Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Baroness Scott

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 15 May 2018, previously circulated.

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2018 were presented.

Resolved

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15 May 2018

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

The Deputy Leader made the following announcements:

Royal Visit to Salisbury

The Deputy Leader stated that he was delighted to be holding our cabinet meeting in Salisbury today, as this marked 100 days since the incident on 4 March.

Noting that the recovery work that is well underway had involved major resource and effort from both local and national agencies, he stated that the clean-up process was well under way, with sites being handed back and returning to normal use, including The Maltings reopening which was key milestone in the recovery process.

As well as the support to almost forty businesses, the council had supported the OVO Energy Cycle Race to help boost the local economy and showcase Salisbury nationally and internationally through extensive positive media coverage.

The Deputy Leader also welcomed the announcement that their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall would be visiting the city on Friday, 22 June to support the recovery programme.

Health and Social Care Integration

At the invitation of the Deputy Leader, Councillor Jerry Wickham stated that the 70th anniversary of the NHS is being widely publicised and will include the publication of a Government green paper in July to coincide with this anniversary with a likely focus on collaborative working to integrate health and social care services will continue.

It was also anticipated that the green paper would provide clarity on the future direction for NHS commissioning; particularly commissioning by CCGs of health services. On the basis of the anticipated change, Wiltshire Council and CCG had discussed and agreed that it would be sensible to reconsider the appointment of a joint accountable officer.

He also stated that the integrate health and care services remains a priority for the council, expressed disappointment that the council and CCG cannot proceed, as planned, with a senior joint accountable officer post. He confirmed, however, that the council would continue to look at an alternative joint post with Wiltshire CCG so that they could build on what had already achieved in integrating services for the benefit of Wiltshire residents.

Urgent Item

In accordance with the Special Urgency provision as set out in the Constitution, and with the consent of the Chairman of Council, I agree to take the item regarding Southview Park Council House Building for the following reason:

That contractors are currently onsite and are close to completing phase one. Allowing them to ramp down and leave site will create a serious time and cost risk to the development of phase two. By taking the decision today we mitigate against the risk of that increase cost and potential delay.

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 Will Oulton of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Wednesday 6 June 2018. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

Colin Gale made a statement, appended to these minutes, regarding the Everleigh Recycling Centre on behalf of Pewsey Community Area Partnership (PCAP), Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Pewsey Parish Council (PPC),

The Deputy Leader stated that he would ask for any outstanding response to issues raised by given, and that would ask the Monitoring Officer to arrange a response to the issue of the legality of the consultation.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director.

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which advised Cabinet of the (unaudited) General Revenue Fund and Housing Revenue Account outturn positions for financial year 2017/18, as well as the position for the Collection Fund and Reserves; and provided Cabinet with oversight of the unaudited Statement of Accounts, including the narrative report.

Matters highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: that the council had ended the year with a budget surplus which would transfer to reserves; that there was an underspend of under £1m on Housing Revenue Account; that the £144m capital programme was underspent by £30m; the highlighted major changes to the budgets and the reasons for those including changes in income and spending assumptions.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Chairman Financial Planning Task Group thanked Ian Duncan and Councillor Whitehead for meeting with the task group and stated that he was encouraged that the Council had ended the year with an underspend, and agreed that the underspend on capital funding should be addressed.

Resolved

To note:

a)    the outturn for the General Revenue Fund and HRA, subject to external audit, of a General Fund underspend of £0.410 million and an HRA underspend of £0.951 million and planned draw from reserve of £6.762 million. This gives an overall draw from HRA reserves of £5.811 million.

b)   the transfers to the General Revenue Fund and Earmarked reserves, as set out in Sections 38-43 of the report, and return to HRA reserves.

c)    the unaudited Statement of Accounts for 2017/18.

To approve:

d)   The position of the 2017/18 capital programme at Outturn (31 March 2018) including highlighted budget changes.

Reason for Decision:

As part of its role in ensuring sound financial management and financial soundness, Cabinet are required to assess and note the final revenue outturns for 2017/18 and assess any impact on the longer term financial standing of the Council.

Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which provided the annual review following the end of the year describing the activity compared to the treasury strategy.

Matters highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: how the borrowing and investments were managed over the course of the year; the changes proposed to the strategy which would require the agreement of Full Council; the revenue benefits arising from investment decisions; that the council will prioritise using its own cash for investment rather than requiring borrowing; how risks will be identified for future individual investment decisions; and that the council would normally look to invest over the longest appropriate period.

Resolved

a)    To note that the contents of this report are in line with the Treasury Management Strategy 2017/18.

Recommend to Full Council

b)   To approve an amendment to the Treasury Management Strategy 2018/19, to include a new class of alternative investments to the available list of non-specified investments (as outlined in report).

c)    To approve an amendment to the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2017/18, to allow for an alternative method of calculation, where appropriate (as outlined in report).

Reason for Decision

To give members an opportunity to consider the performance of the Council against the parameters set out in the approved Treasury Management Strategy for 2017/18.

To agree to a revision to the Treasury Management Strategy 2018/19 and the Minimum Revenue Provision Policy 2017/18 in order to continue to comply with statutory guidance and reflect best practice.

        Report from Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director.

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which: informed Cabinet of the Microsoft Cloud Navigator Programme and its Outcome; sought approval to delegate the Council to award a call-off contract from the G-Cloud 9 Framework subject to the positive review of the full business case; and requested that Cabinet delegate the decision to enter into the contractual agreement and approve capital expenditure to the Corporate Director for Communities, Resources and Digital after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Procurement, ICT. In making his presentation, Councillor Whitehead commended the hard work of the team to bring the proposals together.

Matters highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: the proposals were part of the first stage in the delivery of the wider digital strategy; that the savings that have been identified but more information would be required to allow the delegated decision to be taken; the scope and impact of the proposals; the opportunities to expand on app based services, the development of the website and the opportunities for using automation; that the chair of the Chairman Digital Strategy Task Group was on the digital board; how savings may be realised; the particular support for vulnerable groups including looked after children and those leaving the armed services.

Councillor Jon Hubbard, Chairman Digital Strategy Task Group, asked the Council to be mindful that the aspirations should be realistic. He also stated that he recognised that change was required.

In response to a series of questions raised by Councillor Hubbard, Councillor Whitehead stated: that some of the investment identified would have been required simply to maintain the current system; that the service agreements would be required to ensure that savings would be achieved and accountability was clear; that feedback on progress made would be received as the programme achieves different milestones were reached; that it was recognised that there was a need to get right staff recruited and that he did not want to progress the project at too quick a pace without the appropriate resource; that Microsoft had been picked as reputable partner with a good track record in delivering projects in support of the vulnerable.

In response to further questions at the meeting, Councillor Whitehead confirmed: that Microsoft had been selected following a procurement process; that business cases would be submitted for individual projects; that partners such as the Police would benefit from some of the additional security features but that further benefits from the programme would have to be discussed.

In moving his recommendation, Councillor Whitehead stated that an additional resolution should be added requesting that a presentation be made to Cabinet, at a future meeting, at least within 12 months of the commencement of the project, on the actual savings achieved in each service area and relate these back to the current forecast savings.

Resolved

i)             To note the progress of the Microsoft Cloud Navigator Programme.

ii)           To agree in-principle to embark on the Cloud Navigator Programme.

iii)          To agree to award a call-off contract from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 243.

 Report by Alistair Cunnigham and Terence Herbert, Corporate Directors.

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which asked Cabinet to consider the next steps for outdoor education centres following the receipt of expressions of interest in the sites operation.

Mr John Hawkins, Chairman Outdoor Education Task Group, stated that he was pleased to note the Council motion and the support to find a solution.

In response to questions raised by Mr Hawkins, Councillor Whitehead stated that press releases had been published to encourage the centre’s usage; that the updated condition survey could be considered as part of the preplanning process

In response to questions raised by Councillor Hubbard, Councillor Whitehead that he recognised the need to consider social value as part of the legal requirements to meet best value; that he did not agree that a further extension of the period when the Council was running them.

In response to questions raised by Councillor Thorn, Councillor Whitehead that it was important to establish the open market value of properties to enable the council to assess properly how best value can be achieved.

Resolved

i.          To commence a market testing process to consider options for the future operation of the outdoor education sites;

ii.         To delegate to the Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children’s Services and Finance, the delivery of the market testing process;

iii.       To extend the operation of both Braeside and Oxenwood outdoor education sites until 31 December 2018.

iv.       To extend the period of consultation with outdoor education staff in line with the Councils HR Policies.

Reason for Decision:

1)    Following the Council’s review of the two outdoor education sites, Braeside and Oxenwood and the Cabinet’s decision to close both sites, interested parties have come forward with a variety of proposals for the continuation of outdoor education in Wiltshire.

2)    This report considers these expressions of interest and how best to progress the review of outdoor education. This provides new information for Cabinet to consider.

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Philip Whitehead presented the report which asked Cabinet to consider the next steps for outdoor education centres following the receipt of expressions of interest in the sites operation.

Mr John Hawkins, Chairman Outdoor Education Task Group, stated that he was pleased to note the Council motion and the support to find a solution.

In response to questions raised by Mr Hawkins, Councillor Whitehead stated that press releases had been published to encourage the centre’s usage; that the updated condition survey could be considered as part of the preplanning process

In response to questions raised by Councillor Hubbard, Councillor Whitehead that he recognised the need to consider social value as part of the legal requirements to meet best value; that he did not agree that a further extension of the period when the Council was running them.

In response to questions raised by Councillor Thorn, Councillor Whitehead that it was important to establish the open market value of properties to enable the council to assess properly how best value can be achieved.

Resolved

i.          To commence a market testing process to consider options for the future operation of the outdoor education sites;

ii.         To delegate to the Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Children’s Services and Finance, the delivery of the market testing process;

iii.       To extend the operation of both Braeside and Oxenwood outdoor education sites until 31 December 2018.

iv.       To extend the period of consultation with outdoor education staff in line with the Councils HR Policies.

Reason for Decision:

1)    Following the Council’s review of the two outdoor education sites, Braeside and Oxenwood and the Cabinet’s decision to close both sites, interested parties have come forward with a variety of proposals for the continuation of outdoor education in Wiltshire.

2)    This report considers these expressions of interest and how best to progress the review of outdoor education. This provides new information for Cabinet to consider.

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which outlined the options to Cabinet so that they might make a decision on whether to declare the freehold interest of the Council’s land holding in Rudloe for disposal either selectively or as a whole, and to confirm a preferred option for disposal. In moving his recommendations, Councillor Sturgis suggested that resolution two be amended to specify that the community’s requirements be considered.

Representations were received from the following at the meeting:

Councillor Ben Anderson, the local division member, stated that he was aware of the concerns of those in the area, and hoped that development in the area would address some of these concerns sensitively, with particular reference to parking, community space and parks/green spaces.

Councillor Brian Matthew, from a neighbouring local division, asked that the potential community benefit arising from commercial development be considered.

Phil Bowley, from GreenSquare, expressed his organisations desire to work with community groups to see how best their requirements can be met by the development.

Paul Turner expressed concern that the development would not meet the needs of the community and stressed the importance of community facilities.

Francis Tristam, owner of the Camomile Café, outlined her alternative proposals for site.

Councillor Ruth Hopkinson, from a neighbouring local division, stated that she recognised the problems with the existing community centre building, but emphasised the need to improve facilities for the community.

Councillor Philip Whalley, from a neighbouring local division, stated that there was need for more social housing and that he hoped the needs of the community would be addressed by the development.

In response to the issues raised, and with the support expressed from colleagues in the Cabinet, Councillor Sturgis stated that he would work with GreenSquare, with whom the Council had a good working relationship, to investigate what funding was available to address the communities needs.

Resolved

1.    To declare the Council’s freehold land and property holding in Rudloe (See Annex 1 – Plan) as surplus and for disposal either in its entirety or selectively. If a disposal of part only of the site transpires as the outcome, elements of the site would remain in Council ownership.

2.    To support the recommendation on the preferred option to engage in negotiations with GreenSquare, to include consideration of community requirements, with a view to a transfer to GreenSquare of the Council’s freehold interest required for their regeneration scheme within an agreed timescale, potentially at an under-value and on terms to be agreed.

3.    To confirm disposal of part or the whole of the Council’s freehold land and property in Rudloe on the open market if negotiations are unsuccessful with GreenSquare.

Reason for Decision:

To confirm the freehold interests of the Council’s assets in Rudloe can be sold, with the primary aim to increase affordable housing provision in Rudloe through partnership working with GreenSquare to enable their proposed regeneration scheme.

Councillor Richard Clewer presented the item which sought approval to build 22 new council homes across two parcels of land at Southview Park, Trowbridge with capital funding and land set aside for the delivery of affordable housing.

Resolved

a)    To use the land in Appendix 1 for affordable housing

b)   To carry out any appropriations necessary pursuant to s122 LGA 1972 to ensure that the sites in a) are held by the Council for housing purposes

c)    To use a total budget of £4m with delegated authority to substitute and change funding streams to optimise financing. Funding streams may be increased or decreased as required providing that they stay within available allocation and do not affect the total budget position.

d)   To enter into contracts for consultants, construction and other elements of the project to enable the delivery of 22 new homes within the total scheme costs identified in Appendix 1 in accordance with the Corporate Procurement & Commissioning Board approach.

e)    To enter into funding agreements with Homes England as required to secure any grant funding allocated.

Reason for Decision

The Council has capital funding set aside within the Council’s capital budget for investment in affordable housing. The Council also has land at Southview Park, Trowbridge that was transferred to the Council for the delivery of new affordable homes. This creates an opportunity to use the available funding to deliver 22 new affordable council owned and managed homes in Trowbridge to meet identified housing needs.

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 14 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).

The Cabinet resolved not to exclude the press and public as there was not a need to discuss the information contained in the following appendix exempt from publication.

The meeting noted the information contained in the exempt report when making their decision.