Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received,

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

Councillor Dawood declared that in respect of item 8, Leicester Integrated Youth Support Strategy, he had a personal and prejudicial interest because he was employed by Connexions. Councillor Dawood undertook to leave the meeting for the consideration of this item.

Councillor Willmott announced that earlier in the day, he and Councillor Russell had planted the 5,000th tree, as part of the Leicester City Council’s 10,000 tree pledge. A tree had been planted next to an existing 500 year old tree, in Monks Rest Garden.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 November 2009 and 23 November 2009, have been circulated to Members and the Cabinet is asked to approve them as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

                        that the minutes of the meetings of Cabinet held on 9 November                  2009 and 23 November 2009 be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters referred from Committees.

Councillor Dempster submits a report which requests approval for the addition of kitchen and dining refurbishment projects to the Capital Programme. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

A minute extract from the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee held on 26 November 2009 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Dempster submitted a report that requested approval for the addition of kitchen and dining refurbishment projects to the Capital Programme.  Councillor Dempster explained that funding in excess of £3m had been received from the Government, which would allow the City Council to continue to improve school kitchens and dining facilities, to enable a better uptake of school meals.

It was noted that the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee had considered the report at its meeting on 26 November and had noted the report and endorsed the recommendations for Cabinet. The Committee had also requested that a report be submitted to them on the condition of kitchens and dining rooms in schools across the City, and Councillor Dempster confirmed that this report would be submitted as requested.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet authorises:

1.      The proposed capital kitchen improvement works and approves the addition of schemes relating to Block C of the Council’s Capital Programme detailed within paragraph 4.9 and Table 3 of the report.

2.      Approves the release of the £0.5m of funding within Block C of the Children and Young People’s Services capital programme, approved by Cabinet and Council in March 2009.

3.      Approves the addition of the additional associated funding to the Capital Programme – being £2.58m of Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) grant; £1.125 of Building Schools for the Future (BSF) match funding; and £0.205m to be contributed by schools from their Devolved Formula Capital allocations; and

4.      Notes that a further report will be brought concerning the scheme(s) to be funded from the remaining DCSF grant of £0.0688m.

Councillor Dempster submits a report that proposes changes to the existing Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) Property Services Team and Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Team to deliver the Council’s capital programme for children and young people.  Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the Report.

A minute extract from the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee held on 26 November 2009 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Dempster submitted a report that proposed changes to the existing Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS) Property Services Team and Building Schools for the Future (BSF) team to deliver the Council’s capital programme for children and young people.  Councillor Dempster explained that it was intended to put together one team to deal with capital projects to ensure an integrated strategy to obtain best value. It was noted that at one time the use of consultants had been necessary, but such work was now able to be carried out by Officers.

It was noted that the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee had considered the report at its meeting on 26 November 2009 and had noted the report and endorsed the recommendations for Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet:

1.     Approves the proposed Transforming the Learning Environment (TLE) Division structure as set out at Appendix A of the report.

2.     Approves the TLE Programme budgeted expenditure for 2009/10 and 2010/11 as set out at Appendix B of the report.

3.     Approves in principle the TLE Programme budgeted expenditure for 2011/12 to 2013/14 which will be subject to further Cabinet approval nearer the time (Appendix B).

4.     Approves the application of the funding identified at Appendix B, subject to a review and further approval for 2011/12 onwards nearer the time.

5.     Supports the creation of a TLE earmarked reserve, to which the one-off funding would be credited and on which interest would be paid annually; and

6.     Approves the capitalisation and addition of £1,169,000 of BSF development costs to the 2009/10 capital programmes, funded by Dedicated Schools Grant.

Councillor Dempster submits a report that sets out proposals for an Integrated Youth Support strategy (IYSS) for Leicester. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

A minute extract from the meeting of the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee held on 26 November 2009 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Dawood, having declared a personal and prejudicial interest, left the meeting during consideration of the following item.

Councillor Dempster submitted a report that set out proposals for an Integrated Youth-Support strategy (IYSS) for Leicester. The strategy would enable the establishment of facilities and co-ordination of support for young people and would also address issues relating to NEET (not in education, employment or training). 

Councillor Dempster added that efforts were being made to locate a suitable, under used building to provide a placement in the south division. One such possibility was Southfields Library.

It was noted that the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee had considered the report at its meeting on 26 November 2009 and had noted the report and endorsed the recommendations for Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet approves:

1.      The proposals for locality working bringing together Integrated Service Hubs and proposals for Integrated Youth Support.

2.      The proposals for management arrangements and co location of 13–19 services.

3.      The proposals for using Youth Service funds and additional resources for positive activities to balance provision against need and population.

4.      The proposals for developing a 3 year commissioning strategy for the local youth offer.

5.      Further work with Connexions Leicester Shire to explore the integration of processes and back office functions across services as a means of achieving greater efficiency; and

6.      Of the efforts being made to locate a suitable placement in the south division.

Councillor Dawood returned to the meeting at the conclusion of this item.

Councillor Russell submits a report that provides an update on the work of the City Warden Service during its first year of operation and outlines proposals for the city-wide roll-out of the service.  Cabinet is recommended to note the progress of the first year of operation and to endorse the proposals for the city-wide roll- out of the service.

A minute extract from the meeting of the Performance and Value for Money Select Committee held on 26 November 2009 will be circulated as soon as it is available.

Councillor Russell submitted a report that provided an update on the work of the City Warden Service during its first year of operation and outlined the proposals for the city-wide roll-out of the service.

Members commented that the scheme had proved to be very successful where the pilot schemes had taken place.

It was noted that the Performance and Value for Money Select Committee had considered the report at its meeting on 26 November 2009 and had noted the report and endorsed the recommendations for Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet notes the progress made during the first year of operation and endorses the proposals for the city-wide roll out of the service, as presented in the report.

Councillor Russell submits a report that has been produced to meet the requirements of the Food Standards Agency’s Framework Agreement and Service Planning Guidance. Cabinet is asked to note the Service Plan for Food Law Enforcement 2009/10 and refer this to Council for approval.

Councillor Russell submitted a report that was produced to meet the requirements of the Food Standards Agency’s Framework Agreement and Service Planning Guidance.

Cabinet were informed by the Solicitor and Monitoring Officer that Council can, if required, be recommended to delegate such decisions in future.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet notes the Service Plan for Food Law Enforcement 2009/10 and refers this to Council for approval.

Councillor Russell submits a report that provides Cabinet with information on the Council’s annual environmental progress through the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

Copies of Appendices 2 and 3 to the report are available on the Council’s website at www.cabinet.leicester.gov.uk

Councillor Russell submitted a report that provided Cabinet with information on the Council’s annual environmental progress through the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS).

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet:

1.      Notes progress towards the EMAS targets during 2008/09 as detailed in appendix 1.

2.      Agrees new targets and amendments to existing corporate targets, as detailed in appendix 4.

3.      Agrees the implementation of the proposed 2009/10 action programme, as detailed in appendix 3).

4.      Agrees the draft text for the 12^th EMAS Public Statement as detailed in appendix 2; and

5.      Agrees the management review of EMAS as detailed in appendix 5.

Councillor Willmott submits a report that seeks the agreement and support of Cabinet for the revised Risk Management Strategy and Risk Management Policy Statement as contained in the report.  Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 5 of the report.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report, which sought the agreement and support of Cabinet for the revised Risk Management Strategy and Risk Management Policy Statement as contained in the report.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet:

1.      Approves the Corporate Risk Management Policy Statement as detailed in Appendix 1.

2.      Approves the Risk Management Strategy as detailed in Appendix 11; and

3.      Approves the Action Plan detailing the actions arising from this paper necessary to integrate an acceptable Risk culture within the Council as detailed in Appendix 111.

Councillor Westley submits a report that proposes that compulsory purchase orders are made on ten long-standing empty homes. Cabinet is asked to approve the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

Please note that the supporting information to the report contains exempt information and is attached for Members at Appendix B3 at the back of the agenda. These papers are marked 'NOT FOR PUBLICATION'. The information in these papers will be exempt as defined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended and it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. The information therefore must not be disclosed or discussed at the meeting. Should Members wish to refer to any of these details it is recommended that the meeting move to exclude the Press and Public during its consideration.

Councillor Westley submitted a report that proposed for compulsory purchases orders to be made on ten long-standing empty homes. Councillor Willmott explained that the report had been divided into public and private sections, in order that as much of it as possible could be heard in public.

Councillor Westley informed Cabinet that the empty properties had fallen into disrepair and the owners had not responded to requests to repair the properties and bring them back into use. Cabinet heard that the compulsory purchase of the houses would not only provide homes but would also improve the environment as a derelict house had a detrimental impact on the street.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet agrees to:

1.      Make Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) under s17 Housing Act 1985 on the land and dwellings as outlined in Appendix D, and as listed below in order to secure their improvement, proper management and occupation as residential dwellings:

48 The Newry161 Uppingham Road

64 Keightley Road26 Fastnet Road

5 Worcester Road107 Warwick Street

171 Anstey Lane28 Meadhurst Road

106 St Margaret’s Way88 Kimberley Road

2.      Authorises the necessary capital expenditure from the  Housing Capital Programme.

The Leader agreed to accept the following items of urgent business under Cabinet Procedure Rule 7d as the reports were considered urgent on the grounds that a decision was required by Cabinet on 30 November 2009 in order for the process to continue in a timely matter, otherwise it was likely to lead to a delay in implementation and subsequent costs to the Council. 

SINGLE STATUS

REVIEW OF PAY STRUCTURES IN HIGHWAYS, PARKS, OPERATIONAL TRANSPORT AND CLEANSING.

AGENDA

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO NOTE

Cabinet deals with most business in public but is legally entitled to consider certain items in private. Members of the public and the press will be asked to leave the meeting when such items are discussed.

Cabinet is recommended to consider whether or not to deal with the following report in private on the grounds that it contains ‘exempt’ information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, as amended, and consequently that the Cabinet makes the following resolution:-

i.   “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

ii.  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.

62- 64 NEW WALK

Paragraph 3

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

RE-HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES - NHS CAMPUS RE-PROVISON PROGRAMME (HEALTH HOMES)

Paragraph 3

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

Members of Cabinet considered the reasons for considering the following reports in private, on the basis that they contained information relating to the business affairs of the Authority. They felt that it was in the public interest to maintain the exemption, to protect the Council’s business affairs. No objection was raised to this.

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 involved the likely disclosure of ‘exempt’ information, as defined in the Paragraph 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 3

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

                        62-64 NEW WALK.

Paragraph 3

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

RE-HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES – NHS CAMPUS RE-PROVISION PROGRAMME (HEALTH HOMES).

Paragraph 3

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

Paragraph 4

Information relating to consultations/negotiations in connection with labour relations matters.

Paragraph 5

Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

SINGLE STATUS

Paragraph 3

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

Paragraph 4

Information relating to consultations/negotiations in connection with labour relations matters.

Paragraph 5

Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

REVIEW OF PAY STRUCTURES IN HIGHWAYS, PARKS, OPERATIONAL TRANSPORT AND CLEANSING.

Councillor Wilmott submits a report.

Councillor Willmott submitted a report that outlined the current position with the proposed buyback of 62-64 New Walk. Members were asked to note that there were additional recommendations as distributed in the third Cabinet Despatch.

RESOLVED:

                        that Cabinet agrees:

1.      That this matter is urgent on the grounds that any call in would prevent making an out of court settlement, and that, according to Cabinet Procedure Rule 12(d) of the Constitution no call in may be made of the Cabinet's decision; and

2.      To approve the recommendations contained within Paragraph 3 of the original report and the additional recommendation Number 2, as detailed in the third Cabinet Despatch.     

Councillor Palmer submits a report.

Councilllor Palmer submitted a report which sought agreement from Members on the approach to be taken to progress the NHS Campus Re-provision, known as the Health Homes Programme. 

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet approves the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

SINGLE STATUS

Councillor Patel submitted a report that considered and evaluated proposals on implementing Single Status at Leicester City Council and that sought Members’ decisions on strategic issues prior to commencing negotiations with the relevant Trade Unions.

An updated report was circulated at the meeting, which included further details regarding financial implications.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet approves the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

REVIEW OF PAY STRUCTURES IN HIGHWAYS, PARKS, OPERATIONAL TRANSPORT AND CLEANSING

Councillor Patel submitted a report that addressed issues concerning the review of pay structures within the Highways, Parks, Operational Transport and Cleansing sections and to authorise the Director of Human Resources and service managers to negotiate with the trade unions on the basis set out in the report.

RESOLVED:

that Cabinet approves the recommendations set out in Paragraph 3 of the report.

The meeting closed at 1.55 pm