The minutes of the last meeting have been printed and published.  Any matters called in will be reported at the meeting.

RECOMMENDATION:  That the minutes be approved and adopted.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported that none of the decisions from the previous meeting, held on 24 June, 2010, had been called in.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June, 2010 be approved and adopted.

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.

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.

Councillor J Green declared:

(i)  a personal interest in respect of minute 70 (Centralisation of the Human Resources and Organisational Development Service) by virtue of his wife’s employment with the authority.

(ii)  a personal interest in minute 72 (referral from Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee) by virtue of him being a signatory to the call-in.

(iii)  a prejudicial interest in minute 95 (Summary of Tender Exercise for the Provision of Transport Services for Adults, Older People, Looked After Children and Special Education Needs Children) by virtue of his wife’s employment.

Councillor C Blakeley declared a prejudicial interest in respect of minute 73 (Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Taylor Street Museum, and Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead) by virtue of his membership of the Merseyside Integrated Transport Authority.

Councillor I Lewis declared a personal interest in respect of minute 77 (Leasowe Leisure Centre) by virtue of his membership of the Leasowe Recreation Centre.

Councillor S Clarke declared a personal interest in respect of minute 67 (Impact of Business Rates Revaluation in Wirral) by virtue of her membership of an organisation in receipt of rate relief.

Councillor L Rennie declared a personal interest in respect of minute 67 (Impact of Business Rates Revaluation in Wirral) by virtue of her membership of an organisation in receipt of rate relief, and minute 72 (referral from Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee) by virtue of her being a signatory to the call-in.

The Director of Finance presented the Statement of Accounts 2009/2010, which had been agreed by the Audit and Risk Management Committee on 30 June 2010 (minute 5 refers).

Resolved: That the Statement of Accounts 2009/10 be received.

The Director of Finance presented a report comprising a review of Treasury Management activities during the first quarter of 2010/11 and confirming compliance with treasury limits and prudential indicators. It had been prepared in accordance with the revised CIPFA Treasury Management Code and the revised Prudential Code.

Resolved: That the Treasury Management Quarterly Monitoring Report be noted.

The Director of Finance presented a report updating the projected budgets for the years 2011 to 2014 and 2014-15 in line with the decision of HM Treasury to undertake a four year Spending Review.

Resolved: That

(1)  it be noted that budget savings are proposed elsewhere on this agenda for 2010-11;

(2)  as an additional response to the projected budget shortfall, the Director of Finance co-ordinate a review of existing contracts to identify and achieve any opportunities which are in the financial interests of the Council; and

(3)  the Administration has made a strong commitment to public engagement and consultation and the outcome of this process informs the decisions on further efficiencies and savings from 2011.

The Director of Finance presented a report providing a summary of the three areas that the Government would focus on to rebalance the economy, as outlined in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget 2010, together with the key implications for local authorities

Resolved:

That continuing support be given to the Local Government Association in presenting the case that local authorities are the most efficient part of the public sector.

The Director of Finance presented a report recommending approval of the submission of the Value for Money Gains National Indicator 179 (NI179) which was required to be submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) by 23 July 2010.

Resolved: That

(1)  the Value for Money Gains National Indicator 179 submission be approved;

(2)  the Director of Finance be authorised to make any amendments to include information received from the Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority prior to submission; and

(3)  a further report be brought to Cabinet on the 2010/11 NI 179 estimate which will be due for submission in October 2010.

The Director of Finance referred to the new Non Domestic Rating List which had come into effect from 1 April, 2010 and presented a report detailing the reliefs that were in place to mitigate large increases or reductions in charges compared to what was being paid by ratepayers during 2009-10.

Resolved:

That the Director of Finance consults with representatives of the business community, including the Federation of Small Businesses and Chamber of Commerce, on the impact of the increase in NNDR and reports to the next Cabinet upon options to assist those most affected.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a report setting out (1) the current position on area based grant across the Council, (2) recommendations where the recently announced Government reductions in area based grant for 2010/11 should be made and the implications of these (3) seeking Members views on the allocation of the remaining area based grant for 2010/11 and (4) advising on the approach to be considered for future funding allocations.

Resolved: That:

(1)  Cabinet agrees the ABG reductions in 2010/11 of £3,927,000 as set out below:

(2)  A review of all future ABG funding is undertaken as set out in paragraph 5.2 of this report.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance will give a presentation to the Cabinet.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services and the Director of Finance gave a detailed presentation in relation to Financial and Performance Monitoring during the quarter. The full report had been placed in the Web Library and the presentation focused upon key achievements and performance issues in relation to the Council’s five Strategic Objectives. It also highlighted the impact of the recession, set out the financial headlines and provided a brief analysis of the revenue budget and capital programme.

Resolved – That the presentation be noted.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented a report  outlining the benefits of moving to a centralised Human Resources and Organisational Development function with an outline phased plan for delivery.

Councillor Clarke referred to emails that she had received concerning the future of the HR/OD services for schools within the delivery plan.

The Director explained that schools were in phase 3 (Future Service Design) from April 2011 onwards, and would be subject to full consultation. 

Resolved: That the centralisation of Human Resources/Organisational Development staff and budgets in line with the phased plan outlined in this report be approved.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented a report seeking approval for the Planned Property Maintenance element within the revenue programme 2010/11, and to a programme of repairs to library buildings funded from the revenue programme.

Resolved: That

(1)  the schemes included in the 2010/11 Property Maintenance programme and those included for library maintenance as included in Appendices 1, 2 & 3 be approved; and 

(2)  officers prepare the schemes and obtain tenders and/or quotations as necessary and wherever possible utilise the Schedule of Rates Contracts.

At its meeting held on 15 April 2010, the Cabinet considered an exempt report of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management in relation to offers received for the car park adjoining the original Lifeboat Station in Hoylake after the joint marketing of the site with Peel Holdings, and resolved:–

“That the offer from M Rice on the terms set out in the report be accepted and, in the event of the sale not proceeding, the offer from S Barnes be accepted.”

That decision was called in by Conservative Group Members on the grounds that:

  “The proposal runs counter to the criteria for regeneration of the area and that the proposals for use would not be consistent with this designation. The proposals would also be detrimental to The Kings Gap Conservation Area”.

This matter was considered by the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8 July, when it was resolved:-

“That as this Committee considers it appropriate for the Cabinet to explore whether the Hoylake Lifeboat Museum project is feasible –

(1)  the Cabinet be requested to seek discussions with Peel Holdings, with a view to facilitating the Hoylake Lifeboat Museum Project; and

(2)  that a time limit of three months be recommended to the Cabinet for the completion of negotiations.”

The Cabinet’s views are requested.

At its meeting on 8 July, 2010 the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered the call-in of the Cabinet’s decision relating to the sale of the former Hoylake Lifeboat Station, and resolved:

“That as this Committee considers it appropriate for the Cabinet to explore whether the Hoylake Lifeboat Museum project is feasible –

(1)  the Cabinet be requested to seek discussions with Peel Holdings, with a view to facilitating the Hoylake Lifeboat Museum Project; and

(2)  That a time limit of three months be recommended to the Cabinet for the completion of negotiations.”

The views of the Cabinet were requested.

Resolved: That

(1)  the decision to dispose of the land at the former Hoylake Lifeboat Station be deferred for a period of three months from the date of the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 8 July 2010;

(2)  officers seek to facilitate discussions between Peel Holdings and the proponents of a Hoylake Lifeboat Museum in this time; and

(3)  a report on these discussions be presented to the Cabinet Portfolio Holder for decision under delegated powers.

See exempt appendices at the end of this agenda.

(Councillor C Blakeley having declared a prejudicial interest in this item (see minute 61) left the room during its consideration)

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported on the progress of negotiations for the transfer of the Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Taylor Street Museum and Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead.

Resolved:

That Cabinet agrees in principle to the transfer of the Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Taylor Street Museum and Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead, subject to the availability and cost of insurance being to the satisfaction of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio Holder and the Director of Finance.

The Director of Law , HR and Asset Management sought approval for a transfer by lease of the Former River Streets Community Centre, Buccleuch Street, Birkenhead under the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

Resolved: That

(1)  a transfer by lease of The Former River Streets Community Centre, Buccleuch Street, Birkenhead to The Wallasey Gymnastic Club be agreed and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to complete the necessary lease on the terms set out in this report; and

(2)  the agreed works to the property be funded from the Community Fund.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management submitted a report seeking approval for the transfer by lease of Grange Road West Sports Centre following an application under the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

Mr J Davies addressed the meeting on behalf of the Grange Road West Community Sports Partnership (GRWCSP). He explained that their proposal would cater for a wide range of team sports whereas the BCDC was for a specific gymnastic centre.

In response to the suggestion that the proposed use might be considered to be too restrictive, BCDC had replied that, with the exception of court based activities (which would be lost), the sport and leisure activities on offer would increase.

Resolved:

That a transfer by lease of Grange Road West Sports Centre to Birkenhead Community Development Committee be agreed and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to complete the necessary lease on the terms set out in this report.

See exempt appendices at the end of this agenda.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon the latest position in respect of the disposal of the former Birkenhead Town Hall.

Resolved:  That

(1)  the proposal now received from The Hamilton Partnership be noted and the Partnership be thanked for its interest and work to date; and

(2)  the option of retention as set out in paragraphs 4.7 to 4.9 be progressed, and that its interim use as set out in paragraph 4.8 be further explored as part of the office accommodation implementation plan along with possible use of space by the Hamilton Partnership.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported upon the progress of discussions with Arena Housing Group Ltd for the transfer of Leasowe Recreation Centre, and sought instructions on the future arrangements for the centre.

Resolved: That:

(1)  the position in respect of discussions with Arena Housing Group Ltd, be noted;

(2)  budgetary provision be reinstated for the continued operation of Leasowe Recreation Centre within the Council’s core leisure offer; and

(3)  the Director of Technical Services be instructed to undertake an initial review of arrangements for future provision of swimming and indoor leisure.

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report detailing the proposed Lifelong Learning Service fees for 2010-11, in the light of Skills Funding Agency  funding allocation.

Resolved: That Cabinet approve the changes in Lifelong Learning fees policy.

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report detailing the outcome of the procurement process for the delivery of social work training under the national pilot programme “Step Up into Social Work” which offered an employment based route to qualifying as a social worker.

Resolved: That

(1)  the tender by the University of Chester in the sum of £367,840 be accepted; and

(2)  the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to enter into a contract with the University of Chester to deliver MA in social work training on behalf of the Learn Together Partnership.

Further to minute 58 (Cabinet - July 2009), which provided direction for a review of the Children with Disability residential and provider services to secure better value for money and quality of care, the Director of Children’s Services presented a report outlining a revised staffing structure, and reflecting reduced staffing requirements. It proposed that building work be completed within the current Capital programme to allow the consolidation of the residential short breaks provision on one site at Rosclare House. The changes to the staffing structure and building work, if approved, would be undertaken within the current financial year.

Resolved: That

(1)  the proposals to develop a world class residential care facility to provide short breaks for children with disabilities be agreed;

(2)  the development of a new staffing structure for consultation with a subsequent report to the Employment and Appointments Committee be approved; and

(3)  the closure of Willowtree as a residential care facility, as part of the proposals to be developed, be agreed in principle.

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report seeking approval for the payment of an hourly flexibility supplement to providers of Early Years Education, including schools that were prepared to offer different patterns of provision outside the standard free number of sessions per week.  The additional payments would be funded from a ring fenced Standards Fund grant.

Resolved – That the introduction of the flexibility supplements described to providers of Early Years Education from September 2010 be agreed.

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report providing a summary of the capital funding available to his department from local and national initiatives and programmes, and setting out a draft programme of works in 2010/11 for consideration and approval by Cabinet.

Resolved: That

(1)  the draft 2010/11 departmental Capital Programme be approved;

(2)  the various grant and local capital funding sources be noted;

(3)  individual schemes be the subject of further option reports and scheme and estimate reports, where applicable; and

(4)  a further report on capital investment be brought to Cabinet when the outcome of the 2011-15 Comprehensive Spending Review and the national review of capital investment in schools is known, in Autumn 2010.

The Director of Technical Services submitted a report detailing proposals and the estimated costs of a scheme to undertake improvements and necessary repairs to the facilities at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum. Cabinet was asked to consider and approve the proposal within the budget agreed by Cabinet on 9 December 2009 within the Capital Programme for 2010-2013 (minute 225 refers), as qualified by Cabinet on 14 January 2010 (minute 279 refers).

Resolved: That

(1)  the Scheme and Estimate, as presented, be accepted;

(2)  the Director of Technical Services be authorised to obtain all necessary statutory approvals for the project;

(3)  the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek tenders for the project, and report such tenders to a future meeting of Cabinet with a recommendation for acceptance of the most economically beneficial tender received;

(4)  the Director of Technical Services use his delegated powers to accept the lowest bone-fide tender for the roof works and report his acceptance of the tender to Cabinet in due course in accordance with the Council’s Procurement Policy; and

(5)  the Director of Technical Services bring forward a report to a future Cabinet on the future operation of the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum, its management, use of the enhanced facilities, and engagement with public and user groups.

See exempt appendices at the end of this agenda.

The Director of Technical Services presented a report seeking Cabinet’s approval to the recommendations made by Capita Symonds in the Parks and Countryside Service Procurement Exercise (PACSPE) Outline Business Case Report covering the following services: - parks, golf courses, cemeteries and crematorium, rangers, beach lifeguards, allotments, maintenance of highway verges and trees and war memorials.

Copies of correspondence received from trade unions representing the staff in Parks and Countryside Services expressing their opposition to privatisation of council services were circulated in advance of the meeting.

Mr Geoff Bradfield, Branch Officer for Wirral Unison, outlined the benefits of the “in house option” (option one) and the way this could be achieved through staff restructuring, machinery and equipment rationalisation, and flexible working to provide a more cost effective option. He paid tribute to the loyalty and professionalism of the current Parks and Countryside staff and asked Cabinet to return that loyalty and give serious consideration to their proposal.

Councillor Elderton thanked Mr Bradfield for his presentation. He commented that the Council was engaged in a transparent consultation process and the trade unions had been kept informed the development of the business case and options assessment.

The Leader paid tribute to the work of the all party PACSPE Members Group in guiding this work with the aim of achieving significant benefits in terms of value for money, better maintenance standards and improved quality, and improved facilities/infrastructure. He also commented on the important role that Friends’ Groups and users play in maintaining and enhancing parks and open spaces. 

Councillor Holbrook endorsed these remarks and advised Cabinet that the principle of Option 3 had been discussed with all three political groups at the Members Group meetings.

Councillor Holbrook asked to what extent the in house bid had been discussed. The Director of Technical reported that the most recent meeting of the group had decided against the in house bid but it was noted that the two Labour group members were not present at that meeting.

On a motion by the Chair seconded by Councillor Blakeley it was:

Resolved: That

(1)  the content of the Capita Symonds Outline Business Case report be noted and the recommendation to progress with the Option 3 service delivery model (Total Service with Single Provider) using the Restricted procurement procedure be noted and approved;

(2)  the creation of a new Parks Contract Manager post, subject to approval by Employment & Appointments Committee, funded from within existing resources, be endorsed. Also the use of external consultant support on a time limited basis to assist with the procurement exercise, be approved. In particular, the preparation of Invitation To Tender (ITT) documentation which it is recommended be met from the Efficiency Investment Budget initially up to a maximum of £150,000;

(3)  for the reasons stated in paragraph 7.5 of the report, an “in-house bid” for the subsequent PACSPE Contract is not supported.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a report seeking approval to Wirral’s Revised Housing Investment Programme 2010/11, subject to confirmation of anticipated funding reductions to the HMRI Programme.

Resolved:

(1)  That Cabinet agree the revised Housing Investment Programme for 2010/11, summarised in the table below and detailed in Appendix II, subject to confirmation of anticipated funding reductions to the HMRI Programme,

Funding to be allocated  £,000

Birkenhead Clearance  4,357

Rock Ferry Clearance    430

Tranmere Clearance    800

Wallasey Clearance    925

Private Sector Home Improvements  4,431

Environmental Improvements    30

Living Through Change    583

Staffing and Resources  1,727

Homemovers Service    260

Relocation Loans    520

Shared Equity Schemes    600

(2)  That a further report on HMRI funding be brought to the next meeting of the Cabinet.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported upon the outcome of the procurement process to select a delivery partner for the Council’s Free Home Insulation Initiative. Cabinet was requested to accept the highest scoring tender and determine the priority order in which Council Wards would be targeted for the area-based approach to promote the initiative door-to-door.

Resolved – That

(1)  the highest scoring tender from Energy Projects Plus for the appointment of a delivery partner for the Council’s Free Home Insulation Initiative be accepted; and

(2)  the year one implementation programme for the Home Insulation Initiative, set out in this report, and the programme for year’s two to four subject to the availability of Council funding be agreed.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported upon progress made to date with the Neighbourhood Facelift scheme involving properties situated in Craven Street, Paterson Street and parts of Claughton Road (nos. 228 to 282a) Birkenhead, and sought  approval of a tender for the implementation of Phase 2 of the scheme.

Resolved: That

(1)  the progress of the Facelift Scheme Phase 1 involving properties located in Craven Street and Claughton Road be noted and the implementation of Phase 2 of the Scheme set out in this report and Appendices A and B be approved; including the retention of the services of Regenda and Ainsley Gommon Architects in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure rules; and

(2)  the tender submitted by Bramall Construction Ltd for the sum of £1,600,966 be accepted for the works in Phase 2 following the tender process carried out in accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.  This being in line with the decision of the Cabinet of the 1st November 2007 to use competitive tendering.

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a report updating members on a number of additional support measures that were being developed across the Council to support local residents and businesses, as part of the Economic Recovery Plan.

The Leader commented that all three political groups were working together to bring about improvements in the local economy as demonstrated by the reductions in job seekers allowance (JSA) and claimants’ figures (appendix1) which now had the second best rate in the Liverpool City Region. He thanked Councillor Steve Foulkes, Leader of the  previous  Administration, and LSP partners, and stated that this report was a testimony to the commitment to assist economic recovery.

Resolved – That

(1)  the support measures developed thus far be noted; and

(2)  Officers be authorised to continue to develop effective responses supporting businesses and residents through the continuing uncertain economic conditions.

Further to minute 200 (26/11/09) the Deputy Chief Executive/ Director of Corporate Services presented a report seeking approval to the policy direction contained within the draft Preferred Options Report, including the principle of establishing a new city neighbourhood at the heart of the older urban areas in Birkenhead, as the basis for the preparation of a final Preferred Options Report and the accompanying documents listed under paragraph 6.9 of the report, with a view to undertaking public consultation on the Preferred Options in the Autumn. It recommended that the Council’s Sustainability Appraisal Panel should be involved in the preparation of the statutory Sustainability Appraisal of the Preferred Options; that the remaining evidence base studies for housing land; housing needs; affordable housing; and renewable energy are reported to Cabinet before being formally included within the final Preferred Options Report; and that the remaining evidence base studies including the Wirral Open Space Assessment are published for public consultation alongside the Preferred Options Report.

Resolved:  That

(1)  the draft Preferred Options Report attached to this report be approved as the basis for preparing a final Preferred Options Report for public consultation, in further consultation with Council Departments;

(2)  the principle of establishing a new city neighbourhood at the heart of the older urban areas in Birkenhead be supported;

(3)  the final Preferred Options Report and its accompanying documents be reported to Cabinet before being submitted to Council for approval for public consultation;

(4)  the Sustainability Appraisal Panel be involved in the preparation of the Sustainability Appraisal to accompany the Preferred Options Report;

(5)  the findings of the evidence base studies still to be completed be reported to Cabinet before inclusion in the final Preferred Options Report;

(6)  the Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development be retained; and

(7)  an annual average housing requirement figure of 250 net additional dwellings be applied in the period until the Core Strategy is adopted.

The Deputy Chief Executive/ Director of Corporate Services reported upon  the current position regarding the proposals for a Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) programme in Merseyside.

Resolved: That

(1)  the report and the proposed sub regional working arrangements outlined for the development of an Urban development Fund business plan and operational arrangements be noted; and

(2)  the projects set out in Appendix A of this report be noted and support given in principle for the next stage of the JESSICA programme process, and officers authorised to engage with the Consortium outlined in para 4.3 to develop appropriate operating and governance arrangements for the Merseyside Urban Development Fund.

The Director of Adult Social Services presented a report outlining the Early Intervention and Prevention Strategy the aim of which was to enable older people and people with disabilities to build their capacity to deal with their own well being, in line with the government White Paper ‘Equality and Excellence’ which gave a clear incentive to the local authority to take the lead for services which will intervene at early stages of any care need.

Resolved:

That the Early Intervention Strategy be approved, and that Council Departments and partners work together to ensure its successful implementation, and that the White Paper is fully reflected within it.

The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet Members of the results of the integrated tendering exercise for passenger transport services, and request the approval of the award of the individual contracts to the recommended tenderers.  The tenders cover passenger transport needs of children to various schools, nurseries, contact visits, transport for adults to day centres and relates to activities from September 2010.  This involves a key decision which was first identified in the Forward Plan dated July 2010.

The contract has been scrutinised and all detail including the proposed awarding of contracts agreed by Corporate Procurement Unit.

It is requested that the call-in period should be waived due to the operational requirements to have these new contracts in place for the school term beginning in September 2010.

The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet Members of the results of the integrated tendering exercise for passenger transport services, and request the approval of the award of the individual contracts to the recommended tenderers. The tenders cover passenger transport needs of children to various schools, nurseries, contact visits, transport for adults to day centres and relates to activities from September 2010.  This involves a key decision which was first identified in the Forward Plan dated July 2010.

The contract has been scrutinised and all detail including the proposed awarding of contracts agreed by Corporate Procurement Unit.

It is requested that the call-in period should be waived due to the operational requirements to have these new contracts in place for the school term beginning in September 2010.

Resolved: That the executive summary be noted.

Further to minute 52 (24/6/10) the Director of Technical Services presented a report setting out a revised Local Transport Plan (LTP) Capital Programme for Wirral based on the announced savings to the Integrated Transport Block and the funding for bridge strengthening on the Primary Route Network. He reported that the effect of these savings on the programme had been mitigated through the value engineering of schemes and the competitive rates via the Highway and Engineering Services contract with Colas.

Resolved: That

(1)  the revised LTP Capital Programme be approved; and

(2)  the Director of Technical Services be authorized to select suitable alternative schemes within each of the LTP blocks from the relevant reserve list of schemes, in consultation with the Cabinet Member and Overview and Scrutiny Committee Spokespersons, if in the event that it should prove impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available.

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.

Resolved:

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and 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 in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  The public interest test had been applied and favoured exclusion.

(Councillor J Green having declared a personal prejudicial interest in this item (see minute 61) left the room during its consideration)

The Director of Adult Social Services reported upon the outcome of the  integrated tendering exercise for passenger transport services, and requested the approval of the award of the individual contracts to the recommended tenderers. The tenders covered passenger transport needs of children to various schools, nurseries, contact visits, transport for adults to day centres and relates to activities from September 2010. The contract had been scrutinised and all detail including the proposed awarding of contracts agreed by Corporate Procurement Unit.

It was requested that the call-in period should be waived due to the operational requirements to have these new contracts in place for the school term beginning in September 2010.

Resolved: That

(1)  the recommended tenders set out in Appendix 1 be approved; and

(2)  recognising the standstill period and operational requirements to have arrangements in place for the new school term, the call-in period be waived.

The Director of Finance submitted a report asking Cabinet to consider an individual application (Appendix C) for reduction or remission of rates due to hardship, including an officer assessment based on the current policy and criteria.

Resolved: That

(1)  the application for hardship be declined; and

(2)  the applicant be advised of all other forms of assistance or deferred payment plans that may be available to him.

The Director of Finance reported upon an application for discretionary rate relief received from Eight4Sport, a registered Community Interest Company, which did not fully meet the approved criteria for relief to certain non-profit making voluntary or sporting organisations, and was therefore referred to Cabinet for consideration.

Resolved: That

(1)  (a)  the application for relief be declined, it being noted that the application site is on land designated for employment purposes;

(b)  the decision be without prejudice to any review of the Discretionary Rate relief process and that the decision be reviewed on conclusion of that review;

(2)  the Discretionary Rate Relief policy be reviewed in order that any changes can take effect from 1 April 2012; and

(3)  until the review is concluded, future applications from CICs or social welfare companies be submitted to Cabinet for consideration on a case by case basis.

The Director of Finance submitted a report seeking approval for Merseyside Pension Fund (MPF) to enter into a commercial arrangement with Avarto Government Services to submit a tender for the provision of pension administration services to the London Borough of Bromley.

Resolved: That MPF working with Avarto to provide pension administration services to Bromley LB Council be approved

With permission of the Cabinet, this item was withdrawn.

Further to minute  (24/6/10) the deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a report summarising the findings and recommendations of a review of the Strategic Change Programme.

Resolved: That

(1)  the recommendations of the review as set out in section 4 of the report be agreed;

(2)  a Strategic Change Programme Board be established, comprising the Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader of the Council, the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, the Chief Executive, and the Lead Chief Officer for the Programme;

(3)  the Director of Technical Services undertakes the role of Lead Chief Officer;

(4)  the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Programme Board, be given delegated authority to take all decisions relating to the Strategic Change Programme, including those relating to staffing and resourcing (so far as such decisions are not contrary to the Council’s budget); and

(5)  a Strategic Change Programme office be established under the control of the Lead Chief Officer comprising existing staff relocated and/or seconded on a time limited basis with specialist assistance as outlined in para 4.6 funded initially from the Council’s Efficiency Fund.

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management submitted a report seeking approval to a disposal of land at Cleveland Street, Birkenhead, to Priority Sites Ltd on terms which differ from those previously approved by Cabinet.

Resolved - That the sale to Priority Sites Ltd be approved in accordance with the terms set out in this report.

Report to be circulated separately

With permission of the Cabinet, this item was withdrawn.

Further to minute (27/5/10) the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, submitted a report providing an update on the current position of the Europa Boulevard Development (‘the Development’) to enable Cabinet to decide whether the Development should proceed.

Resolved:

That the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to terminate the Development Agreement relating to the Europa Plaza Development on the basis that Europa Plaza Development Limited has failed to comply with the conditions of the Development Agreement.

(1)  Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Taylor Street Museum, and Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead - Tramway Assessment

(2)  The former Birkenhead Town Hall – Hamilton Partnership Proposal

(3)  Parks and Countryside Service Procurement Exercise (PACSPE) - Outline Business Case

The following exempt reports were considered in conjunction with the relevant agenda items:

(1)  Pacific Road Arts Theatre, Taylor Street Museum, and Wirral Tramway, Birkenhead - Tramway Assessment.

(2)  The former Birkenhead Town Hall – Hamilton Partnership Proposal.

(3)  Parks and Countryside Service Procurement Exercise (PACSPE) - Outline Business Case.

Resolved: That the reports be noted.