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 asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Act 1972 applied to them.

Councillor Draycott declared a non-prejudicial interest in report B2 “Freehold Sale of Part of the Former Granby Halls Site, Welford Road, Leicester” as a Council appointed member of the Fire Authority Task Group.

Councillor Willmott declared a non-prejudicial interest in report J “The City Council’s Response to the Leicester Regeneration Company Business Plan” as a Council appointed board member of the Company.

The Chief Executive declared a non-prejudicial interest in report J “The City Council’s Response to the Leicester Regeneration Company Business Plan” as a Council appointed board member of the Company.

There were no Leader’s announcements.

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2003, 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 10 March 2003, having been circulated to Members, be taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The Town Clerk reported there were no matters raised by Scrutiny Committees other than those covered by reports on the agenda.

Councillor Willmott submits a report outlining the process to date of developing the Council’s corporate plan. A copy of the interim plan is included in appendix 1 of the report. The Cabinet is asked to note the developments to date and consider the future timetable, comment on the interim corporate plan and discuss the consultation phase.

Copies of the Interim Corporate Plan are attached for members of the Cabinet only. Copies of the Plan can be obtained either from the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report outlining the process to date of developing the Council’s corporate plan and presenting a draft plan that had been drawn up with cross party agreement.

It was noted that the corporate plan would replace the current ‘strategic direction’ and also respond to recommendations arising from the Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

Councillor Willmott recommended the interim Corporate Plan to the Cabinet for approval and referral to Council.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the developments to date and the future timetable be noted;

(2)that the consultation phase be noted; and

(3)that the Interim Corporate Plan be agreed and recommended to Council for adoption.

Councillor Roberts submits a report setting out the context for the production of the Local Authority’s Youth Service Plan for 2003-04 and seeking the Cabinet’s approval for the Youth Service Plan (Appendix 1 of the report), prior to its submission to Government Office for the East Midlands. The Cabinet is asked to note the strengthening of service relationships and corporate working, to approve the Youth Service Plan for 2003-04 and to consider the financial implications of the government’s advice in its two recent publications; School and LEA Funding in 2003-04: Guidance Letter No.2 and Resourcing Excellent Youth Services which will need to be addressed from the Education and Lifelong Learning budget and be the subject of a further report to Cabinet.

The relevant minutes extract from the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee held on the 19 March 2003 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

The appendices to this report have been attached for members of the Cabinet only. Copies of these appendices can be obtained either from the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Roberts submitted a report setting out the context for the production of the Local Authority’s Youth Service Plan for 2003-04 and seeking the Cabinet’s approval for the Youth Service Plan, prior to its submission to the Government Office for the East Midlands.

The relevant minutes extract of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee held on 19 March 2003 were circulated to the Cabinet. Councillor Roberts stated that the comments made could be accommodated into future Youth Service Plans.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the strengthening of service relationships and corporate working, be noted;

(2)that the Youth Service Plan for 2003-04, be approved and signed off; and

(3)to note that the financial implications of the Government’s advice in it’s two recent publications; School and LEA Funding in 2003-04: Guidance Letter No.2 and Resources Excellent Youth Services will require growth to be found within the Education and Lifelong Learning Budget and will be the subject of a further report to Cabinet.

Councillor Osman submits a report seeking endorsement of the independent consultants IDEA “Taking Forward Community Cohesion in Leicester” report and to initiate a Task Group of Members with the Leicester Partnership to tackle issues arising from the report in the short and longer term. The Cabinet is asked to endorse the IDEA report and nominate Members to lead a task force with Leicester Partnership to tackle the challenge of bringing together outer and inner city communities.

Councillor Osman submitted a report seeking endorsement of the report of the independent consultants IDEA “Taking Forward Community Cohesion in Leicester” and recommending members to be nominated to lead a task force with Leicester Partnership to tackle the challenge of bringing together outer and inner city communities. This would complement the work on the Community Cohesion Pathfinder Programme that the Council would be undertaking following the recent funding award.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Cabinet endorse the report of the independent consultants IDEA “Taking Forward Community Cohesion in Leicester”;

(2)that Councillors Osman, Willmott, Draycott and Roberts be nominated to lead a task force with Leicester Partnership to tackle the challenge of bringing together outer and inner city communities by:-

-implementing the Community Cohesion Pathfinder Action Plan;

-generating city-wide support from Leicester Partnership and other partners for the City’s first Community Cohesion Strategy in line with national guidance;

- identifying key current service activities that can most effectively be harnessed to bring together and accelerate outer and inner city cohesion and regeneration.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report briefing the Cabinet on the introduction of the Government’s guidance on Fair Access to Care Services. This is a framework for determining eligibility across all adult social care services. The Cabinet is asked to agree the proposal that the Council should place the threshold of eligibility at substantial and critical.

The relevant minutes extract from the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee held on 11 March 2003 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report briefing the Cabinet on the introduction of the Government’s guidance on Fair Access to Care Services. It was noted that this was a new framework for determining eligibility across all adult social care services which would lead to an equality of access to services.

The relevant minutes extract of the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee held on 11 March 2003 was circulated to the Cabinet. Councillor Getliffe noted these comments. In response to the comments of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Getliffe noted senior managers would be able to look at individual cases and apply discretion where necessary for borderline cases.

RESOLVED:

that the threshold of eligibility be substantial and critical which will determine which eligible needs would be met and which needs would fall within the preventative services / signposting eligibility criteria as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report highlighting the achievements and successes of the Senior Citizens Forum and the Forum for Older People in raising the profile of older people’s needs in the City since the foundation of the Forum in 1994. The Cabinet is asked to note the achievements of both forums, note the commitment across all parties to support the work of both forums and acknowledge that the majority of Councillors who have served on these groups will be retiring from the Council in the forthcoming election and that renewed commitment will be needed to continue to meet the aspirations of older people and to maintain the record of achievements to date. The Cabinet is also asked to note the work scheduled for future meetings of the Forum for Older People.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report highlighting the achievements and successes of the Senior Citizens Forum and the Forum for Older People in raising the profile of older people’s needs in the City since the foundation of the Forum in 1994.

Councillor Getliffe paid tribute to Councillors Vaz, Swift, Walker and Dunphy for all their contributions to both Forums.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the achievements of both the Senior Citizens Forum and Forum for Older People 1994-2003, be noted;

(2)to note the commitment of Councillors from all parties to support the work of both Forums and that the majority of Councillors who have served on these groups will be retiring from the Council in the forthcoming election and that renewed commitment will be needed to continue to meet the aspirations of older people and to maintain the record of achievements to date; and

(3)that the work scheduled for future meetings of the Forum for Older People, be noted.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report which tests the affordability of the outline bid to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Private Finance Initiative (PFI) credits for Joint Service Centres. The Cabinet is asked to agree that the revised costs of the scheme (after the PFI grant) represent an acceptable risk when judged against the service benefits for the Council and to confirm that the PFI bid should be pursued. The Cabinet is also asked to agree to receive further reports on the participation of the Council in the LIFT programme for improving primary care services and integrating health and social care.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report which tested the affordability of the outline bid to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for Private Finance Initiative credits for Joint Service Centres.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the revised costs of the scheme (after the PFI grant) represent an acceptable risk when judged against the service benefits for the Council;

(2)that it be confirmed the PFI bid should stand; and

(3)that further reports be submitted to the Cabinet on the participation of the Council in the LIFT programme for improving primary care services and integrating health and social care.

Councillor Bhatti submits a report seeking agreement to proposals for spending next financial year’s Transport Capital Programme for both Integrated Transport and Capital Maintenance. The Cabinet is asked to authorise expenditure of £9,436,600 on the Transport Capital Programme, approve the programme of works for 2003/04 as set out in Appendices A and B of the report, authorise the Corporate Director of Environment, Regeneration and Development to implement the programme including the making of contracts provided that expenditure on the programme does not exceed budgets available and to authorise the Corporate Director in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and Transportation to vary the programme, provided that such variations were proposed in order to help achieve the Council’s transport policy.

The relevant minutes extract from the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee held on 26 February 2003 is attached to the report.

Councillor Bhatti submitted a report seeking agreement to proposals for spending the forthcoming financial year’s transport capital programme, for both Integrated Transport and Capital Maintenance.

The minutes of the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee held on 26 February 2003 were circulated with the report.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the expenditure of £9,436,000 on the transport capital programme, be authorised;

(2)that the programme of works for 2003/04 as set out in Appendices A and B of the report, be approved;

(3)that the Director of Environment, Regeneration and Development be authorised to implement the programme, including approving the making of contracts, provided that expenditure on the programme does not exceed the budgets available;

(4)that the Corporate Director for Environment, Regeneration and Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and Transportation be authorised to vary the programme, provided that such variations are proposed in order to help achieve the Council’s transport policy.

Councillor Bhatti submits a report containing proposals for spending the surplus income generated by the on-street parking scheme in order to improve transport in the City. The Cabinet is asked to approve the proposals for spending the surplus income set out in the Appendix of the report including a single year additional amount set aside for local bus services of £230,000,  and to authorise the Director in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and Transportation to vary the amounts spent on the various items referred to in the Appendix, subject to funding being available.

Councillor Bhatti submitted a report containing revised proposals for spending surplus income generated by the on-street parking scheme in order to improve transport in the City.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the proposals for spending the surplus income as set out in the Appendix to the report, including a single year additional amount set aside for local bus services of £230,000 be approved; and

(2)that the Corporate Director for Environment, Regeneration and Development be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Highways and Transportation, to vary the amounts spend on the various items referred to in the Appendix, subject to funding being available.

Councillor Holden submits a report reviewing EMAS following the fundamental challenge of the system carried out for Corporate Directors in September 2002. The report also provides the Cabinet with an annual progress report on existing targets and actions. The Cabinet is asked to approve, the inclusion of new objectives and targets, the proposed revisions to the wording of existing targets, the reviewed format for the action plan, proposed new actions and the draft text of the 5^th EMAS Statement, all as detailed in Appendices of the report.

The appendices to this report have been attached for members of the Cabinet only. Copies of these appendices can be obtained either from the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Holden submitted a report reviewing EMAS following the fundamental challenge of the system carried out for Corporate Directors in September. The report also provided an annual progress report on existing targets and actions.

Councillor Willmott commented he welcomed the development of new targets especially those regarding the cleanliness of the city centre. These could be measured to demonstrate the benefit of EMAS to Leicester’s citizens.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the inclusion of new objectives and targets as detailed below and in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved:-

(i)            To improve the cleanliness of the City Centre

75% of street inspections to meet the grade acceptable or above in the city centre (under the Public cleansing Contract) by April 2005.

(ii)To improve air quality within the city.

To achieve national air quality objectives within the city by the end of 2005

(iii)To reduce car trips to the city centre

4% reduction in car trips to the City Centre in the morning peak, from 2001 by 2006 (7?) and 8% by 2011.

(iv)To reduce car journeys to schools.

25% reduction in car journeys to schools from 2001 by 2011

(v)To reduce the energy consumption of homes in Leicester

Target: new target to be developed relating to increasing SAP* ratings of houses in Leicester. (include previous target 1.2 relating to council houses as a specific area of action).

(vi)            Reduce the amount of construction waste going to landfill.

Target:  to be developed 

(vii)To create a sustainable built environment

Target: To be developed

(viii)To improve awareness of environmental issues amongst Leicester residents 

Target: to be developed using the People's Panel and other forums to monitor progress;

(2)that the proposed revisions to the wording of existing targets  as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, be approved;

(3)that the reviewed format for the action plan and the proposed new actions as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report, be approved;

(4)that the draft text of the 5^th EMAS Statement as detailed in Appendix 4 of the report, be approved.

Councillor Kavia submits a report proposing the Council’s response to the Leicester Regeneration Company Business Plan. The Cabinet is asked to agree the response.

Councillor Kavia submitted a report proposing the City Council’s response to the Leicester Regeneration Company’s (LRC) Business Plan.

Members of the Cabinet commented they felt the ‘Prime Concerns and ‘Additional Concerns’ as detailed in the report were important aspects of the Council’s response. In particular Members emphasised the need for the Company to consider providing affordable housing and issues other than physical regeneration.

It was noted that the Council’s response would be formally reported to the LRC to which a formal response back was expected. This would be reported to the Cabinet Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Regeneration in the first instance and consideration would be given whether a further report to Cabinet would be necessary.

RESOLVED:

(1)that support, in principle be given to a rolling three year funding programme of £250,000 p.a. to be paid to the Leicester Regeneration Company;

(2)that from 1^st April 2004, a continuation of £70,000 p.a, be set aside for Leicester Regeneration Company related revenue expenditure within the City Council, that will be considered as part of the corporate budget strategy and allocated as agreed by the Corporate Director of Environment  Regeneration & Development;

(3)that further consideration be given to an additional sum, also from 1st April 2004, (thought to be in the order of £80,000), to cover additional revenue costs resulting from the ongoing work of implementing the Leicester Regeneration Company Masterplan’s Strategic Framework, this matter will need to be considered as part of the continuing corporate budget strategy process;

(4)that, subject to the proposed wording changes to bullets 1, 4/5, 6, 10 and 12, in the letter received from Leicester Regeneration Company (and set out in the report), that the support requested through the Leicester Regeneration Company Business Plan from Leicester City Council be noted and that the Leicester Regeneration Company be informed of the City Council’s wish to facilitate delivery of the Leicester Regeneration Company Masterplan’s Strategic Framework, through joint working as described in the response set out in this report;

(5)that the Leicester Regeneration Company be made aware of the “Prime Concerns” and “Additional Concerns” as set out in the report;

(6)that further consideration be given to the relationship between the Leicester Regeneration Company Business Plan and other major developments throughout the City as a whole, including planning issues, developer capacity and labour market forces.

Councillor Patel submits a report asking the Cabinet to consider and approve an Investigations Policy for the Council. The Cabinet is also asked to authorise the Town Clerk, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Lead Member, to keep the Investigations Policy under regular review and to deal with further development of the policy and any consequential changes.

Councillor Patel submitted a report presenting an Investigations Policy written in response to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, which granted new powers to local authorities, subject to the exercise of those powers being properly authorised.

Councillor Patel also noted the powers under this Act were also subject to scrutiny by the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner. The Office carried out an inspection in November 2002 and praised the policy.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Investigations Policy be approved;

(2)that the Town Clerk be authorised, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Lead Member, to keep the Investigations Policy under regular review and to deal with further development of the policy and any consequential changes.

Councillor Patel submits a report introducing the annual audit letter for 2001/02 which has been sent to all members of the Council. The Cabinet is asked to consider the letter and to commission action plans or proposals to address the issues raised by the auditor in respect of  tightening up measurement of performance indicators, preparation of grant claims and project management, procurement, children in care and community care.

The relevant minutes extract from the Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee held on 20 March 2003 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Patel submitted a report introducing the annual audit letter for 2001/02 which had been sent to all members of the Council.

The relevant minutes extract of the Finance, Resources and Equal Opportunities Scrutiny Committee held on 20 March 2003 were circulated to the Cabinet. Councillor Patel noted the Committee’s concerns over the management of grant claims and he referred to the recommendations that action plans be commissioned to respond to this issue.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the Annual Audit Letter 2001/02 be noted; and

(2)that action plans be commissioned to address the issues raised by the auditor in respect of the preparation of:-

(i) tightening up measurement of performance indicators,

(ii)preparation of grant claims

(iii)(when audit work is complete) project management, procurement, children in care and community care.

Councillor Westley submits a report seeking approval for the draft scope of the Legal Services Best Value Review, in the context of the criteria set out in the latest revision of the Best Value Review Guidelines and outlining the rationale behind the Scope. The Cabinet is asked to approve the proposed Scope and the Project Timetable.

Councillor Patel submitted a report seeking approval for the draft scope of the Legal Services Best Value Review, in the context of the criteria set out in the latest revision of Best Value Review Guidelines and outlining the rationale behind the Scope.

RESOLVED:

that the scoping process, the proposed scope as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and the Project Timetable as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, be approved.

Councillor Westley submits a report presenting the final Communications and Promotions Best Value Review. The Cabinet is presented with a number of options in response to the review and is asked to decide which option should be followed.

St George’s Day

The Leader announced that many events had taken place over the weekend to celebrate St George’s day, which had included “On the Trail of the Dragon” at New Walk Museum and “The Perfect, Gentle Knight: at the Jewry War Museum: trying on armour, creating heraldic shields, making a dragon and joining in a St George’s Day Parade. 

‘The Big Picture’

The Leader announced that the Regeneration and Culture Department had put together a two-minute commercial entitled ‘The Big Picture’ that showed the extent of work taking place in Leicester city centre.  He stated that the advert would be running at the Shires until the end of this week.

Library Award

The Leader announced that Leicester had won a national award for a joint project with the London Libraries Development Agency called ‘Welcome to your Library’, which aimed to get refugees and asylum seekers more involved with local library services.  He announced that he was delighted with the national recognition for Leicester and of the achievements of Simon Parker, the Community Librarian for New Communities and the central library team who were doing life-changing work with refugees and asylum seekers.

Council Tax Collection

The Leader announced that this years Council Tax and Business Rates collection rates were the best ever achievement, reporting that it had increased by 1.6% to 95.4% which was the best in-year collection rate since the tax was introduced in 1933, and that the Business Rates were also up by 0.5% to 89.7%.

Investing In People

The Leader also announced that the Adults and Housing Department had successfully retained their Investor in People status following an assessment earlier in the year.  He stated that this was awarded to those organisations that demonstrated that they improved performance through the management and performance of their staff.  He congratulated all those concerned.

Bishop Street Post Office

The Leader stated that he was shocked to learn of the plans to close down the Bishop Street Post Office in the City Centre and replace it with a facility in WH Smith.  He regarded the proposal as totally outrageous and announced that he and his colleagues were in strong opposition to it.  He stated that he had written to the 3 City MPs to urge them to make strong representations against the proposal in order for it to be stopped. 

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 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.

CITY ROOMS, LEICESTER

FREEHOLD SALE OF PART OF THE FORMER GRANBY HALLS SITE, WELFORD ROAD, LEICESTER

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 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.

CITY ROOMS, LEICESTER

FREEHOLD SALE OF PART OF THE FORMER GRANBY HALLS SITE, WELFORD ROAD, LEICESTER

Councillor Patel submits a report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report which considered offers received in respect of the disposal of a 125 year leasehold interest in the City Rooms.

RESOLVED:

(1)that a 125-year lease be granted subject to the property being repaired and refurbished to the satisfaction of the City Council under an initial building lease for a term of 2 years, to the prospective lessees (or any company in which the property is to be held) recommended in the report, on the main terms as set out in the report;

(2)that in the event of the disposal to the prospective lessees not proceeding, the property be re-marketed;

(3)that the Corporate Director of Resources, Access and Diversity, in consultation with the Cabinet Leads on Finance and Resources, and Strategic Planning and Regeneration be authorised to vary the terms, if necessary, and also to grant a conditional contract, should this be required by the lessees.

Councillor Patel submits a report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report on the outcome of an informal tender marketing exercise of part of the former Granby Halls site Welford Road, Leicester.

An addendum report had been circulated outlining the proposals in each of the bids. Further information was circulated at the meeting on the amounts tendered.

The Cabinet assessed the merits of the bids.

RESOLVED:

(1)that approval be given to the disposal of the Council’s freehold of the property shown hatched in black on the plan attached to the report, to the company who submitted Bid 2 as detailed in the addendum report and summary information circulated to the Cabinet, (or any other company name requested by the purchaser, provided the Head of Legal Services is satisfied the Council’s position is protected at all times, subject (if required) to the Secretary of State’s consent;

(2)that although Bid 2 was not the highest value tender invited and received during the tender period it was considered to be within a figure of 10% of the best price on unrestricted terms, which might reasonably be expected to be received for the Property and the disposal therefore proceed at less than best consideration subject, (if required) to the Secretary of State’s consent;

(3)that the Director of Resources, Access and Diversity in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Finance and Resources be authorised to agree the detailed terms for the freehold disposal of the Property including any variation, amendment or addition to the terms currently reported; and

(4)that the Head of Legal Services be authorised to enter into all necessary contracts and agreements, including a conditional contract, arising out of the disposal process.

The meeting closed at 5.46.