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 if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillors Getliffe and Roberts declared an interest in Appendix G, ‘Tenant Participation in Council Housing’ as tenants of council accommodation, for which they had a dispensation to speak and vote.

Councillor Willmott declared a non pecuniary interest in Appendix B1, ‘National Space Science Centre - Legal and Financial Issues’, as a Director on the Board of the National Space Science Centre and left the meeting along with the Chief Executive when the item was discussed.

The Leader reported on the following:-

a)         a successful conference on 'Combatting Racism' which he had attended along with the Chief Executive, with Gurbux Singh, the new Chair of the Commission for Racial Equality and Councillor Joe Abrams of the Local Government Association, looking at the work of the City Council on its action plan drawn up in the light of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry and the McPherson report.

b)         two new White papers to be published this month – one on urban issues.  It was hoped that Leicester would be one of the areas in which it was launched.

c)         his visit, along with the Chief Executive and the Assistant Director (Environmental Management and Protection) to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions for the Stage 2 evaluation of the Environmental Bid for Beacon Status.

 The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 September 2000 have been circulated and the Cabinet is asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 September 2000, having been circulated to Members, be received, taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

A presentation from Councillor Osman

Councillor Osman, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation gave a presentation to the Committee on the work of the Highways and Transportation section of the Environment and Development Department.

RESOLVED:

that the presentation be noted.

Councillor Getliffe

The report advises the Cabinet of the latest radical changes being introduced by the Government aimed at improving the health of the nation.  It is recommended that an officer be identified as the corporate lead on Health issues and that this be the Director of Social Services.  The Cabinet is also asked to confirm proposals for representation from the City Council on the Health Partnerships Policy Board.

Councillor Getliffe, the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Personal Health submitted a report advising the Cabinet of the latest radical changes being introduced by the Government aimed at improving the health of the nation.  The report recommended that an officer be identified as the corporate lead on health issues for the City Council and that this be the Director of Social Services.  The Cabinet was also asked to confirm proposals for representation from the City Council on the Health Partnerships Policy Board.  Councillor Getliffe emphasised the importance of joint working between the Social Services Department and health providers.

RESOLVED:

(1)that there be a corporate lead officer on health and that this responsibility be given to the Director of Social Services;

(2)that further work into common evaluation and consultation processes for Leicester be supported;

(3)that the implications of the National Plan and the Comprehensive Spending Review and, in particular, the issue of a Care Trust for Leicester, be noted;

(4)that the implications of the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Long Term Care, be noted;

(5)that the implications of the Health Authority's Public Health Development Plan and the proposed Leicester City Council Action Plan, be noted;

(6)that the Terms of Reference for the Health Partnerships Policy Board and the Health Partnerships Executive, be noted;

(7)that representation from the City Council on the Health Partnerships Policy Board be Councillor Getliffe, Councillor Draycott, one Liberal Democrat member, one Conservative member and the Leader of the Council as an ex-officio member;

(8)that the need for corporate resources to support the programme of work be noted; and

(9)that further progress reports be received.

Councillor Subedar

The report details the proposals contained in the “Leicester Pledge”  aimed at raising educational standards and seeks views on options for increasing resources to schools to meet the pledge.  The Cabinet is asked to support the Leicester Pledge; approve changes to the Budget Strategy, subject to the Council’s endorsement and that the Education and Lifelong  Learning Scrutiny Committee and the Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Committee be requested to consider the proposals, make observations and endorse the action proposed.

Councillor Subedar, the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, submitted a report detailing the proposals contained in the "Leicester Pledge" which was aimed at raising educational standards.  The Cabinet's views on options for increasing resources to schools to meet the Pledge were sought.  It was noted that the 'Leicester Pledge' would be a two-way agreement between the City Council and schools; the Council would promise to provide effective support and challenge to schools, a leading edge IT learning grid and increased funding; schools, for their part, would agree to meet specific targets for improvements in the years ahead.  It was noted that consultation with schools was still ongoing.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Leicester Pledge be supported;

(2)that additional funding be provided to schools in the sum of £0.6 million in 2001/02, £1 million in 2002/03 and £1.5 million in 2003/04, subject to Council's approval to changes to the budget strategy; and

(3)that the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee and the Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee be requested to consider the proposals and make observations and endorse the action proposed.

Councillor Subedar

The report sets out the strategic issues arising from the adoption of the Authority's Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy and seeks agreement to a strategy for developing the City's SEN provision.

Councillor Subedar, the Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning submitted a report setting out the strategic issues arising from the adoption of the authority's special educational needs policy and seeking agreement to a strategy for developing the City's special educational needs provision.

RESOLVED:

(1)that approval be given for consultation to begin on moving forward a new model of funding which would re-direct statementing funding and redistribute "notional" non-statement special education needs funding;

(2)that approval be given to begin consultation with special school headteachers on future patterns of provision; and

(3)that the views of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee be sought as part of the consultation process.

Councillor Roberts

The report details the outcome of the review of services provided by the Leicester Law Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  It identifies the process taken to date, responds to comments made by the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Panel and provides a number of options to consider in order to progress the matter.

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration, submitted a report detailing the outcome of the review of services provided by the Leicester Law Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  The report identified the process to date, responded to comments made by the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee and provided a number of options to consider in order to progress the matter.  It was noted that any increase in provision above the current specification was not part of this process.  Further to the report, an additional recommendation was circulated that the relevant contract standing orders be waived in order to allow, at this stage, that bids for the service be only invited from the Leicester Law Centre and the Citizens Advice Bureau.  The reason for this was not to prejudice the Legal Services Commission funding which was currently being provided to the two organisations in respect of advice work as this could lead to a disruption in advice services being provided to the citizens of Leicester.  The Leader drew attention to the delays this issue had caused in achieving agreed budget plans and supported early action to reach a conclusion.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Cabinet confirm that it wishes to proceed with the tender of advice services currently provided by the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Leicester Law Centre to help achieve the Council's budget strategy for 2000/01;

(2)that additional services be not included in the current specification; and

(3)that contract standing orders no. 84.1, 84.2, 84.3 and 85.3 be waived to enable, at this stage, that bids be  invited only from the Leicester Law Centre and Citizens Advice Bureau, for the reason detailed above.

Councillor Patel

The report informs the Cabinet of the progress of the above review and urgent action taken by the Chief Executive.  The Cabinet is asked to note the action of the Chief Executive and make a decision on the location of the European and Regional function and the Racial Harassment Project.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities, submitted a report informing the Cabinet of the progress of the above review and urgent action taken by the Chief Executive.  The Cabinet was asked to make a decision on the location of the European and Regional function and the Racial Harassment Project.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the action of the Chief Executive under Standing Order 44 to implement the recommendations of the Review of the Chief Executive's Office Working Party, be noted;

(2)that the European and Regional function be located in the Environment and Development Department in accordance with the structure shown at Appendix B, with Policy Officer support from the Chief Executive's Office as defined at paragraph 1.4.3 of the report; and

(3)that the Racial Harassment Project be located in the Environment and Development Department in accordance with the structure shown at Appendix B.

Councillor Holden

The report seeks approval to the allocation of £50,000 included in current year's capital programme for the refurbishment of kick about areas.

The Cabinet agreed to the request of Councillor Holden, the Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and the Environment, to withdraw this report for further consultation.

Councillor Draycott

The report seeks approval to a proposed new structure for tenants and the Council to engage in meaningful discussion about landlord issues.

Councillor Draycott, the Cabinet Member for Housing submitted a report seeking approval to a proposed new structure for tenants and the Council to engage in meaningful discussion about landlord issues.  An amended report was circulated with an additional recommendation which allowed further consultation to take place with the tenants and authorised the Director of Housing to make any subsequent amendments.  It was noted that it was also hoped to include residents as well as tenants in the proposals.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the following be approved in principle:-

(a)that the funding for the Leicester Federation of Tenants Association cease as soon as possible and be redirected to the new Community Associations;

(b)that it be noted that additional funding of £70,000 would be required for areas with no premises and no workers;

(c)that a Landlord Board be formed as set out in the report instead of Tier 1 that would make rent recommendations to Cabinet; and

(2)that the Director of Housing be given delegated authority to make detailed amendments and implement the recommendations following further discussions with tenants.

Councillor Draycott

The report looks at options for removing the requirement for future sheltered housing officers to 'live in' and recommends that the present policy with the residential requirement continues unless the vacancy cannot be filled, in which case the post be advertised without the residential requirement.

Councillor Draycott, the Cabinet Member for Housing submitted a report which looked at the options for removing the requirement for future sheltered housing officers to "live in" and recommending that the present policy with the residential requirement continue unless a vacancy could not be filled, in which case the post could then be advertised without the residential requirement.

RESOLVED:

that the present policy with the residential requirement for sheltered housing officers continue unless a vacancy could not be filled, in which case the post could be re-advertised without the residential requirement.

Councillor Draycott

The report seeks approval to consult the residents of the flats on Strasbourg Drive and the Beaumont Leys Partnership on the possibility of demolition, with the future use of the site being deferred until the overall SRB improvements to Beaumont Leys have taken effect and that in the event of demolition being agreed, the Allocations Policy for the residents is amended.

Councillor Draycott, the Cabinet Member for Housing, submitted a report seeking approval to consult the residents of the flats on Strasbourg Drive and the Beaumont Leys Partnership on the possibility of demolition of 107 flats.  It was noted that 48 of the flats were vacant and there was no demand for these properties.  The Leicester Tenants Association and the Ward Councillors were in favour of the proposal.  It was also proposed that should the flats be demolished then any decision on the future use of the site be deferred until the overall Single Regeneration Budget improvements in Beaumont Leys had taken effect.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the residents of the flats on Strasbourg Drive and the Beaumont Leys Partnership be consulted on the possibility of demolition, with the future use of the site being deferred until the overall Single Regeneration Budget improvements to Beaumont Leys had taken effect; and

(2)that, in the event of demolition being agreed, the Allocations Policy for the residents of the flats that wished to remain on Beaumont Leys, be amended as detailed in the report.

Councillor Roberts

The report sets out the planning and urban design requirements for the Duns Lane site.  The Cabinet is asked to approve the Site Development Guidance as Supplementary Planning Guidance, subject to the inclusion of the additional text set out in the supporting information.

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration submitted a report setting out the planning and urban design requirements for the Duns Lane site and seeking approval to the Site Development Guidance as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

RESOLVED:

that the Site Development Guidance for the Duns Lane site be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance, subject to the inclusion of additional text with regard to the Bow String Bridge as detailed in the supporting information in the report.

Councillor Roberts

The report sets out proposed planning and urban design requirements for the above site.  The Cabinet is asked to adopt the Marconi's Site Development Guidance as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration submitted a report setting out proposed planning and urban design requirements for the above site and the Cabinet was asked to adopt the Site Development Guidance as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

RESOLVED:

that the Marconi Site Development Guidance be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Councillor Patel

Cabinet approval is sought to the disposal of the above properties by auction.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities submitted a report seeking approval for the disposal of the two above properties by auction at the earliest possible date.  It was noted that the properties were surplus to requirements and in order to comply with audit requirements for achieving best price, it was proposed that they be disposed of at auction.

RESOLVED:

that 6 Beeby Road and 70 Berners Street be sold at auction at the earliest opportunity.

Councillor Patel

The report updates Members on the issues leading up to the disposal of Wycliffe, Mundella and John Ellis Community Colleges and the Mary Linwood School and seeks approval to actions to progress this.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities, submitted a report updating the Cabinet on issues leading up to the disposal of Wycliffe, Mundella and John Ellis Community Colleges and Mary Linwood School following the review of secondary education.

RESOLVED:

(1)       that the proposed consultation arrangements arising from DFEE Circular 3/99 be approved and that the consultation process for Mary Linwood and Mundella begin as soon as possible;

(2)       that, subject to the outcome of the consultation process and any DFEE consents arising under Circular 3/99, the Mundella and Mary Linwood sites, as identified in the report, be marketed;

(3)       that the Director of Arts and Leisure submit a further report with regard to the Wycliffe site; and

(4)       that the Director of Education submit a further report with regard to the John Ellis site and the relocation of the current uses.

Councillor Patel

The report seeks approval to continue financial support to the African Caribbean Citizens Forum.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities, submitted a report seeking approval to the continuation of financial support to the African Caribbean Citizens Forum.  It was noted that the African Caribbean Working Group, on 4 October, had agreed in principle to support the request from the African Caribbean Citizens Forum for additional support to continue its work as a support group aimed at maximising the development of Leicester's African Caribbean community.  This support was through LUCA's grant aid contract with the Arts and Leisure Department.

RESOLVED:

that approval be given for the additional cost of £22,375, funded under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972, to the African Caribbean Citizens Forum through LUCA's grant aid contract.

There were no items of urgent business.

PRIVATE SESSION

AGENDA

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE

Under the law, the Sub-Committee 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 Sub-Committee 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, and consequently that the Sub-Committee 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.”

Paragraph 7

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).

21.            NATIONAL SPACE SCIENCE CENTRE                  APPENDIX B1

LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES

            Councillor Roberts

22.            GRANT OF A 12 YEAR LEASE FOR 6                                  APPENDIX B2

            MUSSON ROAD, NEW PARKS

            Councillor Patel

23.            GRANT OF A 15 YEAR LEASE FOR                        APPENDIX B3

            97 AND 99 WALNUT STREET

            Councillor Patel

Paragraph 9

Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the Authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

24.            FREEHOLD SALE OF FORMER                                          APPENDIXB4

INFANT SCHOOL, THE WAYNE WAY              

            Councillor Patel

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 the paragraphs detailed below of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

                        Paragraph 7

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).

(a)       National Space Science Centre Legal and Financial Issues

(b)       Grant of a 12 Year Lease for 6 Musson Road, New Parks

                        (c)        Grant of a 15 year Lease for 97 and 99 Walnut Street

                        Paragraph 9

Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.

                        (d)       Freehold Sale of Former Infant School, The Wayne Way

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration submitted a report detailing two issues in relation to the National Space Science Centre.

RESOLVED:

(1)       that the Space Centre be congratulated on their initiatives to ensure that the funding for the main project is secured and that they be wished success in raising the balance of the money needed for Beagle 2 from other sources which were being investigated and that they be told that the Council will continue to monitor the situation but at this stage did not wish to make any further direct financial contribution to the National Space Science Centre project; and

(2)       that no decision be made on the request to vary the lease until all the relevant information was available and if necessary a special meeting of the Cabinet be called to consider the issue.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities submitted a report seeking the necessary authorities to enable the letting of the above property.

RESOLVED:

that the letting of the above property on the proposed terms in the report be approved.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities submitted a report seeking the necessary authorities to enable the letting of the above two properties.

RESOLVED:

that approval be given for the letting of the above two properties on the terms detailed in the report.

Councillor Patel, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities submitted a report seeking authorisation to sell the freehold interest in the former Coleman Infant School which had been declared surplus to corporate requirements.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Director of Environment and Development be authorised to agree the freehold sale of the former Coleman Infant School to the highest offerer on the basis of their sealed offer, exclusive of taxes, plus the Council's reasonable legal and surveyors costs incurred in the sale up to a maximum total cost of £700, exclusive of taxes; and

(2)that should the above sale not proceed to completion, the Director of Environment and Development be authorised to approve the sale of the premises to an alternative purchaser, in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Chair and spokespersons of Scrutiny for the Finance Resources and Equal Opportunities portfolio.