Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Graham Wright, Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 27 March 2018, previously circulated.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2018 were presented.

Resolved

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 March 2018

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

There were no formal announcements.

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 William Oulton of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 18April 2018. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Leader outlined the approach taken to public participation encouraging representations to be made under the item for debate. There were no representations made on items not on the agenda.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

Councillor Jerry Wickham presented the report which briefed Cabinet of the results of the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus HNAs (Appendix 2 and 3) and presented the final Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Strategy (SHBBVS (Appendix 1)) for approval. In presenting the report, Councillor Wickham expressed his desire to see the strategy adopted by partners through the Health and Wellbeing Board and the option to report progress to the Board and through the Health Select Committee.

In response to an issue raised by Councillor Ian Thorn, Councillor Wickham confirmed that he was satisfied that the resources were in place to implement the strategy, and that the pilot approach taken with the new Area Coordinators would include the aims of the strategy amongst their priorities.

In response to an issue raised by Councillor Jon Hubbard, Councillor Wickham supported officer comments that there were officers available to speak to groups in the community about these issues but that he should contact him personally if support was not forthcoming.

In response to an issue raised by Councillor Clare Cape, Councillor Richard Clewer stated that dedicated outreach works were available to offer support to rough sleepers on this and other health issues.

Resolved

1.          To acknowledge the Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Health Needs Assessments and approve the strategy document (see appendix 1, 2 and 3);

2.          To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health and Public Protection and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Public Protection, to finalise the strategy document for publication and to approve a corresponding implementation plan;

3.          To request the Health and Wellbeing Board consider the Strategy document and note the evidence used to develop it;

4.          To request that updates on implementation of the strategy be made to the Health & Wellbeing Board and the Health Select Committee as appropriate.

Reason for Decision:

The finalised HNAs and the draft Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Strategy (SHBBVS) has gained approval from the Wiltshire Sexual Health Partnership

Board and seeks Cabinet approval to action its contents and develop a corresponding implementation plan.

 Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

 Councillor Jerry Wickham presented the report which: provided background information regarding the current Respite offer for people with learning disabilities including the current council owned and operated residential respite services and the reduction in the usage of these services; informed cabinet of the consultation process that was undertaken regarding the proposal to close 70 Derriads Lane Residential Respite Unit; and sought approval for the closure of 70 Derriads Lane Residential Respite Unit. In presenting his report, Councillor Wickham highlighted the following matters: the description of the facilities in question; the CQC report and their view on the inadequacy of some facilities; the reduction in the demand on the facilities; the results of the consultation undertaken; the impact on those using the facility and how their needs could be met at other facilities.

Councillor Christine Crisp, in her capacity as Chair of the Health Select Committee, confirmed that the committee had not had an opportunity to discuss the report due to the timing of meetings but that the Chair and Vice-Chair had been offered a briefing by officers on the matter. She expressed her personal view that the proposal appeared reasonable and stated that the committee would consider a update report in the future.

In response to concerns raised by Councillor Ian Thorn, Councillor Wickham restated his belief that it would not be appropriate to redevelop the site as a respite unit as alternative sites provided more appropriate facilities. Councillor Wickham also confirmed, in response to a question from Councillor Laura Mayes, his view that the three remaining centres would have sufficient capacity to meet future demand.

In response to concerns raised by Councillor Brian Mathew, Councillor Laura Mayes confirmed that a decision had been made three years ago to cease funding for overnight respite stays at Rowdeford School in response to the changing demand of families most of whom preferred to seek alternative types of respite with a view to maximising their children’s time at home in their communities.

In response to a representation received from Councillor Gavin Grant, the Leader stated that she would ask officers to look at how the scheduling of meetings can best accommodate the needs of effective scrutiny.

In response to a representation received from Mr Colin Gale regarding his experience as a carer, Councillor Wickham reconfirmed his commitment to providing the best respite services in the appropriate locations; and the Leader encouraged all carers to stay in contact with the Council so that they could receive up to date advice about what support was available.

Resolved

1.     To note the background information regarding the current Respite offer for people with learning disabilities including the current council owned and operated residential respite services and the reduction in the usage of these services;

2.     To note the consultation process that was undertaken regarding the proposal to close 70 Derriads Lane Residential Respite Unit; and

3.     To approve the closure of 70 Derriads Lane Residential Respite Unit.

Reason for Decision:

There has been a reduction in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 222.

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

 Councillor Bridget Wayman presented the report which sought: to inform Members of the actions taken by Highways England since the previous report and outline the scheme, which is the subject of this public consultation; to confirm the Council’s response to the statutory public consultation; and seek agreement to the proposed delegated authority provisions to enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duties with regard to the Development Consent Order (DCO) process for this road improvement scheme. In making her presentation, Councillor Wayman drew attention to the proposals relating to Byways 11 and 12 and the option which officers were recommending Highways England pursue (paragraphs 89-101 within Appendix 1 of the report).  She also stated that officers would be asked to consider including a statement proposing an assessment of the effect of the proposals on the Nile Clumps, and if necessary their potential replanting in an alternative position.

Councillor Mathew Dean spoke as Chair of the Environment Select Committee and confirmed that whilst there had not been an opportunity for the committee to discuss the report at their meeting, the views of the members of the committee had been sought. He also confirmed that whilst there was a diversity of the opinion, the majority of the members who had responded were in favour of the proposals.

Councillor Brian Mathew spoke against the proposals for the tunnel emphasising the desire to preserve the view of the site from the highway.

Councillor Fleur de Rhé-Philipe emphasised the community and heritage group support for the principle of the tunnel.

Resolved

·        To note the contentsofthis report

·        To agreethe proposedresponseto HighwaysEngland forthis statutorypublicconsultation

·        Torestatethe Council’ssupportinprincipleforthe proposalfromHE tobringaboutsubstantialimprovementsto theA303atStonehengeby buildinga dualcarriagewayand tunnel,subject tothe considerations listed inAppendix1

·        To Agreethe proposeddelegatedauthorityprovisionsoutlinedbelowto enablethe Councilto fulfilitsstatutory dutieswithregardto theDevelopmentConsent Order (DCO) processfor this road improvement scheme.

1)      Endorsestheresponseto PublicConsultationdocument,as setout inAppendix1 subjecttoamendmentin (2),for thepurposeofsubmissionto Highways England

2)      Authorisesthe Directorfor Highwaysand Transportin consultationwithappropriateCabinet Member(s) to:

a.       Finalisethe consultationdocumentsandmakeanynecessary minorchangesin theinterestsofclarity andaccuracy before theyare submittedto HighwaysEnglandas theCouncil’sformalconsultation response;

b.      Makearrangementsfor anysubsequentconsultationresponsesthat maybe requestedby Highways England;and

c.       Respondto anyqueriesthat mayariseas aresult ofthesubmission of this consultation response.

3)      Delegatedauthorityto begrantedtoDirectorfor Highwaysand Transportto preparethe LocalImpactReport onbehalfoftheCounciland submitto thePlanningInspectorateinaccordancewiththe timetablefor theexamination process

4)      Delegatedauthorityto begivento Directorfor Highways  ...  view the full minutes text for item 223.

Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which sought approval to taking all steps necessary to ensure the transfer of the Legal Title to the King George V Field, Melksham to Melksham Town Council. A representation was received from Councillor Jon Hubbard on behalf of Melksham Town Council.

In response, Councillor Sturgis confirmed that the proposed decision should allow for further productive negotiations which he hoped would be able to lead to the successful transfer to the Town Council.

Councillor John Thomson also commented that he would discuss with officers the best way to support community groups in accessing power for events.

Resolved

a)     That Wiltshire Council, in its capacity as sole trustee of the King George’s Field (the Trust), make any changes to the Trust documents that may be necessary to appoint Melksham Town Council as a trustee of the Trust and to resign as a trustee following that appointment;

b)    That officers should, if appropriate, liaise with the Charity Commission and Fields in Trust to seek, if required, the approval of either of those bodies for the appointment of Melksham Town Council as trustee of the Trust;

c)     Following the securing of any such approval and the appointment of Melksham Town Council as trustee of the Trust to transfer the Legal Title to the King George’s Field to Melksham Town Council and then resign as trustee of the Trust; and

d)    To authorise the Corporate Director for Growth Investment & Place to enter into any legal documentation which is required to enable the above to be implemented.

Reasons for Decision:

To enable the Legal Title of the King George’s Field, Melksham that is the subject of the Trust to pass to Melksham Town Council in the most cost effective and efficient way.

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

 Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which recommended that the Cabinet declare that freehold interest of the 3 assets can be sold by the Council.

The meeting’s attention was drawn to two written statements, circulated in the supplement to the agenda, made by interested parties in relation to the Marlborough site. Representations in person we made by Councillor Mervyn Hall and Councillor Guy Loosmore on behalf of Marlborough Town Council; Councillor Jane Davies on behalf of local division member Councillor Stewart Dobson; and from Councillor Jon Hubbard on behalf of Melksham Town Council.

In the course of the presentation and discussion, the following issues were raised: the possible future uses for the site; the views of different groups as to the best use of the sites; the requirement for the Council to achieve Best Value, as defined by statute; that the Cabinet was only making a decision, at this stage, about whether the sites could be declared surplus for possible sale.

Resolved

1.           That the freehold interest of the three assets identified in the report can be sold by the Council.

2.           That members note the continuing approach set out in paragraph 8 Authorise the Director for Housing and Commercial Development to dispose of freehold interest of the assets, or in absence Corporate Director for Growth, Investment and Place.

Reasons for Decision:

To confirm the freehold interests of the assets can be sold in order to generate capital receipts in support of the Council’s capital programme.