Meeting documents

Cabinet
Thursday, 18th October 2007

Present

Chair

S Foulkes

Councillors

PL Davies, G Gardiner, PJ Hackett, SE Kelly, RK Moon, Jean Quinn

In attendance:

JE Green, Mrs LA Rennie

Apologies

George Davies, SA Holbrook, M McLaughlin

Index to Minutes

Minute 284 - MINUTES

Minute Text :

The Cabinet was advised that the minutes of the previous meeting, held on 4 October 2007 had been published. It was noted that minute 272 - Housing and Community Safety Portfolio: Newheartlands HMRI Business Plan 2008-2011 - had been called in and would be considered by the Housing and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny by 7th November 2007.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 October 2007 be approved and adopted.

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Minute 285 - 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 the agenda and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest. The following declarations were made:

Councillor Pat Hackett - a personal interest in Minute 293 (Mersey Waterfront Regional Park - Financial Recommendations) due to his membership of the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park Board and Minute 303 (Byrne Avenue Baths) due to his membership of the Neighbourhood Renewal Policy Group .

Councillor Phil Davies - a personal interest in Minute 308 (Shared Services with Wirral Primary Care Trust) due to his membership of the PCT Board.

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Minute 286 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: AUDIT COMMISSION'S ANNUAL GOVERNANCE REPORT

Minute Text :

Iain Miles on behalf of the District Auditor attended the meeting to present the Annual Governance report to the Cabinet.

The Authority's processes for preparing the financial statements and supporting working papers were satisfactory and had improved during the year, resulting in the issue of an unqualified audit opinion. The one issue drawn to members attention in relation to the financial statements was with regard to reclassification in accounting for some reserves and provisions. There were no issues to be drawn to members attention in relation to the Authority's arrangements to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources, and an unqualified conclusion on the use of resources had been issued.

The main recommendations brought to members attention were contained within an action plan and related to the need to -

• ensure the Authority's reserves and provisions were classified in accordance with appropriate accounting requirements;
• finalise the Corporate Plan and ensure it provided an effective strategic direction to the Authority, with clear service priorities that will be closely linked to service plans and resource allocations over the next three years; and
• finalise plans for delivering the Authority's Efficiency Plan targets. This should include a review of the Authority's approach to achieving its Efficiency Plan targets for 2008/2009 and beyond, having regard to the Council's future strategy for service provision.

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group recognised the urgency of the need to finalise the Corporate Plan and understood the Council's budget difficulties.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green referred to the process of linking the Corporate Plan with the Council's budget priorities.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Annual Governance Report and action plan be noted.

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Minute 287 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: SPECIFIC GRANTS

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance presented a report which detailed the revenue grants received by the Council in 2007/08 and made recommendations as to how variations in the level of grants should be treated in the 2008/09 budget.

Minute Decision :

That Chief Officers in receipt of specific grant funding -

(a) report to the Cabinet any increase in grant funding, in excess of inflation, including any new grants, and the intended usage of such additional or new funding;

(b) report any reduction in grant funding that cannot be matched by a corresponding reduction in spending, together with any implications.

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Minute 288 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: SUPPORTED FACTORIES AND BUSINESSES - PROCUREMENT

Minute Text :

The Director of Finance informed the Cabinet of the changes that had taken place within the legal framework for public procurement of supplies and service contracts provided by Supported Factories and Businesses, as set out within the European Union (EU) Consolidated Procurement Directive and the UK Procurement Regulations. The directives and regulations for all procurement activity were applied through the Contracts Procedure Rules.

Councillor Phil Davies referred to those sheltered workshops within the Borough and suggested that a future report should identify those contracts that would be for the benefit of employees in workshops within the Borough.

Councillor Stuart Kelly indicated that this matter should also be brought to the attention of the Council's partners.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet and referred specifically to the workwear contracts that the Council and its partners entered into.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) suitable contracts to be reserved for sheltered workshops be identified, for the benefit of those employees in workshops within the Borough; and

(2) the matter be raised with the Council’s partners.

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Minute 289 - CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING: PROPOSED CHILDREN'S CENTRE AT PENSBY PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which described the work required to a provide a Children’s Centre facility at Pensby Park Primary School for families of under fives, including secure reception area, multi-function room(s), refreshment kitchen and associated accommodation for children’s professionals, and set out the costs of the scheme. The total estimated cost, including fees, would be £152,550, which would be met in full from Sure Start capital funding.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the scheme and estimate, as presented, be accepted; and

(2) the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek tenders and to obtain all necessary statutory approvals for the project.

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Minute 290 - CHILDREN’S SERVICES AND LIFELONG LEARNING: THE OLDERSHAW SCHOOL - CAPITAL SCHEME

Minute Text :

Further to minute 61 (7/6/07), the Director of Children's Services presented a report which set out proposals and estimated costs for the demolition of the existing sixth form block, the declaring surplus to requirements of two properties associated with the school and the formation of a new entrance and Business & Enterprise Centre teaching spaces, as part of The Oldershaw School's Specialist Status, by way of an extension to the main building. The total estimated cost of the project was £995,490, which would be funded variously from the Schools capital programme, School delegated formula capital, DCSF specialist capital grant to the School, DCSF access grant and the capital receipt from the sale of the two properties.

The matter involved a key decision as defined by the Council’s Constitution and was identified in the Director of Technical Services’ submission in the Forward Plan.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the two properties referred to in the report be declared surplus assets, to be disposed of in the most appropriate manner;

(2) the proceeds of disposal be ring-fenced and used to support the scheme to alter and extend Oldershaw School as identified in the report;

(3) the Director of Technical Services be instructed to seek tenders for the scheme and report such tenders back to a future meeting of the Cabinet;

(4) the Director also be instructed to seek all necessary statutory approvals for the scheme.

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Minute 291 - CULTURE, TOURISM AND LEISURE: THE OVAL, BEBINGTON - MULTI-PITCH 5-A-SIDE FACILITY

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which advised of the tenders received and sought approval to accept the lowest tender for the provision of an eight pitch five-a-side facility at The Oval Sports Centre, Bebington. Funding had been approved for the scheme, to be met from prudential borrowing.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the lowest tender, that submitted by Blakedown Sport and Play Ltd in the sum of £509,918, be accepted.

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Minute 292 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: WELFARE REFORM GREEN PAPER "IN WORK, BETTER OFF"

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services presented a report which set out Wirral’s proposed response to the Green Paper on Welfare Reform: "In Work, Better Off - Next steps to full employment".

The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group moved an amendment, duly seconded.

The Leader of the Council referred to the system currently in place that discouraged individuals from taking temporary work due to the bureaucracy involved.

Councillor Pat Hackett indicated that he felt the culture of the staff advising individuals needed to change to encourage them to return to work.

Councillor Phil Davies welcomed the report and the funding that was to be received to assist with this matter. He felt it was essential that the Council worked in partnership with other agencies to ensure that they were aware of opportunities that were likely to arise for those looking for employment. He indicated that it was necessary to make it easier for people to come off benefits and give them support to retain employment.

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet. Councillor Green felt there was significantly less funding attached to this matter than with previous projects. He also felt that Wirral had suffered through the moving of Job Centre Plus and stressed the need to protect back office jobs affected by technology changes.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) Cabinet believes that work is for most people the best route out of poverty and supports welfare reform and tailored support to assist people overcome barriers to work as set out in the questionnaire responses in Appendix 1; and

(2) Cabinet also notes that these measures need to be taken forward alongside action to grow and develop the local economy through the Council’s Investment Strategy

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Minute 293 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: MERSEY WATERFRONT REGIONAL PARK - FINANCIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to the allocation of funding for a Mersey Waterfront Regional Park project known as The Mersey Observatory. A decision was required from the Cabinet as the accountable body for the programme.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That a Mersey Waterfront Regional Park grant of £100,000 be approved for the Mersey Basin Campaign to fully fund the international design competition for the Mersey Observatory Project.

Footnote :

Councillor Pat Hackett declared a personal interest in this matter (minute 285 refers).

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Minute 294 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: CRAVEN AND PATERSON STREETS, BIRKENHEAD - PROPOSED HMRI IMPROVEMENT SCHEME

Minute Text :

The report was withdrawn due to the call-in of Minute 272 - Housing and Community Safety Portfolio: Newheartlands HMRI Business Plan 2008-2011.

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Minute 295 - HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: DESIGNATIONS UNDER THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND POLICE ACT 2001

Minute Text :

The Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services presented a report which informed Cabinet of the decision of the Licensing, Health and Safety and General Purposes Committee to carry out the necessary consultation to designate the entire Borough under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 (“the Act”), subject to funding to do so being identified.

The Deputy Chief Executive / Director of Corporate Services reported that the PCT had agreed to contribute half of the cost of the consultation exercise.

Councillor Stuart Kelly welcomed the common-sense approach to be adopted by Merseyside Police and the targeting of hotspots within Wirral.

The Leader of the Council referred to the advertising employed by alcohol delivery firms and queried whether anything could be done to address the matter. The Chief Executive confirmed that this matter had been raised with the relevant Government Minister.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) it be agreed in principle that a designation of the entire Borough be sought;

(2) the PCT be thanked for their financial contribution to the process; and

(3) the remaining funds be identified and a report be brought to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

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Minute 296 - CORPORATE SERVICES: APPROVED DUTIES AND APPOINTMENTS

Minute Text :

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), including:

(i) attendance by the Cabinet member for Children's Services and Lifelong Learning at a gala celebration for The Get On Awarded Authorities, following Wirral's success in obtaining the GO Award, to be held in London on 19 March 2008;

(c) any changes in the membership of bodies to which the Council makes appointments, including:

(i) appointing a representative to the vacancy on the John Lloyd Corkhill Trust, a charity for people with lung problems, administered through Arrowe Park Hospital.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the following applications relating to conferences or seminars made in accordance with the procedure approved by Cabinet on 19 February 2004 (minute 534 refers) be approved:

(i) attendance by the Cabinet member for Children's Services and Lifelong Learning at a gala celebration for The Get On Awarded Authorities, following Wirral's success in obtaining the GO Award, to be held in London on 19 March 2008;

(2) the following appointments to outside bodies or changes in membership be referred to the next meeting of the Council:

(i) appointing a representative to the vacancy on the John Lloyd Corkhill Trust, a charity for people with lung problems, administered through Arrowe Park Hospital.

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Minute 297 - EXEMPT INFORMATION - EXCLUSION OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

Minute Text :

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.

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 298 - 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 presented a report which advised the Cabinet of a request from Hoylake Sailing Club to locate a telecommunication mast on land leased from Wirral Council at North Parade, Hoylake.

It was noted that the views of the appropriate Ward Councillors had been sought.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the request for landlord’s consent to erect an aerial mast be refused.

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Minute 299 - CORPORATE SERVICES: LAND ADJOINING WOODSIDE FERRY TERMINAL

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to the disposal of an area of Council owned land adjoining the Woodside Ferry Terminal.

Minute Decision :

That Cabinet approve the disposal of the land in accordance with the terms provisionally agreed and set out in the report.

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Minute 300 - CORPORATE SERVICES: 65 THE VILLAGE, BEBINGTON

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which sought support to the submission of a bid to the Big Lottery Fund, under its Community Assets Programme, to refurbish the building and, if successful, approve the transfer of the property to the Wirral Council for Voluntary Service as a Community Asset.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to submit a bid to the Big Lottery Fund to repair, refurbish and modify the property 65 The Village for community use; and

(2) in the event of the bid being successful, the asset be subsequently transferred to Voluntary and Community Action Wirral (VCAW), in accordance with the terms set out in the report.

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Minute 301 - CORPORATE SERVICES: 40, 42 AND 44 CHURCH ROAD, TRANMERE

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 presented a report which sought:

(i) authority to purchase two privately owned properties, 40 & 44 Church Road, Tranmere, which were damaged by a fire originating in a Council owned property, 42 Church Road;

(ii) approval to make an appropriate discretionary disturbance payment to the tenant of 40 to facilitate their relocation from the property, and so secure vacant possession.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the purchase of the properties be approved in accordance with the terms set out in the report; and

(2) an appropriate discretionary disturbance payment be made to the tenant of 40 Church Road, once the new retail development is completed.

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Minute 302 - CORPORATE SERVICES: ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN - REVIEW OF NON-OPERATIONAL GROUND LEASES

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

In implementing its Asset Management Plan, the Council was required to monitor the performance of its non-operational investment portfolio. This was to determine whether the respective elements of the portfolio should be retained as investments, or considered to be producing unsatisfactory returns to the Council and therefore declared surplus to the Council’s requirements. The Cabinet considered a report which dealt with ground leases held for investment purposes, advised of the current portfolio and made appropriate recommendations to retain or dispose, in light of the conclusions of this property review.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the ground leases identified in paragraph 2.6 of the report be approved for immediate disposal;

(2) in the first instance, the opportunity to purchase be offered to the existing tenants (save for the property identified in paragraph 2.8 of the report) and, in the event of satisfactory terms being agreed, they be reported to the relevant portfolio holder for approval; and

(3) in the event of satisfactory terms not being agreed, the leases be offered for sale on the open market as appropriate.

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Minute 303 - CORPORATE SERVICES: BYRNE AVENUE BATHS

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 presented a report which provided further information on the health and safety and structural issues at the premises and made a recommendation for action.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to issue legal proceedings to forfeit the lease.

Footnote :

Councillor Pat Hackett declared a personal interest in this matter (minute 285 refers).

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Minute 304 - CORPORATE SERVICES: NEW BRIGHTON DEVELOPMENT

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which described the progress made in connection with the proposed development at New Brighton, since the report presented to the Executive Board on 26 April 2007 and sought approval to the proposed arrangements for car parking on Phase 2 of the development.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the Cabinet approve in principle the proposed arrangements for car parking in the Phase 2 development, as set out in the report.

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Minute 305 - CORPORATE SERVICES: CORONATION GARDENS, WEST KIRBY

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 presented a report which described the progress made on a package of improvements being undertaken in Coronation Gardens, West Kirby; highlighted the options for developing the park frontage on South Parade, including the café and toilet buildings; and sought approval for one of the identified options, for the reasons outlined in the report.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) taking into account the risks and opportunities outlined in Section 9, Cabinet approves option 4 as set out in the report and requests officers to prepare a brief for the redevelopment of the café, the redevelopment brief to include public toilets, and ;

(2) Cabinet approves that the appropriate funds be made available from the West Kirby Coastal Improvements Capital Programme to meet the costs as set out in paragraphs 12.2 and 12.3.

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Minute 306 - CORPORATE SERVICES: BEBINGTON ANNEXE, CIVIC WAY, BEBINGTON

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Cabinet considered a report which sought authority to allocate accommodation in the Bebington Annexe to enable UNISON to be relocated from the premises it currently occupied in Beechcroft, Birkenhead.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That the accommodation in Bebington Annexe be let to Wirral UNISON, in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in the report.

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Minute 307 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: LAND AND PROPERTY I.T. SYSTEM

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 Finance informed the Cabinet of the outcome of the tender process for the acquisition of a corporate Land and Property IT system and the need for a post to lead the implementation of the system. The matter involved a key decision and had been included in the Council’s Forward Plan.

Minute Decision :

Resolved - That

(1) the award of the contract to 1Spatial in the sum of £400,803 to be financed from a combination of the ICT Reserve and the annual ICT Development budget be approved;

(2) computer hardware be acquired in the sum of £47,000 to be financed from the ICT Reserve; and

(3) a post be created, to be financed from the Service Re-Engineering Investment budget at a cost of £47,900, subject to the approval of the Employment and Appointments Committee.

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Minute 308 - FINANCE AND BEST VALUE: SHARED SERVICES WITH WIRRAL PRIMARY CARE TRUST

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The matter was withdrawn.

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Minute 309 - ENVIRONMENT: PROCUREMENT OF ADDITIONAL WHEELED BINS

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 informed the Cabinet of the procurement of an additional 10,456 wheeled bins in June 2007.

Minute Decision :

That the Cabinet note the action taken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.1.3, and the extra cost associated with purchasing from the different bin suppliers, and approve the purchase of additional bins, retrospectively.

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Minute 310 - STREETSCENE AND TRANSPORT SERVICES: HIGHWAY AND ENGINEERING SERVICES PROCUREMENT EXERCISE - 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 report was withdrawn.

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Minute 311 - ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Minute Text :

The Leader of the Council indicated that he had agreed consideration of the following matter as an item of urgent business.

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Minute 312 - REGENERATION AND PLANNING STRATEGY: ACTION PLAN FOR THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION 2008-2011 (MERSEYSIDE ACTION PLAN)

Exempt :

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

Minute Text :

The Chair had agreed to consideration of this item as urgent other business because the draft Merseyside Action Plan (MAP) had to be signed off by The Mersey Partnership Board at the end of October.

The report informed the Cabinet of the latest iteration of the (MAP) for the period 2008-2011, and the Cabinet was requested to endorse the final consultation draft. The matter involved a key decision and had been included in the Council’s Forward Plan.

Due to the late circulation of the report it was agreed that Cabinet members would discuss their comments at the special meeting of the Cabinet scheduled for 24th October 2007.

Minute Decision :

That -

(1) Cabinet comments on the MAP document attached to the Director's report be considered at the special meeting of the Cabinet to be held on Wednesday 24th October 2007; and

(2) the officers progress work on Growth Points and an Eco Town as outlined in the report.

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(Minutes Published: 23 October 2007)