Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 June 2020, previously circulated.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2020 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 9 June 2020.

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

Councillors Bridget Wayman and Ian Thorn declared disclosable pecuniary interests in agenda items 15 and 19 – Stone Circle Company Business Plans as they were Directors of the Companies referred to in the report.  Councillor Richard Clewer disclosed a non-pecuniary interest in the same item. Councillors Clewer, Wayman and Thorn indicated they would leave the meeting for these items and take no part in any decisions made by the Cabinet.

There were no Leader announcements.

During the coronavirus emergency, this meeting will be held virtually/online here for the public to view. You can access guidance notes on accessing the online meeting here.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public and the public are encouraged to contact the officer named on this agenda by 12.00 noon on Thursday 9 July 2020 to indicate in advance if they wish to make statements or questions for submission. The Chairman will require statements in writing, and these will be published and referred to during the meeting.

Please note that all statements and questions received by the deadline will be circulated to councillors and published on the website (in an Agenda Supplement) so councillors are able to read these in advance, and respond to them during the meeting, as appropriate.

Questions not relating to items on the agenda were received from members of the public and Councillor as detailed below:

·       Tim Lewis (Wiltshire Ramblers Area Committee) about the Countryside and Rights of Way Team

·       Gaynor Cromwell about the road Infrastructure around Westbury Gasification Plant

·       Ben Gordon about the new Planning Application for Westbury Gasification Plant

·       Marie Hillcoat about the Westbury Gasification Plant – transport assessment and air quality assessment

·       Isabel McCord about the Chippenham HIF Bid and Statement of Community Involvement (agenda item 10)

·       Brig Oubridge about Salisbury Library

·       Cllr Nick Murry about the Chippenham HIF Bid

·       Chris Caswill about the Chippenham HIF Bid

·       Colin Gale about the Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder Restructure

·       Steve Perry about the Cabinet Member Restructure and Chippenham HIF Bid

The Chairman acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

A number of additional questions were submitted in relation to particular agenda items, and these were received when each item was considered by the Cabinet.

Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

The Leader presented the report which provided an update on Wiltshire Council’s response to the pandemic and its plans for recovery, building on previous reports to Cabinet in May and June 2020.

Questions were received from Chris Caswill about the Recovery Plan, Local Outbreak Management Plan and Health Select Committee.

The Leader acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

The Leader explained that as restrictions are lifted in line with the government’s roadmap and based on the latest scientific advice, Wiltshire Council has developed a Local Outbreak Management Plan to support test, track and trace measures and has worked closely with partner agencies to develop a Recovery Plan for the county. The Recovery Plan will ensure the most vulnerable in the community are supported, provide help to local communities and businesses and implement a range of measures to support health and wellbeing. Plans are being put in place to support the reopening of services such as libraries and leisure where it is safe to do so and the Council are providing support and guidance to schools and early years settings to support more children to return safely and adjust to new government guidance.

Cllr Graham Wright, Chair of the Wiltshire COVID-19 Response Task Group reported on the role of the Task Group and its membership. He explained that the Task Group received very detailed information about the Councils response to the COVID-19 situation, and it was hoped that Scrutiny would re-commence from September 2020.  

In response to comments and questions about the costs associated with the recovery plan and PPE; support for family members visiting Care Homes; the impact of COVID-19 on Care Home staffing levels and availability of medication; experiences from Salisbury about economic recovery following the nerve agent incidents; and economic recovery to include consideration of Brexit issues for local businesses; the Leader commented that costs associated with the recovery phase were not clear at this stage, resources would be directed as appropriate and costs would become clearer over time, especially with further funding being announced by government; further government guidance is awaited for the visiting of Care Homes, the impact on Care Home staff and availability of medication; supports a report being prepared on economic recovery in Salisbury to be shared with Town and Parish Councils; assurances received that issues surrounding Brexit would be included in any future recovery plan for Wiltshire.          

Resolved:

1.    Note the development of the Local Outbreak Management Plan;

2.    Note the extensive work undertaken to reopen, reconfigure and develop services; and

3.    Endorse the proposed approach to recovery as set out in the Recovery Plan

Reason for Decision

The Local Outbreak Management Plan and the RCG Recovery Plan represent

important steps forward in our ambition to contain and mitigate the effects of

the pandemic – and build back better. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Pauline Church, Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Commercial Investment presented the report which provided an updated forecast financial impact of COVID-19 and an early budget monitoring forecast position at the end of Period 2 (as at 31 May 2020) for the financial year 2020/21. The report also includes the final revenue outturn position for 2019/20, revision to the capital programme deferrals agreed at the previous Cabinet meeting (June) and the formal Treasury Management Annual Report

2019/20.

Questions were received from Chris Caswill about the Public Health and Environmental Health Teams.

The Leader acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

Cllr Church reported that difficult decisions will still be required moving into the setting of the 2021/22 budget, given the reduction to the Councils base level of funding and income streams and future demand for services. However, the Councils financial position will be greatly improved with the recent announcement by the Government on a comprehensive new funding package. Although details of the allocations were still to be announced, the new funding together with the level of Council General Fund reserves, as well as the availability of earmarked reserves is likely to mean that the current forecast position for this financial year would now no longer completely exhaust all reserves held to deal with financial shocks, and no longer represent a potential section 114 notice situation.   

Cllr Graham Wright, Chairman of the Wiltshire COVID-19 Response Task Group reported on the Task Group meeting held on 7 July 2020 welcomed the report to Cabinet.  He noted that the financial situation was changing on a daily basis and thanked officers for their support during this time.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats asked about the Government financial commitment to recovery and commented on the section 114 situation.  Cllr Church and the Leader reported that they were satisfied with the risks the Council holds and officers to mitigate these risks. They thanked officers for their help and support during this testing time. They acknowledged that financially the Council was working on a day to day basis, although current forecasts indicated that the Council will have a balanced budget.  

Resolved:

1.    To note:

a.    the final Revenue Outturn position for 2019/20 and the balance held in General Reserve and Earmarked Reserves;

b.    the 2019/20 Capital Receipts Flexibilities usage for 2019/20 and delivery narrative for each project;

c.    the Section 151 officer’s summary of the impact of COVID-19 on the Council’s 2020/21 budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy;

d.    the current budget is forecast to overspend by £36.753m by the end of the financial year;

2.    To approve:

a.    the transfer of the final revenue outturn underspend from 2019/20 financial year of £0.356m to the General Fund Reserve.

b.    the £1.378m use of Capital Receipts planned for Fostering Excellence for 2021/22 to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, Heritage, Arts & Tourism, Housing, Communities presented the report which provided an update on the actions taken in response to the climate emergency and to include this priority as an addendum to the council’s Business Plan 2017-2027.

Questions were received from Cllr Nick Murry and Bill Jarvis about the climate emergency.

The Leader acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

Cllr Clewer commented on the three work streams, Wiltshire Council to become carbon neutral by 2030, making the county of Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030 and community engagement. He spoke in detail about the council’s commitment to building 1,000 new council homes over the next 10 years to a zero carbon standard, the conversion of streetlights across Wiltshire to LEDs, Salisbury Reds three new electric buses for the city’s park and ride services, the Council becoming a founder member of the Countryside Climate Network as part of UK100, and the need for a thorough review of the Council’s Business Plan following local elections in May 2021.   

Cllr Graham Wright, Chair of the Global Warming & Climate Emergency Task Group welcomed the appointed of the Head of Carbon Reduction, reported that the Task Group had a close working relationship with the Cabinet Member. The Task Group had considered the draft addendum to the Business Plan 2017-2027 and had submitted suggestions for improvement, these were reflected in the final version proposed.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats indicated that he would have welcomed an opportunity to review the financial implications of the programme. Cllr Clewer explained that the Housing Board minutes contain the financial detail that Cllr Thorn referred to and further detail will become available as the programme progresses.

Cllr Wayman indicated that the road reallocation project linking Purton with Swindon’s Lydiard Park detail at paragraph 32 of the report looked unlikely to proceed.

In response to comments and questions about solar panels at the Salisbury Park and Ride; cycle racks being included in the recovery phase for CATG funding; resources being deployed to the Carbon Reduction Team; and consideration of opportunities to build cycleways between communities; Cllr Clewer and Cllr Wayman reported that the use of energy from the solar panels at Salisbury Park and Ride had not commenced at this stage; cycle racks would be included in the recovery phase for CATG funding; the approved budget for the Carbon Reduction Team was £350,000; and the Council will continue to consider opportunities to build cycleways between communities.

Resolved:

1.    That the Cabinet recommend Council to amend the Business Plan 2017- 2027 to include a Climate Emergency addendum as detailed in paragraph 8 and Appendix 1 of this report.

2.     That Cabinet notes the actions taken in response to the climate emergency since November 2019.

Reason for Decision  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Simon Jacobs, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Public Protection presented the report which provided detailed proposals to support the successful retender and contract award for a new integrated community equipment and support service (ICESS).

Cllr Jacobs explained that the resulting contract will deliver services commissioned under the Better Care Fund and within scope of Section 75 arrangements between Wiltshire Council and the NHS, through Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group. Therefore, the report included the governance arrangements to ensure clear and timely decision making between the organisations.

Cllr Chuck Berry, Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee welcomed the proposals.

Resolved:

1.    To grant an exemption to procurement rules enabling a 10-month extension to existing contractual arrangements with Medequip, which shall expire at 31st March 2021

2.    That officers continue to undertake the tender programme, award and implement a new contract for the ICESS service by 1st April 2021

3.    Delegate authority to award a new contract and all associated documents to the Director Joint Commissioning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Public Protection and the Director of Finance. The officer with delegated authority will seek agreement for the decision to award with BSW CCG.

Reason for Decision:

1.    The purpose of this paper is to provide an update to Cabinet on the joint procurement process between Wiltshire Council and NHS for Integrated Community Equipment and Support Services and sets out the approach that is being taken, including an indicative timetable for the procurement and scope of services.

2.    Cabinet is asked to authorise the extension of the existing contract with Medequip in relation to ICESS (as set out in paragraph 1.3) to give sufficient time to engage with the market and complete a tender process that delivers value for money through the new contract.

3.    This report is seeking approval to delegate authority to award contract, in relation to the services being commissioned by Wiltshire Council (as set out in paragraph 1.3 below).

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Toby Sturgis Cabinet Member for Spatial Planning, Development Management and Property presented the report which provided detail about how the Council will engage with the community and stakeholders on planning matters.

Cllr Sturgis explained that the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) is a statutory document that must be reviewed every five years, the current version was updated in July 2015, and although it generally remains fit for purpose, further legislative changes have been made and needed to be considered, along with improvements to the format.  Also, in the light of COVID-19, temporary arrangements for the SCI also need to be put in place to allow plan-making and decision making to continue by reasonably practical means while ensuring Government guidance about controlling its spread can be adhered to.

The Cabinet noted that the SCI would allow communities, stakeholders and the public to understand how to participate in planning matters and it has been written in a format to provide information about when engagement will take place, how it will take place and how comments made will be used. The SCI takes into consideration communication and engagement through social media and digital platforms, as well as more traditional methods and reflects the desire of the Council to encourage people to engage in place shaping for their communities through early engagement in plan making and on planning applications.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Thorn about the inclusion of families with children who work as a hard to reach group and improvements to pre-application consultations undertaken by developers with local communities; Cllr Sturgis agreed to meet with Cllr Thorn to consider whether further clarification/guidance should be made in the SCI and agreed that pre submission consultation undertaken by developers is variable and Councils would need assistance from government to raise the standard.  

Resolved:

1.     Approves the Statement of Community Involvement as set out in Appendix 1.

2.     Approves the Statement of Community Involvement ‘Temporary Arrangements’ as set out in Appendix 2.

3.     Recommends to 21 July 2020 Full Council that the Statement of Community Involvement and Temporary Arrangements, as set out in (i) and (ii) above are adopted.

4.     Recommends that Full Council, delegates authority to the Director for Economic Development and Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Spatial Planning, Development Management and Property to: make amendments to (i) and (ii) in the interests of clarity and accuracy before publishing it on the Council’s website; and determine when the Temporary Arrangements in (ii) cease to have effect.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that a revised SCI is in place that meets legislative requirements, is

up to date and fit for purpose. Alongside adoption of the SCI, temporary arrangements will need to be in place, until they are no longer needed, due to

the COVID-19 situation to ensure community involvement continues to take

place in a safe way.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Military-Civilian Integration and Communicationspresented the report which provided an update on the strategy that Wiltshire Council and its partners has developed to reshape Trowbridge’s town centre offer and to submit this to the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

The Leader explained that Trowbridge has progressed through the Expression of Interest stage for funding under the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF) and officers are preparing to submit a business case by the end of July 2020. The report provided an overview of the strategy and the FHSF projects that have been developed to support the town centre of Trowbridge.

Members commented on the need for town centres to include leisure facilities and cultural activities in addition to shopping for town centres to survive and prosper; conditions of the Future High Street Fund bid requiring completion of projects by 2023/24 and the management of associated risks; reworking of Castle Place and St Stephen’s Place; and the development of a Transport Strategy for the town centre; a comprehensive leisure facility close to the town centre with the inclusion of a swimming pool; maintenance programme at Clarendon swimming pool; and the condition of St Stephen’s Car Park.

In response to a number of the comments, the Leader explained that the proposals would need to include natural connections to the town centre from existing and future leisure facilities; the project completion dates had not currently factored in COVID-19 situation and may well be extended; parking and the needs of other transport modes would be taken into account in the development of the proposals to increase the accessibility to the Town Centre; it was understood that a swimming pool was included in the leisure element of the proposals, although precise details would not be known until the agreement of all parties involved had been achieved; and the maintenance period of 5 years was confirmed for Clarendon swimming pool.      

Resolved:

1.    Notes the contents of this report

2.    Delegates authority to agree to the submission of the Trowbridge Future High Street Fund business case application and delegate to the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with the Director for Legal, Electoral and Registration Services and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Military-Civilian Integration and Communications to approve and submit the Trowbridge Future High Street Fund business case, application and to finalise the submission including the funding request to MHCLG

3.    Delegates authority to develop individual workstreams within the business case application to the Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Director for Legal, Electoral and Registration Services and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Military-Civilian Integration and Communications.

Reason for Decision

Trowbridge Town Centre has been negatively affected by a number of factors

over a long period of time, resulting in a significant decline of the vitality,

attractiveness and perception of the town centre. This has manifested in the

following market failures:

·       a significant lack of activity and diversity of offer in the town  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

The Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, MCI and Communications presented the report which provided an update on the strategy that Wiltshire Council and its partners has developed to reshape Salisbury’s city centre offer, to be submitted to the Government’s Future High Street Fund.

The Leader explained that Wiltshire Council has been leading a holistic recovery programme for Salisbury since the economic shock following the nerve agent incidents of 2018. These caused a significant loss of footfall into the city with a resultant loss of trade and confidence. Footfall over the last 2 years has not returned to 2017 levels. Salisbury has the largest leisure, retail and hospitality sector in Wiltshire, responsible for one third of employment in the city.

The Cabinet welcomed the proposals to address a number of factors affecting the footfall levels and to drive the economic recovery programme to enable Salisbury to re-establish a thriving city centre for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrats welcomed the proposals and the involvement of partners to breathe health and vitality into the Salisbury city centre.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Yuill about bus travel into the city centre, the Leader confirmed that discussions with the bus company had been held about these issues and these discussions would be ongoing.

Resolved:

1.    Agrees the contents of this report.

2.    Delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer - in consultation with the Directors for Economic Development and Planning, and Legal, Electoral and Registration Services and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development to approve and submit the Salisbury Future High Street Fund business case, application and funding request to MHCLG.

3.    Agree to match fund the Station Forecourt and redevelopment of 47 Blue Boar Row and if through funding of Stone Circle, such investment and commercial terms to be undertaken on arms lengths terms and delegate authority to Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development and the Director for Finance to negotiate an agreement with Salisbury City Council as to the future management and ownership of that property

4.    Note that the Future High Street Fund contract arrangements, conditions including procurement processes for project delivery and arrangements with SCC will come back to Cabinet for review and approval.

Reason for Decision

Salisbury’s economy is reliant on the retail, leisure and tourist offer within the

city, which is responsible for a third of all employment. Salisbury City Centre

economy has now experienced two economic shocks, the nerve attack in 2018 and now, Covid-19 in 2020, resulting in a significant decline of the vitality, attractiveness and perception of the city centre.

These shocks are exacerbated by seismic changes taking place in the retail

market, as it moves to an on-line market place. In Salisbury, persistent

structural challenges around transport access and poor linkages, demographic shift and heritage investment significantly threaten long term vitality.

Salisbury needs to restructure its offer to attract residents, visitors and workers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills presented the report which provided a year-end report to Cabinet about the performance of the Council’s Adoption Service within Wiltshire Council for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. The report also informed Cabinet about the effectiveness of Adoption West.

Cllr Mayes explained that the Council retains overall responsibility for the adoption of children whilst other functions are undertaken by Adoption West. The Cabinet were reminded that Adoption West is a Local Authority Trading Company that is owned by the six partner Local Authorities and commissioned by them to provide defined adoption services.

The Cabinet noted that Wiltshire Council’s adoption work was inspected by Ofsted in June 2019 as part of a wider inspection of Families and Children’s Services, with an overall inspection judgement of Good. It was noted that Cllr Jon Hubbard was the Chair of Adoption West Joint Scrutiny Panel that scrutinised information from Adoption West. Cllr Mayes and the Leader of the Council thanked all the staff involved in the Adoption Service for their hard work in achieving excellent outcomes for the children in Council care.

Resolved: That the Adoption Service 2019/20 Year End Report is noted and accepted and the contents of the report are considered against the Corporate Parenting Strategic Priority for children looked after to have a loving home, good relationships and respect.

Reason for Decision:

Wiltshire Council is an Adoption Agency registered with Ofsted. The 2014 Adoption Minimum Standards (25.6) and 2013 Statutory Guidance (3.93 and

5.39) describe the information that is required to be reported to the executive

side of the local authority, on a six-monthly basis, to provide assurance that the adoption agency is complying with the conditions of registration whilst being effective and achieving good outcomes for children and service users.

Adoption West will be subject to separate scrutiny arrangements through its own Scrutiny Board, arrangements which are still in development.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Bridget Wayman, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Waste presented the report which provided detail about the Council’s purchase of vehicle fuel and proposed that the fuel purchase contract be awarded to Certas Energy under Crown Commercial Services in order to achieve significant savings for the Council.

Cllr Wayman explained that the Council currently purchases Vehicle Fuel on an ad-hoc basis, obtaining three quotations each week and selecting the cheapest price submitted. This is far from ideal and not in compliance with the EU Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended), leaving the Council vulnerable to fuel price changes and hinders strategical planning. Use of a Framework contract will allow the Council to take advantage of low prices generated through economies of scale.

In response to comments and questions from Cllr Hopkinson about the procurement process, Cllr Wayman agreed to provide a written response.

The Cabinet noted that Cllr Wheeler, Chair of the Environment Select Committee supported the proposals.

Resolved:

To approve the award of a contract to Certas Energy under Crown Commercial Services Framework RM3801 for diesel and gas oil.

Reason for Decision:

To comply with the EU Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended) and

deliver a projected saving of £23,000 per annum.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

Cllr Pauline Church Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement and Commercial Investment presented the report which provided proposed revised business plans for the Stone Circle Companies and gave consideration to establishing the Stone Circle Energy company.

Questions and statements were received from the following in relation to the Stone Circle Companies:

·       Benji Goehl about becoming carbon neutral by 2030

·       Margaret Willmot about carbon neutral developments

·       Anne Henshaw about the Independent Director and the housing land supply timetable

·       John Russell about housing policies

·       Eva McHugh about carbon neutral developments by 2030

·       Peter Blacklock about carbon neutral developments by 2030

·       Steve Perry about the Independent Director

The Leader acknowledged that the questions had received written responses which had been published on the Council’s website prior to the meeting. He indicated that supplementary questions could be asked and these would receive a written response following this meeting.

In response to a question from Cllr Hopkinson about the appointment of an Independent Director, Cllr Church explained the process and explained that candidates were being interviewed shortly.

The Cabinet noted that the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Environment Select Committee had received a briefing on the Stone Circle Company business plans on 1 July 2020. Cllr Wheeler, Chair of the Environment Select Committee indicated that he and the Vice-Chair were in support of the proposals going forward and suggested that an additional Director was needed for the Company Boards following the stepping down of the Council’s Joint Chief Executive. They also recognised that under the current proposed structure, any nomination of a Council officer might well lead to significant conflicts of interest.

Resolved:

1.    Cabinet is asked to agree the revised business plan for Stone Circle housing company as set out at Appendix A in the exempt part of the agenda.

2.    Cabinet is asked to agree the revised business plan of Stone Circle development company as set out at Appendix B in the exempt part of the agenda.

3.    Cabinet is asked to agree the Council nominee to the board of Stone Circle holding company, Stone Circle housing company, Stone Circle development company and Stone Circle Energy is Alistair Cunningham as an independent Director.

4.    Cabinet is asked to agree that the appointment of the vacant independent board member of Stone Circle Housing company is delegated to the Chief Executive officer in consultation with the cabinet member for Finance & procurement and Commercial Investment.

5.    Cabinet is asked to agree to delegate authority to conclude detailed contract arrangements with the Stone Circle Companies to the Director of Housing and commercial development in consultation with the Director of Finance and procurement and Commercial Investment and the Director of legal, electoral and registration services

Reason for Decision

The proposals aim at complying with the shareholder agreement the Council

has with the Stone Circle Companies to agree the business plans and

consequent actions that the Council needs to consider.

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 Numbers 18 and 19 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 3 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 3 - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

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 Numbers 18 and 19 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 3 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.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

This item is exempt due to the business and financial information provided in the Appendix.

The Cabinet noted the appendix to the report at minute 83 above which contained exempt financial information.

      Report by Chief Executive Officer – Terence Herbert

This item is exempt due to the business and financial information provided in the Appendix.

The Cabinet considered the Stone Circle Company business plans referred to at minute 84 above, which contained exempt business and financial information.

Resolved:

1.    Cabinet is asked to agree the revised business plan for Stone Circle housing company as set out at Appendix A in the exempt part of the agenda.

2.    Cabinet is asked to agree the revised business plan of Stone Circle development company as set out at Appendix B in the exempt part of the agenda.

3.    Cabinet is asked to agree the Council nominee to the board of Stone Circle holding company, Stone Circle housing company , Stone Circle development company and Stone Circle Energy is Alistair Cunningham as an independent Director.

4.    Cabinet is asked to agree that the appointment of the vacant independent board member of Stone Circle Housing company is delegated to the Chief Executive officer in consultation with the cabinet member for Finance & procurement and Commercial Investment.

5.    Cabinet is asked to agree to delegate authority to conclude detailed contract arrangements with the Stone Circle Companies to the Director of Housing and commercial development in consultation with the Director of Finance and procurement and Commercial Investment and the Director of legal, electoral and registration services

Reason for Decision:

The proposals aim at complying with the shareholder agreement the Council

has with the Stone Circle Companies to agree the business plans and

consequent actions that the Council needs to consider.