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.

There were no declarations.

As this was the last Cabinet meeting before the forthcoming elections, Councillor Willmott thanked his Cabinet colleagues for their support over the past two years since the Cabinet had been in existence. He also thanked all the Officers who had supported the work of the Cabinet.

The minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2003, have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting held on 7 April 2003, having been circulated to Members, be taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There were no matters referred from Scrutiny Committees.

Councillor Bhatti submits a report seeking approval to submit jointly with the County Council, a bid for Major Scheme funding to the Department for Transport to fund the Leicester West Transport Scheme.  The Cabinet is asked to agree to ask the Highways & Transportation Scrutiny Committee to comment on the report prior to its further consideration by Cabinet and that a further report be brought before Cabinet no later than July 2003, confirming the final details of the bid, including resource implications and detailing the share of risk and benefits between the City and County Councils (on the basis that no call-in may then be made due to the imminence of the bid deadline).

The relevant minutes extract from the Highways and Transportation Scrutiny Committee held on 17 March is attached to the report.

The Appendices for this report are attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Copies of these appendices can be obtained phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Roberts submits a report advising the Cabinet of progress to date in taking forward the transforming secondary schools agenda and, in particular, the proposals for three possible new schools.  The report explains the context of the evolving national and local agenda for raising standards and other strategic objectives and considers the two consultancy reports.  The Cabinet is asked whether it wishes to progress any of the proposals.

The relevant Minutes extract of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee held on 7 April will be circulated as soon as it is available.

The Consultants reports referred to in the report are attached for Cabinet Members only. Copies of these documents can be obtained either from the Council’s website www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Roberts submitted a report advising the Cabinet of progress to date in taking forward the Transforming Secondary Schools agenda and in particular, the proposals for three possible new schools. The report explained the context of the evolving national and local agenda for raising standards and other strategic objectives and considered the two consultancy reports.

With regard to the City Academy, he commented that a set of principles had been established for this school and sponsors had been sought on this basis. Two sponsors had come forward, the Church of England and a consortium of local businesses. The consultants report had highlighted more potential benefits than weaknesses in the proposals and Councillor Roberts detailed these briefly.

With regard to the Islamic Academy, he felt that further details were needed before a decision could be taken on this proposal and he recommended that a further report be submitted which considered whether the proposed school would meet the set of principles which had been established by the Local Education Authority.

In reference to the proposed Key Stage 3 school in West Leicester, he felt that this did not represent a realistic opportunity that would achieve Government funding. However he did request that the Director of Education produce a report to show how standards in that area could be raised.

The minutes of the Education and Lifelong Learning Scrutiny Committee held on 7 April 2003 were circulated to the Cabinet. Councillor Roberts noted the views of the Committee differed to those of the Cabinet except with regard to the Key Stage 3 school in West Leicester.

Councillor Roberts also circulated an amended recommendation to 2.1(a) of the report.

In response to Councillor Draycott, Councillor Roberts said that formal consultation on the city academy would not begin until after the summer holidays by which time detailed plans would have been drawn up.

The Chair commented that these proposals had been under discussion for over a year and the arguments had been exhaustively rehearsed and many people, himself included, were persuaded of the benefits of the proposal to children of Leicester.

RESOLVED:

(1)that approval and support be given for a City Academy in the Saffron and Eyres Monsell area and that formal consultation on this proposal begin as soon as practicable;

(2)that the application of the Islamic Academy for Voluntary Aided status be subject to a full and detailed report, which considered the Academy’s views on the Council’s principles and their views on teaching and other Trades Unions and in addition, the impact that this provision would have on community cohesion in the City, this report to be prepared for consideration by the Cabinet at its July 2003 meeting;

(3)that the idea of providing a Key Stage 3 school for West Leicester on the former Wycliffe site be discontinued, but that the Corporate Director of Education and Lifelong Learning be asked to prepare a report on how improvements could be made to the provision of education in West Leicester;

(4) that, arising  ...  view the full minutes text for item 276.

Councillor Roberts submits a report advising the Cabinet on a number of key strategic issues facing the primary school sector in the City. There have been a number of amalgamation requests from school governing bodies to become all-through primary schools. The Cabinet is asked to approve a range of recommendations which responds to these amalgamation requests and proposals for taking them forward.

Councillor Roberts submitted a report advising the Cabinet on a number of key strategic issues facing the primary school sector in the City. There had also been a number of amalgamation requests from school governing bodies to become ‘all-through’ primary schools and the report responded to them.

Councillor Roberts acknowledged the need for a citywide primary school review. However in the meantime it was necessary to respond to individual requests for amalgamations.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the pressing needs of amalgamation requests in the south of the city, be addressed;

(2)            that the principles under which this report had been prepared, as set out in paragraph 2.2 of the report, be noted;

(3)            that statutory consultation be progressed at Rolleston Infant and Juniors Schools in May 2003;

(4)            the higher level of capital funding set out in the report, be agreed in principle, subject to the views of the Schools Forum, with the final decision being taken by the Corporate Director of Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Lead for Education;

(5)            that the future of Southfields Infants and Newry Junior schools be seen within the context of the decision to approve the City Academy;

(6)            that officers continue to assess the available options for Queensmead Infants and Juniors, and for Braunstone Frith Infants and Juniors; and

(7)            to note that, where proposals were going forward, the Education and Lifelong Learning Department would develop a range of options for possible remodelling or use of redundant buildings including wider community use and potential advantages accruing to the Council of land sale.

Councillor Roberts submits a report seeking approval for the Strategic Community Learning Plan for recommendation to Council.  The Cabinet is also asked to request a further report on a budget strategy for the Division.

Copies of the Plan are attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Copies of this document 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 seeking the Cabinet’s approval for the Strategic Community Learning Plan for recommendation to Council. It was noted that the Plan had been prepared following extensive consultation with the service, with partners and stakeholders.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Strategic Community Learning Plan of the Lifelong Learning and Community Development Division be approved for recommendation to Council; and

(2)that a further report be produced on a budget strategy for the Lifelong Learning and Community Development Division.

Councillor Draycott submits a report about the creation of a new, innovative centre for homeless people and guidance is sought from the Cabinet on whether and how the scheme should proceed. The Cabinet is recommended, to add the scheme to the Housing Capital Programme, to agree that when the new facility is complete the existing nightshelter is closed and sold the capital receipt being used to offset the purchase / refurbishment costs of the new facility, authorise the Corporate Director of Housing to appoint a project manager to implement the scheme, authorise capital expenditure for the scheme, dispose of the existing nightshelter upon completion of the scheme and to authorise the Town Clerk to sign any contracts in connection with the scheme.

Councillor Draycott submitted a report about the creation of a new, innovative centre for homeless people and guidance was sought from the Cabinet whether and how the scheme should proceed.

Councillor Draycott noted that the Housing Scrutiny Committee had given their support to this proposal and thanked them for their support. She also noted that Government consideration of listed building consent was still awaited.

The Chair wished to record his support for the proposal.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the planning approval by the Regulatory Committee on the 2 April 2003, be noted;

(2)that the scheme be added to the Housing Capital Programme 2003/04 and 2004/05;

(3)that when the new facility was complete, the existing Nightshelter be closed and sold, with the capital receipt being used to offset the purchase / refurbishment costs of the new facility on Pocklington’s Walk;

(4)that the Corporate Director of Housing be authorised to:-

a)appoint a Project Manager to implement the scheme,

b)agree and authorise capital expenditure for the scheme,

c)dispose of the existing Nightshelter upon completion of the scheme;

(5)that the Town Clerk be authorised to sign any contracts and any other necessary documentation in connection with the scheme.

Councillor Draycott submits a report commenting on the review of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund processes in years 2 and 3 carried out by a Leicester Partnership Review Group and on proposals for processes in years 4 and 5. The Cabinet is recommended to endorse the Principles agreed by Leicester Partnership, the timetable and the role of the Thematic Partnerships, the Co-ordinating Group and the Leicester Partnership and confirm the Council’s role.

The Leicester Partnership report is attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Copies of this report can be obtained either from the Council’s website www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk or by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Draycott submitted a report on the review of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund processes in years 2 and 3 carried out by a Leicester Partnership Review Group and on proposals for processes in years 4 and 5.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the principles agreed by the Leicester Partnership, the timetable and the role of the Thematic Partnerships, the Co-ordinating Group and the Leicester Partnership, be endorsed; and

(2)that the Council have the role of:-

-approving Part One of the Prospectus that sets out the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund Process,

-approving Part Two of the Prospectus that will be issued in July 2003, and will set out the provisional priorities for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund,

-approving Part Three of the Prospectus that will be issued in November 2003, and will set out the final, agreed priorities for the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund,

-approving the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund programmes for 2004 and 2005.

Councillor Kavia submits a report on the main changes being proposed to the Local Plan as a result of the public consultation on the first Deposit Plan (October 2001) and other important studies which have been completed over the last year, most significantly the Leicester Regeneration Company’s Masterplan. The Cabinet is asked to note the representations received on the first Deposit Draft Replacement City of Leicester Local Plan, note the proposed action on late objections, recommend to Council to approve the main changes proposed to the second Deposit Draft Local Plan and the Local Plan timetable.

The relevant minutes extract of the Development Control Sub-Committee held on March 18 2003 and the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee held on 26 March 2003 are attached to the report.

Councillor Kavia submitted a report on the main changes being proposed to the Local Plan as a result of public consultation on the first Deposit Plan (October 2001) and other important studies which had been completed over the last year, most significantly the Leicester Regeneration Company’s Masterplan.

The minutes of the Development Control Sub-Committee held on March 18 2003 and the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee held on 26 March 2003 were attached to the report.

Councillors Getliffe and Westley expressed their opposition to the proposal for housing on the Blackbird Road playing fields. They both felt, as ward Councillors, that there was a lack of community facilities in the area and that they would be more appropriate for the site.

An amended timetable for the production of the Plan was circulated to Cabinet Members.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the representations received to the first Deposit Draft Replacement Leicester Local Plan, be noted;

(2)that the proposed action on late objections be noted;

(3)that Council be recommended to approve the main changes proposed to the second Deposit Draft Local Plan;

(4)that Council be recommended to approve the amended Local Plan timetable as circulated at the Cabinet meeting.

Councillor Osman submits a report informing the Cabinet about the new Corporate Equality Strategy and action plan which aims to provide a strategic focus for the authority to support the mainstreaming of equalities across all levels of service delivery, customer care and policy development. The Cabinet is asked to approve the Equality Strategy and Action Plan, the Equal Opportunities Statement and Commitments as set out in the report, approve the points discussed in section 4 of the report and proposals set out in section 6 of the report and to agree to an annual equality action plan over the three year period of the strategy to inform the prioritisation of resources against agreed targets.

Copies of the full Corporate Equality Strategy and Action Plan have been attached for members of the Cabinet only. Copies of this document can be obtained by phoning Committee Services on (0116) 252 6022.

Councillor Osman submitted a report informing the Cabinet about the new Corporate Equality Strategy and action plan which aimed to provide a strategic focus for the authority to support the mainstreaming of equalities across all levels of service delivery, customer care and policy development.

Councillor Osman noted that since the reports production, external validation on it confirmed that the Council had achieved level 2 of the Equality Standard for Local Government. The Validators made a number of recommendations to achieve level 3 of the award. He moved a further recommendation to include in the strategy, additional text on the Impact and Needs Assessment in response to the request from the External Validators.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the Equality Strategy and Action Plan as attached to the report, be approved;

(2)that the Equal Opportunities Statement and Commitments as set out in Section Two of the document, be approved;

(3)that the points discussed in Section 4 of the document and Section 6 of the cover report be approved;

(4)that an annual equality action plan be produced over the three year period of the strategy to inform the prioritisation of resources against agreed targets; and

(5)that additional text be inserted in the document on Impact and Needs Assessment, in response to the request from the External Validators for the Local Government Equality Standard, prior to the final document being printed and distributed to staff, members and other partners and stakeholders.

Councillor Patel submits a report in accordance with Finance Procedure Rules presenting the budgets for trading organisations. The Cabinet is recommended to approve the 2003/2004 budgets for trading organisations and to note the action proposed on policies in respect of the use of any retained surpluses.

Councillor Patel submitted a report in accordance with Finance Procedure Rules, presenting the budgets for the Council’s trading organisations.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the 2003/2004 budgets for the trading organisations be approved;

(2) that the action proposed on policies in respect of the use of any retained surpluses, be noted.

Councillor Patel submits a report informing Cabinet of Waivers to Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Town Clerk as required by paragraph 2.2(b) of those Rules. The Cabinet is asked to note the waivers.

Councillor Patel submitted a report informing the Cabinet of Waivers to Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Town Clerk as required by paragraph 2.2(b) of those rules.

RESOLVED:

that the waivers to the Contract Procedure Rules be noted.

Councillor Patel submits a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to the lettings of the Jubilee Family Centre and St. Peters Family Centre for Sure Start purposes in accordance with the previously agreed reconfiguration of family support services. The Cabinet is asked to approve the grant of agreements for the necessary leases to NCH in respect of Jubilee Family Centre and the NSPCC in respect of the St. Peters Family Centre and authorise the Town Clerk to enter into the lease agreements upon agreement of detailed terms.

Councillor Patel submitted a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval to the lettings of the Jubilee Family Centre and the St. Peters Family Centre for Sure Start purposes in accordance with the previously agreed reconfiguration of family support services.

RESOLVED:

(1)that approval be given to agreements for lease and 25 year leases at £1 per annum annual rental upon full repairing terms with a tenants break on the 7^th anniversary and thereafter to:-

-NCH in respect of Jubilee Family Centre

-NSPCC in respect of St. Peters Family Centre;

(2)that the Town Clerk be authorised to enter into the lease agreements upon agreement of detailed terms.

Councillor Patel submits a report seeking Cabinet’s approval for Leicester City Council to assume the accountable body status for this New Opportunity Fund supported initiative subject to the approval of the Head of Legal Services and Chief Financial Officer to the detail of the contract.

Councillor Patel submitted a report seeking the Cabinet’s approval for Leicester City Council to assume the accountable body status for this New Opportunity Fund supported initiative, subject to the approval of the Head of Legal Services and Chief Finance Officer to the detail of the contract.

RESOLVED:

that Leicester City Council undertakes the Accountable Body Role for Leicester North West Healthy Living Network, subject to the approval of the Head of Legal Services and Chief Finance Officer to the detail of the contract.

Councillor Willmott paid tribute to his colleague Councillor Patel, Deputy Leader, as this was his last Cabinet meeting. He thanked him for his support and wished him the best for the future.

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.

LAND AT REDHILL - CHAOS ENTERPRISES

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 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.

LAND AT REDHILL – CHAOS ENTERPRISES

Councillor Patel submits a report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report regarding the request from the Service Director, Regeneration for the disposal of land at Redhill to Chaos Enterprises (Leicester) Limited. An addendum report had also been circulated to the Cabinet

Councillor Patel recommended that a decision be deferred to a future meeting to enable further information to be provided.

RESOLVED:

(1) that the matters contained within the report be noted; and

(2) that a further report be submitted to a future meeting.

The meeting closed at 5.58pm.