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 on the agenda and/or indicate if Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applied to them.

There were no declarations made.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 November 2001 have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet is asked to confirm them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 November 2001, having been circulated to Members be received, taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

a)         New Opportunities Fund

            Councillor Willmott referred to the Government announcement that the New Opportunities Fund would be spending £5 million through Local Education Authorities to make better use of sports facilities. He also commented that this was a good opportunity to open up school buildings for more community uses.

b)            Customer Care Month

            Councillor Willmott referred to the Council’s Customer Care month. He told the Cabinet that he had spent some time in the Customer Service Centre and he commended the service given by the staff working in the centre. He also said he had visited a number of different Council establishments such as Leisure Centres and Museums where he had witnessed a high level of service from the staff. The Chief Executive had also taken part when he joined a noise abatement team and the Deputy Leader would be assisting the work of school crossing patrol personnel.

c)         Local Government Association Executive Committee on Environment and Regeneration

            Councillor Willmott referred to the Local Government Association holding a meeting of its Executive Committee on Environment and Regeneration in Leicester. He noted the links with the Council’s Beacon Status for providing a quality environment and the work undertaken as part of the Community Cohesion Taskforce headed up by Lord Falconer.

Councillor Getliffe to give a presentation.

Councillor Getliffe introduced a presentation to the Cabinet on the Joint Family Support Strategy which outlined the Leicester Children’s Planning Partnership’s framework for ensuring the positive development of children and young people.

RESOLVED:

                        that the presentation be noted.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report responding to a consultation document issued by the Trent NHS Regional Office of the Department of Health on a proposal to establish a new Health Authority for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. The report also outlines a discussion document on involving patients and the public in healthcare, published in September as part of the Government’s proposals to replace Community Health Councils. The Cabinet is asked to; endorse the proposal for a Strategic Health Authority (SHA); make strong representations that it be based in Leicester; seek assurances that the interests of Leicester continue to be addressed strategically by the SHA and City Primary Care Trusts; secure the future of the City Health Action Zone; receive a further report on the development of an Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Leicester; continue to monitor developments in the Government’s plan to replace Community Health Councils; and to delegate responsibility for the final response to the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Social Services.

Councillor Getliffe submitted a report responding to a consultation document issued by the Trent NHS Regional Office of the Department of Heath on a proposal to establish a new Strategic Health Authority for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. The report also outlined a discussion document which considered ways of involving patients and the public in decisions regarding healthcare as part of the Government’s proposals to replace Community Health Councils.

Members of the Cabinet commented on the important need to ensure that Leicester’s unique needs as a diverse multi cultural City be recognised in the new Strategic Health Authority.

Members of the Cabinet also requested that further details on the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Committee be reported back to Cabinet at a future meeting.

RESOLVED:

that the Cabinet, after consultation with the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee, :

(1)endorses the proposal for a Strategic Health Authority for Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland;

(2)makes strong representations that the Strategic Health Authority be based in Leicester;

(3)seeks assurances that the interests of Leicester as a large, multi-cultural city will continue to be addressed strategically by the Strategic Health Authority and City Primary Care Trusts;

(4)secures the future of the City Health Action Zone;

(5)receives a further report on the development of a Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Leicester;

(6)monitors developments in the Government’s plan to replace Community Health Councils; and

(7)delegates responsibility for the final response to the consultation paper, to the Director of Social Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Lead, following consideration by the November Scrutiny Committee, in order to meet the deadline for responses.

Councillor Getliffe submits a report informing the Cabinet of the completion of phase two of the Mental Health Integration Project and providing an update on progress with the integration work programme. The Cabinet is asked consider a number of recommendations with regard to entering in to a partnership agreement with Leicestershire and Rutland Healthcare Trust, Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council for the provision of integrated mental health care.

Councillor Getliffe requested that this report be deferred to ensure that the comments of the Social Services and Personal Health Scrutiny Committee could be received before a decision was taken.

RESOLVED:

that the report be deferred to the next meeting of Cabinet.

Councillor Osman submits a report proposing the introduction of a scheme to allow employees paid leave to undertake voluntary work within the community, provided no additional cost falls on the authority, with a view to enriching their role and enhancing retention opportunities. The Cabinet is asked to agree that from January 2002 employees are allowed up to one day’s (7.2 hours, or their regular commitment) paid leave per year to participate in voluntary work consistent with the Community Plan.

Councillor Osman submitted a report proposing the introduction of a scheme to allow employees paid leave to undertake voluntary work within the community, provided no additional cost falls on the Authority, with a view to enriching their role and enhancing retention opportunities.

RESOLVED:

that from January 2002 employees be allowed up to one day’s (7.2 hours or their regular commitment) paid leave per year to participate in voluntary work within the Community, consistent with Community Plan priorities, to be authorised by Directors dependent on service needs and fulfilling the necessary criteria.

Councillor Westley submits a report which reviews the Best Value programme in the light of changes in performance and priorities to ensure the following years reviews are appropriately targeted at the Council’s priorities. The Cabinet are asked to confirm a revised programme for future Best Value reviews.

Councillor Westley submitted a report which reviewed the Best Value programme in the light of changes in performance and priorities to ensure the following years reviews are appropriately targeted at the Council’s priorities.

RESOLVED:

that the following list be approved as the Best Value Review programme for the forthcoming years:-

Year 2:

Extended review of Highways & Transportation

Year 3

Crime and Disorder

Environmental Services/Parks & Open Spaces (including the City Centre)

IT & e-Government

Heritage Services

Operational Finance

Year 4

Lifelong Learning

Property (including construction services)

Corporate Governance (subject to discussions with the District auditor)

Health & Community Care

Regulatory Services (including Planning)

Direct Services to Children & families

Year 5

Adult Learning /Physical & Sensory Disability & Mental Health

Facilities management

Taxation & Benefits

Tenant Services (including housing management & maintenance)

Markets

Regeneration

Councillor Kavia submits a report reviewing all programmes funded under the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB). The Cabinet is asked to note the achievements of the SRB programmes in 2000/01 and to consider the policy issues set out in the report; and to note the views of the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee that Cabinet gives further consideration to the appropriate use of Section 106 powers, Compulsory Purchase Orders and public grant to developers.

Councillor Kavia submitted a report reviewing all the programmes funded under the Single Regeneration Budget (SRB).

In response to comments made by the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee regarding the use of public funds for site development and the subsequent use of Section 106 powers to obtain social benefits, Councillor Kavia stated that negotiations were underway with a number of developers looking to develop sites which had been prepared using SRB funds. Also in reply to comments made regarding the Council using Compulsory Purchase Order powers, he stated that the Council would use these powers under the right circumstances.

With regard to the number of jobs created by the SRB5 programme, Councillor Getliffe informed the meeting that the elected community forum had recently made a bid to the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA) to enable them to employ local people in their own right.

Members of the Cabinet also expressed concern regarding the time being taken to hold elections in the SRB6  Area  and asked if there was anything the Council could do to assist the process as Members felt that any delay in the elections could mean the community could miss out on funding to which it was entitled. It was noted that EMDA was currently considering a proposal from the current management board regarding elections and that there was a deadline of 28 February by which time the elections must be held. It was agreed that a meeting should be held between Councillors Willmott, Draycott, Kavia and Officers to discuss any ways in which the Council could assist the process.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the achievements of the SRB programmes in 2000/2001 be noted;

(2)that comments of the Strategic Planning and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee regarding the use of Section 106 powers, Compulsory Purchase Orders and public funds for site development be noted; and

(3)that a meeting be convened between Councillors Willmott, Draycott, Kavia and Officers to discuss any ways in which the Council could assist in the election process in the Greater Humberstone SRB6 programme area.

Councillor Patel submits a report to show the summary position of the capital programme for 2001/2002 up to the end of August (period 5). The Cabinet is recommended to; approve a revised level of programme expenditure of £66.005 million, including rephasing of £8.471 million into 2002/03; note the level of expenditure to the end of August 2001 of £15.738 million; note the position relating to capital receipts; and approve additions to the Environment and Development Capital Programme.

Councillor Patel submitted a report showing the summary position of the capital programme for 2001/02 up to the end of August (period 5).

RESOLVED:

(1)that a revised level of programmed expenditure of £66.005 million, including rephasing of  £8.471 million of into 2002/03, be approved;

(2) that the level of expenditure to the end of August 2001 of £15.738 million, be noted;

(3)that the position relating to capital receipts be noted; and

(4)that the following additions, to the Environment and Development capital programme be approved:-

Single Regeneration Budget – increase in grant funding - £203,000.

Gypsy Sites Refurbishment (Meynells Gorse) - £28,000.

Councillor Patel submits a report showing a summary position comparing spending with the budget for all General Fund Services. The Cabinet is asked to; note the changes made to the original approved budget for 2001/02; 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 Department’s budgets; and approve the budget virements detailed in the appendices to the report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report showing a summary position comparing spending with the budget for all General Fund Services.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the changes made to the original approved budget for 2001/02, 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;

(4)that the budget virements detailed in the appendices to the report be approved.

Councillor Draycott submits a report which seeks to extend the scheme for age designated accommodation. The Housing Committee in November 1999 agreed the pilot scheme. The Cabinet is asked to; approve extending the scheme to a number of other areas as listed in the report; agree that if there is no demand from applicants aged over 45 years then the age limit will be reduced in ten year bandings; agree that the same criteria contained in the report be adopted for future requests for a delegated decision by the Director of Housing; and to agree that when a review of the scheme is carried out in 12 months further consideration be given to the properties detailed in the report which have not been included in the scheme this time.

Councillor Draycott submitted a report which sought to extend the scheme for  age designated accommodation following a pilot scheme agreed by the Housing Committee in November 1999.

RESOLVED:

(1)that the age designated accommodation scheme be extended to include the one bed flats in the following areas:

Dupont Gardens and Mulberry Avenue, Braunstone Frith

Kerrial Gardens, New Parks

Ambassador Road and Rowlatts Hill Road, Rowlatts Hill

Goldhill, Saffron South

Colsterdale Close, Mowmacre Hill

Fowler Close, Beaumont Leys

Manor House Gardens, Monks Rest and St Mary’s Court, Humberstone Village

100 Welford Road, St Andrews

(2) that if there is no demand from applicants aged over 45 years, then the age limit be reduced in ten year bandings, until an allocation is found;

(3)that the same criteria used in this report be adopted for future requests, for delegated decision by the Director of Housing; and

(4)that further consideration be given to areas that have not been recommended for inclusion in the scheme at this time, when a further review of the scheme is completed in 12 months. 

The Town Clerk submits a report seeking approval for Council to be recommended to extend the time of non attendance at Council meetings for Councillor Vaz, beyond the 6 months stipulated in the Local Government Act 1972, due to the extenuating circumstances of Councillor Vaz’s illness.

The Town Clerk submitted a report seeking approval for Council to be recommended to extend the time of non attendance at Council meetings for Councillor Vaz, beyond the 6 months stipulated in the Local Government Act 1972, due to extenuating circumstances of Councillor Vaz’s illness.

Councillor Draycott told the meeting that Councillor Vaz was no longer in intensive care and hoped to make a full recovery in the new year.

RESOLVED:

(1)that Council be recommended to grant Councillor Vaz an extension of time for non attendance at a meeting of Council due to extenuating circumstances of illness;

(2)that the position be reviewed prior to the expiry of a further four months.

The Town Clerk reports that the Local Government Act 2000, requires each principal Authority to adopt and implement a new Constitution in line with both primary legislation and associated detailed Regulations.  As a consequence, the Organisations Working Party has been undertaking the detailed consideration of the issues to be incorporated into the final documentation.

The Organisations Working Party met on 13 November to consider the draft documentation in full, to enable the proposed Constitution to be reported to full Council for consideration at its meeting on 29 November 2001.

To comply with the requirements of Standing Orders, the Cabinet is asked to approve the submission directly to Council of the proposed Constitution, as recommended by the Organisations Wiorking Party.

The Town Clerk reported that the Organisations Working Party had been giving consideration to the proposed New Constitution and requested that it be submitted directly for full Council’s consideration.

RESOLVED:

                        that the proposed New Constitution be submitted directly to Council.

The Cabinet agreed to consider the non-exempt issues relating to the allotments strategy report in the public session of the meeting.

Councillor Patel submitted a report updating Members on further progress with the approved Allotment Strategy and recommendations for the action to be taken to progress the de-commissioning, consolidation, improvement and disposal of decommissioned sites.

RESOLVED:

(1) that in respect of the 6 sites leased by the Belgrave Allotment Society, the following be agreed:

(a) The closure of Barkby Road Allotments;

(b) The consolidation of Harrison Road, Redhill and Uxbridge Road Allotments;

(c) Site improvements at Beaumont Leys Lane and Oakland Avenue Allotments;

(2) that an application to the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions be made for the decommissioning of (a) the following seven Allotment sites where all allotment use has ceased:  Aikman Avenue, Fosse Lane, Halstead Street, New Park Road, Prospect Road, Fosse Road Triangle and New North End and (b) Barkby Road, subject to relocation of remaining allotment holders and recommendation 1 (a) above;

(3)that an application to the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions be made for the decommissioning of parts of the following sites where consolidation has been agreed: Redhill, Uxbridge Road and Harrison Road.

(4)that, subject to the Secretary of State’s approval to the decommissioning of the sites in resolutions (2) and (3), the following sites be marketed for sale:  Aikman Avenue, Barkby Road, Prospect Road and the land released at Harrison Road and Uxbridge Road.

(5)that the changes to Groups 1, 2 and 3 following the consultation process which are set out in paragraph 1.7 of the Supporting Information, be noted;

(6)that the situation with regard to the Abbey Park Road Allotment, be noted; and

(7)that a further report will be submitted with recommendations for:-

                                                                                   a)      a rolling programme of decommissioning, consolidation and disposal of the remaining Group 1 and 2 sites identified in the Allotment Strategy 2001, when negotiations and development appraisals have been completed.

                                                                                   b)      A rolling programme for the laying out and management of those decommissioned sites/parts of sites identified within Groups 1 and 2 of the Allotment Strategy 2001 which are recommended for retention  for such uses as public open space and environmental management.

                                                                                    c)      A rolling programme of necessary infrastructure works to sites identified in Group 3 of the Allotment Strategy 2001.

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 8

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

APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS – REVITALISING NEIGHBOURHOODS

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.

ALLOTMENT STRATEGY 2001

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 8

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

APPOINTMENT OF CONSULTANTS – REVITALISING NEIGHBOURHOODS

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.

ALLOTMENT STRATEGY 2001

Councillor Willmott submits a report.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report seeking approval to appoint consultants to support the consultation process for the Revitalising Neighbourhoods Project.

RESOLVED:

(a) that the brief for the consultants be approved;

(b) that the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to commission consultants in consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader;

(c) that the expenditure of up to £50,000 be approved,  funded initially from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, and subsequently reviewed in the light of next year’s budget with the aim of refunding the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund if resources will allow;

(d) that the Head of Legal services be authorised to conclude a contract.

Councillor Holden submits a report.

Councillor Patel submitted a report which considered the financial aspects of the Allotment Strategy 2001.

RESOLVED:

(1)that in relation to the following sites, Aikman Avenue, Fosse Lane, Halstead Street, New Park Road, Prospect Road, Fosse Road Triangle New North End, Barkby Road, Uxbridge Road and Harrison Road; expenditure is approved as set out in paragraph 1.12 of the Supporting Information for site clearance, making safe, relocation of plot holders and accommodation works before the sites / land released are marketed;

(2)that, subject to the completion of the sale of the Barkby Road or Uxbridge Road site approval be given for expenditure as set out in Appendix 5 for site consolidation works (fencing) to the Redhill allotments;

(3)that expenditure for infrastructure works as identified in Appendix 6 for Beaumont Leys Lane, Oakland Avenue and Sandhurst Road allotments be approved;

(4)the proposed expenditure referred to in 1,2 and 3 above be ringfenced from the sale receipts of the following sites, Aikman Avenue, Barkby Road, Prospect Road and the land released at Harrison Road and Uxbridge Road; and

(5)the situation regarding Rancliffe Crescent Allotment be noted.

The meeting closed at 6.05pm.