Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies as all members of the Cabinet were in attendance.  

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 13 December 2016, previously circulated.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2016 were presented.

Resolved

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December 2016.

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

The Leader welcomed everyone to the meeting, including David Godfrey visiting from the Department for Communities & Local Government.

The Leader aslo announced that the meeting would be webcast.

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. Questions may also be asked by members of the Council.  Written notice of questions or statements should be given to Yamina Rhouati of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Thursday 12 January 2017. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Leader invited those wishing to make representations, to do so under the item to which they related. The Leader also 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 the agenda.

 Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director.

 Councillor Jonathon Seed presented the report which sought approval for an extension to the responsive repairs and voids contract with Emmdee (MD) Building Services Ltd to 31st March 2018.

Issues highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: that extending the contract would give the Council more time to consider options for combining different contracts; the involvement of Scrutiny; the provision for funding made within the Housing Revenue Account; the viability of bringing some services in-house; and how further changes would be reported.

In response to questions from Councillor Glenis Ansell and Councillor Gordon King, it was stated that service improvements had been made, and that tenant complaints had fallen as a result

Resolved

To approve the extension of the current contract with MD Building Services Ltd to 31st March 2018.

Reason for Decision

To enable the Housing Service to have sufficient time to analyse and explore future service delivery options and procure a new service with limited impact to service performance and to bring the housing repairs and voids contract in line with the other contracts relating to maintenance of the housing stock.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director.

The Leader presented the report which provided members with an update on the LGA Peer Review of Army Basing and recommended way forward.

Issues highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: the contribution made by Scrutiny members to the programme and the review; the thanks offered by the Cabinet to officers for working hard to ensure the success of the programme, particularly Kevin Ladner from the Economy & Planning Team; the opportunities for the Council to share best practice with colleagues in other authorities; the impacts of the programme on health and school programmes, and how the Council works with partners to identify solutions.

Resolved

1.    To note the Peer Review of the council’s role in the Army Basing Programme and its recommendations

2.    To endorse that officers continue their work in supporting the Army Basing Programme, and that the Peer Review be publicised as an example of best practice nationally at an LGA seminar in May 2017

3.    To send a letter of thanks to James Coote for his contribution to making the Army Basing Programme a success.

Reason for Decision

Supporting the Army Basing Plan is fundamental to key action 7 of the council’s Business Plan. The council, MOD and Army have been working together to make sure that military growth is accommodated while continuing to maintain balanced communities with opportunities for veterans, military personnel, and their families, and the right services such as skills, education, and health. The LGA has recommended to the council that it publicise the findings of the review and use it as an exemplar programme which will help ensure that optimal solutions can be delivered across MOD sites both in Wiltshire and nationally.

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 10 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).

Resolved

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the following items of business because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would 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 outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking the item in private:

Paragraph 3 – information relating to the financial information or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

No representations had been received as to why this item should not be held in private

The Cabinet considered the information contained in the exempt report.

Resolved

That the report be received and noted.