Agenda and minutes

All Cabinet members were present.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 23 March 2010 copy attached.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 23 March 2010 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2010.

In keeping with the Cabinet’s decision to hold meetings around the County, the Leader circulated details of the location of future Cabinet meetings as follows:

24 May - Monkton Park, Chippenham

22 June - County Hall

27 July - Browfort, Devizes

14 September - City Hall, Salisbury

19 October - Browfort, Devizes

16 November - Monkton Park, Chippenham

14 December - County Hall

This was subject to change according to agenda content to ensure significant localised issues could be considered locally wherever possible.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

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 Friday 16 April 2010. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Leader explained that as usual, she would be happy to allow the public to speak at the start of each item if they wished to do so.

There was no public participation.

Report of the Corporate Director, Community Services is circulated

Silu Pascoe, the Lead Inspector, will present the report.

Cllr John Thomson presented a report which informed Cabinet of the results of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection of Adult Social Care in 2009, details of which were presented.

The Leader welcomed Silu Pascoe, Lead Inspector to the meeting who explained the focus of the inspection, the inspection process, findings, judgements and the follow-up process.

The focus of the inspection was on safeguarding across all adult services and increased choice and control in respect of services and outcomes for older people with mental health needs. The inspection process was detailed and related to national standards developed by the CQC. The inspection concluded that Wiltshire was performing adequately in safeguarding adults, performing adequately in supporting older people with mental health needs to have increased choice and control and that the capacity to improve in Wiltshire was promising.

The report contained 17 recommendations, all of which had been accepted and incorporated into an improvement plan as presented. The CQC would follow-up progress on the Council’s implementation of its improvement plan and an update report would be prepared in six months time. It was noted that the Inspection report had been the subject of a one-off scrutiny exercise which Cllr Thomson considered had been very positive.

Cllr Thomson explained that a significant amount of funding for primary care trusts although earmarked to support carers was not ring fenced for this purpose and there was little evidence it was actually being used in this way. Consequently initiatives to support carers were often left to Councils. The Leader commented that the message back to central government on this was that the Council understood the frustration felt by carers and those they supported when they hear that funds have been earmarked to support them, but not passed onto them through the PCT.

Silu Pasco answered Councillors’ questions and the Leader thanked her for her presentation.

Resolved:

That the report be received from the Lead Inspector and the improvement plan which is currently being implemented be noted.

Reason for Decision

The Council welcomes the inspection as an independent evaluation of performance of two areas of adult social care services. The council is required to present the findings of the Inspection of Adult Social Care and its improvement plan at a public meeting. 

Report of the Director Policy, Research and Communications is circulated

The Corporate Plan was considered by Cabinet at its last meeting on 23 March 2010. Cabinet had requested that the order of the priorities be reviewed to give services to people the highest priority. Cabinet also deferred approving the Plan for onward recommendation to Council in order to consider the outcome of the scrutiny exercise.

The Leader presented an updated Corporate Plan which took account of the comments previously made.  The Plan was considered by the Budget and Performance Task Group in October 2009 and more recently, the Overview and Scrutiny Organisation and Resources Select Committee on 25 March 2010. Details of questions raised by the Select Committee together with responses were presented.

Cllr Osborn, Chairman of the Select Committee attended and explained his Committee’s views. Overall, the Select Committee welcomed the Plan as the core document to take the Council forward over the next four years. The Select Committee had noted that more detailed information would emerge from departmental delivery plans and the Council’s new Business Plan which  would be subject to the scrutiny process. The Leader requested that the delivery plans be posted to the intranet for access by Councillors particularly those involved in scrutiny.

Recommended to Council:

That the Corporate Plan 2010-2014 be adopted.

Reasons for Recommendation

All high performing organisations have a Corporate Plan or equivalent to direct and focus their work.   An ambitious and effective Corporate Plan will focus and galvanise the organisation’s resources to deliver its strategic priorities during the next four years. 

Report of the Service Director, Housing is circulated  

Cllr Brady presented a report which sought Cabinet’s approval to appropriate and dispose of land for planning purposes for the housing PFI scheme.

The two areas of land in question were at Broad Street car park, Trowbridge and at Paxcroft Mead, Hilperton as shown on the plans presented.

The appropriation would provide a legal mechanism to allow the Council to use land that had been acquired for one purpose for a different purpose. The purpose for the appropriation would be to minimise risk to the PFI project.

It was anticipated that the various issues being dealt with including this one would be concluded by the end of July 2010.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)         appropriates land at Broad Street car park, Trowbridge (as shown on the indicative plan in Appendix 1 of the report presented) for planning purposes under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972;

b)        appropriates land at Paxcroft Mead, Hilperton (as shown on the indicative plan in Appendix 2 of the report presented) for planning purposes under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972;

c)         agrees to dispose of such land at Broad Street car park, Trowbridge under section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, subject to the Secretary of State's consent for disposal at less than best consideration and

d)        agrees to dispose of such land at Paxcroft Mead, Hilperton under section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, subject to the Secretary of State's consent for disposal at less than best consideration.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the risks, in respect of rights and covenants affecting two PFI development sites to be provided by the Council can be resolved.

Report of the Service Director, Economy and Enterprise is circulated

Cllr Brady presented a report which set out the next steps in the preparation of a draft Core Strategy for Wiltshire following consultation undertaken late 2009 on ‘Wiltshire 2026 – Planning for Wiltshire’s Future’.

The report proposed making the consultation responses available to Area Boards, outside of South Wiltshire. Taking into account the responses concerning Chippenham, including the petition presented at the last Council meeting, approval was sought to undertake a further public consultation exercise on the future development options for Chippenham.  Cabinet was also asked to establish a joint working party with Swindon Borough Council to consider issues relating to the west of Swindon.

The Leader welcomed the report. Referring to the forthcoming General Election, she asked Cllr Brady, working with officers to consider the impact of a change in Government based on the manifesto commitments of the political party in Government. She asked that the timetable be reviewed for consideration by Cabinet to take account of any change in direction as a consequence of the election result.  Cllr Brady explained that this point had been discussed particularly in relation to the implications on the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)                 note the overall outcome of the Wiltshire 2026 consultation exercise and approves feedback on the consultation responses to each Community Area Board (outside of south Wiltshire) during the forthcoming May/June 2010 cycle of meetings;

b)                 approve that a further public consultation exercise be undertaken on the future development options for Chippenham;

c)                 approve the establishment and operation of a joint working party with Swindon Borough Council to consider and advise on issues relating to the west of Swindon and other trans-boundary issues in accordance with details to be agreed between the Service Director for Economy and Enterprise (with membership being agreed in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing) and Swindon Borough Council subject to prior approval by the Head of Legal Services (Wiltshire Council); and

d)                 authorise the Service Director for Economy and Enterprise, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, to review and update the timetable for the Wiltshire Core Strategy and make this available on the Council’s website at the earliest opportunity.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that progress continues to be made on the preparation of an up to date planning policy framework for Wiltshire in line with the Council’s statutory requirements.

Report of the Corporate Director, Resources is circulated

Cabinet had previously approved the Workplace Transformation Programme (WTP) which included the refurbishment of County Hall and Browfort Office buildings to provide modern, fit for purpose office accommodation for Council staff.

The nature of the construction work to be undertaken on both buildings would be extensive and lengthy. For reasons of staff well-being and operational delivery reasons, it would not be desirable to have staff working within the Main Extension County Hall (MECH) during the rebuilding work.

Cllr Noeken therefore presented a report which sought Cabinet approval to provide decant accommodation at the George Ward School, Melksham to be funded from within already approved budgets. If agreed, staff would be consulted and works would commence as soon as the school became vacant in July. There would be minimal disruption to Cabinet accommodation and Cllr Noeken suggested that for the duration of the building works Cabinet members and Chief Officers would continue to be located at County Hall. It was noted that the works would include minor refurbishment of the Council Chamber.

Cllr Thomson referred to the fact that the refurbishment would create a  joint library and customer access point at County Hall. He sought an assurance which was given that sufficient steps would be taken to maximise the existing library as a customer access point during the refurbishment and that customer access at Bradley Road would be enhanced during the refurbishment period.   

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)                 approves the proposal to provide decant accommodation at the existing George Ward School, Melksham, and authorise officers to develop these plans further, including the consultation on, and development of appropriate methods to minimise the impact on staff through this period;

a)                 note that the governance and reporting line for this proposal is within the Workplace Transformation Programme, the Board of which will receive regular reports on progress and issues from the Programme Director and

b)                 agree that the Cabinet and the Council’s Chief Officers to remain at County Hall during this period.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the most effective approach for the required decant of staff from Old County hall, MECH and Browfort which will provide modern fit-for-purpose staff accommodation during and following the works.

Report of the Service Director, Housing is circulated

Cllr Greenman presented a report which advised Cabinet on the outcome of the Homes 4 Wiltshire Service Review and sought endorsement of the resulting revisions to the Homes 4 Wiltshire Policy, details of which were presented.

The proposed policy changes and recommendations in the Action Plan presented had been drawn up following a review of the service, following consultation with partner landlords, stakeholders, service users and the general public. Cllr Greenman guided Councillors through the key areas of the Action Plan and answered questions.

It was noted that a refusal of an offer of housing would trigger a discussion between officers and applicant to review the housing need to ensure offers were appropriate. In terms of defining ‘reasonable’ in the context of refusing offers of housing, it was accepted that this was a matter for officers’ professional judgement having regard to prevailing circumstances.

Cllr Mayes requested a breakdown of the demographic of people housed under the Homes 4 Wiltshire scheme.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)         approve the amended Homes 4 Wiltshire policy and agrees the implementation of the Action Plan and

b)        give delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood and Planning in consultation with the Cabinet member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing to make further amendments to Sections 6.7  and 6.8 of the Homes 4 Wiltshire policy if the Homes 4 Wiltshire Partnership decides that landlords should carry out the shortlisting function.

Reason for Decision

To enable amendments to the Homes 4 Wiltshire Policy, following an extensive consultation, which will enable Homes 4 Wiltshire to provide a better and more efficient service to customers and partners alike.

Reports of the Chief Finance Officer are circulated for the period April 2009 to February 2010

Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe presented a report which advised Cabinet on the latest position regarding the revenue budget for the period April 2009 to February 2010.

The forecast for the Council’s overall position was within budget. As previously reported, departments had taken action to offset significant cost pressures during the financial year. It was noted that the total cost pressures absorbed during the financial year amounted to £9.08m which was in addition to efficiency measures amounting to over £10m, already factored into the budget.

Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Reason for Decision

To ensure Cabinet’s awareness of the Council’s budgetary pressures.

Cllr de Rhe-Philipe presented a report which reflected the position of the Capital budget for the period April 2009 to February 2010.

There was a projected variation of £3.296m against the full year budget for 2009/10. The report detailed adjustments to the budget and provided a summary of the current position.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)                 note the current financial position of the 2009/10 Capital Budget and

b)                 note the budget changes in sections 1 and 2 of Appendix B to the report presented.

Reason for Decision

To inform Cabinet of the current financial position of the 2009/10 capital budget and to identify schemes within the programme where expenditure is not progressing as anticipated.

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

There were  no urgent items.