Agenda and minutes

All Cabinet members were present.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17 December 2013.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 17 December 2013 were presented.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Leader.

To receive and note the minutes of the Cabinet Transformation Committee held on 17 December 2013.

The minutes of the Cabinet Transformation Committee dated 17 December 2013 were presented.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the Cabinet Transformation Committee dated 17 December 2013 be received and noted.

 There were no Leaders announcements.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee

No declarations of interest were made.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public. This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Written notice of questions or statements should be given to Yamina Rhouati of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Thursday 16 January 2013. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Leader explained that as usual at meetings of Cabinet, she would be more than happy to hear from any member of the public present on any of the items on this agenda.

The Leader acknowledged receipt of a statement and question from Mr Ian James, in his capacity as Chairman – Bremhill Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee; a statement from Mr James in his capacity as a Bremhill Parish Councillor; a statement from Steve Perry – Chippenham Community Voice and questions from Mrs Anne Henshaw – CPRE, details of which were circulated at the meeting in respect of the item on the review of the Local Development Scheme (minute no. 138 refers).

  Report by Parvis Khansari - Associate Director, Highways and Transport

Cllr John Thomson, Cabinet Member for Highways and Streetscene and Broadband presented a report which sought Cabinet’s approval of four sub-documents of the Wiltshire Local Transport Plan (LTP3) 2011-2026:  Accessibility Strategy, Cycling Strategy, Powered Two-Wheeler Strategy and Smarter Choices Strategy and to note the forthcoming development of the outstanding sub-documents of the LTP3.

The Transport Act 2000 made it a statutory requirement for local authorities to produce LTPs. The four strategies presented were to promote cycling, walking and other alternate methods of transport, and if approved would be presented to Council for adoption.

The LTP3  document presented had been prepared following wide ranging consultation, taking into account environmental, economic and social considerations to ensure that it met the requirements of the Department for Transport’s guidance and helps support local objectives. Details of the  consultation responses were presented. Cllr Thomson guided Cabinet through the key points of the document and answered members’ questions.

Cllr Thomson confirmed that the Wheels to Work scheme was still being run by Community First. The results of a recent Council staff travel survey were being analysed with a view to introducing appropriate measures.

Cllr Prickett highlighted the impact that the removal of the 264 bus service  would have on North Bradley residents. This would leave residents with one service, the 265 for which the bus stop was some distance away without shelter. Cllr Thomson welcomed further information on this, but explained the difficulties of trying to influence commercial routes rather than those funded or part funded by the Council. He also suggested that Area Board and  Community Area Transport Group be explored as possible sources of funding for issues such as the provision of bus shelters.

Cllr Jenkins welcomed the cycling strategy, and asked if the Council planned to provide more bike racks. Area Board funding was seen as a mechanism for such provision.

Cllr Hubbard enquired as to when an audit of charge points would be undertaken to include their location and accessibility. He noted that whilst there was one at the County Hall car park, it was not in a public area. He also asked how many car clubs were in existence and how they were being publicised to increase take-up. Cllr Hubbard raised the issue of residential travel plans and highlighted the increase in density on new developments with inadequate parking and asked what criteria, such as parking spaces per property, and off-street parking opportunities were asked for to minimise parking on pavements.

Cllr Thomson explained the implementation plan would explain how car clubs would be supported and written answers would be provided for his two other questions.

Cllr Kunkler suggested that permissions granted for car ports could reduce

on-street parking. Cllr Clewer suggested that residential travel plans for new developments should be shared with those moving into the area.

The Leader explained that the LTP3 was mainly about sustainability. She drew attention to the car parking review currently being undertaken and highlighted that whilst car parking charges was a contentious issue, it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Report by Maggie Rae, Corporate Director

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Protection Services, Adult Care and Housing presented a report which briefed Cabinet on the registered services provided in house.

It was noted that all services were fully compliant against Care Quality Commission essential standards of quality and safety. Officers were congratulated for their delivery of a well regarded service.

The Leader encouraged members to read the examples of the people who used respite and emergency care summarised in Appendix 2 to the report, which highlighted some of the complex issues involved in the service delivery.

Cllr Christine Crisp, Chairman of the Health Select Committee confirmed that the report had been considered by the Committee at its meeting on 14 January 2014, where no concerns had been raised.

Resolved:

That Cabinet note the key outcomes of the CQC inspections in relation to the Council run registered services and acknowledge the level of managerial input required in order to achieve such positive outcomes, which gives assurance to the Council that quality services are being provided.

Reason for decision:

To ensure that members are aware of the high quality of service provision being delivered by the Council’s Adult Care directly provided registered services.

Report by James Cawley - Associate Director Adult Care Commissioning, Safeguarding and Housing

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Protection Services, Adult Care and Housing presented a report which gave details of the work undertaken in Adult Social Care to prepare for the anticipated additional demand over the winter period.

The winter plan was a contribution to the Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s Health and Social Care Communities Winter Plan 2013/14 which described the state of ‘system readiness’ of the whole health and care system for the winter period. The Council traditionally supported the annual NHS winter planning process, but this was the first year that the Council had formalised this support by producing its own written plan, which could then be shared, managed and monitored.

Cabinet thanked the CCG for their efforts. Cllr Christine Crisp, Chairman of the Health Select Committee confirmed that a task group would monitor performance against the Plan.

The Leader, speaking as Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board emphasised how important it was to consider and agree such plans and to ensure that through partnership working, the needs of individuals were met.

Resolved:

That Cabinet note the Council’s contribution to the winter planning process and the production of an Adult Social Care Winter Plan.

Reason for Decision:

To keep Cabinet informed of the contribution of adult social care in supporting the anticipated rise in demand for health services over the winter period.

Report by James Cawley - Associate Director Adult Care Commissioning, Safeguarding and Housing

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Protection Services, Adult Care and Housing presented a report which sought Cabinet’s approval of a draft Wiltshire Dementia Strategy for 2014-21 as presented for the purposes of consultation.

The Leader welcomed Ted Wilson, Group Director - N&E Wiltshire Group and Dr Celia Grummitt, Wiltshire Dementia GP Lead who attended the meeting for this item.

The proposed strategy would set the strategic direction for the Council and NHS Wiltshire CCG in supporting people with dementia and their carers and families.  It included a commissioning action plan for 2014/2015 which detailed the actions that would be delivered to achieve the objectives and priorities identified.

The aim of the strategy is that all people with dementia in Wiltshire are treated

as individuals and are able to access the right care and support, at the right time so that they can live well with dementia and can remain independent and living at home for as long as possible within supportive communities.

A DVD on dementia was shown to the meeting which highlighted the issues faced by sufferers and their families.

Mr Wilson commented that the strategy was a great example of joint working to benefit the people of Wiltshire. Dr Grummitt explained that a dementia assessment was now part of the NHS healthcheck offered to people aged between 40 – 75 every five years. She also confirmed that approximately 50% of dementia cases were straightforward in medical terms which meant that patients received care locally by their GP’s. This then helped to speed up referrals for more specialist care where it was needed. The element that could take still time was for the comparatively few cases where patients required referral for a scan.  It was noted that improvements had been made in reducing the wait for diagnosis and referral to a memory clinic from 9 months to less than four weeks.

The need to develop dementia friendly communities and towns was highlighted and some Area Board’s had already pledged their support. It was also agreed that the DVD shown be presented at Area Board meetings.

Cllr Christine Crisp, Chairman of the Health Select Committee confirmed that the Strategy had been considered by the Committee on 14 January 2014. It was pleased with the work that had been done so far and supported the Strategy. It did have some concerns about funding but acknowledged that the formal consultation would help identify the key priorities. The Committee would comment further following receipt of the post consultation report.

Ted Wilson and Dr Grummitt were thanked for their attendance and contribution on this item.

Resolved:

That Cabinet agree the draft strategic direction for services proposed in the Wiltshire Dementia Strategy 2014-2021 and agree that it can proceed to formal consultation.

Reason for decision

To give Cabinet an opportunity to comment and agree the strategic direction proposed in the Wiltshire Dementia Strategy prior to consultation.

Report by Corporate Directors Dr Carlton Brand, Carolyn Godfrey and

Maggie Rae

The Leader presented a report which provided a summary of the feedback received from the Local Government Association following the Peer Challenge that took place in September 2013 and the action plan which had been developed to reflect this feedback and recommendations made.

The Peer Challenge covered five core components: understanding of the local context and priority setting, political and managerial leadership, financial planning and viability, governance and decision making and organisational capacity.

In addition the peer team was asked to focus on how the Council was transforming Wiltshire through innovation in three particular areas.

The council’s key strengths were identified as follows:

• A very strong respect and high regard for the council leader. Her clarity and strength of vision, commitment and hard work was recognised. A strong sense of loyalty among officers and partners and the leader is an effective ambassador for the council and Wiltshire.

• A strong and trusted relationship between officers and elected members with a clear appreciation that the council is strongly member led.

• The council has a good reputation in the community. Its vision ‘to create stronger and more resilient communities’ has resonance locally. Parish and town councils, volunteers and voluntary sector organisations speak positively about the purposeful intent of the council to delegate.

• responsibilities and enable local people and groups to do more for themselves.

• A highly engaged workforce with a real sense of pride in the organisation. Staff consistent that they are proud to work for the council.

The feedback had highlighted many positives, with a clear vision understood by staff and strong relationships with the voluntary sector, Police and other partners.

Recommendations included addressing the budget gap for 2015/16 and beyond, clarifying the desired outcomes for area boards, improving the effectiveness of scrutiny, strengthening performance management and working closely with the CCG to ensure shared visions and plans.

Cllr Simon Killane welcomed the challenge for scrutiny to focus more on outcomes rather than processes.

Positive developments had been seen in the Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Development Plan which provided direction for the area. An area board review was underway and the campus development programme was breaking new ground with the Corsham campus phase one occupation scheduled for June 2014.

The Leader encouraged all members to read the feedback letter  and action plan as presented, and noted there would be a further visit in six to nine months time. She emphasised that this was a good Council and paid tribute to the hard work and dedication by members and staff.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)        Note the feedback and recommendations from the Corporate Peer Challenge

b)        Endorse the action plan.

Reason for decision:

The feedback and action plan recognises the achievements in the first 4 years of Wiltshire Council and assists with areas for improvement.

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Associate Director - Economic Development and Planning

Public Participation

Statements and questions were received as follows:

Question and Statement from Ian James, Chairman, Bremhill Neighbourhood Plan,Steering Committee.

Statement from Ian James as Bremhill Parish Councillor

Statement from Steve Perry, Chippenham Community Voice

Questions from Mrs Anne Henshaw – CPRE

Details of the above submissions and responses to them were circulated at the meeting and are attached to the signed copy of the minutes and available on the Council’s website along with the agenda for this meeting.

  Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management, Strategic Housing, Property and Waste presented a report which sought approval of a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) for Wiltshire in response to the preliminary findings of the Core Strategy Inspector including the introduction of two new Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and to ensure the LDS is up to date.

Cllr Sturgis drew attention to an erratum circulated at the meeting which replaced the development profiles seen in Appendix B of Appendix 1 to the report so that the timetables correspond with ‘Table 3: Summary programme for document production’.

Cllr Sturgis in introducing the item explained the context, stating that it would be of great concern if there was no core strategy in place and it was important to adopt at the earliest opportunity to protect the County from inappropriate development.

John Kirkman, CPRE asked how the council was determining the appropriate level of growth for each area based on the disaggregation of 5000. Cllr Sturgis explained that, whilst appreciating there may be some places that couldn’t take any more growth, the starting point would be a proportionate split based on the levels of housing in the Plan and then constraints would be looked at.

Mr McDonic, CPRE asked if there would be a public consultation on the outcome of the independent review of affordable housing viability. It was explained that as the examination is the Inspector’s process, the Council would submit (the additional work) and it would be for him to advise on the next steps and if a public consultation would be needed. Submission documents would be available on the website.

Mr Morland asked if the starting point for disaggregation would be proportionate to reductions made previously. It was explained it was not as simple as that, and the starting point would be a proportionate split which would be tested at a local level.

Mr James raised concerns over flood and the need to have a sustainable approach to flooding. Cllr Sturgis noted that the Council ensured that any development outside flood risk areas considered the risk to flood plains, working with parish / town councils, Environment Agency and developers.

Cllr Bridget Wayman asked why, given the approved South Wiltshire Core Strategy was the area being asked to take an additional 12% housing. It was explained that the South Wiltshire Strategy had been subsumed into the Wiltshire Core Strategy currently under examination. Cllr Wayman requested that the Gypsy and Traveller DPD timescale be brought forward.

Resolved:

Tha  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Any other items of business, which the Leader agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.

This is to give further notice in accordance with paragraph 5 (4) and 5 (5) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of the intention to take the following item in private.

To consider passing the following resolution:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in Item Number 15 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 4 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking item in private - Paragraph 4:

Information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.

Public Participation

Mr Francis Morland addressed Cabinet on this item expressing concern over the venue for this meeting and concerns over what he believed the item at minute no.15 below was concerned with.

Resolved:

That Cabinet agrees in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in minute no. 15 below because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking the item in private:

Paragraph 4 – information relating to consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority. 

  Confidential report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

  Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services presented a report which reviewed how the Council meets its statutory duty to secure for young people aged 13-19 (up to 24 for young people with a learning difficulty) access to sufficient positive leisure time activities which improved their wellbeing and the provision of sufficient facilities for such activities.

Four options were under consideration, details of which were presented. Cabinet considered that consultation be undertaken on all four options with young people, affected staff and other key stakeholders. The results of the consultation would then be presented to Cabinet and taken into account by Cabinet in arriving at a decision.

Resolved:

That Cabinet notes the report presented and agrees to carry out a formal consultation process in relation to all four options detailed in the report presented with young people, affected staff and other key stakeholders to inform the decision making process. The consultation process is a developing process which will inform Cabinet prior to a final decision being made by Cabinet currently scheduled for 22 April 2014.

Reason for decision

To give Cabinet an opportunity to review its statutory duty to secure for young people aged 13-19 (up to 24 for young people with a learning difficulty) access to sufficient positive leisure time activities which improved their wellbeing and the provision of sufficient facilities for such activities. To consider options for the purposes of undertaking a consultation exercise on these options.

Questions, statements and responses