Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:

Cllr Jane Scott OBE, Leader of the Council

Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet member for Waste, Property and Environment.

Andrew Kerr, the Chief Executive

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 June 2010,  previously circulated.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2010 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2010.

The Deputy Leader explained the absence of the Leader and Chief Executive. Both were attending a Chairman’s Summit on the Local Government Association Group offer to Government to provide a framework to allow local councils to do more with less. The meeting involved local authority leaders and chief executives meeting with Ministers and MP’s to discuss the current financial climate.

With Cabinet’s approval, the Deputy Leader brought forward item no. 8 – Wiltshire Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Strategy to assist Cllr Keith Humphries, the Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing.

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

The following Councillors declared a personal interest in the item on Review of Leisure for the reason specified in each case (minute no. 117 refers)

Cllr Tony Trotman – Chairman of the Board at Calne Leisure Centre Ltd – would participate in the discussion.

Cllr John Noeken – Chairman of the Amesbury Sports & Activities Centre – would not be participating in the discussion or voting.

Cllr Bridget Wayman and Cllr Tony Deane - members of the Tisbury and District Sports Centre Management Body.

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 23 July 2010. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

The Deputy Leader explained that he would invite members of the public present to speak on each of the items to be discussed. Those who spoke are listed under the relevant minute.

Report by the Corporate Director of Public Health & Wellbeing.

Cllr Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing presented a report which sought endorsement of the Wiltshire Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Reduction Strategy and Implementation Plan. As this would in time form part of the overall Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy, part of the Council’s Policy Framework, this would require onward recommendation to Council for adoption.

The Council was obliged to work in partnership to tackle ASB through the obligations placed on it by the Crime and Disorder Act and the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The Strategy had been approved by the Community Safety Partnership on 17 June 2010 and this Council was now being asked to endorse it as a constituent partner. The Strategy would enable partners to consolidate efforts and approaches to tackling ASB, develop toolkits to be used within communities, manage and support individual cases reported and communicate how specific community based problems would be dealt with as a matter of upmost priority.

The reduction of anti-social behaviour (ASB) was a key goal within the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the strategy would help ensure a coherent and effective response to this challenge.

In reference to partnership working, Cllr Jeff Osborn, Chairman of the Organisation and Resources Select Committee reported that a Partnerships Task Group had been established to scrutinise partnership working and would be looking at Community Safety Partnerships. The Corporate Director of Public Health and Wellbeing welcomed this move and respectfully suggested that any analysis of partnerships should begin with establishing the desired outcomes of such an exercise.

Recommended to Council:

That Cabinet endorse the Wiltshire Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Strategy and Implementation Plan and recommend it to the Council.

Reason for Decision

The Wiltshire Community Safety Partnership Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy was needed to provide a harmonised service across Wiltshire and would provide a framework to promote effective, co-ordinated partnership work to tackle anti-social behaviour at both local and countywide levels.

Report by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhood Services

Public Participation:

Mr Mike Barrett, Bursar of Carne Leisure Centre presented a statement and question as circulated to which Cllr Wheeler as Cabinet member for Leisure, Sport and Culture replied.

Mr Mike Parker of Westbury explained that he had written to Cabinet members on concerns he outlined to the meeting and that he would respond to the consultation exercise.

Mr Gary Walker of Cricklade Leisure Centre spoke in support of the proposals.

Declarations of interest

Cllrs Tony Trotman, John Noeken, Bridget Wayman and Tony Deane declared their interest in this item as detailed at minute no. 114 above. 

Cllr Stuart Wheeler, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport and Culture gave a comprehensive presentation on proposals to review leisure provision within the Council’s area. Cabinet’s views were sought on the proposals which were indicative at this stage with a view to commencing a full consultation exercise. The results of the consultation would then be reported back to Cabinet to take into account in its determination of the review.

It was noted that the Council financially contributed towards 23 leisure facilities which offered varying levels of service due to various factors such as age, condition, design and range of facilities. In November, 2009, the Council resolved to carry out a review of the facilities and develop a Leisure Facilities Strategy to include a replacement, refurbishment and devolvement programme.

The report presented reviewed the strategic need for leisure facilities in Wiltshire. It provided indicative proposals which would enable the Council to deliver a sustainable, cost effective, high quality leisure facility service for the foreseeable future. The report also included proposals for the potential devolvement of suitable facilities to local communities as part of the Council’s aspirations around devolvement of services and transfer of assets. Cllr Wheeler explained that the purpose of the review was to achieve a sustainable, high quality desirable service which would be attractive to users and would remove barriers of accessibility and meet the Council’s target of being the healthiest County by 2014.

The proposals were an intrinsic part of the Workplace Transformation programme and fundamental to the delivery of campuses in key strategic locations. The programme would include the provision of at least three leisure centres based at Trowbridge, Melksham and Warminster.

The likely financial implications of the indicative proposals were outlined and it was noted that the financial information would be firmed up on completion of the review following the consultation exercise. Any effects on the Council’s approved Capital Programme would require approval of Council.

From the Communications Strategy presented, it was noted that the consultation period would run between August – October 2010 and would include Area Boards, displays at schools, libraries and leisure centres, briefing updates for Councillors and use of the Parish Newsletter and Wiltshire Magazine. Information presented to Area Boards would be tailored to the proposals affecting the area concerned and be linked to information from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Cllr Wheeler agreed that Wiltshire Councillors would be briefed on proposals affecting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 117.

Report by the Corporate Director of Children and Education

Public Participation:

Cllr Grundy responded to a written question from Mrs Ruth Greening (in her absence) concerning Springfields special school in Calne.

Mrs Deirdre Holland, volunteer parent supporter from Swindon, explained she was frequently contacted by Wiltshire authority residents for advice.  She raised her concerns about the risks of placing high-functioning autistic spectrum children within mainstream schools.

Mrs Naomi Irving expressed her concerns over schools which had a mix of children with Behaviour, Emotional and Social Difficulties (BESD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

At the Deputy Leader’s invitation, Mr Trystan Williams, Headteacher of Springfields School, Calne addressed Cabinet on the above mentioned concerns. He explained that it was important to recognise the role that Springfield played and whilst he acknowledged the concerns expressed, the school’s results had been extremely positive. The aim of the school was to provide children with the best opportunities, for the best value.

Cllr Lionel Grundy, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services responded to the points made.

Cllr Grundy presented a comprehensive report which gave details of the outcome of the consultation on the Review of Special Educational Needs (SEN) Provision that was held from 22 February to 24 May 2010. He highlighted the high-profile nature and extended length of the consultation and the genuine attempt to respond to the needs of the community, which was necessary in a difficult and sensitive area of service provision.

The consultation was extensive and included the distribution of 3,000 consultation papers and questionnaires to parents, carers, head teachers, governors, SEN co-ordinators, neighbouring councils, the health service, trade unions, Diocesan bodies, MP’s and via the Council’s Area Boards and website.  An analysis of the responses was presented with the full details of responses made available to Councillors.

It was noted that the Council had a statutory duty to keep SEN provision under review. The review undertaken was primarily concerned with three mutually dependent areas of activity; namely:

• Provision in Specialist Learning Centres (SLC’s)
• Wiltshire Council SEN support services to schools and
• Provision for pupils with SEN in mainstream schools.

The review also included some aspects of special school provision and Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP) in secondary schools. The review also sought to address the findings from the Joint Area Review carried out in 2008.

Cabinet was asked to consider the outcome of the review and responses to the consultation with a view to determining future provision based on the matters considered in the review.

Cllr Grundy added that following consultation it became clear that certain areas needed further consideration and would be subject to further specific consultation.

Cllr Jacqui Lay, Vice-Chair of the Children’s Select Committee spoke on behalf of Carole Soden, Chair of the Select Committee explained that the proposals had been the subject of a Rapid Scrutiny exercise, details of which were presented. The recommendations made to Cabinet had been endorsed by the Children’s Services Select Committee on 22 July 2010.

Cllr Grundy responded to the questions and queries from Councillors.

Resolved:

That Cabinet agree  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

Report by the Service Director Economy and Enterprise.

Cllr John Brady, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing presented a report which sought Cabinet approval to proceed with consultation on initial site options for the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations Development Plan Document.

The consultation document was concerned with identification of potential sites for future sand and gravel extraction only. The report also highlighted the implications of the proposed abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS) from the perspective of aggregates provision.  The responses to the consultation would be used to inform the development of the draft Wiltshire and Swindon Aggregate Minerals document to be published in Spring 2011.

Resolved:

1.      That Cabinet:

a)      note the need to identify sites for sand and gravel extraction in order to address long-term supply issues and the short-term shortfall in permitted reserves (the landbank);

b)     approve that public consultation is undertaken on initial site options (as shown in Appendix 1 to the report presented) to inform the development of the draft Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations Development Plan Document and

c)           authorise the service Director for Economy and Enterprise, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing, to make detailed arrangements for the consultation and finalise the document in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.            That Wiltshire Councillors be advised of any potential sites identified within their respective division and that town and parish councils be similarly kept informed

Reason for Decision

To raise awareness of the proposed consultation on the initial site options for the Aggregate Minerals Site Allocations DPD and ensure that progress continues to be made on the preparation of an up to date mineral planning policy framework for Wiltshire in line with the Council’s statutory requirements.

Reports of the Chief Finance Officer for the period April to May 2010.

Councillor Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Risk presented a report which advised of the latest position regarding the revenue budget monitoring for 2010-11. The report covered the period April to May 2010 and included a departmental analysis of the outturn position.

It was explained that current figures, which were only projected, forecast an overspend at this stage. However she was confident that the year would end with a balanced budget, as previously, and officers were working to ensure this.

The report also dealt with the impact of the emergency budget announced by the Coalition Government in June. This included a range of measures including direct reductions in grant funding for local government which were implemented and would impact directly on the Council in the current 2010/11 financial year as detailed in the report. All services in the Council were currently looking at measures to address the shortfall in the area based grant.

Cllr Jeff Osborn, spoke on behalf of the Budget and Performance Scrutiny Task Group. He explained that the Task Group took the view that the shortfalls were as a result of two main areas namely, normal pressures on the budget, and a decline in the Area-based grants.

Questions were raised on various aspects of the budget to which Cllr de Rhe Philipe and other Cabinet members responded.

Resolved:

That Cabinet note the report pending the next monitoring report highlighting all actions being taken.

Reason for Decision

To enable Cabinet to approve a corporate approach to managing the financial pressures and Government reductions.

Cllr Fleur de Rhe-Philipe, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Risk presented a report which updated Cabinet on the capital programme after two months of the 2010/11 financial year.

Cabinet was also asked to consider how to manage the cuts in grant funding from central Government and in this connection was given three options to consider namely to:

• reduce the budgets in the capital programme by the corresponding cut in funding from central Government;
• to retain the highway budgets at the current level in the 2010/11 capital programme which would result in increasing unsupported borrowing levels in 2010/11 to off-set the loss in grant or
• to reprioritise schemes within the capital programme by reducing budgets of other schemes to again off-set the loss in grant.

Members of the Cabinet were asked to consider the three options for future management of the capital programme.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.      note the current position of the 2010/11 capital programme;

2.      note the budget changes in section 1 of Appendix B of the report presented.

3.            give further consideration to how the cuts in grant funding from Central Government could be dealt with in the 2010/11 capital programme for recommendation, if required, to Council through the 3 options identified in the report and outlined above.

Reason for Decision

To inform Cabinet of the current position of the 2010/11 capital programme and identify issues which need to be resolved as a result of cuts in funding from Central Government.

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

There were no urgent items considered at this meeting.

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 13 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 4 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.

Resolved:

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 minute number 125 below as it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraph 4 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.

Confidential report by Service Director for Human Resources and Organisational Development.

(Exempt paragraph 4:  Information relating to any consultations or contemplated consultations or negotiations in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority).

Councillor John Noeken, Cabinet Member for Resources presented a confidential report which updated Cabinet on the Pay Harmonisation Scheme.

The Staffing Policy Committee would also be considering the issue at its meeting on 28 July 2010.

Resolved:

That Cabinet approve the recommendations as detailed in the report presented.

Reasons for Decision

As detailed in the confidential report presented.