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 Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

Councillor Willmott declared a non-prejudicial interest in the item entitled “Belgrave Corridor Project”, as a resident of the Belgrave Area.

Councillor Holden declared a non-prejudicial interest in the item entitled “Empty Homes Strategy – Compulsory Purchase Orders of Various Houses 2002”, as he lived in the vicinity of one of the properties referred to in the report.  He took no part in the proceedings.

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 7 May 2002, 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 7 May 2002, having been circulated to Members, be received, taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Town Clerk reports proposed dates for meetings of the Cabinet for the rest of 2002 as set out below for approval:

Wednesday 5 June

17 June

15 July

29 July

2 September

23 September

Tuesday 5 November

18 November

All meetings are scheduled to start at 5.00pm and take place on Mondays unless indicated otherwise.

The Town Clerk reported the following dates proposed for Cabinet meetings for the rest of 2002:-

Wednesday 5 June

17 June

15 July

29 July

2 September

23 September

Tuesday 5 November

18 November

All meetings to start at 5.00pm and take place on Mondays unless indicated otherwise.

RESOLVED:

                        that the dates of meetings be approved.

Youth Justice Plan

Councillor Willmott reported that the Youth Justice Plan, previously approved by Cabinet, had been commended by the Youth Justice Board. He thanked all the Council Officers and other agencies involved in the production of the Plan.

Sure Start

Councillor Willmott reported that Leicester had been accepted for the sixth wave of Sure Start initiatives. He hoped that the New Parks ward would be included in this wave as it had missed out previously. He thanked all the officers involved in making the bid successful.

EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – 25 APRIL 2002

1.         FROM THE PARTNERSHIP BOARD TO AN EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP BOARD FOR THE CITY’, - MINUTES EXTRACT

(2)that Cabinet and the Director of Education be advised of the Scrutiny Committee’s view that the Partnership Board should be made more transparent, representative and accountable.

2.            HIGHFIELDS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE SPORTS LOTTERY BID – MINUTES EXTRACT

(2)that Cabinet be requested to consult the Committee Chair and spokespersons on the finalised business plan before a decision to proceed is taken.

The Cabinet Lead Member to respond.

The Cabinet received two items referred from the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee as follows:-

a)   FROM THE PARTNERSHIP BOARD TO AN EDUCATIONAL PARTNERSHIP BOARD FOR THE CITY  (MINUTES EXTRACT)

(2)that Cabinet and the Director of Education be advised of the Scrutiny Committee’s view that the Partnership Board should be made more transparent, representative and accountable.

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Lead Member for Education and Lifelong Learning responded to the Scrutiny Committee by explaining that it was the early stages of the development of the Partnership Board. However, the following had already been established:-

-       Extensive consultation with the Partnership Board

-      Consultation with Headteachers and Governors

-     A broad based community Think Tank to discuss proposals from across Leicester City

-     A weekend residential conference with invitations sent to more than 50 delegates to consider our proposals

He emphasised that this was a new Board that would speak for all Education interests, not just statutory schooling.

He expressed confidence that the measures undertaken would produce transparency, accountability and adequate representativeness.

b)      HIGHFIELDS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE SPORTS LOTTERY BID (MINUTES EXTRACT)

(2)that Cabinet be requested to consult the Committee Chair and spokespersons on the finalised business plan before a decision to proceed is taken.

Councillor Roberts, the Cabinet Lead Member for Education and Lifelong Learning responded by confirming that a business plan had been developed with the Education Finance Department and this was due to be circulated to all appropriate Members for comments. He also stated that he would not want the project to go ahead unless a robust business plan was in place.  The Chair concurred in this view.

Councillor Bhatti submits a report which, following consultations with local people and discussions with the County Council, proposes a new plan for the Belgrave Corridor Project, which meets the needs of the Belgrave area and delivers key local transport plan objectives. The Belgrave Corridor project was established to deliver major public transport, road safety and other improvements from Belgrave Gate, through Belgrave Road, Abbey Lane, and Melton Road out to Thurcaston in the County. The Cabinet is asked to approve the project plan package, as described in the Supporting Information of the report, confirm that the project plan package is seen as a comprehensive and integrated improvement plan for the Belgrave Corridor and the area around it and that it is to be delivered as a whole, that measures to provide safe crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at Melton Road/Troon Way be included, that the Director consider ways in which gateway features for traffic entering the City can be provided at the Melton Road/Troon Way junction and to make sure that the full benefits of the scheme are widely publicised.

The Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 24 April 2002 and their comments are included in the report.  The relevant extract from the Minutes is also appended to the report.

Councillor Patel submits a report asking the Cabinet to consider whether and what decisions they may wish to delegate to Cabinet Committees and individual Cabinet Members and the procedure that would be required. The Cabinet is asked to determine; whether to set up any Cabinet Committees at this stage and, if so, with what terms of reference and whether to delegate to each Cabinet Lead Member decisions which would otherwise be made by Cabinet.

Councillor Patel submitted a report asking the Cabinet to consider whether and what decisions they wished to delegate to Cabinet Committees and individual Cabinet Members and the procedure that would be required.

RESOLVED:

(1)that no Cabinet Committees be set up at this stage; and

(2)that Cabinet Members be given authority to take decisions within their portfolios which would otherwise be taken by Cabinet, including the Leader in respect of all portfolios, subject to the following:-

(i)the Leader indicating written support for each decision;

(ii)cross portfolio decisions be subject to approval by all relevant Cabinet Lead Members;

(iii)the report on which each decision is based be published three clear days (soon to be five clear days) in advance as for other decision making reports;

(iv)the decision taken would need to take account of the practical arrangements as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report; and

(v)that indemnity and insurance cover be extended as in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

Councillor Draycott submits a report detailing the priorities of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) in 2002/3 and 2003/4. The report also seeks to establish a scheme of delegation for spending the fund and future monitoring and reporting arrangements. The Cabinet is asked to; approve the priorities developed and funding allocations agreed by the Leicester Partnership; approve the use of the balanced scorecard as a pre-evaluation tool; approve delegated authority to approve individual proposals; approve a two stage process for approving individual projects; approve virement to take place under certain circumstances and request 6 monthly progress reports be submitted to the Leicester Partnership and the Cabinet Briefing on Regeneration and Renewal. 

Councillor Draycott submitted a report detailing the priorities of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) in 2002/3 and 2003/4. The report also sought to establish a scheme of delegation for spending the fund and future monitoring and reporting arrangements.

Councillor Draycott noted that the process for allocating funding was different this year compared to last year’s bidding process. The Leicester Partnership now had the main role in allocating the funds. She also noted there was now a core programme that benefited the whole of the City and there was the partnership programme which allocated 81% of the fund to 6 Community Plan themed partnerships and a new cultural partnership.

She also reported that following a request from Councillor Walker a full report had been submitted  to the Housing Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair also reported that the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Sub-Group of the Leicester Partnership was currently considering proposals for the funding and they were addressing the issue of funding to hard to reach communities. He also noted that a letter of support had been received from the Government for the money allocated for the administrative support to the Leicester Partnership.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the priorities developed, and the funding allocations  agreed, by the Leicester Partnership at its meeting on 24 April 2002 and detailed in paragraphs 4 and 5 and table 2 of the report, be approved;

(2)that the balanced score card as appended to the report be approved and it’s use as a pre evaluation tool, be confirmed;

(3)that delegated authority be given to the Corporate Directors for Housing and/or Culture and Neighbourhood Renewal in consultation with Cabinet Lead for Housing and Neighbourhood Renewal to approve individual proposals that meet the requirements of the balanced score card and are agreed by the NRF sub group of the Leicester Partnership;

(4) that a two stage process be adopted for approving individual projects with the following timetable:

Stage One

-At least 50 % of proposals submitted to the City Core Regeneration Team by 15 May 2002

-The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Sub-Group meet to discuss these on 20 May 2002

-Technical appraisal using the scorecard given from 15 May 2002

-Final approvals (under the scheme of delegation in 3 above) given from 24 May 2002

Stage Two

-All outstanding proposals to be submitted by 28 June 2002

-The Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Sub-Group meet to discuss these on 3 July 2002

-Technical appraisal using the score card given from 28 June 2002

-Final approvals (under the scheme of delegation in 3 above) given from 5 July 2002

(5)that in the event that any partnership or core activity did not put forward proposals by the timetable given in 4 above or in the view of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Sub Group had failed to submit proposals that met the score card (see paragraph 7 of the report) after support and opportunities to resubmit had been given, the amount of outstanding funding be vired between  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Councillor Willmott submits a report which details the works proposed under the “City Centre and Other Environmental Improvements Programme”. The Cabinet is asked to approve the spending plans for the City Centre and Other Improvement Works Programme.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report which detailed the works proposed under the “City Centre and other Environmental Improvements Programme”. This programme was designed to meet the concerns of the public in the recent residents survey.

RESOLVED:

                        that the spending plans for the City Centre and Other Improvement Works Programme, be approved.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report informing the Cabinet about proposals for the modernisation of Children and Family Resources and seeking agreement for the resulting proposed strategic direction for the City Council’s family support services in Leicester. The Cabinet is asked to approve the strategic direction, as detailed in the Supporting Information for further detailed development and consultation and approve the specific recommendation in the Supporting Information regarding service design for implementation.

The Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee considered this item at its meeting on 1 May 2002. The relevant extract from the minutes will be circulated as soon as they are available.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report which informed the Cabinet about proposals for the modernisation of Children and Family Resources and sought agreement for the resulting proposed strategic direction for the City Council’s family support services in Leicester.

It was noted that the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 1 May 2002, supported the proposals.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the proposed strategic direction, as described in paragraph 7 in the Supporting Information of the report, be accepted for further detailed development and consultation; and

(2)that the specific recommendation regarding service design (paragraph 9 in the Supporting Information of the report) be accepted for implementation.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report advising the Cabinet of a successful joint capital bid with the two City Primary Care Trusts (PCT) to develop Intermediate Care Services in the City. The Cabinet is asked to approve the proposed way forward and to request further reports on the need for future funding.

The Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee considered this at their meeting on 1 May 2002. The relevant extract from the minutes will be circulated as soon as they are available.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report advising the Cabinet of a successful joint capital bid of £1.4million, with the two City Primary Care Trusts to develop Intermediate Care Services in the City. The new residential services would be developed at Butterwick House in Beaumont Leys.

Councillor Getliffe noted the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 1 May 2002, had expressed concerns about the revenue costs associated with the new services but stated that funding would be sought from the Primary Care Trusts.

RESOLVED:

(1)that Cabinet approve the way forward in developing the new services; and

(2)that further reports be requested on the future funding for the services.

Councillor Patel submits a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to a proposed Local Code of Corporate Governance and proposed internal arrangements for assessing and reporting on compliance with that code. The Cabinet is asked to recommend to Council the adoption of the Local Code of Corporate Governance as attached to the report and to approve the processes detailed in report, for the appointment of a Corporate Governance Champion (The Town Clerk) and for compiling annual assurance statements.

The Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee considered this item at their meeting on 8 May 2002. The relevant extract from the minutes is appended to the report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to a proposed Local Code of Corporate Governance and proposed internal arrangements for assessing and reporting on compliance with that code.

He also reported that the Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee, at its meeting on 8 May 2002, had considered and supported the code.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Local Code of Corporate Governance, as attached to the report, be recommended to Council for approval; and

(2)that the processes, as set out in the report for the appointment of a Corporate Governance Champion (The Town Clerk) and for compiling annual assurance statements, be approved.

Councillor Kavia submits a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to adopt the revised Site Development Guidance for Bede Island South, as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the City of Leicester Local Plan. The guidance will be used to provide a framework for comprehensive development of the site.

The Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee considered this report at their meeting on April 22 2002 and their comments are included in the report. The relevant extract from the minutes is also appended to the report.

Councillor Kavia submitted a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to adopt the revised Site Development Guidance for Bede Island South, as Supplementary Planning Guidance to City of Leicester Local Plan.

Councillor Kavia moved an extra recommendation as a result of an issue raised by the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee regarding affordable housing provision on the site, where it was sought to ensure provision for key workers such as those based at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. Members of the Cabinet welcomed this commitment to affordable housing.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the comments made via the consultation process be noted;

(2)that the comments made by the special meeting of the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee on April 22, be noted;

(3)that the revised Site Development Guidance for Bede Island South be adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance to the City of Leicester Local Plan; and

(4)that the guidance seeks to ensure the provision of accommodation for key workers as a contribution towards affordable housing that would be targeted initially at staff at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Councillor Westley submits a report presenting the interim report of the Review to the Cabinet. The report has previously been considered by the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee and the Members Best Value Working Group. The Cabinet is asked to approve the interim report.

The Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee considered this report at their meeting on 24 April 2002. The relevant extract from the minutes is appended to the report.

The Interim Report of the Highways and Transportation Best Value Review has been circulated to the Cabinet only. Copies of this document can be obtained by phoning (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Westley submitted a report presenting the Interim Report of the Review to Cabinet. The report had been to the Members Best Value Working Group and the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee.

The paper relating to the review was due to be inspected as part of the City Council’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment and due to this, Members would not be able to fully scrutinise the report before it’s submission to the Inspector. The Inspector would receive draft papers which would be scrutinised after that period and would be submitted to Cabinet in September.

RESOLVED:

                        that the interim report be approved.

Councillor Westley submits a report seeking the approval of Cabinet to the outcome of the fundamental challenge stage of the review process, the final scope and terms of reference for the review and the recommended routing of the Heritage Services Review.

Copies of the Interim Review of the Heritage Services Best Value Review have previously been circulated to Members of the Cabinet only. Copies of this document can be obtained by phoning (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Westley submitted a report seeking the approval of Cabinet to the outcome of the fundamental challenge stage of the review process, the final scope and the terms of reference for the review and the recommended routing of the Heritage Services review.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the outcome of the fundamental challenge, be approved;

(2)that the revisions to the scope of the review, be approved;

(3)that the Terms of Reference of the review, be approved;

(4)that the proposed review routing, be approved.

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, 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.”

Paragraph 7

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

Paragraph 8

The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contact for the acquisition of property or the supply of goods or services.

THE EMPTY HOMES STRATEGY COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDERS OF VARIOUS HOUSES 2002

RESOLVED:

that the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following report in accordance with the provisions of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, because it involves 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).

Paragraph 8

The amount of any expenditure proposed to be incurred by the authority under any particular contact for the acquisition of property  or the supply of goods or services.

THE EMPTY HOMES STRATEGY COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDERS OF VARIOUS HOUSES 2002

Councillor Draycott submits a report.

Councillor Draycott submitted a report proposing that Compulsory Purchase orders be sought under the Empty Homes Strategy on seven long term privately owned vacant properties in areas of priority housing need.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the land and dwellings outlined in the appendices to the report be the subject of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) made under Sections 9 and 17 of the Housing Act 1985 and the Acquisition of Land Act 1981, in order to secure their improvement, proper management and occupation as residential dwellings; and

(2)that the necessary capital expenditure, be authorised from the Empty Homes Strategy line in the agreed Capital Programme;

The meeting closed at 5.58pm.