Contact Us

Address:
The Guildhall
Frankwell Quay
Shrewsbury
SY3 8HQ
 
Telephone:
01743 281000
 
email:

CABINET

13th November 2006

PRESENT: Councillor Nutting (Leader)

Councillors Armstrong, Bebb, Mrs. Jones, Price, Rees, Roberts, Ms. Wild and Mrs. Williams.

Non-Cabinet members in attendance: Councillors Mrs. Allaway, Mrs. Brennand, Clarke, Cooke, Kenny, Lord, Sambrook, Tandy, Wagner and J. M. Williams.

Officers in attendance: Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Assistant Chief Executive (Monitoring Officer), Head of Finance and Senior Committee Services Officer.

MINUTES: 9th October 2006 – confirmed,

APOLOGY FOR ABSENCE: Councillor Owen.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND DISPENSATIONS GRANTED BY THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE: The following members declared their personal interest or personal and prejudicial interest in the items shown below:

Member

Decision Number and Matter

Councillor Armstrong

 

Minutes 164/06 and 166/06 – Rowleys House – Personal and Prejudicial interest due to business interests. He left the room during the consideration of and voting on these items.

Councillor Cooke

Minute 158/06 – Bereavement Services – Value For Money Review – Personal interest as he had purchased a burial plot in Great Ness churchyard.

MATTERS RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLICY FRAMEWORK

148/06 DISABILITY EQUALITY SCHEME 2006/09 AND RACE EQUALITY SCHEME 2006/09

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) on the preparation of the Disability Equality Scheme 2006/09 and Race Equality Scheme 2006-2009.

Options considered:

The Council's responsibilities are of a statutory nature therefore no other options have been considered.

DECISION:

(a) That Council be recommended to adopt the Race Equality Scheme 2006/09 and Disability Equality Scheme 2006-2009 which sets out an action plan and timetable in compliance with the statutory code of practice.

(b) That both the Race Equality Scheme 2006/09 and Disability Equality Schemes are made publicly accessible through the internet and hard copy in appropriate formats (if requested).

(c) That the Council's commitment to work towards level 3 of the CRE's Equality Standard by 2006/09 be confirmed.

(d) That Councillor Owen be appointed to oversee the implementation of both the Race and Disability Equality Schemes.

Reason:

To comply with the Council's statutory duty under the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Disability Equality Duty 2005.

MATTERS TO BE RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

149/06 SCALE OF CHARGES

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance on the proposed scale of charges for 2007/2008.

Options considered:

(a) no increase in charges

(b) increase charges in line with rise in costs

(c) increase charges above rise in costs

(d) reduction of some charges to reflect market forces

(e) review charges in line with the Council's overall strategies.

DECISION:

(a) That the scale of charges for licensing set out on page 35 of the report by the Head of Finance be recommended to Council for approval.

(b) That, subject to the Quarry Management Advisory Group reviewing the proposed charges for Fairs and Circuses in The Quarry and reporting thereon to the next Cabinet meeting, all the charges apart from (a) above, detailed in the appendices of the report by the Head of Finance be agreed to be effective from 26th March 2007 unless otherwise stated.

Reason:

(a) To increase income from service charges and fees by £100,000 above inflation whilst having regard to customer demand and competition from other suppliers.

(b) To set charges for services at levels which do not exclude any sector of the population.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT – QUARTERLY REPORTS

150/06 BIG ISSUES

Consideration was given to a report by the Chief Executive aimed at informing members of the Cabinet of progress made in relation to the "Big Issues" affecting the Council.

Options considered:

(a) To note the report of the Chief Executive.

(b) To request a specific report on a particular issue be submitted for consideration to the next Cabinet meeting.

DECISION:

That the report of the Chief Executive on the Big Issues affecting the Council be noted.

Reason:

It was an information report aimed at informing the members of Cabinet on progress.

151/06 DELIVERY OF SERVICES

Consideration was given to the review reports that had been prepared by Cabinet members in conjunction with the relevant Service Manager on the delivery of services within their Portfolio as follows:

(a)

Policy Support Services

Councillor Nutting

(b)

Democratic & Legal Services

Councillor Price

(c)

Personnel Services

Councillor Owen

(d)

ICT Services

Councillor Owen

(e)

Financial Services

Councillor Nutting

(f)

Environmental Health Services

Councillor Mrs. Jones

(g)

Housing

Councillor Mrs Williams

(h)

Leisure Services and Community Development

Councillors Armstrong and Ms Wild

(i)

Public Amenities Services

Councillors Mrs Williams

(j)

Cultural Services

Councillor Armstrong

(k)

Technical Services

Councillors Bebb and Roberts

(l)

Building Control Services

Councillor Rees

(n)

Destination Shrewsbury

Councillor Roberts

(o)

Planning Services

Councillors Rees

Options considered:

(a) To note the review reports of the Service Portfolios.

(b) To request a report be submitted to a future meeting in relation to the red traffic lights within the Democratic and Legal Services, Personnel Services, Housing Services and Environmental Health Services review reports.

DECISION:

That, subject to the Assistant Chief Executive (Monitoring Officer) investigating how this Council compared with other authorities in its family group in respect of the percentage of employees with a disability and reporting thereon to the Cabinet meeting on 22nd January 2007, the review reports be noted.

Reason:

(a) They were primarily information reports aimed at informing members on the performance of the service portfolios.

(b) To enable Cabinet to consider further the red traffic light in respect of the percentage of employees with a disability.

152/06 FINANCIAL REPORT

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance on the financial position of the Council for the period 1st August 2006 to 30th September 2006.

Options considered:

It was a situation report on actual financial performance and therefore the effect on future budget options would be considered at the appropriate time.

DECISION:

That the action being taken by the Head of Finance in respect of the management of the Council's finances be endorsed.

Reason:

To safeguard the ongoing financial position of the Council.

 

MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED SUBJECT TO ANY CALL-IN (PART 1)

153/06 REVIEW OF CAR PARKING AND BUS STATION DEPARTURE CHARGES

Consideration was given to a joint report of the Head of Finance and the Technical Services Manager reviewing the car parks scale of charges and bus station departure charges.

Options considered:

(a) No increase in car park charges in 2007/2008.

(b) A modest increase in car park charges in 2007/2008.

(c) An above inflation increase in car park charges in 2007/2008.

(d) Increase bus departure charges from 1st April 2007.

DECISION:

(a) That the scale of charges as set out in Column 2, in Appendix A to the joint report of the Head of Finance and the Technical Services Manager be introduced from 26th March 2007.

(b) That as part of the budget consultation process the Chief Executive promote a Traffic Regulation Order under the provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 giving effect from 26th March 2007 to the charges set out in Column 2 of Appendix A to the joint report.

(c) That the charge levied for each bus departure be increased to 44p from 1st April 2007.

Reasons:

(a) To recognise the budgetary requirements of the Council in the next financial year.

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

(c) To maintain the relationship between income and expenditure at the Bus Station.

154/06 PARKRIGHT – BANKING OF RECEIPTS

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance on entering into an indemnity with the Council's bankers to enable cheques etc. payable to "Park Right" to be deposited into the Council's bank account.

Options considered:

(a) To enter into the indemnity.

(b) Not to enter into the indemnity.

DECISION:

That to allow the deposit of cheques made payable to "Park Right" into the Council's bank account, the Head of Finance be authorised to sign the Form of Indemnity required by National Westminster Bank Plc.

Reason:

To enable cheques made payable to Park Right to be paid into the Council's bank account. This will ensure that all income transactions will be controlled within the normal financial procedures of the Council.

155/06 PROCUREMENT OF ENERGY SUPPLIES

Further to Minute 138/06(Cabinet 9th October 2006), consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) on the process undertaken for the procurement of energy supplies for the Council's facilities.

Options considered:

(a) Continue with the existing contracts.

(b) Re-tender.

(c) Buy gas off the spot market.

DECISION:

That, subject to the officers looking into arrangements for member involvement in the tendering process for the procurement of energy supplies in the future, Cabinet notes the report and encourages increased energy efficiency across the Council to reduce energy costs.

Reason:

To reduce the costs of energy use and encourage sustainability and the Borough as a centre of Environmental Excellence.

156/06 FRANKWELL FOOTBRIDGE

Consideration was given to a report of the Technical Services Manager on the feasibility and cost of making the Council-owned footbridge more accessible for disabled users.

Options considered:

(a) To resolve the issues at both ends of the bridge.

(b) To resolve the issues on the north side of the bridge.

(c) To take no action.

DECISION:

(a) That the proposals for dealing with the ramps at both ends of the bridge be developed further and, subject to inclusion in the capital programme, funding in the sum of approximately £280,000 be made available for design and construction.

(b) That the Council liaise with the Shopping Centre owners to ensure that the new ramp provision best meets the needs of all users, and to determine if there are benefits in a joint approach.

Reason:

This will provide better access to the bridge, while potentially sharing expenditure on the Shopping Centre side.

157/06 REDEVELOPMENT OF THE MUSIC HALL – PROJECT INITIATION DOCUMENT (P.I.D.)

(Councillor J.M. Williams spoke on this item.)

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted the Project Initiation Document (P.I.D.) for the Redevelopment of the Music Hall for Cabinet's consideration.

Options considered:

(a) To approve the P.I.D.

(b) Not to approve the P.I.D.

DECISION:

That the P.I.D. for the Redevelopment of the Music Hall be approved.

Reasons:

To progress the redevelopment of the Music Hall.

158/06 BEREAVEMENT SERVICES – VALUE FOR MONEY REVIEW

(Councillors Mrs. Allaway, Clarke and Cooke spoke on this item.)

Consideration was given to a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and the Technical Services Manager on undertaking a 'value for money' review of the cemetery and cremations services.

Options considered:

(a) To continue to operate the Bereavement Services as at present, knowing that in the very near future major investment is required within the service to satisfy statutory emission duties and to 'revitalise' the current provision.

(b) To examine further the opportunities presented by a 'value for money' study of the Bereavement Services, including a private/ public partnership model, and report further to Cabinet.

DECISION:

(a) That the opportunities presented by a 'value for money' study of the current Bereavement Services, excluding a private/public partnership model, be examined further.

(b) That a report be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting when this work is complete and more precise recommendations can be made.

Reason:

To enable members to be fully informed before making a decision.

159/06 FUTURE FOR SWIMMING IN THE BOROUGH

The Chief Executive referred members to the decision of Cabinet in May 2006 (Minute 67/06 refers) for formal investigations and costings to be carried out on the options identified for securing the future for swimming within the Borough, to enable those options to be looked into further and consulted upon.

He requested Cabinet to support the funding of £300,000 from the Asset Renewal and Maintenance Fund within the Capital Programme to engage a Design Team to undertake the design and architectural services involved in producing a refurbishment programme for the swimming centre.

Options considered:

(a) To agree to the provision of funding to engage a Design Team.

(b) Not to agree to the provision of funding to engage Design Team.

DECISION:

(a) That the provision of £300,000 funding from the Asset Renewal and Maintenance Fund within the Capital Programme to engage a Design Team to undertake the design and architectural services involved in producing a refurbishment programme for the swimming centre be supported and financed from capital receipts.

(b) That a Project Initiation Document (P.I.D.) for the refurbishment of the swimming centre be produced for submission to the Cabinet meeting on 11th December 2006.

(c) That the future management arrangements for the facility be considered at a future Cabinet meeting.

(d) That all political groups be invited to participate in the Swimming Centre Working Group.

Reason:

To progress the investigation and costing of options for securing the future for swimming within the Borough.

160/06 BRITISH RETAIL CONSORTIUM

The Deputy Chief Executive reported that the British Retail Consortium had written to the Council urging the Authority to accept rent monthly in advance rather than quarterly in order to improve cash flow for retail businesses. Destination Shrewsbury had taken the initiative in promoting this proposal as a means of helping local businesses to survive in a difficult retail climate. He indicated that the Head of Finance supported the proposal.

Options considered:

(a) To approve the proposal.

(b) Not to approve the proposal.

DECISION:

That the Council support Destination Shrewsbury in helping local businesses by offering rental payments monthly in advance rather than quarterly for the Council's retail units.

Reason:

To assist the local economy.

161/06 WASTE COLLECTION

The Chief Executive reported that it had been hoped that the Waste Management Partnership for the County Council and four districts, following receipt of tenders in 2005 for providing the waste services, would have determined by now the contract for the collection and the subsequent disposal of waste in the rural districts, to enable the Borough Council to finalise decisions on the methods of waste collection in Shrewsbury for the future.

However, the Borough Council had now been advised that the Waste Management Partnership was unlikely to be able to reach a decision until March 2007 which was of concern due to the reliance that the Borough Council had placed on being able to make financial savings from waste.

Options considered:

(a) To approve the proposal.

(b) Not to approve the proposal.

DECISION:

That the Chief Executive write formally to the Chief Executive of Shropshire County Council expressing concern at this delay and requesting confirmation of what waste disposal methods are likely to be in place in order to assist the Council at its meeting in December to make determinations on the draft budget for 2007/08 and the future.

Reason:

To progress the preparation of the budget.

162/06 TRANSPORT INNOVATION FUND CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be dealt with as a matter of urgency as arrangements were being made for the first meeting of the proposed consultative committee to be held next week.)

The Leader indicated that he had received a request from Shropshire County Council for two nominations from the Borough Council to serve on the Transport Innovation Fund Consultative Committee.

Options considered:

(a) To appoint representatives.

(b) To not appoint representatives.

DECISION:

That Councillors Bebb and Roberts be appointed to serve as the Borough Council's representatives on the Transport Innovation Fund Consultative Committee.

Reason:

To ensure that the Borough Council was included in the consultation process.

 

ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS

163/06 NEW ENTERTAINMENT VENUE (THEATRE SEVERN)

(Councillor S. Williams spoke on this item.)

A member queried the use of the name 'Theatre Severn' that was being used to refer to the New Entertainment Venue and expressed the view that full and proper consideration should be given to the selection of the name for the venue.

Options considered:

(a) To adopt the name of 'Theatre Severn' for the venue.

(b) To give full and proper consideration to the selection of the name for the venue.

DECISION:

That the officers submit a report to the next Cabinet meeting on all possible names for the New Entertainment Venue, including the possibility of holding a public competition to select the name.

Reason:

To explore all options for the naming of the venue.

MATTERS TO BE RESOLVED AND IMPLEMENTED SUBJECT TO ANY CALL-IN (PART 2)

164/06 ROWLEYS HOUSE

(Councillor Wagner spoke on this item.)

Cabinet proceeded to consider in open session the exempt report of the Technical Services Manager on the informal tender returns received following the marketing of Rowley's House Museum and the adjoining Barker Street site.

Options considered:

(a) To continue the consideration of the exempt matter in open session.

(b) To give more detailed consideration to the exempt report of the Technical Services Manager during the exempt part of the meeting.

DECISION:

That more detailed consideration be given to the exempt report of the Technical Services Manager during the exempt part of the meeting.

Reason:

Further consideration of the matter in open session might involve the disclosure of exempt information.

 

165/06 EXEMPT ITEMS

DECISION:

That, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining items.

Reason:

The items could involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

166/06 ROWLEYS HOUSE

(Councillors Mrs. Allaway, Cooke, Lord, Tandy, J.M. Williams and S. Williams spoke on this item.)

Further to Minute 164/06, Cabinet continued the consideration of the exempt report of the Technical Services Manager on the informal tender returns received following the marketing of Rowley's House Museum and the adjoining Barker Street site.

Options considered:

Five options were set out in the exempt report.

DECISION:

That the Chief Executive arrange for a public meeting to be held in a suitable venue on the schemes proposed by the tenderers and report on the outcome to the Cabinet meeting in December 2006 if time permits or if not then the Cabinet meeting in January 2007.

Reason:

To seek the views of the public on the proposed schemes submitted by the tenderers.

(Councillor Roberts wished it to be recorded that he voted against the decision.)

167/06 INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

Consideration was given to an exempt report of the Technical Services Manager on the relocation of the St Johns Ambulance to Whitecroft Farm, Weeping Cross.

Options considered:

Three options were set out in the exempt report.

DECISION:

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report of the Technical Services Manager be approved and the cost be financed from capital receipts.

Reason:

The lease of the site would enable a valuable site within the town centre to be vacated, whilst providing a valuable community service with facilities that are fit for purpose in a good location to transport links.

If the negotiations fail the Council will still receive a capital receipt and reduce its potential maintenance revenue liability.

168/06 TESCO SITE AT ARLINGTON WAY

Consideration was given to an exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) on the informal tender returns received following the marketing of the existing Tesco site at Arlington Way, Shrewsbury.

Options considered:

Two options were set out in the exempt report.

DECISION:

That the Chief Executive conduct negotiations with the two highest bidders and be authorised, in consultation with the Leader and subject to the opinion of the Council's valuer, to conclude the sale of the site that provides the best consideration to the Council.

Reason:

To ensure the site is sold maximising the Council's income in accordance with Cabinet's previous decision.

EXEMPT ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS

169/06 WEEPING CROSS DEPOT

A member raised concerns relating to security arrangements for the nursery site at Weeping Cross Depot.

DECISION:

That the Deputy Chief Executive report to the next Cabinet meeting with costings to address the issues causing concern.

Reason:

To enable members to be fully informed before making a decision.

 

6.30 p.m. – 9.15 p.m.