Meeting documents
Cabinet
Thursday, 16th August 2007
Venue : Committee Room 1 - Wallasey Town Hall
Index to Agendas
- MINUTES
- DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MONITORING GROUP
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES PANEL
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - WIRRAL AND NORTH WALES PURCHASING ORGANISATION
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - SCHOOL, EARLY YEARS & 14-16 FUNDING 2008-11
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - INSURANCE FUND ACTUARIAL REVIEW
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - PROTOCOL ON DELEGATED DECISION MAKING
- CORPORATE SERVICES - PLANNED MAINTENANCE 2007/08
- CORPORATE SERVICES - INTERNATIONAL LINKS
- CORPORATE SERVICES - NEW EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY AND STRATEGY
- COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - NEW VOLULNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR FUNDING PROCESS
- COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND – RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING FROM AREA FORUMS ASSESSMENT PANELS
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WIRRAL WATERFRONT BOARD
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - DELIVERING THE REGENERATION AGENDA IN WIRRAL
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT - PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – PLANNING WHITE PAPER – WIRRAL RESPONSE
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - SINGLE INWARD INVESTMENT AGENCY
- STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - RESIDENT PARKING SCHEMES – RESIDENTS’ AND LOCAL BUSINESS RESPONSES TO THE PILOT CONSULTATION EXERCISE
- CORPORATE SERVICES: APPROVED DUTIES AND APPOINTMENTS
- EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - MERGER OF GROUNDWORK WIRRAL AND GROUNDWORK MERSEY VALLEY - Exempt
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - WIRRAL WATERFRONT INITIATIVE – WIRRAL SRB’S END OF SCHEME EVALUATION: ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER - Exempt
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - PRIDE IN OUR PROMENADES- IMPROVEMENTS TO SEACOMBE TO NEW BRIGHTON PROMENADE - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - ACTING MONITORING OFFICER AND PROPER OFFICER - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - HORSA HUTS (BIRKENHEAD VENTURE ABC), BRASSEY STREET, BIRKENHEAD - LEASE - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - TEN STREETS PILOT REGENERATION INITIATIVE - LAND AT VITTORIA STREET, BIRKENHEAD - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - LAND AT KELVIN ROAD, WALLASEY - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - FORMER SEXTON’S LODGE, BEBINGTON CEMETERY, TOWNFIELD LANE, BEBINGTON - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVIVES - UNITED UTILITIES WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT SCHEMES GREENBANK ROAD, WEST KIRBY - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES - HARVEST COURT DAY SERVICE, MORETON - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES: BYRNE AVENUE BATHS, BYRNE AVENUE, ROCK FERRY - Exempt
- CORPORATE SERVICES: 5/7 ST ANDREWS ROAD, BIRKENHEAD - Exempt
- CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - SCHOOL TRANSPORT TENDERS (SPORTS VENUES) 2007 to 2008 - Exempt
- CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - PRUDENTIAL BORROWING CAPITAL FUND. APPROVAL OF INDEMNITY - Exempt
- HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY- WIRRAL COUNCIL AND WIRRAL PARTNERSHIP HOMES - COMMUNITY FUND - Exempt
- FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: 1BUSINESS - CONTRACT UPDATE - Exempt
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS
- REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: FORMER LONG PLANTATION DEPOT, BROMBOROUGH - Exempt
Item 1 - MINUTES
Summary:
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 26th July 2007, have been published and details of any items called in will be circulated at the meeting.
Recommendation:
That the minutes of 26th July 2007 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 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MONITORING GROUP
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to inform members of the progress of the Corporate Governance Monitoring Group. Members are invited to note the report and make any comments on it, and to receive a further report in two months time.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the report be considered and its contents and the actions taken be commented upon; and
(2) a further report be received in two months time.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 4 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES PANEL
Summary:
This report informs members of the process to review the Members’ Allowances Scheme and requests authority to appoint a consultant to assist the Members’ Allowances Panel to review the Members’ Allowances Scheme.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the independent remuneration panel of three members meet to make recommendations upon a future members’ allowances scheme;
(2) the Deputy Chief Executive & Director of Corporate Services be authorised to identify and appoint an appropriate consultant to assist the Panel with their deliberations, and
(3) all members be notified of the timescale of the process in order that any members who so wish may make written representations to the panel.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 5 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - WIRRAL AND NORTH WALES PURCHASING ORGANISATION
Summary:
This report is to advise members of the decision of the Wirral and North Wales Purchasing Organisation on 16 July 2007 that the Organisation be formally wound up in the light of the agreement now reached in relation to a settlement of the disputed sums. Members are asked to authorise the Director of Finance to pay Wirral’s share.
Recommendation:
That the report be noted and the Director of Finance be authorised to pay the invoice for the Council’s share of the deficit in the sum of £589,207.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 6 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - SCHOOL, EARLY YEARS & 14-16 FUNDING 2008-11
Summary:
The Government has announced its decision on school, early years and 14-16 funding arrangements for 2008-11 following a period of consultation. This report summarises the key changes that will come into effect from 1 April 2008.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the revised funding arrangements be noted; and
(2) the revised funding arrangements be taken into account when agreeing the budget for 2008-09.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 7 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - INSURANCE FUND ACTUARIAL REVIEW
Summary:
This report sets out the impact of measures taken to improve the management of risk and the current status of the liability fire and motor claims fund. Approval is sought for the use of the savings generated including the funding of an additional post within the Financial Services Division to enable continued improvement in risk management.
Recommendation:
That
(1) subject to Employment and Appointments Committee, the sum of £27,500 be allocated to create an additional post within the Financial Services Division; and
(2) the level of Insurance Fund balances be reviewed as part of the preparation of the Insurance Fund budget for 2008-09;
(3) the Insurance Fund budget for 2007-08 be reviewed as part of the preparation of the estimates for 2008-09; and
(4) subject to Employment and Appointments Committee, the sum of £16,800 be allocated to create a post of Public Relations Officer.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 8 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE - PROTOCOL ON DELEGATED DECISION MAKING
Summary:
At its meeting on 16th July 2007, the Council approved changes to the Constitution which gives delegated decision-making powers to individual portfolio holders for particular areas of Council business.
A protocol is set out which is recommended for implementation of this aspect of the Constitution.
Recommendation:
That the protocol for delegated decision making, as set out in the report, be approved.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 9 - CORPORATE SERVICES - PLANNED MAINTENANCE 2007/08
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to advise members of the schemes submitted for funding from the Property Maintenance (PM) allocation within the capital programme and seeks approval of the proposed PM programme for 2007/08.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the schemes included in the 2007/08 Property Maintenance programme be noted and officers be authorised to prepare all relevant schemes and obtain tenders; and
(2) it be noted that the schemes for Bebington allotments, condition surveys, boiler renewals, water efficiency and Health and Safety Work have already commenced.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 10 - CORPORATE SERVICES - INTERNATIONAL LINKS
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an analysis of the current international links which exist within the Borough following a decision taken by Cabinet in the summer of 2005 to develop a link with a township or province in Africa in response to the Live8 activities.
Recommendation:
That the Council agrees to the principle of establishing a strategy which will endorse and support the international links which are currently in place within the Borough and that this strategy be brought back to this Cabinet for endorsement.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 11 - CORPORATE SERVICES - NEW EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY POLICY AND STRATEGY
Summary:
The purpose of the report is to seek approval from Members for the new corporate equality policy and strategy.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the equality and diversity policy and strategy be approved and adopted;
(2) the specific cabinet member to be the council’s equality and diversity champion be confirmed;
(3) the launch event for the new corporate equality policy be approved;
(4) the Community and Customer Engagement Overview and Scrutiny Committee be asked to take a lead in reviewing the authority’s approach to equality and diversity; and
(5) a commitment be made to allow staff members time to attend focus groups.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 12 - COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - NEW VOLULNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR FUNDING PROCESS
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to provide members with an update of the work carried out by the council’s Internal Funding Group (IFG) in reviewing the processes for Wirral’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) funding and to suggest a new approach, namely a “Single Application” process. The report is presented under the portfolio holder for Community and Customer Engagement but will be of interest to other portfolios.
A decision is required to provide a more coherent framework for commissioned and grant funded services within the Voluntary and Community Sector.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the attached guidance and the guiding principals of funding on a basis of need, value for money and longer-term sustainable development of the Wirral VCS be approved;
(2) the process for managing the Wirral VCS funding process through the use of the guidance and the IFG the co-ordinating body be approved;
(3) the decision to fund only a coalesced Council for Voluntary Service organisation, Voluntary and Community Action Wirral (VCAW), from whenever they satisfy the legal requirements for merger as detailed in paragraph 6.16 be approved;
(4) the extension of the current voluntary and community sector grant budget in corporate services until the end of the current financial year be approved; and
(5) the cross-council Big Lottery Strategy produced by its Special Initiatives Team be approved and adopted.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 13 - COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT - COMMUNITY INITIATIVES FUND – RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING FROM AREA FORUMS ASSESSMENT PANELS
Summary:
The purpose of this report is:
•to inform the Cabinet of the proposals received from voluntary and community sector organisations for funding from the Community Initiatives Fund (CIF);
•to inform the Cabinet of the recommendations of the area forum CIF assessment panels that met in July 2007
•To agree to advertise remaining funds in September 2007 and for those forums that are not re-advertising to carry forward any remaining amounts to 2008/09 as identified at 11.2 of this report.
•To note that there are draft area forum operating protocols available that look at the area forum funding process.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the report and the proposed allocation of funding as detailed in the appendices be agreed; and
(2) the following sums of remaining CIF, Community Safety funding and Local Agenda 21 funding be advertised again in September 2007 and for those who are not re-advertising the fund, the remaining balances to be carried forward to 2008/09 financial year.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 14 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WIRRAL WATERFRONT BOARD
Summary:
This report seeks approval of the financial recommendations of the Wirral Waterfront Board meeting held on 3 July 2007.
Recommendation:
That the decision of the Wirral Waterfront Board to allocate a further £200,000 of SRB resources to fund “The Magic Boat, subject to NWDA non-delegated approval, be approved.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 15 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - DELIVERING THE REGENERATION AGENDA IN WIRRAL
Summary:
This report asks Members to:
i) approve proposals for the future development and delivery of Regeneration initiatives as set out in this report and refer the matter to Employment and Appointments Committee in September
ii) note the emerging Government policy in relation to communities and the probable reduction in time-limited funding from April 2008
iii) note the policy reviews which are being undertaken by Government in relation to sub-national economic development and regeneration and agree to receive further reports as Government Policy is firmed up and the implications for Wirral become clearer.
Recommendation:
That
(1) proposals for the future development and delivery of Regeneration initiatives as set out in this report be approved and referred to Employment and Appointments Committee in September;
(2) the emerging Government policy in relation to communities and the probable reduction in time-limited funding from April 2008 be noted;
(3) the policy reviews which are being undertaken by Government in relation to sub-national economic development and regeneration be noted and further reports be received as Government Policy is firmed up and the implications for Wirral become clearer.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 16 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT - PLANNING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – PLANNING WHITE PAPER – WIRRAL RESPONSE
Summary:
The Government has published a White Paper ‘Planning for a Sustainable Future’, setting out its views on the future role of the planning system. This embodies the Government’s approach to climate change, economic development (including the recommendations of the Barker Review and housing growth). The White Paper may be viewed at: http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1510503
The White Paper proposes a streamlining of the planning system, including relaxing controls on some forms of development and speeding up decisions on major infrastructure projects.
Responses are required by 17th August 2007. It is recommended that the responses set out in this report to the Government’s consultation on the Planning White Paper be submitted as this Council’s formal response.
Recommendation:
That the responses set out in this report to the Government’s consultation on the Planning White Paper be submitted as this Council’s formal response.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 17 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - SINGLE INWARD INVESTMENT AGENCY
Summary:
Cabinet on 24 January 2007 considered a report relating to a proposal by The Mersey Partnership (TMP) to create a single inward investment agency for the Greater Merseyside Sub Region. Members asked officers to discuss the matter further with TMP to determine alternative funding requirements.
This report provides Members with an update on the TMP proposal and changes to the business plan.
Recommendation:
That
(1) the report be noted and the £50,000 additional contribution be agreed for the 07/08 financial year, without any commitment at this stage to future years funding; and
(2) a further report be prepared for members as further detail of the development of the single Investment Agency occurs.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 18 - STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES - RESIDENT PARKING SCHEMES – RESIDENTS’ AND LOCAL BUSINESS RESPONSES TO THE PILOT CONSULTATION EXERCISE
Summary:
This report provides Cabinet with a summary of the public opinion and level of support for the proposed implementation of a residents’ parking scheme following trial consultations with a number of areas.
This report suggests from the public consultation exercise, that there is no consensus of support in regards to the proposals. Consequently, the report recommends that no further investigations into the pilot areas be undertaken. Similarly, it is recommended that historic requests for residential parking areas, which are held on the list, be cleared and a list for such similar requests not be maintained.
This is a key decision and is identified in the Forward Plan dated August 2007
Recommendation:
That
(1) owing to the threshold of 80% support for the implementation of residents’ parking schemes from both the residents and businesses in the seven pilot areas not being met no further action be taken in these seven pilot areas;
(2) the historic requests for residential parking areas, which are held on the list, be cleared and no future list be maintained in the future;
(3) the Director of Technical Services write to all lead petitioners informing them of the decision; and
(4) officers be thanked for the undertaking of this comprehensive consultation exercise which has involved the distribution of approximately 1500 letters, leaflets and questionnaires.
Attachments: (click on an attachment to view it)
Item 19 - CORPORATE SERVICES: APPROVED DUTIES AND APPOINTMENTS
Summary:
The Cabinet is 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.
Item 20 - 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 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 (as amended) to that Act.
Item 21 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - MERGER OF GROUNDWORK WIRRAL AND GROUNDWORK MERSEY VALLEY - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 3 and 5, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 22 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - WIRRAL WATERFRONT INITIATIVE – WIRRAL SRB’S END OF SCHEME EVALUATION: ACCEPTANCE OF TENDER - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 23 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY - PRIDE IN OUR PROMENADES- IMPROVEMENTS TO SEACOMBE TO NEW BRIGHTON PROMENADE - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 24 - CORPORATE SERVICES - ACTING MONITORING OFFICER AND PROPER OFFICER - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 1, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 25 - CORPORATE SERVICES - HORSA HUTS (BIRKENHEAD VENTURE ABC), BRASSEY STREET, BIRKENHEAD - LEASE - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 26 - CORPORATE SERVICES - TEN STREETS PILOT REGENERATION INITIATIVE - LAND AT VITTORIA STREET, BIRKENHEAD - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 27 - CORPORATE SERVICES - LAND AT KELVIN ROAD, WALLASEY - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 28 - CORPORATE SERVICES - FORMER SEXTON’S LODGE, BEBINGTON CEMETERY, TOWNFIELD LANE, BEBINGTON - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 29 - CORPORATE SERVIVES - UNITED UTILITIES WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT SCHEMES GREENBANK ROAD, WEST KIRBY - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 30 - CORPORATE SERVICES - HARVEST COURT DAY SERVICE, MORETON - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 31 - CORPORATE SERVICES: BYRNE AVENUE BATHS, BYRNE AVENUE, ROCK FERRY - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 32 - CORPORATE SERVICES: 5/7 ST ANDREWS ROAD, BIRKENHEAD - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 33 - CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - SCHOOL TRANSPORT TENDERS (SPORTS VENUES) 2007 to 2008 - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 34 - CHILDREN'S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING - PRUDENTIAL BORROWING CAPITAL FUND. APPROVAL OF INDEMNITY - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 1 and 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 35 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY- WIRRAL COUNCIL AND WIRRAL PARTNERSHIP HOMES - COMMUNITY FUND - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 36 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: 1BUSINESS - CONTRACT UPDATE - Exempt
NOT FOR PUBLICATION: Exempt by virtue of paragraphs 3 and 5, Part I, Schedule 12A (as amended), Local Government Act 1972.
Item 37 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Summary:
To consider any other business that the Chair accepts as being urgent.
Item 38 - REGENERATION AND 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.
Agenda Published: 8 August 2007