Agenda and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interests they may have in the business to be discussed and/or indicate that Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.

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

No declarations were made.

Gilmorton Community Centre

The Leader reported that the facility had to be taken out of use temporarily because of substantial health and safety problems which had emerged. He reported that there were problems with the concrete canopy and floors, with the ceilings and with the kitchen. It was noted that Councillor Gill and the Leader had asked officers to assess urgently what could be done to bring the building back into use, and how quickly this could be done but that the public’s safety could not be compromised and the centre could not re-open in its current condition.

The Leader also reported that in the meantime all user groups had been provided with temporary alternative accommodation and he also emphasised that the current administration had no intention of closing any community facility in the City.

Parks Award

The Leader noted that at the last meeting of Cabinet he announced that the Parks Service had been awarded Britain’s Best Parkforce Award by CABE Space. Since then Watermead Park had been awarded the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management Open Space Innovation Award for leading the introduction of the Passport to Parks.

The Leader also reported that Leicester City Council had been awarded a Silver Gilt Award in the urban regeneration category of the East Midlands in Bloom competition and a Silver Award in the Britain in Bloom UK finals presented by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2006, have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet is asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the meeting held on 5 September 2006, having been circulated to Members, be taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

a)            Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee – 14 September 2006

            Gateway College

            The following was agreed at the above meeting:

            That the Committee, being of a sceptical view of the need for a bridge, wished to see the Cabinet take a decision at its next meeting as a matter of urgency on how to proceed with regard to the bridge across Hamilton Way and the improvements to the roundabout.

            Councillor Coley noted that funding had been secured for the bridge and that a Toucan Crossing would cost substantially more. The Cabinet had also considered a confidential briefing note containing the relevant factors and options.

RESOLVED:

That due to the urgency of the matter, the decision of provision of pedestrian access across the A563, Hamilton Way be delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Leads for Resources (Councillors Coley and Grant) and the Ward Councillors.

b)            Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee – 14 September 2006

            Tracking Comprehensive Performance Assessment for 2006/07 – Progress on Areas of Concern

            The following was agreed at the above meeting:

(1)       that the Committee believes that persons waiting for housing benefits shouldn’t suffer delays when there is a possible solution; it had been shown that where extra resources were utilised the backlog of cases could be reduced, therefore the Committee requests that Cabinet looks to find a way of providing more resources to reduce the backlog of 13,000 outstanding housing benefit cases; and

(2)       that the Committee recommends that greater efforts be made to differentiate housing benefits cases so that the more difficult cases can be undertaken by people with greater experience, possibly from an external service supplier if required.

Councillor Blackmore moved a proposal which was supported.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet welcomes the support of Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee and asks the Corporate Director of Housing to explore solutions to deal with the housing benefit backlog.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report asking Cabinet to agree a festivals and events programme for the 3 years 2006/7 to 2008/9. Cabinet is recommended to agree the 3 year programme of Festivals and Events as set out in the Appendix to the report; note the actions taken, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, in respect of Belgrave Mela, and the Christmas programme for 2006; and authorise the Corporate Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration and Culture to finalise the Christmas Programme for 2007 and 2008 and any other minor amendments to the Festivals and Events Programme for the next 3 years.

The relevant minute extract of the Environment and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 September is attached to the report.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report asking Cabinet to agree a festivals and events programme for the 3 years 2006/7 to 2008/9.

The relevant minute of the Environment and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 September 2006 had also been circulated to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the 3 year programme of Festivals and Events as set out in the Appendix of the report be approved.

(2)that the actions taken, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, in respect of Belgrave Mela, and the Christmas programme for 2006 be noted; and

(3)that the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration and Culture to finalise the Christmas Programme for 2007 and 2008 and any other minor amendments to the Festivals and Events Programme for the next 3 years.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report to enable Cabinet to make a decision about proposals for Dulverton Road put forward by the Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields and Westcotes & Western Park Area Committee. Cabinet is recommended to decide whether or not they wish to introduce a traffic scheme as requested by the Area Committee, and if Cabinet do decide to support the request of the Area Committee then they are asked further to decide either, to introduce a one way scheme without traffic calming in contravention of current Council practice; or to introduce a one way and traffic calming scheme in compliance with Council practice.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report to enable Cabinet to make a decision about proposals for Dulverton Road put forward by the Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields, Westcotes & Western Park Area Committee.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the request by the Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields, Westcotes & Western Park Area Committee for a no entry restriction be noted; and

(2)that the introduction of one way, a no entry sign at one end of Dulverton Road and a pinch point, be agreed subject to any legal restrictions.

Councillor Mugglestone submits a report to establish a framework which will enable Leicester and the people of Leicester to maximise the benefits of London staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012. Cabinet is asked to support the development of a co-ordinated approach to maximising the benefits to Leicester of London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the establishment of an Executive Working Group of Leicester Partnership; appoint a Cabinet Lead Member to be the “Olympic Champion” for the City and chair the Executive Working Group; and authorise the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for the Olympics to develop this work in consultation with internal and external partners.

The relevant minute extract of the Environment and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 September 2006 is attached to the report. The relevant minute extract of the Economic Development and Planning Scrutiny Committee on 21 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Mugglestone submitted a report to establish a framework which would enable Leicester and the people of Leicester to maximise the benefits of London staging the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

The relevant minutes of the Environment and Culture Scrutiny Committee on 6 September 2006 and the Economic Development and Planning Scrutiny Committee on 21 September 2006 had also been circulated to Cabinet. The Cabinet were keen to harness as much economic benefit as possible for the city.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the development of a co-ordinated approach to maximizing the benefits to Leicester of London hosting the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games through the establishment of an Executive Working Group of Leicester Partnership be supported.

(2)that Councillors Mugglestone and Suleman be appointed as Cabinet Lead Members to be the “Olympic Champions” for the City and joint chairs of the Executive Working Group; and

(3)that the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Culture, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for the Olympics, be authorised to develop this work in consultation with internal and external partners.

Councillor Blackmore submits a report to roll forward the corporate plan (agreed in 2003) to 2008, giving effect to the previous discussions of Cabinet and Council in agreeing the Council’s policy direction and incorporating the council’s contribution to the city’s vision and priorities agreed in the Strategy for Leicester and Local Area Agreement. Cabinet is recommended to note the refreshed corporate plan; note the alignment of the budget with the corporate plan; and note the need for a full review of the corporate plan next year.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

The full report “Leicester City Council Corporate Plan 2006/2008” is attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/cabinet or by contacting Jenny Sunderland on 252 6024.

Councillor Blackmore submitted a report to allow the roll forward the corporate plan (agreed in 2003) to 2008, giving effect to the previous discussions of Cabinet and Council in agreeing the Council’s policy direction and incorporating the Council’s contribution to the city’s vision and priorities agreed in the Strategy for Leicester and Local Area Agreement.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 had also been circulated to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the final document which gives effect to the previous decisions of Cabinet and Council in agreeing the Strategy for Leicester and the Local Area Agreement be noted.

(2)that the alignment of the budget with the corporate plan be noted; and

(3)that the need for a full review of the corporate plan next year be noted.

Councillor Grant submits a report seeking approval to the business case for transformational change to the Council’s Creative Services. Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendations in the report.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

The full report “Creative Services Business Case” is attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/cabinet or by contacting Jenny Sunderland on 252 6024.

Councillor Grant submitted a report seeking approval to the business case for transformational change to the Council’s Creative Services.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

Councillor Grant noted the comments of the Scrutiny Committee and the Cabinet took their concerns on board but emphasised that this review would bring at least £200,000 per annum savings. He noted also that the Council would, where necessary, actively seek to redeploy staff wherever possible.

RESOLVED:

(1)            that the case for change included in the business case be noted.

(2)that the views of respondees expressed on the draft business case be noted.

(3)that the business case be approved as the basis for moving forward, with the detailed arrangements for implementation delegated to the Corporate Director of Resources; and

(4)that subject to the approval of the Business Case by Cabinet, the implementation timetable, as detailed in paragraph 5 of the supporting information be noted.

Councillor Grant submits a report to seek approval to the business case for transformational change to the Council’s ICT service. Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendations in the report.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

The full report “ICT Service Delivery Business Case” is attached for Members of the Cabinet only. Further copies are available on the Council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/cabinet or by contacting Jenny Sunderland on 252 6024.

Councillor Grant submitted a report seeking approval to the business case for transformational change to the Council’s ICT service.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 had also been circulated to Cabinet.

Councillor Grant emphasised that this review would bring about savings of around £0.5 to 0.7 million per annum and would help to overcome the current inefficiencies in the ICT system.

RESOLVED:

(1)               that the case for change included in the business case be noted.

(2)               that the views of respondees expressed on the draft business case be noted.

(3)               that the business case be approved as a basis for moving forward.

(4)               that the need for the new ICT service to be led by its customers’ needs be endorsed, and the proposals in paragraph 6.3 for delivering this be approved.

(5)               that the new service be commissioned to prepare an ICT strategy for Cabinet approval, and the strategy should address the management of risk in a way which balances the Council’s need for creativity with an appropriate regard for security; and

(6) that in accordance with Cabinet Procedure Rule 12(d), there be no call-in of this decision, the grounds for urgency being that implementation of the new service is needed as quickly as possible to achieve improvements in a service essential to effective operations, to realise savings and to avoid prolonging uncertainty for staff.

Councillor Coley submits a report to update Members on the progress of the capital programme for 2006/07 up to the end of June (period 3). Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendations in the report.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Coley submitted a report to update members on the progress of the capital programme for 2006/07 up to the end of June (period 3).

The relevant minutes of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 and the Adults and Community Services Scrutiny Committee on 12 September 2006 had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(1)               that a revised level of programmed expenditure of £113.1 million be approved.

(2)               that the level of expenditure to the end of June 2006 of £13.5 million be noted.

(3)               that the transfer of schemes between departments to reflect the new departmental structures be approved.

(4)               that the position relating to capital receipts be noted.

(5)               that forecast capital programme performance being 97% of the approved programme (excluding any additions or expenditure brought forward) compared to a target of 90% be noted; and

(6)            that the prudential indicators for 2006/07 be noted.

Councillor Coley submits a report to show a summary position comparing spending with the budget. Cabinet is recommended to note the changes made to the original approved budget for 2006/07; note the expenditure to date and the budgetary issues which have emerged so far this year; note the proposals put forward to ensure that spending is contained within the Departments’ budgets; and consider what other action is necessary to prevent departments from overspending.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Coley submitted a report showing a summary position comparing spending with the budget.

The relevant minutes of the resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 and the Adults and Community Services Scrutiny Committee on 12 September 2006 had also been circulated to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

            (1) that the changes made to the original approved budget for 2006/07 be noted.

            (2) that the expenditure to date and the budgetary issues which have emerged so far this year be noted.

            (3) that the proposals put forward to ensure that spending is contained within the Departments’ budgets be noted; and

(4)the Cabinet's expectations that Directors operate with their resources be confirmed.

Councillor Coley submits a report seeking Cabinet support for a revised smoking policy for the City Council. Cabinet is asked to, note the feedback from the internal consultation process; and approve the revised smoking policy as set out in section 4.1 of the report and the implementation plan as set out in section 5 of the report.

Councillor Coley submitted a report seeking Cabinet support for a revised smoking policy for the City Council.

An addendum report for the Revised Smoking Policy for the City Council had also been circulated to the Cabinet. This report provided further feedback from the internal consultation process.

RESOLVED:

(1)               that the feedback from the internal consultation process be noted.

(2)               that the revised smoking policy, as set out in section 4.1 of the report and the implementation plan as set out in section 5 of the report be approved; and

(3)               that in so far as the changes that relate to terms and condition, the policy be referred to the Employees Committee for approval.

Councillor Blackmore submits a report which tracks the Council’s performance in delivering services to citizens at corporate level. It shows the forecasted range of the City Council's CPA score for 2007 for each of the service blocks. It is based on performance data for April, May and June 2006. Cabinet is recommended to review the first quarter performance results and instigate necessary action; review the position on the key Corporate Risks; congratulate those areas demonstrating continuous improvement in performance; and consider the need for any special report(s) on particular areas of performance concern.

The relevant minute extract of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Blackmore submitted a report which tracked the Council’s performance in delivering services to citizens at corporate level.

The relevant minute of the Resources and Corporate Issues Scrutiny Committee on 14 September 2006 had also been circulated to the Cabinet. Councillor Blackmore reported that sickness figures would be looked at and monitored carefully.

RESOLVED:

            (1) that the first quarter performance results be reviewed and the position noted.

(2)               that the position on the key Corporate Risks be noted.

(3)               that those areas demonstrating continuous improvement in performance be congratulated; and

(4)               that no special reports be requested at this early stage in the monitoring cycle.

Councillor Scuplak submits a report reporting urgent action taken by the Corporate Director.

Councillor Scuplak submitted a report detailing urgent action taken by the Corporate Director to designate the Granby Street Conservation Area.

RESOLVED:

            that the urgent action to designate the Granby Street Conservation Area and the reasons for it be noted.

AGENDA

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE

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

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

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

Paragraph 1

Information relating to any individual.

Paragraph 2

Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

Paragraph 3

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

RESOLVED:

            That the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following 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 and taking all the circumstances into account, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the information as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Paragraph 1

Information relating to any individual.

Paragraph 2

Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

Paragraph 3

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

Councillor Coley submits a report.

Councillor Coley submitted a report.

RESOLVED:

            (1)that the freehold disposal of South Lodge, 307 London Road to Developer A in the sum detailed in the report be approved, subject to contract; receipt of a satisfactory planning consent; a detailed survey of the parts of South Lodge to be retained and to a ground condition survey.

            (2) that the Head of Legal Services be authorised to enter into the resulting legal documentation.

(3)               that the Corporate Director of Resources be authorised in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources to approve any alterations to the terms and to take all necessary action to progress and complete the proposed disposal;

            (4) that the Corporate Director of Resources be authorised in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources to proceed with one of the under bidders in the event that the highest bid does not proceed to completion; and

            (5) that officers investigate the possibility of securing deposits from successful bidders for further disposals.

The meeting ended at 5.55pm.