CABINET

10^th December 2007

PRESENT: Councillor Nutting (Leader)

Councillors Adams, Armstrong, Bebb, Owen, Price, D. Roberts, Ms Wild and Mrs. Williams.

Non-Cabinet members in attendance: The Mayor and Councillors

Mrs. Brennand, Clarke, Mrs. Jones, Sambrook, Townsend, J.M. Williams and S. Williams.

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

MINUTES: 12th November 2007 - confirmed.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Councillor Rees.

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 Clarke	Minute 213/07 - Request for the Transfer of Land to Bayston Hill Parish Council - Personal interest as a member of Bayston Hill Parish Council.
Councillor Nutting	Minute 208/07 - Business Improvement District - Personal and Prejudicial interest as he owned a business in the town centre. He left the room during the consideration of and voting on this item. Whereupon Councillor D. Roberts took the Chair.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

193/07 LAND AT NOBOLD LANE

Prior to asking his question Mr. Martin indicated that he assumed that the exempt item concerning land at Nobold Lane on the agenda for the meeting related to Conduit Head which the Council had bought from Severn Trent Water who had allowed the site to fall into disrepair. He informed members that in 1985 it was the subject of an extensive programme to turn it into a museum and visitor centre as the site was unique as it was where water was first pumped through pipes down into the town of Shrewsbury and was probably the only site of its type in the country. He then referred to photographs on display at the meeting of the walkway leading to the well head and the well head itself to illustrate the damage that had been caused to those features from vandalism. He stated that it was of great concern to the Civic Society and the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE), both of which he represented, that nothing had been done to make the site vandal proof and restore it as an important visitor attraction for the economy of Shrewsbury.

Mr. Selby Martin then asked the following Question:

Question:

What financial provision is being made in the budget to restore this important site owned by the Borough Council and now in a woefully neglected condition?

The Leader, Councillor Nutting, responded as follows:

Answer:

There is no money in the budget at the moment to do any work there but we are dealing with an exempt item involving this site this evening and decisions that are taken later this evening may affect the future of the site.

In response to a request from Mr. Martin, Councillor Nutting agreed to provide the answer in writing to Mr. Martin.

194/07 SHREWSBURY RIVER JOURNEY - CONSULTANTS DRAFT REPORT FOR DESTINATION SHREWSBURY

Mr. Robert Bullard asked the following questions:

Question 1:

Please can you provide a summary of the replies received to the consultation on the draft report by Pleydell Smithyman for Destination Shrewsbury, stating the

(a) Total number received, with comments on their characteristics

(b) Type of organisation (name if allowed) that submitted them

(c) Number of responses that were in support of the report's specific recommendations (page.29) for increasing the amount of motorised traffic on the River Severn.?

Question 2:

(1) Which organisation(s) submitted the ideas to the consultants that are listed under the RRG's fourth objective (page.24 of the report, column four, 1d-7d) ie landing moorings, six new pontoons, quarry boat hire, etc.? 

(2) Are these organisations members of the RRG or independent of it? 

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor D. Roberts, indicated that he would provide Mr. Bullard with written answers to his questions as they had not been submitted in sufficient time for an answer to be given at the meeting.

195/07 SHREWSBURY RIVER JOURNEY - CONSULTANTS DRAFT REPORT FOR DESTINATION SHREWSBURY

The following question was put on behalf of Mr Victor Edwards who was unable to be present at the meeting:

Question:

What justification does SABC have for making provision of £150,000 in next year's small scheme's capital programme for the building of three pontoons on the River Severn (at the Showground, Abbey and Theatre) when:

(a) the idea of building pontoons is currently only a proposal in a draft report that has yet to be considered, let alone approved, by SABC

(b) no equivalent sized budget (£150,000) has been allocated for undertaking any of the other 30 or so recommendations that feature in the same report.?

The Portfolio Holder, Councillor D. Roberts, indicated that he would provide Mr. Edwards with a written answer to his question.

 

REFERENCES FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

196/07 CCTV REVIEW

Consideration was given to the following recommendations from the meeting of the Overview Committee held on 15^th November 2007 arising from consideration of the Final Report of the CCTV Review Task and Finish Group:

(a) That CCTV be delivered as a 24/7 service by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council in partnership with Shropshire County Council and West Mercia Police, through the use of Council employed staff and Police volunteers.

(b) That the Council continues to explore opportunities for income generation through the provision of contracted CCTV monitoring services with the public and provide sector.

(c) That a scale of charges be introduced for the provision of CCTV services to non partner organisations.

(d) That the CCTV public space surveillance system be extended to cover the following locations and be funded from existing allocated resources:

1. Coleham Head/Greyfriars footbridge

2. Frankwell Quay

3. Upton Lane

(e) That Council be requested to identify additional £20,000 capital to provide CCTV coverage in St Alkmunds Square.

(f) That Shropshire County Council be advised of the potential revenue shortfall in the service from 2009/2010.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To accept the recommendations of the Overview Committee with or without amendments.

DECISION:

(a) That CCTV be delivered as a 24/7 service by Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council in partnership with Shropshire County Council and West Mercia Police, through the use of Council employed staff and Police volunteers.

(b) That the Council continues to explore opportunities for income generation through the provision of contracted CCTV monitoring services with the public and provide sector.

(c) That a scale of charges be introduced for the provision of CCTV services to non partner organisations.

(d) That the CCTV public space surveillance system be extended to cover the following locations and be funded from existing allocated resources:

1. Coleham Head/Greyfriars footbridge

2. Frankwell Quay

3. Upton Lane

(e) That Council be requested to identify additional £20,000 capital to provide CCTV coverage in St Alkmunds Square.

(f) That Shropshire County Council be advised of the potential revenue shortfall in the service from 2009/2010.

Reason:

Cabinet concurred with the views of the Overview Committee.

 

MATTERS RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLICY FRAMEWORK

197/07 GENERAL FUND AND TOWN ONLY BUDGETS

Consideration was given to a report of the Head of Finance and the Corporate Management Team:

(a) Giving a preliminary indication of the revised budget for the current year 2007/08 and the draft estimates for the next financial year 2008/09.

(b) Considering the levels of Council Tax for next year to support both General Fund expenditure and Town Only Fund expenditure.

(c) Considering the Medium Term financial and business plan.

In addition, an update on the Local Authority Finance Settlement for the three year period from 2008/09 prepared by the Head of Finance was circulated at the meeting.

Options considered:

(a) Various levels of Council Tax increases for 2008/09.

(b) Inclusion of on-going and one-off growth bids.

(c) Various levels of increases for Service scales of charges.

(d) Reduced expenditure and /or increased income.

(e) Variations in service levels.

(f) Options for budget savings.

DECISION:

(a) That the draft Budget Book for 2008/09 and the revised estimates for 2007/08 be agreed to deliver the Community Strategy.

(b) That the increase in Council Tax for 2008/09 for General Fund purposes be 3% (i.e. from £127.43 to £131.25 for a Band D property).

(c) That the Town Only Council Tax be increased by 4.22% from £31.26 to £32.58 for a Band D property.

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

(e) That in respect of the General Fund Reserve the Head of Finance be authorised to transfer the appropriate funds from the Capital Expenditure Reserve and Provisions Accounts to the General Fund Reserve to maintain the balance at the target level of £1 million for 2007/08.

(f) That Shropshire County Council be made aware of the forecast expenditure or issues the new Unitary authority may have to address as part of its budgeting process for 2009/10 and the future.

(g) That the Chief Executive write to the Secretary of State to express the Council's concern at the disappointing level of Revenue Support Grant allocated for the forthcoming and succeeding years.

Reasons:

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

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

(c) The increase in cash received of £122,000 in the Revenue Support Grant settlement does not adequately reflect the budgetary and inflationary pressures facing the Council.

198/07 REVENUE AND CAPITAL BUDGET REVIEW

Consideration was given to the following recommendations from the meeting of the Overview Committee held on 15^th November 2007 arising from consideration of interim feedback from the Revenue and Capital Budget Review Task and Finish Group:

(a) That the recommendations of Cabinet on the 12^th November 2007 be noted at this time. However, this Committee also wishes for the detailed reports relating to each of the schemes to be placed before this Committee.

(b) That in respect of the Darwin Bicentenary Celebrations the views of the Joint Implementation Board be sought before proceeding to spend any monies at any stage.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To accept the recommendations of the Overview Committee with or without amendments.

DECISION:

That the views of the Overview Committee be noted.

Reason:

The views of the Overview Committee on the budget process had been taken on board and the County Council was being kept informed and their views sought in respect the developing initiatives for the Darwin Bicentenary Celebrations.

199/07 CAPITAL PROGRAMME AND RESOURCES

Further to the decision of Council on 3^rd December 2007 revising the capital programme through to 31^st March 2009, consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on the prioritisation of expenditure.

Options considered:

To accept the suggested prioritised order of schemes with or without amendments.

DECISION:

(a) That the prioritisation list be agreed and the schemes be financed from capital receipts.

(b) That no scheme which has a revenue implication should be commenced prior to a separate report being considered by the Implementation Executive and then agreed with the Implementation Executive's comments by Cabinet.

(c) That the position on funding for the establishment of Meole Brace Community Centre and repair/refurbishment works at Bayston Hill Memorial Hall, Ditherington Community Centre and Fitz Village Hall be examined further, including discussions with the County Council, to determine what assistance could be provided.

Reason:

To concentrate available moneys on the key priorities set previously by the Council.

 

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

200/07 COUNCIL TAX BASE CALCULATION 2008/2009

Consideration was given to the setting of the Council Tax Base for 2008/2009 and the amount for each area (parish) within the Borough.

Options considered:

(a) Whether or not to set the Council Tax Base for 2008/2009 as per the recommendation of the Head of Finance.

(b) Whether or not to set the amount of the Council Tax Base for each parish area as per the recommendation of the Head of Finance.

DECISION:

(a) That the Council Tax Base for 2008/2009 be set at 34,844.47

(b) That the amount of the Council Tax Base for each area (parish) within the Borough be the amount calculated for 2008/2009 and shown on the Council Tax Base document.

Reason:

To comply with statutory requirements to determine the Council Tax Base for 2008/2009 and notify the major precepting authorities of the tax base by 31^st January 2008.

201/07 SCALE OF CHARGES - PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) on proposed revised charges for car parking and bus station departures.

Options considered:

(a) To increase the Park and Ride Fare.

(b) No change in car park charges in 2008/2009.

(c) An inflation only increase in car park charges in 2008/2009.

(d) A change in car parking prices to reflect a zoned approach to transport and parking.

(e) To change bus departure charges from 1 April 2008.

DECISION:

That the matter be deferred for the officers to re-examine the proposed charges with a view to submitting revised proposals to the January 2008 Cabinet meeting.

Reason:

The proposals as presented were not accepted.

202/07 BUSINESS REVIEW OF LEISURE SERVICES

Consideration was given to a report of the Deputy Chief Executive on the business review of leisure services and a proposed scale of charges for leisure facilities in 2008/09.

Options considered:

(a) To allow the management of leisure services to continue to incur increasing costs to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council which could result eventually in a reduction of opportunities for residents of and visitors to the Borough.

(b) To continue a general review of leisure facilities and their operation on an ongoing basis and to accept and implement the report, which begins to address some of the issues, primarily regarding concessionary rates and promotion.

DECISION:

(a) That the 60+ concession of 50% discount be reduced to 20%, with no differential at 65+.

(b) That Passport to Leisure concessions continue at the current rate for those residents who align with the current benefit criteria. This charge to be applicable to 60+ and 65+ as appropriate.

(c) That Birthday Parties be not booked at Passport to Leisure charges at any facility.

(d) That a 'kit loan' scheme be introduced at the Sports Village and income generated be retained to purchase new 'kit'.

(e) That the 'free swim' promotions be revised to be less generous and included in Leisure Scale of Charges.

(f) That every effort be made to activate the online booking system as a matter of urgency and subsequently its use be promoted appropriately.

(g) That the current catering function at both the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and the Sports Village be kept under review, with a view to at least a 'break even' situation by the end of March 2008, when it will be further reviewed.

(h) That the officer Group set up to promote leisure usage continue to meet and its recommendations, as far as practicable, be implemented and subsequently evaluated.

(i) That the current web site and Leisure Magazine be updated as a matter of urgency.

(j) That further work be undertaken to explore the possibility of a 'pilot' sports centre being allowed to be managed independently and be a sub centre of the whole leisure business unit. This would allow local management to take advantage of local knowledge, sport requirements and promotion. It is felt that this initiative could promote flair and boost morale and in turn 'raise the bar' on achieving greater revenue returns.

(k) That the Leisure Services - Scale of Charges for 2008/09 set out in Appendix A to the Deputy Chief Executive's report (within which the above recommendations where appropriate have been enshrined) be approved.

Reason:

To secure a sustainable future for leisure provision in the Borough.

203/07 ABBEY FOREGATE TOILETS - OPENING HOURS

(Councillor Sambrook spoke on this item.)

Further to Minute 176/07, the Deputy Chief Executive reported that the estimated cost of extending the opening hours of Abbey Foregate Toilets from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm would be £6,500. He then indicated that there was no budget for this amount and the extension of hours could not be absorbed inside current budgets.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To extend the opening hours and meet the additional budget costs.

DECISION:

That the opening hours of Abbey Foregate Toilets be extended to 6.00 pm and funding for the additional costs be provided in the budget and the position be reviewed during the course of the ensuing year with a view to lowering the additional cost where possible.

Reason:

To improve the service provided to the public.

204/07 HEALTH AND SAFETY IN CEMETERIES

Consideration was given to a report of the Deputy Chief Executive on the reasons why family bearers were excluded from the graveside during a funeral at cemeteries within the Borough. Members were advised of the risks to the Council of civil and criminal legal action in the event of an injury being suffered by a pall- bearer.

Options considered:

(a) To continue to prevent family bearers from handling coffins to the graveside and from lowering the coffins into the grave.

(b) To allow family bearers to carry coffins to the graveside and to lower the coffins into the grave.

DECISION:

That family bearers be permitted to carry coffins to the graveside and to lower the coffins into the grave, provided that they had signed a waiver accepting the risks involved.

Reason:

To respect the wishes of the bereaved.

205/07 EXTENSION OF CIVIL WORKS CONTRACT

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) seeking approval for the extension of the existing Civic Works contract with Enterprise Accord.

Options considered:

(a) To extend the completion date of the contract for Civic Works with Enterprise Accord to October 2010 to dovetail into the contractual arrangements of Shropshire County Council in the event of a Unitary Council.

(b) To extend the completion date of the contract for Civic Works with Enterprise Accord to 31^st March 2009 to allow for the possibility of the Town Council for Shrewsbury taking responsibility for civic works in the town.

DECISION:

That the completion date of the contract for Civic Works with Enterprise Accord be extended to 31^st March 2009.

Reason:

To allow for the possibility of the Town Council for Shrewsbury taking responsibility for civic works in the town.

206/07 WORK ON ESTABLISHING A UNITARY COUNCIL

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on areas of work that could be deemed to be non-priority from now until the vesting date of 1st April 2009, bearing in mind the work having to be carried out by large numbers of officers on the workstreams for the establishment of the Unitary Council for Shropshire.

Options considered:

To agree the list of non-priority areas identified with or without amendment.

DECISION:

(a) That the list of non-priority areas identified in the Chief Executive's report be agreed, namely:

(1) Service manager reporting on key results targets every eight weeks to Corporate Management Team

(2) Combining Overview and Scrutiny Committee

(3) Reviewing the number of meetings of Audit Committee

(4) Reduce the number of pro-active press releases

(5) Reduce attendance at regional meetings and seminars

(6) Reduce the number of officers involved in external strategy meetings

(7) Not carry out a review of the Town Centre and Retail Impact Assessment studies

(8) Suspend any further work in respect of the future of golf and swimming provision within the borough.

(9) Reduce the number of presentations to supporting people

(10) Delay carrying out the housing needs survey renewal

(11) Not to carry out any renewal of personnel policies unless legislation changes

(12) To reduce the number of sickness reports to Corporate Management Team to half yearly rather than quarterly

(13) To not progress with renewal of Investors in People

(14) To undertake no further work in relation to the integration of databases for the Wheeldon personnel and payroll systems

(15) To not roll out the Records and Document Management System in Revenues and Benefits

(16) To not upgrade the Northgate planning system

(17) That the new room booking system for the Guildhall be not proceeded with

(18) The business continuity project to establish an alternative ICT infrastructure at the sports village be not progress as that would be a matter for the Unitary Authority

(19) Limit the number of equality impact assessments

(b) That consideration be given to any additional areas which the officers consider also need to be non-priority during the lead up to Unitary status and further reports thereon be presented to Cabinet as appropriate.

Reason:

To assist in the progression of the work required for the establishment of the Unitary Council.

 

207/07 WEST MIDLANDS LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on withdrawing the Council's proposed resignation from the West Midlands Local Government Association.

Options considered:

(a) To withdraw the proposed resignation from the West Midlands LGA and continue to pay annual subscriptions for the 2007/08 and 2008/09 financial years.

(b) To resign from the West Midlands LGA and incur increased costs as a consequence.

DECISION:

That the Council's proposed resignation from the West Midlands Local Government Association be withdrawn.

Reason:

The Council will incur less costs remaining a member of the West Midlands Local Government Association for 2007/08 and 2008/09.

208/07 BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on a request from the Chairman of the Shrewsbury BID Steering Group for the Council to support Supplementary Business Rates not being implemented for the duration of the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (B.I.D.).

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To accede to the request and support Supplementary Business Rates not being implemented for the duration of the BID.

DECISION:

That this Council supports Supplementary Business Rates not being implemented for the duration of the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (B.I.D.).

Reason:

To assist in developing the Shrewsbury Business Improvement District.

209/07 ROWLEY'S HOUSE

(Councillor Clarke spoke on this item.)

The Chief Executive sought Cabinet's approval for an extension of Rowley's House to be included in the structural and condition survey being progressed. He explained that when the Council agreed to retain possession of Rowley's House it was recognised that the provision of an extension was most likely needed to provide the facilities required to ensure that future public access to the building could be satisfactorily maintained and the building made accessible to people with disabilities. To secure future public access there was also the option of housing the new town council for Shrewsbury at Rowley's House and the extension and the building would need to be prepared for this and the uses being worked on by the Trust.

He then indicated that it was understood that Morris Properties were preparing to submit a planning application for the development of that part of the Barker Street site in their ownership. In the interests of the comprehensive development of the conservation area and to achieve efficiencies of cost, he considered that there was an opportunity to approach to Morris Properties to enquire, subject to the findings of the structural and condition survey and agreement on costs, whether they would be prepared to include an extension of Rowley's House as part of their planning application and undertake the works as part of the comprehensive redevelopment of this part of the Conservation Area which the Council could then purchase.

Options considered:

(a) To include an extension of Rowley's House in the structural and condition survey being progressed and approach Morris Properties to enquire whether they would be prepared to include an extension of Rowley's House as part of their planning application and undertake the works as part of the comprehensive redevelopment of this part of the Conservation Area.

(b) Not to include an extension of Rowley's House in the structural and condition survey being progressed and make no approach to Morris Properties in respect of including an extension of Rowley's House as part of their planning application and undertaking the works as part of the comprehensive redevelopment of this part of the Conservation Area.

DECISION:

(a) That the potential of Rowley's House to act as the home for the new Shrewsbury Town Council when the museum service vacates the building upon the completion of the new Music Hall Heritage Centre project be recognised and prior to this any preparation works that can be carried out without putting the collections at risk are undertaken once the future needs for the use of the building have been clearly identified and agreed with the future Unitary Council.

(b) That the need to house the Tourist Information Centre for a temporary period within Rowley's House during the construction phase of the New Music Hall Heritage Centre project be recognised.

(c) That, without delay, a full business case is presented to Cabinet on the desired scope of the new Town Council covering its asset holdings, responsibilities, revenue and capital plans and future staffing requirements.

(d) That the already commissioned building condition survey of Rowley's House planned for January and February 2008 goes ahead and the findings reported to Cabinet without delay.

(e) That, following the completion of (c) and (d) above, the Council Architect submit a scoping report to Cabinet without delay on the various delivery models and options that could be used to deliver the identified and agreed needs for the end product with projected cost plans, timelines and risk registers associated with each method.

(f) That, upon the receipt of the information from (c) and (d) above, the Council consults with all interested parties both internally within the Council and externally to ensure that Rowley's House is used to its maximum benefit for the people of the town and the area as a whole.

(g) That a progress report on the above be submitted to the January Cabinet meeting, by which time it is anticipated that the working group for the Town Council will have commenced its meetings, and the matter be brought to the attention of the Implementation Executive.

Reason:

To ensure the building is used to its maximum benefit for the people of the town and the area as a whole and the new Shrewsbury Town Council is sited in accommodation appropriate to its needs.

210/07 TOWN COUNCIL FOR SHREWSBURY

This item was dealt with under Minute 197/07 above within Appendix 6 to the General Fund and Town Only Budgets report .

211/07 GROWTH DELIVERY PLAN

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency in the interests of the Council and the local community.)

Consideration was given to a report of the Chief Executive on the award of Government funding to support the Growth Delivery Plan for Shrewsbury and Atcham and the options for governance and delivery of the initiative.

Options considered:

To accept the suggested options for governance and delivery of the initiative with or without amendment.

DECISION:

(a) That at this stage the content of the Chief Executive's report be noted and the Leader and Chief Executive be authorised to hold discussions with the Leader and Chief Executive of Shropshire County Council to analyse in more detail the options which are available to deal with:

(1) Governance arrangements, i.e. the decision making that needs to take place at elected member level to ensure speed and transparency of decision making.

(2) Leadership of the delivery from a professional officer perspective.

(3) Allocation of officer resources.

(4) Financial management of the process.

(5) Decision making relationships on this issue between the two Councils and the Implementation Executive.

(6) Inclusion of appropriate targets and indicators within the new and emerging Local Area Agreement.

(b) That a report be then made to Cabinet in January 2008 recommending a way forward.

(c) That in the interim officers continue working up options and schemes for actual delivery on the ground.

Reasons:

To progress the initiative.

ITEMS RAISED BY MEMBERS

212/07 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.

213/07 REQUEST FOR THE TRANSFER OF LAND TO BAYSTON HILL PARISH COUNCIL

(Councillor Clarke spoke on this item.)

Councillor Nutting referred to the recent joint meeting held between the Borough and parish councils on 19^th November 2007 at which parish representatives had raised concern over the future of land rented by the Parish Councils from the Borough Council. A specific request had been received in respect of the transfer of Borough Council land at Bayston Hill.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To investigate the feasibility of Borough Council land rented to parish councils for community purposes being transferred to the parish councils.

DECISION:

That the feasibility of Borough Council land rented to parish councils for community purposes being transferred to parish councils be investigated and a report be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.

Reason:

To safeguard land being used for Community purposes.

214/07 PARKRIGHT - ENFORCEMENT POLICY

(Councillors Townsend and J.M. Williams spoke on this item.)

Councillor Nutting referred members to the letters of complaint he was receiving with increasing regularity concerning the actions of Parkright. He indicated that he considered that in many instances the complaints appeared to be justified and suggested that discussions be held with the County Council to review the service specification.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) referred members to his briefing note on the matter that had been circulated at the meeting and confirmed that, in accordance with the Business Plan for the service, Parkright employed 27 parking attendants of which 8 operated in Shrewsbury. There were no targets set for issuing tickets and the service was not income driven. Parkright operated under a service specification in accordance with the instructions of the Joint Parking Advisory Group. Any changes to the service specification would need to be made by recommendation to that group. In conclusion, he emphasised that Parkright was operating in line with the five best performing councils for decriminalised parking enforcement identified by the National Parking Adjudication Service.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action .

(b) To hold discussions with the County Council and the Joint Parking Advisory Group on whether any changes needed to be made to the Parkright service specification and traffic restrictions in Shrewsbury.

DECISION:

That discussions be held with the County Council and the Joint Parking Advisory Group on whether any changes needed to be made to the Parkright service specification and traffic restrictions in Shrewsbury.

Reason:

To investigate ways in which the application of the service could be improved.

215/07 SCHOOLS FUNDING IN SHROPSHIRE

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency in the interests of the local community.)

Councillor Nutting referred members to the recent Government announcement on education funding for the next three years. In the current year 2007-08 there was a £329 per pupil shortfall (The Government's 2007/08 base line funding per pupil for Shropshire was £3551 with the average for England being £3888.),and by 2010-11 this would rise to a gap of £385 between what Shropshire received and what the average Local Education Authority in England received per pupil. For the 38,600 pupils on which the County Council based its figures, this would increase the amount to which Shropshire schools were under funded to nearly £15m. He then requested Cabinet to consider support for representations being made to the Government on the matter.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To support the making of representations to Government.

DECISION:

(a) That the Government's under funding of schools in Shropshire be condemned.

(b) That the Leader write to the Minister of Education and demand fair funding for our schools and the Member of Parliament for Shrewsbury and Atcham also be asked to raise this issue with the Minister of Education.

(c) That the Council write to SPARSE and ask them to raise the issue of under funding of rural schools with the government.

Reason:

To support joint district action.

216/07 UNITARY AUTHORITY

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency in the interests of the Council and the local community.)

Given the recent enactment of the requisite Government orders for the creation of a Unitary Council for Shropshire, Members discussed whether the Council should withdraw from the appeal against the Judicial Review decision on the matter.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To recommend to Council withdrawal from the appeal against the Judicial Review decision.

DECISION:

That a full report on the implications for the Council of withdrawing from the appeal against the Judicial Review decision be submitted to the January Cabinet meeting.

Reason:

To enable Members to be fully informed on the matter before making a decision.

217/07 WASTE COLLECTION IN THE RURAL AREA

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency in the interests of the local community.)

Councillor D. Roberts expressed concern about the continuing difficulties being experienced in some rural areas with waste collections under the new alternate weekly arrangements. He indicated that since placing the item on the agenda the officers were looking into the matter.

218/07 DATE OF NEXT CABINET MEETING

(The Leader indicated that he considered that this matter should be considered as a matter of urgency in the interests of the Council.)

Councillor Nutting indicated that the next meeting of Cabinet scheduled to be held on 21st January 2008 clashed with a finance seminar being held at the County Council that evening involving many of the Cabinet members. He requested that Cabinet consider changing the date of the January 2008 meeting.

Options considered:

(a) To take no action.

(b) To change the date of the January 2008 Cabinet meeting.

DECISION:

That the January 2008 Cabinet meeting be held on Monday 14^th January 2008.

Reason:

To enable all Cabinet members to attend the January meeting.

N.B. - Following the meeting it was agreed, in consultation with The Leader, that the January 2008 Cabinet meeting be held on Monday 28^th January 2008.

 

219/07 ROBIN HOOPER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Councillor Nutting indicated that this would be the last Cabinet or Council meeting at which Robin Hooper would be in attendance and thanked him sincerely for his service to the Council over the last eight years. Councillor Nutting paid tribute to Robin's role in helping to transform the Council into an excellent dynamic organisation and helping the Council to transform the area. He expressed gratitude for all Robin had done for the town and the Borough and the personal assistance he had given him in all the efforts to bring about change for the better in the town. He continued to state that he was convinced that many of the changes that had taken place to move the town forward would not have happened if Robin had not been the Chief Executive. He therefore wished to place on record just how much the members valued what he had achieved.

 

220/07 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.

 

221/07 CONTAMINATED LAND - LEGAL COSTS

Consideration was given to an exempt report of the Environmental Health Manager on legal costs associated with dealing an issue of contaminated land.

Options considered:

The options were set out in the report.

DECISION:

That it be recommended to Council:

That a supplementary estimate of £20,000 to cover the legal costs involved be approved.

Reason:

As set out in the exempt report of the Environmental Health Manager.

222/07 LAND AT NOBOLD LANE

Consideration was given to an exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) seeking authority to proceed with negotiations with various parties for the development of Council assets at Nobold Lane, Shrewsbury.

Options considered:

Two options were set out in the report.

DECISION:

That, subject to the Chief Executive clarifying with members whether any buildings on the land in question were listed; a condition survey of buildings being undertaken and the cost of any necessary emergency works met from the existing repairs budget; and any special features on the land being included in marketing information, the recommendations set out in the exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive (Policy) be approved.

Reason:

As set out in the exempt report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

223/07 LAND AT CORPORATION LANE

Consideration was given to an exempt report of the Chief Executive on the development of land for affordable housing at Corporation Lane .

Options considered:

(a) To take no action and note the letter.

(b) To support the proposals set out in the report.

DECISION:

That the recommendations set out in the exempt report of the Chief Executive be approved.

Reason:

To make a significant contribution towards the provision of affordable housing and secure public open space.

6.30 p.m. - 8.27 p.m.