Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Items
No. Item

211.

Members' Code of Conduct - Declarations of Interest

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.

Minutes:

Members of the Cabinet are asked to consider whether they had any disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests in connection with any item(s) on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state the nature of the interest.

 

Councillor P.Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 17 – Tranmere Rovers Football Club – potential release of covenants at Ingleborough Road and proposed lease of Woodchurch Leisure Centre by virtue of his attendance at Council sponsored games at the club and indicated that he would leave the room during the debate of decision and that Councillor McLachlan would be chairing the meeting during this item only.

 

Councillors G.Davies and H Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 17 – Tranmere Rovers Football Club – potential release of covenants at Ingleborough Road and proposed lease of Woodchurch Leisure Centre by virtue of their attendance at Council sponsored games at the club. All Members indicated that they would leave the room during debate and decision of the item.

 

Councillor G.Davies further declared an interest in Item 17, by virtue of him being Chair of Tranmere Rovers School.

 

All Cabinet Members who were also School Governors declared a block non-pecuniary interest in Item 14 – Admission Arrangements

 

Councillor P.Davies declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 12 – Children’s Services Commissioning Proposals by virtue of being a non executive director of one of the companies named within the exempt appendices.

 

Councillors McLachlan, G.Davies, H.Smith and A.Jones declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 25 – Request for Financial Assistance by virtue of their membership to the Pension Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

212.

Minutes

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.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 February 2013 be confirmed as a correct record.

 

213.

Leaders Announcements

Minutes:

Councillor P.Davies indicated that he would be bringing Item No. 17 – Tranmere Rovers Football Club – potential release of covenants at Ingleborough Road and proposed lease of Woodchurch Leisure Centre forward to allow Councillor McLachlan to Chair the meeting for this item only. 

214.

Tranmere Rovers Football Club - Potential Release of Covenants at Ingleborough Road and Proposed Lease of Woodchurch Leisure Centre pdf icon PDF 395 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillors P.Davies, G.Davies, H.Smith having declared a non-pecuniary interest (Minute 211 refers) left the meeting whilst this item was considered. During consideration of this item Councillor McLachlan took control as Chair to the meeting.

 

Prior to consideration of the item Councillor McLachlan indicated that a petition had been received on behalf of Birkenhead Institute Old Boys with a request to address the Cabinet. Councillor McLachlan thanked the lead petitioner and indicated that his request to address the Cabinet was declined but the petitioners would receive a full written response in writing from the appropriate officer.

 

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management which sought approval following request to release a restrictive covenant on land at Ingleborough Road, Tranmere, currently used by Tranmere Rovers Football Club as a training facility.

 

The report also sought instructions on the use of any payment due to the Council for the release of the covenant, whether it wished to see this money invested in the improvement of Woodchurch Leisure Centre as a replacement training facility for TRFC and on the approach to further negotiations with Tranmere Rovers. 

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  Cabinets supports in principle the relocation of Tranmere Rovers Football Club’s training facilities from their current location at Ingleborough Road on the basis that this will help secure the club’s long term future;

 

(2)  The proposal for investment at Woodchurch Leisure Centre linked to the development of existing playing fields at Ingleborough Road be endorsed in principle subject to the outcome of further investigations in relation to legal, procurement and valuation matters and to the agreement of final terms;

 

 

(3)  Officers be instructed to undertake further enquiries and negotiations with Tranmere Rovers Football Club and to report back to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources as quickly as possible to enable a final decision to be taken on the release of the restrictive covenant at Ingleborough Road and previously agreed terms for development at both sites;

 

(4)  Officers be requested to obtain an independent valuation of the Ingleborough Road Playing Fields;

 

(5)  Officers be requested to obtain an independent valuation in respect of the proposed lease at Woodchurch Sports Centre in accordance with the principles of the valuation set out in the technical appendix to the Government’s general consent to the disposal of land for less than the best consideration that can be reasonably obtained;

 

 

(6)  Authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources to approve the release of the restrictive covenant at Ingleborough Road and the grant of a lease at Woodchurch Leisure Centre subject to him being satisfied as to the finally negotiated terms;

 

(7)  The Head of Legal and Member Services be authorised to prepare and complete the necessary legal documentation; and

 

(8)  The petition submitted by Birkenhead Institute Old Boys be noted and within any provisionally agreed terms Officers be instructed to negotiate an appropriate financial sum and delivery mechanism for a replacement memorial with Birkenhead Institute Old Boys to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 214.

215.

Financial Monitoring - Revenue (Month 10) pdf icon PDF 390 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report the Interim Director of Finance setting out the revenue position for 2012/13 as at Month 10 (January 2013). The report identified the latest financial projections and prioritised the risks for ongoing management actions, to ensure any year end overspend was minimised.

 

Councillor P.Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and indicated that it was clear progress had been made to drive down the overspend, he noted that management were working to keep spending within their budgets allocated; and work was ongoing to ensure budgets going forward were soundly based. Councillor P. Davies commended the work undertaken and indicated that he welcomed the measures implemented by the Chief Executive to monitor savings, and that a separate report would be submitted to Cabinet in April 2013.

 

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted that:

 

(1)  At Month 10 (January 2013), the full year forecast projected a potential General Fund overspend of £7.6m;

 

(2)  There were no rejected freeze items in the month;

 

(3)  A major risk continues to exist concerning the reliability of fees & charges income, going back many years. Corrective action is being taken to maximise recovery. A separate report regarding the background and recommendations relating to this issue was to be produced.

216.

Financial Monitoring - Capital (Month 10) pdf icon PDF 324 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Finance informing Members of the current position regarding the Council’s 2012/13 to 2014/15 Capital Programme. This report reflected the position as at 31 January and including the decision by Cabinet on 18 February 2013 which approved the 2013/16 capital programme. The report therefore reflected:

 

·  The re-profiled 2012/13 capital programme budget which incorporates

previous decisions made by Cabinet to amend the programme;

·  The expenditure to date, which continues to be less than it should be;

·  Request for a revision to the capital programme to reflect additional

 slippage of £6.457 million of schemes into the 2013/14 financial year.

  •   A reduction in the estimated funding required for Mersey Heartlands

Growth Point of £0.305 million which can now be accommodated within other funding streams.

  •  The projected outturn figures for 2012/13, which suggest an

underspend of £0.753 million on the revised programme;

  •  The current funding of the programme and its future affordability.

 

Councillor P.Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and indicated that it was clear that progress had been made towards ensuring the Council had a deliverable programme. In relation to reduction of schemes, he noted that significant progress had been made and thanked the Capital Steering Group for the work undertaken.

 

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)   The revised Capital Programme of £40.539 million be approved;

 

(2)  Additional net slippage in the programme of £6.277 million from 2012/13 to 2013/14 be approved;

 

(3)  The reduction in funding of £0.305 million required for Mersey Heartlands be noted;

 

(4)  The spend to date at Month 10 of £25.309 million, which

represents 62.4% of the revised capital budget, with 83% of the

financial year having elapsed be noted; and

 

(5)  The work of the Capital Steering Group to detail the schedule of sites to validate the estimate of capital receipts be noted.

217.

Property and Personal Accident Insurance Tender pdf icon PDF 53 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Finance outlining the key dates for the procurement exercise in relation to property and personal accident insurance tender, Councillor P. Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report which sought permission to delegate authority for the award of these contracts to the Portfolio holder.

 

RESOLVED: 

 

That the Portfolio Holder be authorised to accept the tenders in relation to property and personal accident insurance.

218.

Council Tax Local Discount Award pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Finance reporting that the Local Government Finance Act 1992 allows local authorities to grant local council tax discounts under special circumstances relating to local need. 

 

Councillor .P.Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report which indicated that in previous years the Wirral Women and Children's Aid Refuge and adjoining flats had been granted a local discount and the report requested member consideration to again allow this discount to be applied for their Council Tax liability in 2013/14.

 

RESOLVED: 

 

That in respect of Local Discounts as prescribed under Section 13A of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 for 2013/14, in relation to the Wirral Women’s & Children’s Aid, the Refuge be awarded a discount of 50% and the Flat’s Discount of 75%

219.

Fees and Charges pdf icon PDF 78 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Finance reporting that in accordance with best practice, fees and charges of the authority should be reviewed on a regular basis. Councillor P.Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report which indicated that whilst this had been undertaken by departments it would also be good practice for the Council to have a comprehensive list of fees and charges; the report sought to meet that objective.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the fees and charges as detailed within the report be approved.

220.

Recommendations from the Improvement Board

To follow

Minutes:

Councillor A.McLachlan reported on the key messages from the Improvement Board which had not met since January 2013.

 

The main topic of discussion was centred on the budget and the Board had received presentations from the Chief Executive and Chief Officers regarding the Council’s open, transparent approach to the budget going forward. The Board had a detailed debate and stressed the importance of engaging with members of staff and residents and the need for a robust approach to risk and monitoring with an important role for the Board. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the key Messages be noted.

 

221.

Neighbourhood Planning - Area and Forum Designations - Devonshire Park and Hoylake pdf icon PDF 83 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning, updating on two of Wirral’s Neighbourhood Planning Frontrunner communities: Devonshire Park Neighbourhood Forum and Hoylake Community Planning Forum; who had applied to the Council for formal designation of their constitutions and area boundaries as the Neighbourhood Planning Forum for their respective areas.

 

Councillor P.Hackett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy introduced the report which indicated that following six week public consultation periods from which no substantive representations had been made, Cabinet is asked to recommend to Council the designations of the two Neighbourhood Planning Forums as the qualifying bodies for their respective areas, enabling them to progress the preparation of their Neighbourhood Plans in accordance with the Government’s Neighbourhood Planning Regulations. Their status as the sole Neighbourhood Planning body for their respective areas is time-limited to five years from designation.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That Council be recommended to designate Devonshire Park Neighbourhood Planning Forum and Hoylake Community Planning Forum as the Neighbourhood Planning Forums for their respective areas for five years from the date of designation or until the respective designation is withdrawn, with boundaries as agreed in the recently completed public consultation.

 

 

222.

Supporting the Offshore Wind Sector in Wirral pdf icon PDF 112 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning, introduced by Councillor P.Hackett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy introduced the report which updated on the progress made to support the offshore wind sector in Wirral, highlighting two key projects linked to the Council’s Regional Growth Fund (RGF) programme which require the authorisation of Cabinet to progress.

 

Councillor P. Davies congratulated the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning and his officers for showing innovation and the progress made on the two key projects, which was a tribute to all the work undertaken. Councillor Davies further congratulated Mr Kevin Adderley on his appointment as Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  The Acting Director of Law, Asset Management and HR and the Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to enter into negotiations with Cammell Laird on arrangements for an appropriate transfer of the site either by long lease or sale for Alabama Way (Car Park and Slipway), Birkenhead and any transfer be dependent on planning permission being obtained;

 

(2)  Officers be authorised to progress the Supplier Park scheme for the Offshore Wind Sector as outlined within the report and a further report be brought back to Cabinet by the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment with the exact details of the scheme in relation to other sources of finance and quantification of the demand from the private sector and any draft terms offered by the Chrysalis Fund; and

 

(3)  The Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management and Assistant Chief Executive be authorised to enter into negotiation for the purchase of the Maritime Business Park, Campbeltown Road, Birkenhead using resources identified within the Capital Programme 2013/14 up to the maximum set and to enter into such arrangements as may be required by the Chrysalis Fund in respect of its purchase contribution and loan repayment including exploring the correct vehicle for acquisition.

223.

Wirral Partnership Homes - Constitutional Changes pdf icon PDF 89 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning informing Wirral Council, as the Council Member of Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH), of the proposed changes to WPH’s Constitution and sought support at the Annual General Meeting for those changes.

 

Councillor G.Davies, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety introduced the report which indicated that following a Governance Review at WPH and WPH Board’s approval of the recommendations arising from the review, approval would be sought at the AGM on 20 September 2013 to:

 

  • Reduce the size of WPH Board from its current number of 15 to 12
  • Reserve one-third of the seats on the Board (four) for Council nominees and the remaining two thirds (eight) to be allocated to independents and tenants. WPH is continuing to consult with its Company Members as to the best split of the eight seats between Independent and Tenant Board Directors.
  • Amend Board Directors’ terms of office from the current three terms of three-years to two terms of four-years.

 

The Council would also be asked to agree to the removal by the Company of those Company Members (independent and tenant) who are not engaged with WPH.

 

RESOLVED:  That

 

(1)  the recommendation to reduce WPH Board members to 12 members be approved;

 

(2)  the recommendation to reserve one-third of the seats (four) for Council nominees and for the remaining two thirds (eight) to be allocated to independents and tenants subject to the outcome of the consultation process outlined in this report be approved;

 

(3)  the recommendation to amend WPH Board Directors’ terms of office to two terms of four-years be approved;

 

(4)  the relevant skills and experience of its representatives when making its appointments onto the board of WPH  be considered by the Council and  it be noted on the subject of remuneration, WPH are offering payment to all Board Directors, including Councillors, however, it is up to individual Board Directors and specifically regarding Councillors it would also be subject to Wirral Council’s own policy, as to whether the payment is accepted;

 

(5)  subject to the outcome of Company Member consultation, it be agreed to support the removal by the Company of those Company Members who are not engaged with WPH, such individuals to be named in the Notice of the General Meeting;

 

(6)  these changes will also require changes in the drafting of the memorandum and articles of association of WPH, its constitution. Officers are therefore seeking permission to vote on those changes at WPH’s AGM in so far as they are associated with the proposals above.

224.

Children's Services Commissioning Proposals 2013-2014 pdf icon PDF 135 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Children’s Services recommending the award of contracts from 1st May 2013 for Early Intervention Services costing £2.4m for a 12 month period. Councillor T.Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning introduced the report which indicated that the providers who were being recommended for award of contract were listed in Appendix 1 to the report. In addition to the award of those contracts, Cabinet is requested to agree to extend the following contracts:

 

PA1.2 Domestic Abuse 5-13 year olds for 12 months.

PA1.3 Family support for Black and Minority Ethnic Families for 12 months.

 

In relation to Priority Area 4.1, Cabinet are requested to agree to the contract for Young Runaways/Children who are sexually exploited being extended for 3 months during which time the contract will be re-tendered.

 

RESOLVED: 

 

That the award of contracts to the providers as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be approved.

 

225.

Provision of Children and Adult Transport Services pdf icon PDF 290 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Children’s Services in relation to the provision of children and adult transport.

 

Councillor T Smith, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning introduced the report which indicated that Wirral Council transported children from home to school and vulnerable adults from home to day centres, placements and educational provision. In addition the Council arranged a contract on behalf of schools to transfer children to swimming baths. The transportation was provided through contracted services from external transport providers and an in-house fleet.  Current contracts were due to expire in July 2013 and required review and action.  The report sought approval to extend some existing contracts through an optional extension and to re-procure other contracts as required.

 

Councillor H Smith indicated that following further advice received from the Procurement Team the tender for a school transport to the swimming baths would be for 12 to 24 months and not 12 months as detailed within the report. 

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  the extension of the Children and Adult Transport contract for a period of 12 months be approved; and

 

(2)  a procurement exercise for additional transport provision for 12 – 24 months for the school swimming baths be approved.

 

(3)  a procurement exercise for a smaller Adult contract for 12 months with a 1 year optional extension be approved.

 

 

 

226.

Admission Arrangements pdf icon PDF 387 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Children’s Services inviting the Cabinet to determine the Authority’s admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and the co-ordinated schemes for 2014-2015, this was a statutory requirement.  The report also advised of an option arising from a review of the selective testing arrangements in Wirral and invited Cabinet to agree in principle to this change taking place. 

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  the proposed admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled schools and the Wirral co-ordinated schemes for 2014-2015 be approved; and

 

(2)  the principle of joining a test provider’s Consortium of schools for non-Catholic grammar selective testing be approved. 

227.

Leasowe Road Bridge Refurbishment - Additional Costs pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management informing of the pursuant to Contract Procedure Rule 16.1.2 that the contract awarded for the repair and refurbishment works at Leasowe Road Bridge had been varied for technical reasons, to ensure the successful delivery of the contract. 

 

Councillor A. Jones, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources introduced the report and indicated that the report had been shared with the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Transport Services who had a shared interest.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted.

228.

Tower Road Dock Bridges Refurbishment - Additional Costs pdf icon PDF 92 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management informing that pursuant to Contract Procedure Rule 16.1.2 that the contract awarded for repair and refurbishment works at Tower Road Dock Bridges had been varied for technical reasons, to ensure the successful delivery of the contract.

 

Cabinet was also asked to note that the Portfolio Holder for Streetscene and Transport Services has also agreed to a variation to increase the scope of the contract pursuant to Contract Procedure Rule 16.1.3.

 

Councillor A. Jones, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources introduced the report and indicated that the report had been shared with the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Transport Services who had a shared interest.

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted.

229.

Highway Services 2014 Onwards - Options Appraisal pdf icon PDF 345 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment which indicated that the Council needed to make arrangements for the delivery of highway services beyond the end of the current contract, from 1st April 2014, and as requested by Cabinet, the interim Director of Technical Services had carried out an options appraisal for consideration by Cabinet.

 

Councillor H. Smith, Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transportation introduced the report which indicated that the options appraisal had been prepared with the assistance of a consultant, Atkins, appointed for that purpose, and their report was provided in Appendix 1 to the report.  Part of the consultants’ report related to the commercial considerations of the options appraisal, and which were exempt from public disclosure in accordance with paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and have been redacted from the consultants’ report presented in Appendix 1.

 

Cabinet are asked to consider the findings of the options appraisal and recommendations made, and to reach a decision on the way forward.

 

The maintenance of highways is a statutory duty imposed on the Council as Highway Authority.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  the decision to appoint a consultant under Contract Procedure Rule 21.1.1(iii) be noted;

 

(2)  the report and its accompanying appendix be noted, the preferred option be approved, and the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment be requested to proceed with the development and procurement of a single strategic contract for highway services to be effective from 1st April 2014; complying with procurement legislation; and

 

(3)  the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment be requested to undertake a full assessment of the workforce issues described in the report and provide regular reports to Cabinet regarding the programme and progress in delivering the proposed procurement of a new contract for highway services. 

230.

Transition of Public Health Contracts 2013-14 pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Policy, Performance and Public Health providing information regarding the current schedule of Contracts and Service Level Agreements currently managed by the Department of Public Health of the Wirral Primary Care Trust; sought agreement on the proposed transfer of this schedule of Contracts and Service Level Agreements to the Council on 1st April 2013; sought agreement for the contracts and service level agreements to run until 31st March 2014 in the first instance; and described the implications for the Council of the level of the ring-fenced Public Health Grant announced on 10th January 2013.

 

Councillor C.Jones, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health introduced the report which indicated that under the Health and Social Care Act, local authorities had been given new statutory duties across three ‘domains’ of public health, described in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. In brief, these duties cover the following elements:

 

• Health improvement – including reducing lifestyle related ill-health and

inequalities in health, and addressing the underlying determinants of health

 

• Health protection – including ensuring that comprehensive plans are in place

across the local authority, NHS and other agencies to respond to infectious

disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies

 

• Health service improvement – by providing NHS Commissioners, including

Clinical Commissioning Groups, with expert advice and support to improve and evaluate the quality and efficiency of health services.

 

The appendix attached to the report described the current schedule of contracts, formal NHS service level agreements and contract letters (58 separate forms in total) which were managed by the Department of Public Health. The Appendix indicated the nature of the contract, the name of the supplier/provider and it described in very broad terms the key element of the service, as described by the Public Health Outcomes Framework.

 

The schedule of contracts as described in Appendix 1 to the report formed the basis of the Transfer Order which would be signed by the Secretary of State for Health in March 2013. This transfer order would transfer these Contracts and Agreements along with the responsibility for the delivery of the Public Health Outcomes Framework from the Primary Care Trust to the Council. Wirral Borough Council was the contracting party on some of the contracts listed (numbers 11, 12, and 15 in the Appendix) and these would effectively cease when the transfer occurred though the funding for the service for the relevant period would remain in place.

 

The report sought agreement for the existing contracts and service level agreements to transfer from the Primary Care Trust to the Council, in their current form, for 12 months to the 31st of March 2014 in the first instance. During 2013-14, as the normal process of contract review is undertaken, the Council will be in a position to set future commissioning and procurement policy and approve future expenditure options in order to achieve the outcomes and duties described in the Public Health Outcomes Framework.

 

Councillor P.Davies welcomed the move of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 230.

231.

Healthwatch Wirral Service pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Social Services, indicating that the development of Wirral Healthwatch was a statutory requirement. Councillor C.Jones, Cabinet Member Adult Social Care and Public Health introduced the report which indicated that a decision on the future organisational model was now required to enable a Wirral Healthwatch to be put in place for April 2013. The report sought support of the development of the most appropriate model for a successful Wirral Healthwatch organisation.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That it be agreed to build upon on the legacy built by Voluntary Community Action Wirral in partnership with LINk and using this experience to develop Wirral Healthwatch as a subsidiary company, which is the most suitable model for Wirral.

 

232.

Business Rates Discretionary Rate Relief pdf icon PDF 79 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Finance indicating that as part of the Officer Budget Options a change in awarding discretionary rate relief for non domestic charge payers was proposed and accepted at Budget Cabinet (minute 198, 21 February 2013). The report indicated that this reduced the budget for this relief by £320,000 from 2014/15. To do this all current recipients must be given twelve months notice for any change to start in the next financial year. This would be done by giving an end date for all current awards of 31 March 2014. During the next financial year new criteria would be developed for member consideration and approval and new applications would be invited from relevant organisations.

 

Councillor P.Davies, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and indicated that it sought approval for this to be implemented by 31 March 2013 to realise the required savings and allow the new criteria to be used from 1 April 2014 for the current recipients.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  all current awards of Discretionary Rate Relief are given an end date of 31 March 2014 and notice be given by all organisations by 31 March 2013, as well as highlighting that new criteria are to be developed for the award of discretionary rate relief from 2014/15; and

 

(2)   Members be presented new criteria for consideration to allow development of an amended discretionary rate relief policy to include comparison with other neighbouring authority schemes.

 

233.

Personal Budgets Audit: Review of Resource Allocation System pdf icon PDF 119 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Social Services which indicated that a robust Resource Allocation System (RAS) was critical to ensuring that Personal Budgets and self directed support was delivered within the current funding envelope and that funds were allocated in a fair and transparent way, which enabled people to meet their eligible needs. A report was presented to Cabinet on 4 November 2010 seeking a Cabinet decision on the Resource Allocation System (RAS) to support the roll-out of Personal Budgets which was agreed by Cabinet at its meeting of 14 October 2010.

 

Councillor C.Jones, Cabinet Member Adult Social Care and Public Health introduced the report which indicated that in relation to the progress of the review undertaken in relation to the RAS as identified in the Personal Budgets Audit. It recommended that alternative models were explored.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Director of Adult Social Services be requested to explore alternative models of RAS and report back on a recommended model for agreement in August 2013 ready for implementation from September 2013.

234.

Exempt Information - Exclusion of the Press and Public

The following items contain exempt information.

 

RECOMMENDATION: That, in accordance with 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. The Public Interest test has been applied and favours exclusion.

Minutes:

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 by paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.  The Public Interest test has been applied and favours exclusion.

 

235.

Birkenhead Market Request for Abatement of Rent

Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3, as the report contains commercially sensitive information

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, introduced by Councillor A. Jones, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources detailing a request received by the Council to agree to abatement in the rental payments due to it from the lease of Birkenhead Market.

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)  the request submitted on behalf of Birkenhead Market Limited for abatement of rent payments for a 12 month period commencing on 1 October 2012 be agreed on the basis set out in the report; and

 

(2)  the Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to complete the necessary legal agreements.

236.

Request for Financial Assistance (1)

Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3 as it contains commercially sensitive information.

Minutes:

An exempt report by the Acting Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning, introduced by Councillor P.Hackett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy sought approval to provide a grant to the company named within the report to assist towards its business expansion project.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the company named within the report be approved grant funding from Wirral Council’s business investment grant to enable it to proceed with its business expansion project.

 

237.

Request for Financial Assistance (2)

Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3 as it contains commercially sensitive information.

Minutes:

An exempt report by the Acting Director of Regeneration, Housing and Planning, introduced by Councillor P.Hackett, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy sought approval to provide a grant to the company named within the report to assist towards its business expansion project.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the company named within the report be approved grant funding from Wirral Council’s business investment grant to enable it to proceed with its business expansion project.

 

 

238.

Exempt Appendices

·  Appendix to Agenda Item 13

Children's Services Commissioning Proposals 2013-2014

 

Exempt by virtue of paragraph 3 as disclosure would prejudice the efficiency of the use of council resources.

Minutes:

The Cabinet noted the detail of the exempt Appendices to Agenda Item 13 - Children's Services Commissioning Proposals 2013-2014 (Minute No. 224 refers)