Meeting documents

Cabinet
Thursday, 5th December 2002

Present

Chair

S Foulkes

Councillors

DW Christian, PL Davies, PJ Hackett, DT Knowles, AM McLaughlin, M McLaughlin, H Smith, PA Smith

In attendance:

A Bridson, JE Green, SE Kelly, Mrs LA Rennie

Apologies

George Davies

Index to Minutes

Minute 359 - CENTRAL SERVICES: PRESENTATION ON "COUNCILLOR.INFO" - WEBSITE FOR ELECTED MEMBERS

Minute Text :

Having received a presentation given by Mr Paul Evans (Project Manager with Poptel Technology, the technical partner on the project), to which all members of the Council had been invited, prior to the meeting, members were reminded that the Local Government Association were facilitating a project, called Councillor.info, to enable all elected members in England and Wales to have the ability to create their own easily-managed websites.

Members were advised that the costs associated with the system were £25 for set-up and £20 per month per councillor, but for Councils involved in the pilot project the set-up costs and the second year revenue costs due under the initial two-year contract would be waived.

The Leaders of all three political groups indicated their support for the Council's participation in the pathfinder project on the basis of the substantial potential benefit for the limited financial and contractual commitment involved, and on the understanding that the system would not be used for party political purposes during election campaigns.

A decision was required as to whether or not the Council should participate in the pilot project, as pathfinders, to help set the final specification and ensure that the policies governing the site use for individual councillors were effective.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That an application be made for the Council to be included in the "councillor.info" pilot scheme, with the associated cost for all 66 members of £15,840 (including training) for the initial two year period commencing April 2003 being met from existing resources in the Member Development budget.

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Minute 360 - MINUTES

Minute Text :

The Borough Solicitor and Secretary submitted the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2002 and reported that none of the decisions contained in those minutes had been called-in.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2002 be approved and adopted.

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Minute 361 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minute Text :

Members were asked to consider whether they had any personal or prejudicial interests in connection with items on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state what they were.

Councillor Christian declared a personal interest in connection with agenda item 4 (Mersey Tunnels Toll Increase) as a regular tunnel user.

Councillor Foulkes declared a prejudicial interest in connection with agenda item 11 (Community Investment Fund - Bidston/Oxton/Claughton Area Forum Recommendations) in his capacity as a trustees of the Tam O'Shanter Trust.

Councillor Harry Smith declared a prejudicial interest in connection with agenda item 11 (Community Initiatives Fund - Bidston/Oxton/Claughton Area Forum Recommendations) in his capacity as a trustee of the Tam O'Shanter Trust and his involvement with the North Birkenhead Neighbourhood Forum, and in connection with agenda item 32 (Proudman Oceanographic Institute, Bidston) by virtue of his involvement with the Bidston Observatory Museum Campaign.

Councillor Hackett declared a prejudicial interest in connection with agenda item 10 (New Wallasey Partnership - Financial Recommendations) by virtue of his membership of the Board.

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Minute 362 - TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE: MERSEY TUNNELS BILL/TOLL INCREASE

Minute Text :

Members considered a report from the Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel concerning a proposal to initiate a toll increase to fund additional safety works at the Mersey Tunnels upon which comments were invited by 31 December, 2002.

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of the Merseyside Passenger Transport Authority, and Mr Neil Scales, Chief Executive of Merseytravel, attended the meeting to present the report and to explain in more detail the nature of the safety improvements required. The cost of the work was likely to be in the region of £10-£14m, and the intention would be to apply for an increase of 10p which, subject to approval following a public inquiry, would be implemented in 2004. There would be no immediate impact on the Merseytravel Levy.

The report had been considered by the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee on 27 November 2002, and the Select Committee had resolved (minute 95 refers): "That this Committee recommends to the Cabinet that Merseytravel's proposal to initiate a toll increase to fund additional safety works at the Mersey Tunnels be approved (6:4)."

A decision was required to enable the Council to respond to Merseytravel's proposal to seek an increase in Mersey Tunnel tolls.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the report of the Chief Executive and Director General of Merseytravel and the comments made by the representatives of Merseytravel be noted; that the views of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee (27 November) be endorsed, and the proposal by Merseytravel to seek an increase in Mersey Tunnel tolls to fund additional safety work be supported.

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Minute 363 - TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE: THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF AIR TRANSPORT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM (NORTH OF ENGLAND)

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development submitted a report which outlined the main points of the Government's consultation on the future development of air transport in the United Kingdom, and made recommendations which he suggested might be approved as a basis for the Council's response.

All of the probable scenarios predicted that there would be considerable growth in air travel in the years up to 2030, with the need for further expansion of facilities being required at both Liverpool and Manchester airports.


The report had been considered by the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee on 27 November 2002, and the Select Committee had recommended that the comments contained in section 7 of the report form the basis of the Council's response to the Department of Transport consultation (minute 96 refers).

A decision was required to enable the Council to respond to the consultation document.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee be noted and the comments outlined in section 7 of the report submitted by the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development form the basis of the Council's response to the Department for Transport consultation paper.

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Minute 364 - ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING STRATEGY: DEVELOPMENT CONTROL - BEST VALUE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development reported upon the proposals contained in the Best Value service improvement plan for the Development Control service.

The report had been considered by the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee on 27 November 2002 and the Select Committee had resolved (minute 109 refers):

"(1) That the Service Improvement Plan be approved.

(2) That consideration of the use of part of the Planning Improvement Grant to enable the implementation of the Service Improvement Plan, and consideration of the use of any future planning fee income surpluses for temporary staffing resources be referred to the January meeting of this Committee as part of the budget consideration process.

(3) That, following this consideration of the use of Planning Improvement Grant and surplus income, the Employment and Appointments Committee consider the proposals relating to the creation of new posts and out-sourcing.

(4) That the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development report to a future meeting concerning the priority for pre-application discussions with applicants.

A decision was required to approve both the service improvement plan and the monitoring procedures to ensure its effective delivery.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committeebe noted and the Best Value service improvement lan and monitoring arrangements for the Development Control service be approved.

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Minute 365 - ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING STRATEGY: ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ENFORCEMENT POLICY

Minute Text :

The Director of Housing and Environmental Protection submitted, for approval, the enforcement policy framework for the Environmental Services section of the Department of Housing and Environmental Protection. This incorporated the principles of the Government's Enforcement Concordat which set out good practice on the enforcement of legislation and covered both formal and informal action.

The report had been considered and endorsed by the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee on 2 October 2002 (minute 64 refers).

A decision was required to approve the enforcement policy framework.
Recommendation

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee be noted and the enforcement policy framework for the Environmental Services section of the Department of Housing and Environmental Protection be approved.

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Minute 366 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: PRIVATE SECTOR LANDLORDS ENERGY EFFICIENCY SCHEME

Minute Text :

The Director of Housing and Environmental Protection reported concerning a proposal to offer energy efficiency grants to private sector landlords to improve the energy efficiency of the private rented sector housing stock, which the Wirral Private Sector Stock Condition Survey had clearly demonstrated that as performing significantly worse in terms of thermal efficiency than both the owner-occupied and social housing stock.

The scheme had been developed in partnership with Scottish Power to offer grants towards the cost of energy efficiency improvements such as loft insulation, hot water tank jackets, condensing boilers and energy saving light bulbs; the grants would be funded by Scottish Power, with a contribution from the Council's Community Energy Fund, and landlords would also have to make a financial contribution to demonstrate their commitment to energy efficiency improvements in their properties.

The scheme would be targeted on private rented properties in the Tranmere area to complement the Council's existing approach to targeting private sector housing investment in the area.

A decision was required to enable the Council to enter into arrangements with Scottish Power to implement the energy efficiency scheme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That the scheme to offer energy efficiency grants to private sector landlords, in partnership with Scottish Power, be approved.

(2) That £20,000 from the Community Energy Fund be used to support the scheme.

(3) That the appointment of Heatcare Insulation as the selected contractor, in line with the competitive tendering process outlined in the Director's report be approved.

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Minute 367 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: SAFER MERSEYSIDE PARTNERSHIP (WIRRAL EXECUTIVE) - FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Minute Text :

The Director of Education and Cultural Servicessubmitted the financial recommendations of the Wirral Executive of the Safer Merseyside Partnership, meeting on 7 November 2002.

A decision was required to authorise the grant payments.

The Leader welcomed Mr Andy Dams, the recently-appointed Community Safety Co-ordinator, who was attending his first Cabinet meeting.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the financial recommendations of the Wirral Executive of the Safer Merseyside Partnership be approved and the following grants be awarded:-

(a) New Brighton Community Association (Security Improvements) - £2,500;
(b) St. Mary's Cricket Club (Security Improvements) - £400;
(c) Operation Goodwill (Publicity Campaign) - £2,500;
(d) Moreton Community Centre - £5,500;
(e) Yew Tree Road Community Centre, Moreton - £3,500*.

Footnote :

The award of £3,500 to Yew Tree Road Community Centre was approved but omitted in error from the original minute.

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Minute 368 - ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND COMMUNITY PLANNING: NEW WALLASEY PARTNERSHIP - FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development reported concerning the financial recommendations of the New Wallasey Partnership Board, meeting on 7 November 2002.

A decision was required to authorise the allocation of SRB resources to the recommended projects.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the allocation of SRB funding to the following projects, as recommended by the New Wallasey Partnership Board, be approved:-

(a) Liscard Hall Feasibility Study - £15,000;
(b) Seven Waves Radio Project - £35,000;
(c) Local Area Partnership Support Project - £160,000.

Footnote :

Councillor P J Hackett, having declared a prejudicial interest in this matter (see minute 361 above), left the meeting while the item was considered.

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Minute 369 - ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND COMMUNITY PLANNING: COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND - BIDSTON/OXTON/CLAUGHTON AREA FORUM RECOMMENDATIONS

Minute Text :

The Director of Social Services reported upon the proposals received from voluntary and community groups operating within the Birkenhead 1 Area Forum boundaries (covering the Bidston, Claughton and Oxton wards) for funding from the Community Initiatives Fund and requested that the recommendations of the Area Forum assessment panel be approved and that the proposals be funded at the levels identified within the report.

A decision was required to enable the grants to be awarded from the Community Initiative Fund.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the proposed allocation of funding for projects recommended by the Birkenhead 1 Area Forum be agreed as follows:-

(a) North Birkenhead Neighbourhood Forum - £500;
(b) Claughton Community Group - £1,500;
(c) Air Training Corps - £500;
(d) Oxton and Noctorum Credit Union - £1,000;
(e) Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm - £390;
(f) Noctorum Residents Association - £1,100.

Footnote :

Councillors S Foulkes and H Smith, having declared a prejudicial interest in this matter (see minute 361 above), left the meeting while the item was considered. In the absence of the Leader, Councillor P L Davies took the Chair.

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Minute 370 - ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND COMMUNITY PLANNING: PATHWAYS SUPPORT UNIT

Minute Text :

Further to minute 257 (Cabinet - 19/9/02), the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development reported upon the current position as regards the Pathways Support Unit and the shape of future support for Pathways communities.

This matter had been considered by the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee on 18 November 2002, when members had heard representations from a member of staff employed in the Pathways Unit, and the Select Committee had resolved (minute 30 refers):

"That this Committee urges the Cabinet to seek a resolution to the exit strategy, in terms of the Pathways Support Unit, that will ensure the solution takes account of staff and their expectations as well as arrangements between the Local Authority and the Wirral Council for Voluntary Service on how this is managed."

A decision was required on arrangements for the winding-up of the Pathways Unit in its present form in the light of the Select Committee's recommendation.

Cabinet members had received a written submission from the Wirral Council for Voluntary Services and a letter from Unison, and the Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development reported upon developments that had taken place since the meeting of the Select Committee on 18 November. Essentially, the four remaining members of staff, their recognised trade union and the Wirral Council for Voluntary Service had confirmed that they had been fully consulted about the arrangements for closure and wished these arrangements to be implemented as previously agreed.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee be noted but, having regard to developments that have taken place since the Select Committee meeting and the representations received from Unison (on behalf of the four remaining staff) and the Wirral Council for Voluntary Services, the decision taken with regard to the closure of the Pathways Support Unit, contained in minute 177 (Cabinet - 14/8/02), be re-affirmed.

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Minute 371 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: CORPORATE PLAN, 2003/04 - STATEMENT OF INTENT

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development reported concerning the process by which the Corporate Plan had been revised and which had resulted in the identification of a number of top priority issues, and requested that these priority issues be agreed as a statement of intent for future actions over a five year period, whilst recognising that there were still factors (such as the budget) that needed to be resolved, that they should be used as a framework for informing resource allocation and service delivery, and that the Local Democracy Working Party should use these issues as a basis for completing the production of the revised Corporate Plan, which would include detailed targets, success measures and resource implications.

The Cabinet member with responsibility for Culture and Community Services urged that, under the heading "Promoting and Supporting the Economic Regeneration of Wirral", the importance of an events programme should not be under-estimated in attracting businesses and visitors to the area, and he suggested that a report examining the potential for future events programmes should be prepared for consideration by the relevant Select Committee.

This report called for a "key decision" under the Council's constitution, and this had been identified in the Forward Plan for September 2002.

A decision was required to comply with the Council's obligation to produce a Corporate Plan.

Minute Decision :

A. RECOMMENDED -

(1) That, subject to formal approval by the Council, the priority issues identified by the Local Democracy Working Party be agreed as a statement of intent for future actions over a five year period, whilst recognising that there are still factors (such as the budget) that need to be resolved, and that they should be used as a framework for informing resource allocation and service delivery.

(2) That the Local Democracy Working Party use these priority issues as a basis for completing the production of the revised Corporate Plan which will include detailed targets, success measures and resource implications for the next five years.

B. Resolved -

(3) That the officers who assisted in the drawing-up of the corporate plan priorities, and in facilitating agreement between the three political groups, be thanked for their excellent work.

(4) That a report examining the potential benefits of an events programme be prepared for consideration by the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee.

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Minute 372 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN SUMMARY, 2003/04

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development reported upon the suggested structure and format for the Best Value Performance Plan summary for 2003/04.

The report and suggested format had been considered and endorsed by the Finance and Corporate Management Select Committee on 21 November 2002 (minute 85 refers).

A decision was required to approve the revised structure and format of the Best Value Performance Plan summary.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Finance and Corporate Management Select Committee be endorsed, and the revised format for the summary Best Value Performance Plan for 2003/04 be approved.

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Minute 373 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: COUNCIL TAX BASE, 2003/04

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance reported upon the method used to calculate the tax base for the 2003/04 council tax and recommended a figure for tax setting purposes.

The report called for a "key decision" under the Council's constitution which was identified in the Forward Plan for September 2002.

A decision was required to comply with the Council's statutory obligation to determine the council tax base.

Minute Decision :

RECOMMENDED - That, subject to approval by the Council:

(1) That the council tax base for 2003/04 be approved.

(2) That, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the figure calculated by this Authority as its tax base for the year 2003/04 shall be 103,171.

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Minute 374 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: PROJECTED BUDGET, 2003/04 - PROPOSED ECONOMIES

Minute Text :

Further to minute 229 (Cabinet - 19/9/02) the Borough Solicitor and Secretary reported the views of Select Committees (including those of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee, meeting on 27 November) in relation to a package of economies totalling £5.3m proposed in connection with the preparation of the budget for 2003/04 and recommended that, having taken account of those views, the economies package be recommended to the Council for approval.

In connection with minute 47 (Education and Cultural Services - 12/11/02), the Director of Education and Cultural Services submitted additional information concerning the leval of crematorium charges in Wirral compared with those of neighbouring authorities, the effect of the proposed saving on the children's playground refurbishment programme (which would, nevertheless, be completed within the space of two financial years) and the proposed saving of £50,000 within the Youth Service staffing budget, which absorbed an under-spend.

In connection with minute 98 (Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy - 27/11/02), the Cabinet member with responsibility for Transportation and Infrastructure advised that he had received an assurance from the Director of Highway and Engineering Services that the proposed saving of £50,000 identified in relation to the Street-scene review could be achieved with no loss in the standard of service provided.

The report called for a "key decision" under the Council's constitution on a matter that had been identified in the Forward Plan for September 2002.

A decision was required regarding approval of the proposed economies for 2003/04.

Minute Decision :

RECOMMENDED -

(1) That the views of the Select Committees, the results of consultations with the recognised trade unions and the additional information now provided be noted.

(2) That, in the light of the current financial position and the continuing need to make economies in order to fund unavoidable growth in the budget, and having carefully considered the comments of Select Committees in response to the proposed savings referred to them in September, the views of the recognised trade unions and the additional information now provided, the proposed economies package amounting to £5.3m. be referred to the Council for approval in connection with the 2003/04 budget.

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Minute 375 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: CONTRACT FOR THE CARRIAGE OF OUTGOING TELEPHONE CALLS

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance reported that, following deregulation of the telecommunications market, a number of companies had established themselves in competition with British Telecom for the carriage of telephone traffic but that, after an investigation and the production of a service specification, an invitation to tender for the provision of these services had been published in the European Journal and the responses received were submitted for consideration, with a request that the contract be awarded to British Telecom for a period of two years. This would result in a total saving of £100,000 on the Council's telecommunications expenditure.

A decision was required to authorise the award of the contract.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the report be noted and, having regard to the unstable state of the telecommunications market, a two-year fixed term contract be awarded to British Telecom upon the terms now reported for the carriage of outgoing telephone calls.

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Minute 376 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: ENTITLEMENT CARDS

Minute Text :

The Chief Executive submitted a Home Office consultation document and an LGA questionnaire (Circular 388/02) regarding "Entitlement Cards and Identity Fraud" and reported that the purpose of an entitlement card would be to confirm identity for official public purposes (e.g. claiming benefits) or for private sector organisations (e.g. validating identity for credit purposes). He emphasised that the Government did not wish to consult on the introduction of a compulsory scheme which would require everyone to carry a card at all times.

The Leader expressed the view that in certain circumstances entitlement cards could be useful, but he had reservations about the start-up costs and whether the benefits derived from the introduction of entitlement cards would be commensurate with the costs. The Leader of the Conservative Group accepted that entitlement cards might be useful in some circumstances but he had concerns about what information about the individual would be included on them and the purposes for which this might be used; he also had reservations about the set-up costs for a universal state-run system, felt the idea had not been fully thought through and, on balance, he was opposed to it. The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group expressed his outright opposition to the proposal, which he regarded as the "thin end of the wedge" towards the introduction of a compulsory scheme.

A decision was required to enable the Council to respond to the consultation document by the closing date of 10 January 2003.

With Cabinet members appearing to be generally supportive of the proposal, it was nevertheless accepted that each political group should be free to make their own representations in response to the consultation document.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That, while recognising the value of entitlement cards in certain circumstances, this Council has reservations about the start-up costs of the scheme and whether the benefits would be wholly commensurate.

(2) That, having regard to differing views expressed by the Leaders of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups, each political group represented on the Council be encouraged to make their own comments independently.

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Minute 377 - EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING: SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION GUIDANCE

Minute Text :

The Leader welcomed Mr Howard Cooper, Director Designate of Education and Cultural Services, to his first Cabinet meeting.

The Director of Education and Cultural Services reported that it had become necessary to update the Wirral guidance on sex education to reflect the latest developments in the teaching of Sex and Relationship Education and to meet the requirements of the Department for Education and Skills document, "Sex and Relationship Education Guidance".

The report and revised guidance had been considered and endorsed by the Education and Cultural Services Select Committee on 12 November 2002 (minute 46 refers).

A decision was required to approve the new guidance for use in Wirral schools.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Education and Cultural Services Select Committee be noted, and the revised guidance on Sex and Relationship Education, as now submitted, be approved for use in Wirral schools.

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Minute 378 - EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING: EASTWAY PRIMARY SCHOOL HOUSE

Minute Text :

The Director of Education and Cultural Services requested approval to declare the property surplus to requirements and to agree to a request from the school's governing body that the existing tenant (the current caretaker) be allowed to purchase the property.

A decision was required to declare the property surplus to requirements and to authorise its sale to the tenant.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the property, 16 Eastway, Moreton, be declared surplus to the requirements of the Department of Education and Cultural Services and the Director of Property Services proceed to sell the property to the current tenant.

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Minute 379 - CULTURE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES: SPORTS FIELD DRAINAGE

Minute Text :

The Director of Education and Cultural Services requested that £172,000 of capital funding, previously approved to support an [unsuccessful] application to the Football Foundation for football pitch improvements be used to support similar applications to Sport England and the New Wallasey SRB Partnership.

A decision was required to approve the use of the capital funding to support alternative bids to Sport England (who required confirmation of matching funding by 12 December 2002) and the New Wallasey SRB Partnership.

In response to queries from Cabinet members, the Director advised that the omission of some schemes from the list (specifically, the King's Lane playing fields in Bebington) was due to the fact that the Sport England criteria were much more stringent and specific than those that had applied to the Football Foundation bid. He advised that attempts would continue to resurrect the Football Foundation bid to fund the improvement of the remaining sports pitches, but he acknowledged that would also involve the Council in having to identify resources to provide matching funding.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That £172,000 of the capital allocation for playing pitch improvements be utilised to provide match funding for applications to Sport England and the New Wallasey SRB Partnership, but attempts continue to identify and secure resources to fund the improvement of sports pitches not included in the bids to Sport England and New Wallasey SRB.

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Minute 380 - SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: DIRECT PAYMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH COMPLEX SPECIAL NEEDS

Minute Text :

Further to minute 74 (Cabinet - 8/3/01), the Director of Social Services reported upon progress with regard to the pilot scheme for direct payments for children with a complex disability and requested that the scheme be formalised and extended to a limited number of other families who had expressed an interest.

The report called for a "key decision" under the Council's constitution and the matter had been identified in the Forward Plan for June 2002.

The proposal had been considered and supported by the Social Care and Health Select Committee on 11 November 2002 (minute 59 refers).

A decision was required to formalise and extend the current direct payments scheme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That the current arrangements for making direct payments to children with complex disabilities under the Wirral Direct Payments Scheme (Children) be formalised and extended as suggested in the Director's report.

(2) That a progress report on the extension of the scheme be submitted to the Social Care and Health Select Committee in six months' time.

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Minute 381 - CENTRAL SERVICES: APPROVED DUTIES

Minute Text :

The Borough Solicitor and Secretary requested that members' attendance be designated as approved duties in respect of the following:-

(a) attendance by all members of the Council at a presentation on the Local Government Association's "councillor.info" project, to be given on 5 December 2002;

(b) attendance by all members of the Council at a confidential briefing on the Comprehensive Performance Assessment judgment, to be held on 9 December 2002;

(c) attendance by all members of the Council at a presentation on 11 December 2002 onthe "Stock Options Study and the Future of Wirral's Housing Stock", prior to the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Select Committee.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That attendance by all members of the Council at presentations on the Local Government Association's "councillor.info" project (5 December 2002), on the Comprehensive Performance Assessment (9 December 2002) and on the Future of the Council's Housing Stock (11 December 2002) be designated an approved duty.

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Minute 382 - EXEMPT INFORMATION: EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Minute Text :

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That, under section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A to that Act.

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Minute 383 - SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES: INTEREST-FREE LOAN

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 5, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Social Services outlined the circumstances of a disabled person who had been assessed as needing home adaptations but could not afford to pay the assessed financial contribution.

A decision was required to authorise an interest-free loan to help finance essential adaptation works.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Director's proposal to make an interest-free loan be approved.

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Minute 384 - EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING: PARENTAL APPEALS PANEL

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 1, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Borough Solicitor and Secretary reported concerning the forthcoming retirement of Mrs P Clark, who had been Chair of the Parental Appeals Panel since 1984, and requested approval to the appointment of a replacement Chair and to commence the procedures for the appointment of an additional Deputy Chair.

A decision was required to enable the new Chair and additional Deputy Chair to be in place to hear appeals from April 2003.

Members of all political groups paid tribute to the dedication which Mrs Clark had shown throughout her many years' service as a member and Chair of the Parental Appeals Panel and suggested that appropriate arrangements be made to mark her retirement.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That Mrs P Clark be thanked for the dedicated service she has given over many years to the Parental Appeals Panel and appropriate arrangements be made to mark her forthcoming retirement.

(2) That Mrs H A Wells be appointed as Chair of the Parental Appeals Panel to succeed Mrs P Clark.

(3) That the Borough Solicitor and Secretary write to all existing "pool" members of the Parental Appeals Panel to obtain expressions of interest in succeeding Mrs Wells as Deputy Chair.

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Minute 385 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: PROPOSED PEARSON ROAD, BIRKENHEAD, COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER 2002

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 7 and 12, Part 1, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972

Minute Text :

The Director of Housing and Environmental Protection reported upon progress made with regard to the Pearson Road, Birkenhead, Clearance Area 2001 and requested the use of compulsory purchase powers under Section 290 of the Housing Act 1985 to secure the acquisition of three derelict properties.

A decision was required to authorise the compulsory acquisition of the derelict properties.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That a Compulsory Purchase Order be made under section 290 of the Housing Act 1985 to secure the acquisition and demolition of numbers 17, 19 and 21 Pearson Road, Birkenhead (identified on the plans now submitted), in connection with the Pearson Road, Birkenhead, Clearance Area 2001.

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Minute 386 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: BEACONSFIELD/TRANMERE GREGORY UNITS - ESTATE REFURBISHMENT AND REMODELLING

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported concerning the two-stage tendering process for these projects and the outcome of the subsequent negotiations and scheme development with the preferred constructors on a "partnering" basis, and requested that the agreed maximum price negotiated with the preferred constructors be accepted for both schemes and that approval be given to the allocation of additional funding for the Tranmere Gregory scheme.

That agreed maximum prices, inclusive of professional fees and other payments, were £2,710,605 for the Beaconsfield Estate refurbishment and £2,386,676 for the Tranmere Gregory units, and the work would be financed from the Housing Capital programme.

A decision was required to enable the schemes to progress as programmed.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That the agreed maximum price (AMP) in the sum of £2,425,500, negotiated and agreed with Lovell Partnerships Ltd for the Beaconsfield scheme, be accepted subject to the contractor developing a satisfactory health and safety plan and completing the contractual formalities.

(2) That, subject to the Council approving an additional allocation of £368,240 from the Housing capital programme for 2003/04, the agreed maximum price in the sum of £2,139,888 negotiated and agreed with Bramall Construction Ltd for the Tranmere Gregory Units be accepted subject to the contractor developing a satisfactory health and safety plan and completing the contractual formalities.

(3) That the Director of Property Services be instructed to seek any outstanding statutory approvals for the schemes, including planning consent under the Town and Country Planning Acts and Building Regulation approval.

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Minute 387 - TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE: BEST VALUE REVIEW - STREETSCENE SERVICE IMPROVEMENT PLAN

Exempt :

Exempt : NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 8, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Highway and Engineering Services presented the service improvement plan arising from the Best Value review of Street-scene.

The report had been considered by the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee on 27 November 2002 and the Select Committee had resolved (minute 111 refers):

"(1) That the role of the Members' Steering Group be expanded to include assisting with the contract preparation and evaluation of tenders for the street-scene grass-cutting, weeds and trees contract.

(2) That, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the contract procedure rules, of KMc Consultancy be retained to assist the Members' Steering Group in preparing contracts and evaluating tenders for the activity outlined in paragraph (1) above and the costs associated with this work, estimated at £5.000, be contained within the overall budget.

(3) That the service improvement plan be endorsed and referred to the Cabinet for approval."

A decision was required to approve the service improvement plan and monitoring arrangements.

This is a key decision which first appeared in the Forward Plan in September 2002.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That the views of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Strategy Select Committee be noted and the service improvement plan arising out of the Best Value review of street-scene (submitted as Appendix 1 to the report of the Director of Highway and Engineering Services) be approved.

(2) That the role of the Members' Steering Group be expanded to include assisting with the contract preparation and evaluation of tenders for the street-scene grass cutting, weeds and trees contracts.

(3) That, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the contract procedure rules, the services of KMc Consultancy be retained to assist the Members' Steering Group in preparing contracts and evaluating tenders for the activity outlined in paragraph (2) above, that the costs associated with this work (estimated at £5,000) be contained within the overall budget, and that the Council be notified of this decision.

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Minute 388 - ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND COMMUNITY PLANNING: BIRKENHEAD TOWN CENTRE RE-DEVELOPMENT

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 7, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Planning and Economic Development and the Director of Property Services reported jointly, following on from special meetings of the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee held on 10 October and 18 November, which received and considered four developers' presentations on proposals for Birkenhead Town Centre; they set out the proposals together with comments from officers and the Council's consultants, which were intended to be read in conjunction with the report presented to the Select Committee, which set out general background information and which recommended that:

(a) the current regeneration proposals for the Hind Street area tabled by Maple Grove and London & Amsterdam should not be supported by the Council;

(b) given the availability of a sequentially preferable alternative location in the town centre, the Council, along with other partners, work to develop a regeneration strategy for the Hind Street area which does not involve or require the provision of a food superstore to ensure viability;

(c) the current exclusivity agreement with Castlewood be terminated with immediate effect on the grounds that they have not met the requirements previously stated.

(d) urgent discussions be opened with Performance Shopping Centre Limited Partnership enabling the company to prepare a more detailed phased scheme, including financial appraisals, to be concluded within a period of three months.

The developer presentations were considered by the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee on 10 October (minute 19 refers) and a further report had been considered by the Select Committee on 18 November, when it was resolved (minute 32 refers): "That the recommendations in section 15 of the report of the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development be approved."

A decision was required to determine the course to be followed with regard to the proposed redevelopment of Birkenhead Town Centre.

A further presentation of the various development proposals and related issues was given for the benefit of Cabinet members by the Deputy Director of Planning and Economic Development.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Economic Regeneration and Community Planning Select Committee be noted, and the recommendations contained in paragraph 15 of the report of the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Planning and Economic Development be approved, namely:-

(1) That the current regeneration proposals for the Hind Street area tabled by Maple Grove and London & Amsterdam be not supported by the Council.

(2) That, given the availability of a sequentially preferable alternative location in the town centre, the Council, along with other partners, work to develop a regeneration strategy for the Hind Street area which does not involve or require the provision of a food superstore to ensure viability.

(3) That the current exclusivity agreement with Castlewood be terminated with immediate effect on the grounds that they have not met the requirements previously stated.

(4) That urgent discussions be opened with Performance Shopping Centre Limited Partnership enabling the company to prepare a more detailed phased scheme, including financial appraisals, to be concluded within a period of three months.

Footnote :

Paragraph (1) of the resolution has been corrected, following receipt of a query, by the addition of the words "be not supported by the Council", so as to accurately reflect the decision in minute 32 (Economic Regeneration and Community Planning - 18/11/02), which endorsed the recommendations contained in paragraph 15 of the joint report and set out in the preamble to the minute - sub-paragraph (a) refers. The opportunity will be taken at a later date to formally correct the printed record, which appears at page 955 of Volume 5A, from which those words have been omitted.

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Minute 389 - CENTRAL SERVICES: BIRKENHEAD MARKET

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported upon a recent decision of the Finance and Corporate Management Select Committee, recommending one of the seven bids received from market operators for approval (minute 62 refers).

A decision was required to authorise the disposal of Birkenhead Market.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of the Finance and Corporate Management Select Committee be noted, and Birkenhead Market be let to the bidder recommended by the Select Committee (Mr L Embra, Market Manager) upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 390 - CENTRAL SERVICES: PROUDMAN OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTE, BIDSTON

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

With the permission of the Cabinet, this item was withdrawn.

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Minute 391 - CENTRAL SERVICES: 128 PASTURE ROAD, MORETON

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 8, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported upon the consideration provisionally agreed for the disposal of 128 Pasture Road, Moreton, to the existing tenant.

A decision was required to enable the sale to proceed.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the property, 128 Pasture Road, Moreton, be sold to the tenant for the consideration now reported.

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Minute 392 - CENTRAL SERVICES: LAND ADJACENT 58 TOWN MEADOW LANE, MORETON

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported the terms provisionally agreed and for the sale of 130 square metres of Council-owned land, presently comprising part of a grass verge, adjoining 58 Town Meadow Lane, Moreton.

A decision was required to enable the proposed sale to proceed.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the site adjoining 58 Town Meadow Road, Moreton (identified on the plan now submitted) be declared surplus to requirements and the land be sold upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 393 - CENTRAL SERVICES: 44 SCHOOLFIELD ROAD/60 COMMONFIELD ROAD, WOODCHURCH

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I. Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported the terms provisionally agreed for the purchase of 44 Schoolfield Road, Woodchurch, to facilitate the clearance of a terrace of four houses and requested authority for the simultaneous disposal of 60 Commonfield Road, Woodchurch.

A decision was required to enable the transactions to proceed and to allow a proposed junction improvement scheme to be implemented.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Director of Property Services be authorised to conclude the transactions in respect of 44 Schoolfield Road and 60 commonfield Road, Woodchurch, upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 394 - CENTRAL SERVICES: WOODCHURCH ROAD/PRENTON HALL ROAD, PRENTON - JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported the terms provisionally agreed for the acquisition of an area of land fronting 538 Woodchurch Road, Prenton, required for the Woodchurch Road/Prenton Hall Road junction improvement scheme.

A decision was required to purchase the land to facilitate theproposed junction improvement scheme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the land fronting 538 Woodchurch Road, Prenton (as shown on the a
plan now submitted) be acquired upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 395 - CENTRAL SERVICES: LAND AT LEASOWE ROAD/GARDENSIDE, LEASOWE

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported the terms provisionally agreed for the purchase of the final piece of land required for the construction of a roundabout at the junction of Leasowe Road and Gardenside, Leasowe.

A decision was required to enable the land to be purchased in connection with the proposed junction improvement scheme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the land to the south side of Leasowe Road (as shown on the attached plan) be purchased upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 396 - CENTRAL SERVICES: WIRRAL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK, PHASE 1D - LAND ACQUISITION FOR NEW ROAD

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported the terms provisionally agreed for the purchase of land required for the construction of a new carriageway to open up development land as part of Phase 1D of Wirral International Business Park.

A decision was required to enable the land to be purchased for new road construction.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the land identified on the plan now submitted be purchased upon the terms now reported.

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Minute 397 - CENTRAL SERVICES: 170 BRIDLE ROAD, EASTHAM

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 8 and 9, Part I, Schedule 12A, Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Property Services reported upon the main terms provisionally agreed for the sale of 50 square metres of Council-owned land to be incorporated into the front garden of 170 Bridle Road, Eastham.

A decision was required to enable the land to be sold for garden purposes.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -

(1) That, subject to paragraph (2) below, the land adjacent to 170 Bridle Road, Eastham (as shown on the plan now submitted) be sold upon the main terms now reported.

(2) That part of the proceeds of the sale be donated to the National Playing Fields Association in consideration of the release of covenants affecting the land.

(3) That the Director of Property Services report further should any objections be received following advertisement of the proposed disposal of public open space.

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(Minutes Published: 9 December 2002)