enabled compliance with the requirements of the Council’s Corporate Governance Code by carrying out an annual review of Corporate Governance arrangements for 2005/06 and to enable the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive to sign a Corporate Assurance statement.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee on 4 May had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the position as summarised in this annual report and the additional information from the Service Director, Legal Services be accepted,  and the resolution received from the Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee be incorporated into the final report; and

(2) that the Service Director – Legal Services be authorised to arrange for consultation with the Standards Committee and then produce a final form of Corporate Assurance Statement in consultation with the Council’s Leader and Chief Executive.

Councillor Coley submits a report which reviews the current indemnity to Officers and Members originally approved for Officers by the Finance Sub-Committee on 12^th November, 1997 and the additional indemnities now available to both Members and Officers in law.  The report suggests a revised indemnity and discusses insurance and other arrangements.

Councillor Coley submitted a report which reviewed the current indemnity to Officers and Members originally approved for Officers by the Finance Sub Committee on 12^th November, 1997 and the additional indemnities now available to both Members and Officers in law. The report suggested a revised indemnity and discussed insurance and other arrangements.

REOLVED:

(1)that, as an overarching principle, the Council should be prepared to give the maximum indemnity to those it asks to perform duties on its behalf, whilst recognising that by law this will have to be subject to some exceptions.;

(2)that the standard form of indemnity for Officers and Members in the form shown as Appendix 1 to this report be approved;

(3)that insurance be effected for all Elected Members against costs incurred by them defending proceedings against them under Part III of the Local Government Act, 2000 which are subsequently dismissed.

(4)that in respect of Officers and Members serving on external organisations the procedure be adopted as set out in the body of the report; and

(5)that the Town Clerk be authorised to take all necessary action to implement the above.

Councillor Coley submits a report introducing the Annual Audit Letter 2004/05 for Cabinet's consideration.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee on 6 April is attached to the report.

Councillor Coley submitted a report introducing the Annual Audit Letter 2004/05 for Cabinet’s consideration.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee on 6 April had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

                        that the report be noted.

Councillor Coley submits a report seeking approval to the 2006/07 budgets for the Council trading organisations.  The Cabinet is also asked to note the proposed policies in respect of the use of retained surpluses for each department and approve an amendment to the determinations to Finance Procedure Rules allowing Creativity Works to retain £10,000 (in full) of any surplus generated (as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the supporting information).

Councillor Coley submitted a report seeking approval to the 2006/07 budgets for the Council trading organisations. The Cabinet was also asked to note the proposed policies in respect of the use of retained surpluses for each department and approve an amendment to the determinations to Finance Procedure Rules allowing Creativity Works to retain £10, 000 (in full) of any surplus generated (as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the supporting information).

RESOLVED:

(1)that the 2006/2007 budgets for the Council’s trading organisations be approved;

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

(3)that the determinations in the Finance Procedure Rules be amended to allow Creativity Works to retain £10,000 (in full) of any surplus generated, as detailed in paragraph 2.2 of the supporting information.

AGENDA

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE

Under the law, the Cabinet is entitled to consider certain items in private.  Members of the public will be asked to leave the meeting when such items are discussed.

The Cabinet is recommended to consider the following reports in private on the grounds that they contain ‘exempt’ information as defined by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, as amended and consequently that the Cabinet makes the following resolution:-

“that the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following reports in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, because they involve the likely disclosure of 'exempt' information, as defined in the Paragraphs detailed below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and taking all the circumstances into account, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the information as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Paragraph 3

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following reports in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, because they involve the likely disclosure of ‘exempt’ information, as defined in Paragraph 3 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) under Section 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006) and taking all the circumstances into account, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the information as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

BEAUMONT LEYS REDEVELOPMENT

POINT ISLAND

Councillor Metcalfe submits a report.

Councillor Metcalfe submitted a report.

RESOLVED:

that the final revised tender sum of Lovell Partnerships submitted in the sum detailed in the report for the purchase and redevelopment of the selected sites at Beaumont Leys, be approved, subject to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) consent.

Councillor Scuplak submits a report.

Councillor Scuplak submitted a report.

RESOLVED:

(1) that approval be given to a contribution to a feasibility study for this scheme and the recommendations in the report to this end be approved; and

(2) that Councillor Scuplak and Jeff Miller, Service Director, Regeneration, Transport and Highways be nominated as project champions for the Project.