Meeting documents

Cabinet
Thursday, 20th September 2007

Present

Chair

S Foulkes

Councillors

George Davies, PL Davies, G Gardiner, SA Holbrook, SE Kelly, M McLaughlin, RK Moon, Jean Quinn

In attendance:

JE Green

Apologies

PJ Hackett

Index to Minutes

Minute 227 - MINUTES

Minute Text :

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 6th September 2007, had been published and no items were called in.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the minutes of 6th September 2007 be approved and adopted.

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Minute 228 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Minute Text :

The members of the Cabinet were invited to consider whether they had a personal or prejudicial interest in connection with any of the items on this agenda and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest. The following declarations were made:-

Councillor Simon Holbrook - a prejudicial interest in Minute 257 (Sale of land adjacent to 25 Prenton Road West, Prenton) as he had objected to a related planning application.

Councillor Phil Davies - a personal interest in Minute 240 (Establishment of an additional post of Senior Assistant Trading Standards Officer and Assistant Trading Standards Officer) due to his appointment as a non-executive director of Wirral PCT.

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Minute 229 - SOCIAL CARE & HEALTH: ENABLEMENT AND REABLEMENT

Minute Text :

The Director of Adult Social Services reported that the emerging national direction of Adult Social Care was towards care and support which promoted independence, gave people real choice and control and moved away from crisis-driven long- term dependence. The Department of Adult Social Services was using the national context to develop its own services and to inform commissioning intentions for the future.

The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Inclusion emphasised that this was the way Adult Social Services needed to ready itself for the future, offering service users increased choice and less dependency. The proposed approach had been welcomed by professionals.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group referred to the scale of increase in resources within the health sector that was not matched by an increase in social care. The proposed approach would allow the Department to concentrate on those services where it needed to take leadership.

Councillor Stuart Kelly referred to the issue of travel mentoring that was set out within the report and requested that Technical Services use their influence with Merseytravel and the local bus companies to ensure their training programmes reflected the aims of the approach.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the approach taken by the Department of Adult Social Services, away from crisis-led services which could result in long term interventions, towards enablement and re enablement be endorsed;

(2) the initial implementation of Wirral HART be acknowledged and this change in service delivery by the in-house homecare service be supported and the consequent transfer of some care to the independent sector;

(3) a future report be presented to Cabinet to detail the initial efficiencies generated by Wirral HART and model any further savings that may be achieved from that approach; and

(4) the approach taken to providing travel mentoring outlined in the report be noted.

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Minute 230 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY – INVESTMENT PLAN

Minute Text :

The Director of Adult Social Services presented his report and associated paper (Appendix 1) providing a project evaluation on the development of the Assistive Technology Service and the proposal for mainstreaming the telecare and telemedicine. The report also asked members to agree the commencement of the tendering process for the monitoring, maintenance and response service currently provided under contract by Wirral Partnership Homes and Wirral Handypersons Service. The matter involved a key decision which was first identified in the Forward Plan dated 1st September 2007.

The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Inclusion explained that this was a different approach, which had been well received by users. Councillor McLaughlin noted that as equipment would now do the job of a person in some instances, it would be necessary to address the issue of human contact.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green concurred with Councillor McLaughlin on the issue of human contact and suggested that there would be a need for human contact in identifying service users needs.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group hoped to improve the quality of the contact by removing the need for routine tasks to be undertaken.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) outcomes from the Assistive Technology Project Evaluation be noted;

(2) the three years strategy and associated investment Plan be supported; and

(3) the tendering process for the monitoring and response service begin in October 2008 with the award of the new contract in April 2008.

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Minute 231 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: CHANGES TO RESIDENTIAL PROVISION FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND ADULTS WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

Minute Text :

The Director of Adult Social Services presented a report which detailed how the Department proposed to implement the decision taken by Cabinet on 24 January 2007, regarding the changes to residential provision for older people with mental health needs.

It also informed Members of the results of the consultation with people who used the services and their carers.

The Cabinet asked to agree to the proposals contained in the recommendations of this report. The matter was a key decision which was first identified in the Forward Plan dated 1st May 2007.

With the permission of the Chair, Mr James Read of Heswall addressed the Cabinet on behalf of residents and relatives of residents of Meadowcroft. Mr Read said that he felt the consultation process was worthless as decisions had already been made, that residents were permanent residents and had sold their homes to live there, and referred to the effect of change on dementia sufferers and the views of the Alzheimer's Society on this matter. He also referred to human rights issues and requested that existing residents be allowed to share Meadowcroft with respite users until they required a higher level of nursing care.

Written representations were received from the Mendell Close Residents Association.

The Cabinet member for Social Care and Inclusion moved an amendment to recommendation (7) which was duly seconded.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green referred to the amendment and the phrase 'acceptable alternative accommodation'. He requested clarification on this matter and whether options that had arisen during the consultation process regarding a retirement village had been considered.

Councillor McLaughlin indicated that the 'acceptable alternative accommodation' referred to in the amendment meant acceptable to the resident, their relatives and social services officers. Councillor McLaughlin referred to the high-quality provision that was now available and that there was hope that Mendell Lodge could be used for Extra Care housing.

Councillor Holbrook referred to the long lead-in time for the proposed changes and welcomed the proposed amendment. He placed on record the Cabinet's thanks to the staff that had delivered this service.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the respite service for older people with EMI needs be relocated to the Meadowcroft building within the timescales proposed;

(2) the respite service for adults, with mental health needs, be relocated to the Fernleigh building, and that the service be extended to older people with functional EMI needs within the timescales proposed;

(3) Poulton House be extended in line with Phase 1 plans within the timescales proposed;

(4) Mendell Lodge be closed within the timescales proposed;

(5) Feltree be closed within the timescales proposed;

(6) the Rosewarne building be closed within the timescales proposed; and

(7) recognising the concerns that people have expressed about finding homes which offer a comparable standard of care, Cabinet requests that officers continue to work closely and sensitively with families to assist them in finding acceptable alternative accommodation.

Footnote :

Cabinet adjourned at 7.07pm and reconvened at 7.14pm.

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Minute 232 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: SERVICE RE-ENGINEERING - DIRECT PAYMENTS

Minute Text :

Cabinet approval was sought to re-organise Direct Payments support to people in Wirral. This followed significant growth in the scheme since its inception in 2001 and a comprehensive service review in 2006.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That -

(1) the Direct Payments Service in Wirral be developed as described in the report; and

(2) the variation to the agreement with WIRED for the provision of a Direct Payments Advocacy Service be agreed.

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Minute 233 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: GOVERNANCE ARRANGEMENTS FOR HEALTH, CARE AND WELLBEING

Minute Text :

Proposed arrangements for the governance of work around health care and wellbeing were outlined by the Director of Adult Social Services. The matter involved a key decision first identified in the Forward Plan dated 1st September 2007.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the proposals to establish the Health, Care and Wellbeing Strategic Partnership Board with its accountability framework be accepted; and

(2) the portfolio holder for Social Care, Health and Inclusion provide the lead role in chairing the partnership.

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Minute 234 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES

Minute Text :

The Director of Adult Social Services outlined the interim management arrangements proposed by the Department of Adult Social Services in order to respond effectively to the National direction of Social Care. The matter involved a key decision first identified in the Forward Plan dated 1st September 2007.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the interim management arrangements put in place to meet the needs of vulnerable people be noted and agreed.

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Minute 235 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: REDESIGNING REFERRAL, ASSESSMENT AND CARE MANAGEMENT

Minute Text :

The Director of Adult Social Services provided details of the major change being implemented within the Department of Adult Social Services Referral, Assessment and Care Management Division. The new organisational arrangements and improvements were based on work undertaken with the Department of Health Care Services Efficiency Delivery Team (CSED) and were supported by interim management arrangements. The work, underpinning the changes, was undertaken on a North West regional basis between October 2006 to end of March 2007.

The Referral, Assessment and Care Management Division held responsibility for assessment and care management for all service areas (older people, physical and sensory disability, adults with learning disability, mental health and general adults) and the improvements being implemented brought greater consistency and improved outcomes for people. The matter involved a key decision as identified in the Forward Plan dated 1st June 2007.

The purpose of this report was to keep Cabinet updated on the important changes and improvements being introduced in the Department of Adult Social Services, noting links to the corporate call centre and customer access strategy.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green welcomed the work that had been undertaken in this area which had produced an example of best practice, and congratulated those officers that had been involved.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the report be noted and the changes being implemented which would improve customer access be welcomed;

(2) interim arrangements for Referral, Assessment and Care Management division be approved; and

(3) a further report be brought to Cabinet with recommendations for a final structure for the services.

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Minute 236 - SOCIAL CARE & INCLUSION: WIRRAL OLDER PEOPLE’S PARLIAMENT

Minute Text :

Cabinet was updated with the development of Wirral Older People’s Parliament and recommended actions to advance the original intention of connecting developments in Wirral.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the report and progress made be noted; and

(2) Chief Officers and Cabinet Members develop the links set down in paragraph 2.5.

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Minute 237 - CHILDREN'S SERVICES & LIFELONG LEARNING: 2007/08 FOSTERING, SPECIAL GUARDIANSHIP, RESIDENCE ORDER AND ADOPTION ALLOWANCE FINANCIAL PAYMENTS – UPDATE

Minute Text :

On 10th July 2007 a report was submitted for the consideration of members, which outlined the revised allowance rates for 2007 in regards to Fostering, Special Guardianship, Residence Order and Adoption payments in respect of the children placed with carers. The report went on to outline the criteria and the progression criteria of Local Authority approved Foster Carers in regards to Fees within the Guide to Foster Carer Payments.

At the time of the original submission to Cabinet, the Wirral Foster Carers Association requested a final opportunity to consider the Guide to Foster Carer Payments, before further submission to Cabinet. The Department and the Association had subsequently met and agreed to put forward some alterations to the guide for Cabinet’s consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Lifelong Learning moved an amendment that was duly seconded.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the proposed Guide to Foster Carer Payments, including amendments agreed with members of the Wirral Foster Care Association be agreed by Cabinet; and

(2) in view of the delay in implementing Bands 2 and 3 criteria and payments, Cabinet agrees to pay the increase in fostering allowances from 1st April instead of July 2007.

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Minute 238 - CULTURE, TOURISM & LEISURE: MATCH FUNDING FOR WIRRAL WAY (PHASE TWO) – THURSTATON TOWARDS HESWALL

Minute Text :

The Director of Regeneration requested Cabinet to agree to allocate £25,000 of match funding for the continuation of The Wirral Way Restoration Plan Phase two -Thurstaston towards Heswall.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That £25,000 of match funding be allocated for the continuation of The Wirral Way Restoration Plan (Phase two -Thurstaston towards Heswall) from the Council’s Capital Matching Fund Reserve.

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Minute 239 - STREETSCENE & TRANSPORT SERVICES: OBJECTIONS TO PROPOSED 20 MPH SPEED LIMIT AND TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME – SERPENTINE ROAD AREA, LISCARD

Minute Text :

The Director of Technical Services presented a report considering objections received to the proposed 20 mph speed limit order and traffic calming scheme for Serpentine Road area, Liscard.

It was recommended that Cabinet note the objections and that the 20 mph speed limit and traffic calming scheme be approved for implementation as advertised.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the content of the report be noted and the 20 mph speed limit and traffic calming scheme be approved for implementation as advertised.

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Minute 240 - ENVIRONMENT: ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL POST OF SENIOR ASSISTANT TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER AND ASSISTANT TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER

Minute Text :

The Cabinet's agreement was sought to create an additional post of a Senior Assistant Trading Standards Officer (SO1 £23175 – £24708 plus on costs) and an Assistant Trading Standards Officer (Scale 4-6, £16,137 - £22,293 plus on costs) in the Regeneration Department. The post-holders would implement additional duties in relation to statutory responsibilities concerning prevention of the sale of alcohol to young people. The establishment of the posts would be funded by additional resources provided by Wirral Primary Care Trust through Choosing Health.

The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that this was an excellent example of joint working to tackle issues around under-age drinking.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the offer of funding be accepted and the Council work with Wirral Primary Care Trust to negotiate and agree a satisfactory Service Level Agreement to ensure that enhanced provision of under age sales reduction activity was in place as soon as possible and that Cabinet receives further reports on progress on implementation and how the additional identified resources have been utilised to achieve the aims and requirements of the Service Level Agreement;

(2) the report be referred to Employment and Appointments Committee for consideration of the establishment of the posts of an Assistant Trading Standards Officer and a Senior Assistant Trading Standards Officer; and

(3) Employment and Appointments Committee be recommended to agree to the establishment of a post of Assistant Trading Standards Officer Scale (Scale 4-6, £28044 scale maxima including on costs) and a Senior Assistant Trading Standards Officer (scale SO1 £31083 scale maxima including on costs) for an initial period until 31st March 2010.

Footnote :

Councillor Phil Davies declared a personal interest in this matter (minute 228 refers).

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Minute 241 - CORPORATE SERVICES: PROTECTION OF “COMMUNITY” STAFF FROM SECOND HAND TOBACCO SMOKE

Minute Text :

The Chief Executive reported that Wirral Council had a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, The Health Act 2006 and other subordinate legislation to ensure the health and safety of its staff from second hand tobacco smoke when undertaking work in clients’ homes. The new smoking legislation protected staff in all public buildings but did not apply to private dwellings.

A joint initiative between the 5 Local Authorities on Merseyside, the Primary Care Trusts and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service had been proposed to promote a consistent approach to protect the health & safety of “community” staff. The Heart of Mersey campaign would be officially launched at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Services HQ on Merseyside on 20th September 2007. Local press and media coverage was expected.

Attainment of the accreditation was a clear message to staff and customers that Wirral Council took its responsibility to protect the health and safety of its staff seriously whilst also recognising the rights of individuals within their own homes.

The Cabinet Member for the Environment expressed her disappointment with the press coverage on this issue. She referred to the Charter requesting and advising members of the public and requested that newspaper editors look carefully at their articles, especially where the most vulnerable members of society would be affected. Councillor Gardiner indicated that, if agreed, she would like to Charter to be displayed around the Council's buildings.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Heart of Mersey charter accreditation application and the Councils’ policy to protect its staff from second hand tobacco smoke in clients/service users homes be supported.

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Minute 242 - CORPORATE SERVICES: THE MERCIAN REGIMENT

Minute Text :

The Chief Executive presented a report which recommended that the newly formed Mercian Regiment be awarded the honour of Freedom of Entry to the Borough.

Minute Decision :

Resolved -That the Cabinet recommends to the Council that the newly-formed Mercian Regiment (comprising the 22nd Cheshire Regiment) be granted the honour of Freedom of Entry to the Borough in recognition of the significant contribution which one of its constituent regiments, (namely the 22nd Cheshire Regiment) has made to civic life in Wirral.

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Minute 243 - REGENERATION & PLANNING STRATEGY: DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT – HOMES FOR THE FUTURE: MORE AFFORDABLE, MORE SUSTAINABLE HOUSING GREEN PAPER – WIRRAL RESPONSE

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported that the Government had published a Green Paper ‘Homes for the future: more affordable, sustainable’, outlining its plans for delivering a total of three million new homes by 2020. The Government wished to see good quality, affordable housing to encourage stable and secure family life close to schools, healthcare and transport links. Further, the Government believed that, through the creation of good housing there followed improved social, environmental and economic well being and this in turn could help to create better communities that should attract investment and skilled workers.

The report summarised the Green Paper proposals and introduced the implications for Local Authorities.

Responses to the consultation were required by 15th October 2007. It was recommended that the response set out to the Government’s consultation on the Housing Green Paper be submitted as the Council’s formal response and that officers submit further reports as appropriate as issues emerge.

The Leader of the Council indicated that the Council would need to ensure that it was guided through the Green Paper to ensure it's aspirations for the future could be met.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green suggested the Council's planning delivery grant would be used to pay for this strategy and, whilst all parties had worked to protect Wirral's environment, the Council now needed to work with the MP's and the Local Government Association to highlight the risks to the people of Wirral.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the responses set out in this report on the Government’s consultation on the Housing Green Paper be used as the basis of Council’s formal response in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holders for Housing and Community Safety and Regeneration and Planning Strategy; and

(2) given the potential implications for Wirral that officers submit further reports as appropriate and as issues emerge.

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Minute 244 - REGENERATION & PLANNING STRATEGY: RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE MERSEY WATERFRONT REGIONAL PARK (MWRP) BOARD

Minute Text :

Cabinet's approval was sought for a recommendation of the MWRP Board to approve funding for the Pier Head Ferry Terminal Project.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That a MWRP grant of £925,486 be approved to the Mersey Passenger Transport Authority towards the costs of the Pier Head Ferry Terminal project subject to the following conditions:


(a) Mersey Passenger Transport Authority (Merseytravel) to provide confirmation that the capital contributions to the project from ERDF (£3,783,520) and Merseytravel (£5,465,480) have been formally approved on satisfactory terms and conditions.


(b) Merseytravel to provide a detailed Business Plan for the operation of the proposed attraction for MWRP approval by 30th September 2007 and confirm that the funding is in place to pay for any required fit out costs (currently estimated at £3m).


(c) Merseytravel to obtain the required agreements for the attraction by 30th November 2007


(d) Merseytravel to complete the fit out the Visitor Attraction by 31st December 2008.


(e) Merseytravel to complete an agreement with an operator for the restaurant by 31st December 2007 and ensure that fit out works are completed by 31st December 2008.


(f) Merseytravel to provide written confirmation from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs that all the VAT chargeable on the capital works costs can be reclaimed.


(g) Merseytravel to complete the lease with Liverpool City Council (LCC) for the site of the proposed building.


(h) Merseytravel to provide written confirmation that the District Valuer has certified that the lease rental and terms with LCC are at market rates.


(i) All NWDA standard property based Grant Funding Agreement conditions are included in the MWRP Offer Letter to Mersey Ferries and that a clause is included for MWRP to recover 100% of any cost savings on the landing stage fit out costs (£840,200), Mersey Ferries fit out costs (£415,000), first and second floor toilets (£210,000), Temporary Mersey Ferries Accommodation (£150,000) and other fees/costs of £115,000.


(j) Merseytravel to commission an independent formal evaluation of the project using consultants from the NWDA’s Appraisal & Evaluation Panel at an appropriate time to be agreed with MWRP.


(k) Merseytravel to agree a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan with MWRP.


(l) Merseytravel to agree a Communications Plan with MWRP.

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Minute 245 - FINANCE & BEST VALUE: CORPORATE FIRST QUARTER PERFORMANCE MONITORING REPORT 2007-2008

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services provided members with an overview of performance, at the first quarter, of those indicators contained within the corporate plan and those that were statutorily reported. The financial information within the report was based upon the position as at 30th June. Further detailed information was contained within the financial monitoring report for the same period.

A summary of performance was contained within appendix A.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group referred to the significant improvement shown within the report and the direction of travel was recognised. He noted however, that many of the indicators showing at more than 10% adrift from their targets related to Wirral's economy.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the performance of the Council at the first quarter be noted.

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Minute 246 - FINANCE & BEST VALUE: BUSINESS RATES – EMPTY PROPERTY RELIEF

Minute Text :

The Government had issued a consultation paper on 9 July 2007 on proposals to reduce the level of empty property relief given to ratepayers. Those proposals aimed to promote a more efficient use of commercial land and property and to provide an incentive to bring vacant shops, factories, offices and warehouses back into use. Members were asked to agree a proposed response to the Consultation paper. Consultation would close on 1 October 2007.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group queried whether the Director of Regeneration had had any input into the response. The Director of Regeneration referred to the success of the Empty Homes Strategy and suggested this would become an additional tool to address such issues.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That a response be sent to the Department for Communities and Local Government in the terms identified in the attached appendix.

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Minute 247 - FINANCE & BEST VALUE: REVIEW OF CORPORATE RISK REGISTER

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance confirmed details of the work recently undertaken by Chief Officers to review the issues on the corporate risk register and summarised how the revised register would be managed and reported. A draft schedule of corporate risks was included for Members consideration and comment.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green queried whether this matter would be considered by the Audit and Risk Management Committee and this was confirmed.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group requested that further information be added to include the consequence, the likelihood, action taken to minimise and the risk owner.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the draft list of corporate risks be noted.

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Minute 248 - FINANCE & BEST VALUE: BUDGET TIMETABLE 2008-09

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance submitted a report recommending a timetable for the preparation of the budget for 2008/09.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green queried whether the deadline for amendments to the budget was the same as the previous year. It was agreed that this would be clarified.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the budget timetable be agreed.

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Minute 249 - FINANCE & BEST VALUE: REVISION OF THE COUNCIL’S CORPORATE PLAN

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported that Wirral’s existing corporate plan had been a successful driver in delivering improved services in that it had provided a clear framework of objectives and priorities against which departments had been able to plan and deliver activities and projects. Given that the plan consisted of a five-year framework for service delivery (2002-2007), the council was working towards the preparation of a new corporate plan to inform activities from April 2008.

As part of the work to prepare a new corporate plan, the council’s cabinet and chief officers had held a joint meeting in July to review the authority’s corporate objectives and priorities. The outcomes of this meeting were now being developed into a series of objectives and priorities for improvement. Section 3 of the report demonstrated how the objectives and priorities for improvement, once finalised, would be integrated into the revised plan. The report also put forward proposals for ensuring that departmental business plans for 2008/09 reflected the new plan, and that other key organisational plans and strategies were revised accordingly.

The council’s corporate plan was a key building block in delivering the broader vision for Wirral set out in the borough’s community strategy and local area agreement (LAA). Revisions to Getting Better Together (Wirral’s community strategy) and the LAA were currently taking place in accordance with statutory requirements and guidance, and the revised documents would need to reflect and complement the council’s corporate plan. Cabinet members were informed in July of the proposed changes to local area agreements from April 2008. The changes centred on identifying 35 improvement targets for 2008/09 which, alongside an additional 18 statutory targets from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), would form Wirral’s LAA reporting framework. The implications of the revised LAA for the council’s corporate plan and performance management framework were further considered in section 3.

Given the considerations outlined above and elsewhere this report, the next steps for the completion of the corporate plan were detailed in section 4.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green queried the involvement of overview and scrutiny committees and backbench members generally in the agreement of the Corporate Plan. It was agreed that this would be considered further.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) approval be given to the basic structure of the Plan as set out in section 3;

(2) approval be given to the development of consistent Departmental Plans which reflect the revised series of objectives and priorities for improvement once finalised; and

(3) the arrangements for identifying and negotiating the 35 LAA improvement targets be noted and any comments on the priority areas for improvement (Appendix A) be forwarded to the Deputy Chief Executive.

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Minute 250 - CORPORATE SERVICES: APPROVED DUTIES AND APPOINTMENTS

Minute Text :

The Cabinet was requested to consider:

(a) any requests for the designation of an approved duty relating to attendance at meetings;

(b) any applications relating to conferences or seminars made in accordance with the procedure approved by Cabinet on 19 February 2004 (minute 534 refers);

(c) any changes in the membership of bodies to which the Council makes appointments.

There were no appointments or applications submitted.

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Minute 251 - 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 remaining items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.

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Minute 252 - HOUSING & COMMUNITY SAFETY: RELOCATION GRANT – 6 WARRINGTON STREET TRANMERE

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

Cabinet approval was sought to award a Relocation Grant, outside the current financial assistance policy, to assist with the re-housing of the owner-occupiers of 6, Warrington Street, Tranmere, located in the HMRI Church Road Regeneration Scheme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That a Relocation Grant be awarded, outside the current financial assistance policy, to assist with the re-housing of the owner-occupiers of 6, Warrington Street, Tranmere, subject to the grant calculation figures being finalised and the property to be acquired using the grant being deemed suitable for grant purposes.

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Minute 253 - REGENERATION & PLANNING STRATEGY: FORMER LONG PLANTATION DEPOT, BROMBOROUGH

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Regeneration advised Cabinet of the progress which had been made in dealing with the matters concerning the former Long Plantation depot since it was reported to Cabinet on August 16, 2007 (minute 199) and recommended a course of action for Cabinet’s consideration.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer be authorised to sign the indemnity agreement with the Secretary of State; and

(2) the Acting Monitoring Officer and Proper Officer be authorised to enter in to the contract with Mayfield Construction Limited to carry out the drainage works in the sum of £351,905.80.

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Minute 254 - REGENERATION & PLANNING STRATEGY: “OPEN TO ALL – AN INVESTMENT STRATEGY FOR WIRRAL”

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Chief Executive submitted a report which recommended to Cabinet the membership of the Board for the Public/Private partnership to take forward the Investment Strategy for Wirral.

The Leader of the Council referred to the need for further members of the Board in the near future.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - The views of Cabinet be sought on the proposals outlined in this report

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Minute 255 - CORPORATE SERVICES: TENDER FOR THE PROVISION OF HOT MEALS PRIOR TO PLANNING COMMITTEE AND COUNCIL MEETINGS

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

Members were advised of tenders received for the provision of hot food prior to Planning Committee and full Council meetings and their acceptance was sought of a tender based on an evaluation of quality and price.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the contract for the provision of hot food at Council and Planning Committee meetings be awarded to the company set out in paragraph 13 of the report at a cost of £10,115 per annum from 3rd October 2007 for a period of 12 months, with an option for the Council to extend the contract for a further twelve months.

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Minute 256 - CORPORATE SERVICES: LAND AT EUROPA BOULEVARD, CONWAY PARK, BIRKENHEAD

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services updated Cabinet Members on the proposed sale of land at Europa Boulevard and sought approval to proceed with the disposal.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) in the light of the information provided, the Council proceeds with the disposal to Landmark Developments Ltd. in accordance with the terms set out in this report and on the basis of a phased scheme and by means of building agreements;

(2) subject to the grant of planning permission, the Council authorises the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services to negotiate the necessary detailed agreements with the Company; and

(3) an adjustment be made to the car parking revenue budget to take account of the loss of parking income.

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Minute 257 - CORPORATE SERVICES: SALE OF LAND ADJACENT TO 25 PRENTON ROAD WEST, PRENTON

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported back to Members, as required by Minute 151 (Cabinet 26 July 2007), and sought approval to the provisionally agreed terms for the disposal of land adjacent to 25 Prenton Road West, Prenton.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the land adjoining 25 Prenton Road West, Prenton be disposed of in accordance with the provisionally agreed terms as set out in this report.

Footnote :

Councillor Holbrook declared a prejudicial interest in this matter (minute 228 refers) and left the room whilst the matter was considered.

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Minute 258 - CORPORATE SERVICES: LAND ADJOINING THE RUSSELL HOTEL, CHURCH ROAD, SEACOMBE

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services sought authority for the principle of lifting a restrictive covenant on land forming part of the Russell Hotel, Church Road, Seacombe.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the Council agrees in principle to remove the restrictive covenants on this land, subject to the proposed use being acceptable to the Council and planning consent being granted; and

(2) in the event of satisfactory terms being agreed, they be reported to a future Cabinet for approval.

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Minute 259 - CORPORATE SERVICES: HOYLAKE SAILING CLUB

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services advised Members of a request from Hoylake Sailing Club to locate a telecommunication mast on land leased from Wirral Council at North Parade, Hoylake. Members received copies of a petition requesting that permission be refused for the mast.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group moved an amendment, duly seconded, that the view of Ward Members be sought before any decision was reached on this matter.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the views of Ward Members be sought on this matter and the likely consequences of refusal and a further report be brought to the next Cabinet on this matter.

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Minute 260 - CORPORATE SERVICES: CLEANING SERVICES CONTRACT

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 3 and 4, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

Members were updated on the tendering process for the cleaning contract. A further report was circulated which provided the information available since the agenda was published.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the report be noted;

(2) the extension of the existing arrangement with Metro Cleaning Services by a further 3 months to 31 December 2007 be approved to allow for the evaluation of tenders and any potential TUPE consultation to take place; and

(3) a further report on the recommendation for award of the contract be brought back to the next Cabinet.

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Minute 261 - STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES: HIGHWAY AND ENGINEERING SERVICES PROCUREMENT EXERCISE (HESPE) OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE

Exempt :

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.

Minute Text :

The Director of Technical Services presented a report which detailed the conclusions reached by the Council’s Consultant, Capita Symonds following their preparation of an Outline Business Case to support the Highways and Engineering Services Procurement Exercise.

Members were asked to endorse the recommendation of Capita Symonds preferred option 2, to bundle all of the existing separate works contracts into a single package, (with the exception of the existing specialist traffic signals contact) and to seek a suitable contractor through the Restricted Tendering Procedure.

The Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transport Services moved an amendment which was duly seconded.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) a further report be brought by the Director of Technical Services to Cabinet on October 4th, based on Option 2, which clearly outlines the full financial consequences of that decision, including any potential financial consequences arising from staffing issues. Cabinet asks that capital costs and revenue costs and savings are clearly identified and separated and that potential risks, or costs to the achievement of savings (e.g. for new technology) are also clearly identified; and

(2) the report be noted, pending further information.

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Minute 262 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Minute Text :

There were no items of urgent business.

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(Minutes Published: 24 September 2007)