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CABINET

Meeting of the Cabinet to be held in the Council Chamber, The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury on Monday 7th February 2005 at 6.30 p.m.

Membership: Councillor Nutting (Leader)

Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Cooke, Mrs Jones, Owen, Price, Roberts, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams

Committee Officer Responsible: - Penny Chamberlain Tel: 01743 281035

MEMBERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE RECORD OF EVERY DECISION THAT THE CABINET MAKES MUST INCLUDE THE REASONS FOR THE DECISION AND ANY ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED.

WILL MEMBERS ALSO NOTE THAT THE REPORTS WILL NOT BE CIRCULATED AGAIN, AND SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR FURTHER REFERENCE IF THE REPORTS ARE CALLED IN BY THE SCRUTINY COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION AND ALSO IF THE MATTER IS REFERRED TO THE OVERVIEW COMMITTEE AND/OR COUNCIL

A G E N D A

1. MINUTES – 17th January 2005

Recommendation:

That the Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held 17th January 2005 be confirmed as a correct record and be signed by the Leader.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

3.  DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST & DISPENSATION

To receive any declarations of members' interests in any matters that are to be considered at this meeting and to receive any dispensations which will be relied upon.

(a) Personal (b) Personal and Prejudicial

When members are declaring a personal interest, or a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they have dispensation, they should specify the nature of such interest. Members should leave the room if they have a personal and prejudicial interest in respect of which they do not have a dispensation.

4. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

To deal with any questions from members of the public.

REPORT FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

5. HOUSING POLICY REVIEW

O & S Recommendations     Report     Annexes

To consider the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the work carried out by the Housing Policy Task Group.

Officer Recommendations:

(a)  That recommendations (a) to (h) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be referred to the Local Plan Advisory Group for consideration.

(b)  That recommendation (i) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be supported in principle and further consideration be given to the recommendation during Cabinet's consideration of the report of the Head of Finance on the General Fund and Town Only budget.

(c)  That consideration of recommendations (j) and (k) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be deferred to a future meeting of Cabinet to enable more detailed reports to be submitted thereon.

(d)  That recommendation (l) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted subject to the addition of the words "within existing resources".

(e)  That recommendation (m) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted subject to the addition of the words "within existing resources".

(f)  That recommendation (n) of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to the Housing Policy Review be accepted.

Reason:

(a)  To enable the Local Plan Advisory Group to take the Committee's comments into account during their review of the matter.

(b)  To enable members to be fully informed prior to taking a decision in respect of matters (j) and (k).

6. HARLESCOTT LANE PLAYING FIELD BOUNDARY FENCE

Further to Minute 06/05 to consider the following recommendation from the Community and Voluntary Sector Working Group:

"That Cabinet be asked to consider the provision of the Harlescott Lane Playing Field Boundary Fence being funded in the sum of £7,852 from the Town Rate in the General Fund."

Officer Recommendation:

That no financial provision be made from the Town Only rate towards the Harlescott Lane Playing Field Boundary Fence.

Reason:

(a) No provision had been included in the budget towards the provision of the fence and the matter was not considered to be a priority issue.

(b) To produce a balanced budget in order to finance the Council's priorities, responsibilities, aims and objectives.

MATTERS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

7. GENERAL FUND AND TOWN ONLY BUDGETS AND MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL PLAN

General fund report     appendix A     appendix 6     appendix 7

To consider a report of the Head of Finance.

(Key Decision – Council)

Officer Recommendations:

(a)  That the revised estimates for 2004/05 totalling £9,842,981 including a deduction from balances of £297,769 be approved.

(b)  That the 2005/06 budget totalling £10,010,090 plus an addition to balances of £276,284 based on the draft Revenue Support Grant Settlement be approved.

(c)  That the General Fund Council Tax be increased by 4.9% from £113.40 to £118.96 for 2005/06 for a Band D property.

(d)  That the Town Only Council Tax for a Band D property be increased by 4.6% from £27.45 to £28.71 for 2005/06.

(e)  That Cabinet has regard to the Head of Finance's opinions regarding the robustness of the estimates and the adequacy of proposed financial reserves.

(f)  That in the event of any savings in the out-turn on revised estimates for the 2004/05 financial year occurring, up to £40,000 be allocated for training and management of succession.

(g)  That the medium term financial plan and the service and funding implications contained therein be agreed, namely:

  1. To increase Council Tax in 2006/07 and 2007/08 by at least 2% above inflation levels (assuming 3% inflation).

  2. To introduce a £5 charge for £25 of Concessionary travel tokens from 2006/07 onwards.

  3. To implement alternate weekly Waste/Recycling collections by 2007/08.

  4. To introduce savings of £100,000 in the CCTV budget by 2007/08.

  5. To further reduce the Museums/Tourism/TCMP budgets by £55,000 by 2007/08.

(h)  That delegated authority be given to the Head of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and the Leader of the Council to approve Building Control Charges for 2005/2006.

(i)  That the budget surplus for 2005/2006 be set aside to finance the one-off costs associated with implementing the new establishment structure.

Reasons:

(a)  To produce a fully funded budget in order to promote the Council's responsibilities, aims and objectives including delivery of the Community Strategy.

(b)  To ensure that the General Fund balance remains at a reasonable level.

(c)  To provide funding for priority growth bids.

Leader's Recommendations:

The Leader, Councillor Nutting will submit his comments at the meeting. Attached are papers relating to Shopmobility which the Leader will refer to in his comments.

Shopmobility 1     shopmobility 2

8. CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Programme report

To consider the report of the Head of Finance and the initial recommendations of Cabinet (set out below) following public consultation.

(Key Decision – Council)

Initial Cabinet Recommendations:

(a)  That the revised Capital Programme set out in the draft Budget Book 2005/2006 be approved.

(b)  That revenue savings identified to meet the anticipated budget shortfall over the next three years as set out in the Revenue Budget report be considered, to enable contracts to construct the New Entertainment centre to be finalised.

(c)  That in light of the land at Bowbrook for leisure and recreation not now being available, £1 million of the budget sum of £2 million be transferred towards the Flax Mill project with the remaining £1 million being allocated towards possible land acquisitions in the future.

(d)  That until the tendered costs of the Livestock Market and the New Entertainment Venue are determined, no new capital projects be approved except in cases of emergency/public safety/protection of assets.

Reason:

To safeguard the Council's long term financial position and ensure that sufficient capital resources were available to fund priority capital schemes.

Leader's Recommendations:

The Leader, Council Nutting will submit his comments at the meeting.

9. PRUDENTIAL INDICATOR FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, EXTERNAL DEBT AND TREASURY MANAGEMENT 2005/2006

Prudential Report

To consider a report of the Head of Finance.

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Officer Recommendations:

That it be recommended to the Council that:

(a)  The Prudential Indicators and Limits set out in Tables 1 to 6 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

(b) The statement in Paragraph 3.2 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

(c)  The Treasury Management Strategy for 2005/2006 be:

    1. To maximise investment income and keep borrowing costs to a minimum whilst ensuring that there is a sufficient spread of investments to minimise the risk to the Council.

    2. The procedures and practices followed in implementing the strategy be consistent with the Council's Treasury Management Policy Statement and Treasury Management Practice.

(d) The Investment Strategy prepared in accordance with the ODPM Guidance on Local Government Investments and set out in paragraphs 6.2 to 6.9 of the Annex of the report by the Head of Finance be approved.

Reasons:

To ensure compliance with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, the guidance of the ODPM in relation to Local Authority Investments, namely that the Council's financial affairs are properly managed and that the risk to the Council's financial investments are minimised.

Portfolio Holder Recommendations:

The Leader, Councillor Nutting will submit his comments at the meeting.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – QUARTERLY REPORTS

10. BIG ISSUES

Big Issues

To consider a report of the Chief Executive aimed at informing the members of the Cabinet in relation to the "Big Issues" affecting the Council.

(This item is placed on the agenda at the request of Councillor Nutting.)

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Note: This report is submitted for Cabinet's information only. In the event of members wishing to consider making a decision on an issue then it will be necessary for a specific report to be submitted for consideration to the next Cabinet meeting. The Call-In Procedure Rules will then apply at that stage.

11. DELIVERY OF SERVICES

To consider reports from Portfolio Holders on the delivery of services within their Portfolio as follows:

(a)

Policy Support Services *

Service review      traffic

Councillor Nutting

 

(b)

Democratic & Legal Services

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Nutting

 

(c)

Personnel Services

Service review     traffic lights

Councillor Owen

 

(d)

ICT Services

service review      traffic lights

Councillor Owen

 

(e)

Financial Services

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Nutting

 

(f)

Environmental Health Services*

service review     traffic lights

Councillors Cooke, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams

 

(g)

Housing & Community Regeneration Services

service review      traffic

Councillors Armstrong, Ms Wild and Mrs Williams

 

(h)

Leisure Services

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Armstrong

 

(i)

Public Amenities Services

service review     traffic lights

Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Cooke and Mrs Williams

 

(j)

Entertainment & Museums Services*

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Armstrong

 

(k)

Engineering Services

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Roberts

 

(l)

Building Control Services*

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Price

 

(m)

Economic Development Services

traffic lights      service review

Councillor Roberts

 

(n)

Development Control Services*

service review     traffic

Councillor Price

 

(o)

Planning Policy Services*

service review     traffic lights

Councillor Price

 

(p)

Property Services*

service review     traffic     projects prog

Councillor Price

 

Note: * Denotes a service that includes a "Red" within their Performance Management Traffic Lights.

MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED SUBJECT TO ANY CALL-IN

12. CAR PARKING CHARGES

charges report

To consider a report of the Head of Finance and Engineering Services Manager.

(Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Officer Recommendation:

That the Traffic Regulation Order bringing into effect the charges set out in (a) of Minute 201A/04 be confirmed and that charges be effective from 28th March 2005.

Reason:

To maintain the relationship between off-street parking charge, park and ride fares and the charges for parking in the town centre in accordance with the Council's car parking charging policies.

Portfolio Holder Recommendations:

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Roberts supports the officer recommendation.

13. CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

Customer satisfaction

To consider a report of the Customer Satisfaction Working Group.

(Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Working Group Recommendations:

(a)  That Members appreciation of the contribution made by those persons who had assisted the Working Group with the review be formally sent to the individuals/groups concerned together with a copy of this report and resulting decisions.

(b)  That the on-going measures and efforts being taken by all parties to improve "customer satisfaction levels" in the borough area be welcomed.

(c)  That in relation to "level of crime":

    The Environmental Health Manager be requested to take appropriate action to promote the responsibilities of his service for dealing with noise complaints.

(d)  That in relation to "health services":

  1. Officers be requested to continue their successful work with schools to promote the benefits of walking to school.

  2. The work being taken by the Environmental Health and Leisure Services to promote healthy lifestyles be welcomed

(e)  That in relation to "Clean Streets":

    The Public Amenities Manager be requested to introduce appropriate measures to increase the promotion of partnership initiatives to the public.

(f)  That in relation to "Affordable decent housing":

  1. The Council write to the Government expressing its concern about the pilot scheme currently being undertaken and emphasising its support for the continued payment of rents to Registered Social Landlords and other landlords rather than tenants.

  2. In cases where deemed appropriate, consideration be given by the Council to the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders powers on sites identified in the Local Plan as suitable for affordable homes to ensure their delivery.

  3. The Group's support for an increase in the number and speed of delivery of affordable housing provision through the Planning Local Framework be endorsed. (Current threshold 25 units or more, new government guidance likely to be 15 units or more, supported by LPAG the current policy is 30% and LPAG target contribution is 50%.)

  4. It be noted that consideration is to be given by Cabinet in due course to the outcome/recommendations of the Housing Policy Task Group.

  5. That both the Council's Planning and Housing officers be urged to increase the communication and consultations currently taking place on this issue between the Shropshire Housing and Planning Officer groups.

(g)  That in relation to "Parks and Open Spaces":

    Measures be taken to increase the provision of news items to the press about the activities being taken by the Council.

(h)  That in relation to "Job Prospects/Wage levels and cost of living":

  1. The Economic Development Manager be consulted on all commercial planning applications received by the Planning Service.

  2. The comments of the Economic Development Manager on planning applications be included in all reports/schedules submitted to the Development Control and Environmental Protection Committee by the Development Control Manager.

  3. The Economic Development Manager play a part in any planning training given to members.

(i)  That in relation to "level of pollution":

    It be acknowledged that the construction of North West Relief Road will help to overcome some of the pollution problems in the town centre, Heathgates and the A49.

(j)  That in relation to "Facilities for young children/activities for teenagers/sports and leisure facilities":

  1. The enhancement and strengthening of the existing good relationship between the Borough's Leisure Services and County Council's Youth Service be supported.

  2. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to look into the possible part formalisation of the above relationship with the Youth Service bearing in mind the need and importance of maintaining informal contact.

  3. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to increase engagement with young persons to seek their views re provision.

  4. The Leisure Services Manager be requested to introduce appropriate measures to increase the provision of "good" news items to the press.

  5. The continued development of links with the community development section be supported.

(k)  That Cabinet be requested to consider whether or not discussions should take place with the local press in order that both parties might improve existing communications about the Council's services.

Reasons:

(a)  To express members appreciation of the contribution being made to improve "customer satisfaction levels" and acknowledge the on-going measures being taken or proposed both by the Council and other bodies.

(b)   To communicate better with the public about the services and carry out actual improvements to service delivery.

Officer Recommendations:

That the recommendations of the Customer Satisfaction Working Group set out above be approved.

Reason:

(a)  To express members appreciation of the contribution being made to improve customer satisfaction levels and acknowledge the on-going measures being taken or proposed both by the Council and other bodies.

(b)  To communicate better with the public about the services and carry out actual improvements to service delivery.

Portfolio Holder Recommendations:

The Portfolio Holders will submit their comments at the meeting.

14. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME

Local plan report       appendix a

Further to Minute 21/05 to consider a report of the Chairman of the Local Plan Advisory Group and Planning Policy Manager.

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Recommendation:

(a)  That the role of the Local Plan Advisory Group in steering the plan review be endorsed.

(b)  That it be noted that a seminar will be held on 24th February 2005 to advise all members of Council on the new Development Plan Process.

(c)  That authority be delegated to the Planning Policy Manager, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder, to finalise the Local Development Scheme (LDS) for submission to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Reason:

(a)  To support the valuable work being undertaken by the Local Plan Advisory Group.

(b)  To engage all members of Council in understanding the new legislative framework.

(c)  To ensure that the Local Development Scheme is finalised and submitted to Government within the prescribed time-scale.

Portfolio Holder Recommendations:

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor Price will submit his comments at the meeting.

ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS

  1. SEVENTY STEPS – OVERNIGHT CLOSURE

The Leader will refer Cabinet to Seventy Steps and seek members' views about its possible overnight or permanent closure. He has indicated that it would be beneficial for all members of Cabinet to visit the site prior to the meeting.

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

Officer Recommendations:

That Shropshire County Council be requested to review the position relating to Seventy Steps with a view to its possible permanent closure.

Reason:

In the interests of community safety.

16. URGENT MATTERS

To consider any matters certified as urgent by the Chief Executive.

17. EXEMPT ITEMS

The Chief Executive will report that the following items relate to exempt matters under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and will ask the Committee to pass the following resolution:

RESOLVED:

That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the grounds that they could involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

18. DEPOT FACILITIES

Further to Minute 25/05 to consider an exempt report of the Engineering Services Manager and the Property Services Manager.

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

The recommendations are in the exempt report.

19. LIVESTOCK MARKET

Further to Council on the 24th January 2005 to consider an exempt report of the Economic Development Manager.

(Non Key Decision – Call-In Committee)

The Guildhall,

Frankwell Quay,

Shrewsbury,

28/01/05f the attached reports are available in large print on request from the Committee Services Section at The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ Tel. 01743 281031