Meeting documents
Cabinet
Wednesday, 20th June 2007
Venue : Committee Room 1 - Wallasey Town Hall
Index to Agendas
- MINUTES
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
- CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES: OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS ON OPTIONS PUT FORWARD FOR THE PHASE 3 PLANNING AREAS
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - FINANCIAL OUT-TURN
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - CAPITAL OUT-TURN AND DETERMINATIONS
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - COLLECTION SUMMARY
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - EFFICIENCY INVESTMENT BUDGET
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - WIRRAL'S BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN 2006 -2007
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - DELIVERING EFFICIENCY IN LOCAL SERVICES
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT
- STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - WALKING AND CYCLING
- STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - ROAD SAFETY
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - FINALISATION OF NORTH WEST OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME (NWOP)
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - LOCAL ENTERPRISE GROWTH INITIATIVE (LEGI)
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PROVISIONS OF THE COPYRIGHT, DESIGNS AND PATENTS ACT 1988 - CREATION OF A POST FOR AN ASSISTANT TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - PERMANENT REGENERATION TEAM
- ENVIRONMENT - NOTTINGHAM DECLARATION UPDATE REPORT NO.2
- ENVIRONMENT - SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT - PARKING STANDARDS - CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FOLLOWING PUBLIC CONSULTATION
- ENVIRONMENT - SMOKE FREE IMPLEMENTATION
- ENVIRONMENT - SCHEME OF DELEGATION - ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006
- CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - WIRRAL LIFELONG AND FAMILY LEARNING CHARGING POLICY 2007/8
- COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - CALL CENTRE – STREETSCENE SERVICES
- EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - WEST KIRBY REGENERATION - THE SAIL PROJECT - Exempt
- ENVIRONMENT - LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK - PUBLICATION AND CONSULTATION SOFTWARE - Exempt
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Item 1 - MINUTES
Summary:
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 7th June 2007, will be published by the meeting date and details of any items called in will be circulated at the meeting.
Recommendation:
That the minutes be approved and adopted.
Item 2 - DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Summary:
The members of the Cabinet are invited to consider whether they have 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.
Item 3 - CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES: OUTCOME OF CONSULTATIONS ON OPTIONS PUT FORWARD FOR THE PHASE 3 PLANNING AREAS
Summary:
This report advises the Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation process which has taken place in the Pensby and Thingwall, South Wallasey and Leasowe planning areas, in respect of the options for consultation agreed at Cabinet on 14th December 2006. This report describes the responses to the various options put forward for discussion, including additional suggestions put forward during the consultation process, and makes recommendations with regard to statutory proposals in each area under review.
Recommendation:
A) I recommend that statutory proposals be published in respect of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 below:
1 Closure of Poulton Primary School
2 Extend the lower age range of Park Primary School to provide an LA designated F1 class
These two proposals to be regarded as linked.
3 Closure of Pensby Park Primary School
This proposal to be regarded as separate.
4 Closure of Pensby Infant School
5 Closure of Pensby Junior School
6 Establishment of a new Community Primary School at the Pensby Infant and Pensby Junior site
These three proposals to be regarded as linked.
B) That I be authorised to take all necessary steps to publish these proposals, ensure the prescribed procedures are followed, including requesting permissions from the Secretary of State and proposals for the re-zoning of schools, in furtherance of the proposals.
C) That I be authorised to give all necessary support to the governing body of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, the Anglican Diocese of Chester, and the Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury with regard to publishing proposals to close Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School and to establish a new joint denominational school on the Our Lady of Lourdes site.
D) That the position of community primary schools in the Leasowe planning area be monitored and reviewed in a future review phase pending the outcome of C) above.
E) That the position of Brentwood Early Years Centre be re-assessed in conjunction with primary schools in a future review of the South Wallasey planning area.
That prior to publication of statutory proposals in regard to items 4, 5 and 6 above, I be authorised to instigate an evaluation of potential sources of funding related to building work at the Pensby Infant and Pensby Junior site and return to Cabinet with an option appraisal report on this matter.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
- Report of the Director of Children's Services
- Appendix 1
- Appendix 2
- Appendix 3
- Appendix 4
- Appendix 5
- Appendix 6
- Appendix 7
- Appendix 8
- Appendix 9
Item 4 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - FINANCIAL OUT-TURN
Summary:
A full review of the financial accounts has now been completed with a financial out-turn report due to be submitted to each relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This report provides an overall comparison of the out-turn to the estimate for 2006/07 with an analysis of the major variations.
Recommendation:
That:
(1) the out-turn for the 2006/07 accounts be agreed;
(2) the provisions be agreed; and
(3) the reserves be agreed.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 5 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - CAPITAL OUT-TURN AND DETERMINATIONS
Summary:
This report informs Members of the capital out-turn for 2006/07 and the resources used to fund the programme. Under Part IV of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the Authority is required to make a number of formal Determinations in respect of its capital expenditure and financing and this report includes those for the 2006/07 financial year.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the report regarding the capital out-turn and financing for 2006/07 be noted; and
(2) the formal Capital Determinations be agreed.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 6 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - COLLECTION SUMMARY
Summary:
This report details the collection of Council Tax, Business Rates, Sundry Debtors and Housing Act Advances.
Recommendation:
That the report be noted.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 7 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - EFFICIENCY INVESTMENT BUDGET
Summary:
Cabinet is requested to consider the creation of an efficiency investment budget to aid delivery of the efficiency plan.
Recommendation:
That an efficiency investment budget of £2m be created.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 8 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - WIRRAL'S BEST VALUE PERFORMANCE PLAN 2006 -2007
Summary:
Wirral’s performance plan for 2006/2007 is in two parts. The summary, which was incorporated into the council tax booklet and sent to all households in March, and a full performance plan including details of performance in line with statutory requirements, to be published by 30th June. The full performance plan requires the approval of the full Council. It is intended to refer it to Council on 25th June 2007 to comply with the requirement to publish it by 30th June.
The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the draft of the full performance plan, prior to referral to full Council on the 25th June. In view of the very tight timescales for collection of performance information, it is inevitable that some changes to both the text and layout will be necessary before the document is published on 30th June. Cabinet is requested to agree that the chief executive be given delegated authority to make last minute decisions on minor details relating to presentation and content.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the approach taken to the BVPP be supported and the plan be recommended to council; and
(2) the Chief Executive be authorised to make last minute decisions on minor details relating to presentation and content.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 9 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - DELIVERING EFFICIENCY IN LOCAL SERVICES
Summary:
This report recommends approval of the submission of the Annual Efficiency Statement (AES) Backward Look 2006/07 which is required to be with the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) by 5 July 2007.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the Annual Efficiency Statement – Backward Look 2006/07 be approved; and
(2) the Director of Finance be authorised to make any amendments to include any information received from Merseytravel and the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority prior to its submission.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 10 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT
Summary:
This report informs Members of the final financial position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) following the granting of permission from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) for its closure. Members are asked to endorse the actions undertaken to close the HRA and the treatment of the balances arising from the closure.
Recommendation:
That the following actions be endorsed:
a. the closure of the Housing Revenue Account and actions outlined above taken to achieve closure including the transfer of balances to the General Fund.
b. the set aside of £1.5 million in a reserve for any possible future liabilities.
c. the repayment of the loan to WPH for set up costs totalling £3,693,325.
d. the transfer of balances from the General Fund to the Community Fund as per the terms of the stock transfer agreement.
e. the use of the increase in the amount transferred to the Community Fund arising from unpaid central heating works to fund the equivalent liability passed to WPH by the Authority to allow for the recovery of VAT to occur.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 11 - STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - WALKING AND CYCLING
Summary:
This report sets out project details relating to proposed schemes to deliver the Council’s Walking and Cycling Strategies.
The report also details how the Area Forums have been included in drawing up programmes within the Walking Strategy.
The report is included in the Forward Plan dated 1 June 2007.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the following programmes be approved:-
• Walking Strategy as outlined in Section 4;
• Cycling Strategy as outlined in Section 5.
(2) suggestions received following the June 2007 cycle of Area Forums be considered and, where appropriate, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative to the recommendations made within this report in consultation with the party spokespersons;
(3) in the event it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list in consultation with the party spokespersons; and
(4) the petitioners’ concerns be noted and that they be advised of this year’s identified priorities.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 12 - STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - LOCAL TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2007/08 - ROAD SAFETY
Summary:
Further to Cabinet's approval of the Local Transport Capital Programme on 28th March 2007, this report sets out project details relating to proposed schemes within the areas of road safety, school travel, structural road maintenance, walking and cycling.
This report is included in the Forward Plan dated 1 June 2007.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the following programmes be approved:
• Local Safety Schemes as outlined in Section 3.4;
• Community Safety Projects as outlined in Section 3.5; and
• Safer Routes To Schools Schemes as outlined in Section 3.8.
(2) suggestions received following the June 2007 cycle of Area Forums be considered and, where appropriate, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative to the recommendations made within this report in consultation with the party spokespersons;
(3) in the event it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available, the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list in consultation with the party spokespersons; and
(4) the petitioners’ concerns be noted and they be advised of this year’s identified priorities.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 13 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - FINALISATION OF NORTH WEST OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME (NWOP)
Summary:
This report updates members on the finalisation of the new North West Operational Programme (NWOP). Members are asked to note the contents of the report and provide any comments.
Recommendation:
That the report and any comments be noted.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 14 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - LOCAL ENTERPRISE GROWTH INITIATIVE (LEGI)
Summary:
This report advises Members on the latest situation regarding the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) and requests authorisation for the appointment of consultants to develop a Round 3 Application.
Recommendation:
That officers be authorised to appoint consultants to develop a Local Enterprise Growth Initiative Application.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 15 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW PROVISIONS OF THE COPYRIGHT, DESIGNS AND PATENTS ACT 1988 - CREATION OF A POST FOR AN ASSISTANT TRADING STANDARDS OFFICER
Summary:
This report seeks Members agreement to create an additional post of Assistant Trading Standards Officer (Scale 4-6, £22,293 - £27,866 including on costs) in the Regeneration Department. The post-holder will implement additional statutory responsibilities concerning copyright falling to the Trading Standards Division and will be funded by the allocation of additional funds by Specific Grant in 2007/08 and subsequently through Revenue Support Grant.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the implications of The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 be noted and the matter be referred to Employment and Appointments Committee for consideration of the establishment of an Assistant Trading Standards Officer;
(2) it be recommended that Employment and Appointments Committee agree to the establishment of a post of Assistant Trading Standards Officer Scale (Scale 4-6, £22,293 - £27,866 including on costs).
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 16 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - PERMANENT REGENERATION TEAM
Summary:
This report advises the Cabinet of:
(i) the ending of significant, externally funded regeneration programmes in March and September 2008 and the significant implications of this for the wider regeneration of the Borough and more specifically the Council’s staff providing Regeneration services for Wirral;
(ii) the resources necessary to mainstream staff within the Regeneration Department on time limited contracts and additional resources required to enhance capacity to meet the needs of delivering the recently agreed Investment Strategy.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the work commitments of the Strategy and Implementation section in the Regeneration Department in ensuring that the Council does not face any liabilities in the winding down of the current regeneration programmes and is able to maximise investment opportunities for the Borough in future years, be noted;
(2) it be noted that the funding for staff within the Strategy and Implementation section is primarily provided through external grant funding which is due to cease on 31 March 2008 (30 September 2008 for the Endeavour Team);
(3) the principle be agreed of time limited posts within the Regeneration Department be mainstreamed and that additional capacity be created to help deliver the needs of the Investment Strategy;
(4) the budgetary implications for 2008/09 budget be considered; and
(5) a further report be brought outlining the proposed staffing structure in more detail.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 17 - ENVIRONMENT - NOTTINGHAM DECLARATION UPDATE REPORT NO.2
Summary:
At the Cabinet meeting on 19 October 2006, Members noted the update report on the work of the Nottingham Declaration Group and also endorsed the development of a Climate Change Strategy for Wirral by Councillors and Officers.
This second report provides Members with an update of the work of the Nottingham Declaration group since October 2007, together with a draft of the proposed Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Members to approve.
Recommendation:
That the report be noted.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
- Report of the Director of Technical Services
- Appendix 1 (Wirral Climate Change Strategy)
- Appendix 2 (Climate Change Strategy actions)
Item 18 - ENVIRONMENT - SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT - PARKING STANDARDS - CONSULTATION DOCUMENT FOLLOWING PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Summary:
This report sets out the results of public consultation on the content of a proposed Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) – Parking Standards and its accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report, which took place between 22 February and 5 April 2007. The formal adoption of the SPD requires a decision of Council.
This report recommends that minor revisions are made to the final version of the SPD and the Sustainability Appraisal Report; that Council is recommended to determine that an appropriate assessment under the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations is not required; and that Council is recommended to formally adopt the final version of the SPD, attached to this report.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the amendments set out above and in the Report of Consultation attached to this report be incorporated into the final Supplementary Planning Document – Parking Standards and the accompanying Sustainability Appraisal Report;
(2) it be recommended that Council determines that the Supplementary Planning Document is not likely to have a significant effect on Natura 2000 sites and that an ‘appropriate assessment’ is not required under the terms of the Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 1994;
(3) it be recommended that Council resolves to formally adopt the final version of the Supplementary Planning Document – Parking Standards, attached to this report, at the next available opportunity.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
- Report of the Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services
- Report of Consultation
- SPD Parking Standards
- Sustainability Appraisal Report
- Appropriate Assessment
Item 19 - ENVIRONMENT - SMOKE FREE IMPLEMENTATION
Summary:
This report:
a) Updates Cabinet on the progress on Smokefree implementation in Wirral.
b) Advises Members how the allocation of additional funds previously agreed by Members is being used to secure compliance with the smoke-free provisions of the Health Act 2006 and the Smoke-free regulations due to be introduced in England in July 2007.
c) Requests Cabinet to recommend to Council an amendment to the Scheme of Delegation so that The Director of Regeneration be given delegated authority to exercise the powers and duties arising under the provisions of The Health Act 2006. The recommendation is to enable authorisation of officers to carry out additional duties required to enforce smokefree regulations made under the Health Act 2006.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the progress on Smokefree Wirral implementation and how the identified resources are being utilised to achieve the aims and requirements of the Health Act 2006 for ensuring compliance with the ‘Smoke free’ provisions of the Health Act 2006, be noted; and
(2) Council be recommended that an amendment be made to the Scheme of Delegation, that the Director of Regeneration be given delegated authority to exercise the powers and duties arising under the provisions of The Health Act 2006.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 20 - ENVIRONMENT - SCHEME OF DELEGATION - ANIMAL WELFARE ACT 2006
Summary:
This report asks Cabinet to recommend to Council an amendment to the scheme of delegation so that he Director of Regeneration be given delegated authority to exercise the powers and duties arising under the provisions of The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The recommendation is to enable me to authorise officers to carry out additional animal welfare duties required by The Animal Welfare Act 2006 and any subsequent amendments and secondary legislation that arises thereunder.
Recommendation:
That Council be recommended that an amendment be made to the scheme of delegation, that the Director of Regeneration be given delegated authority to exercise the powers and duties arising under the provisions of The Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 21 - CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - WIRRAL LIFELONG AND FAMILY LEARNING CHARGING POLICY 2007/8
Summary:
Wirral Lifelong and Family Learning Service is funded by the Learning and Skills Council Greater Merseyside (LSCGM), through the Personal and Community Development Funding (PCDL) funding stream. The report details the proposed increase to fees for 2007-08, in the light of national and local policy and proposed LSC funding allocation.
Recommendation:
That the increase in Lifelong Learning fees be approved.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 22 - COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - CALL CENTRE – STREETSCENE SERVICES
Summary:
On considering a report on the Streetscene Environmental Service Contract performance review Cabinet on 24 May 2007 (minute 25) requested a report on the review of procedures and responses to customers by the Call Centre. This report details the impact upon the Call Centre of Phase 2 of the Alternate Weekly Collections (AWC) which commenced in April 2007. It highlights the issues encountered by the Call Centre in the weeks following the roll out and the action to mitigate the increased contact levels.
Recommendation:
That the report be noted.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 23 - EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
Summary:
The following items contain exempt information.
Recommendation:
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 involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.
Item 24 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - WEST KIRBY REGENERATION - THE SAIL PROJECT - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 25 - ENVIRONMENT - LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK - PUBLICATION AND CONSULTATION SOFTWARE - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 26 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Summary:
To consider any other business that the Chair accepts as being urgent.
Agenda Published: 12 June 2007