Agenda and minutes

To approve the record of the Cabinet meeting held on 11^th July 2005.

                                                                                                            (attached)

Subject to the deletion of the word “substantially” from consideration number (4) under minute CO40, the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th July 2005 were confirmed as a correct record.

Councillor Auger declared an interest in the item concerning the extension of the Northfields Industrial Estate, Market Deeping by virtue of him being a Trustee of the Deepings United Charities.  He left the room during consideration and determination of this issue.

Report number WCS7 by the Head of Waste and Contract Services.

                                                                                                            (attached)

DECISION:

(1)   That arrangements be made for an extensive period of consultation in order to identify the method of waste collection preferred by the residents of the district. The exercise to include direct consultation with the Parish Councils, the Local Area Assemblies and via SKToday;

(2)   That the Cabinet and members of the Waste Management Working Group undertake a fact-finding visit to Newark & Sherwood District Council to learn from their experiences;

(3)   If approval is given to a new twin-bin system, an assessment is to be carried out before full implementation of a new scheme.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)     Report number WCS7 by the Head of Waste and Contract Services advising on a proposed consultation exercise with the residents of the district to ascertain their preferences regarding a twin-bin system for refuse and recyclables;

(2)     The recommendation by the Healthy Environment DSP that the council changes to a twin-bin system of collection.  Oral representations made at the meeting by the Chairman of the Waste Management Working Group on why he felt a consultation period was unnecessary.  The Working Group advocated the Council pressing ahead with the new system as it was not a pioneer in this area and the public had clearly demonstrated its support for recycling through the priorities exercise;

(3)     Given the cost implications of changing the system and the fact that it will affect every householder in the district, an in depth consultation exercise will enable a strong gauge of public opinion and feedback.  Involvement of the public in the decision making process will help understanding of the reasons behind the changes and enable residents to adapt the new methods.  Having considered the Chairman of the Working Group’s comments, the Cabinet felt that a consultation exercise was still important as it gave the public an opportunity to voice their opinions.  Consultation would also help the authority to see where the problem areas were e.g. those properties where it would not be practical to have two wheeled bins;

(4)     Visiting another authority will enable this council to understand their methods of working, experience and how they have overcome problems and issues;

(5)     An assessment of any new scheme first will allow problems to be highlighted and rectified before the scheme is rolled out to all residents;

(6)     To await a report to Cabinet late December/early January following the feedback from the consultation exercise.

Report number PLA518 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration.                                                                       (attached)

DECISION:

(1)        To approve the issues and options outlined in report PLA518 for inclusion within the Local Development Framework:  Issues and options consultation document, subject to the following amendments:

(a)      page 11, para. 7 – amend wording throughout document so as not to refer to any one particular occupier of the Gonerby Moor site;

(b)      page 15, para. 1 – amend figure for population of The Deepings to 13,000

(c)      page 23 of Appendix A, para 1 – amend to refer to the three settlements of The Deepings;

(d)      Appendix B, draft Strategic Environmental Assessment – include parks and recreation areas owned by charitable bodies

(2)        To approve the overall wording of the document as set out in Appendix A to report PLA518, subject to minor corrections (including (c) above) and changes in the wording as may be required.  Final approval of the format and wording of the document(s) for publication be delegated to the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration in consultation with the Economic Portfolio Holder;

(3)        That arrangements are put in place to begin public consultation, in accordance with the Regulations, on the Issues and Options paper as soon as all published material is ready;

(4)        To note progress made with the Strategic Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal (SEA/SA) of the LDF and to endorse the publication of the findings of the Scoping Report for consultation alongside the Issues and Options paper.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)         Report number PLA518 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration outlining proposals for the publication of an Issues and Options Consultation Paper as the first stage in the preparation of the two key planning policy documents which will form part of the Local Development Framework – the “Core Principles of Development and Location Strategy” and the “Housing and Economic Development DPD” which are to be produced in tandem.  These two main planning policy documents will supersede the adopted South Kesteven Local Plan;

(2)         The preparation of the new LDF must be set within the context of national, regional and strategic planning guidance.  The LDF must also reflect the objectives and aspirations of the Council’s own corporate policies and those of the Local Strategic Partnership (and its Community Strategy) and the two Sub-Regional Strategic Partnerships.  Having established the context for the LDF, consideration needs to be given to the Issues and Options.  As the LDF is a “spatial plan”, issues have been identified on both a topic by topic basis and on a settlement basis for the four towns;

(3)         The Council is required by statutory regulation that the preparation of the LDF includes an assessment of the sustainability of the policies and proposals included within it.  A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is also required by European Directive but the regulations allow for both assessments to be undertaken together.  The appraisal work is iterative and therefore ongoing throughout the plan making process.  However, reports must be made and published for comment at each of the formal consultation stages.  The first stage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

Report number PLA520 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration.                                                                (attached)

DECISION:

(1)     To endorse the Planning Delivery Grant Implementation Strategy for 2005/2006 as outlined in report number PLA520;

(2)     The Development Control Manager to look into the Council setting a standard for the submission of plans which would enable them to be scanned electronically and liaise with the Access & Engagement Portfolio Holder on progress with this issue.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)         Report number PLA520 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration setting out those planning services and planning related projects to be supported by the award of the Planning Delivery Grant of £569,559, subsequently supplemented by a further £54,545 from the submission of the Local Development Scheme;

(2)         The projects had been identified against the background of a number of service improvement related themes and contribute positively to the fulfilment of category A priorities (town centres) and B priorities (affordable housing, planning and conservation and business development);

(3)         Certain methods of producing plans to accompany planning applications do not produce clear scanned images needed to enable public access via the internet.

Report number FIN239 by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources.

                                                                                                                (attached)

DECISION:

(1)    To adopt the adaptation of the financial strategy as outlined in report FIN239;

(2)    That the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources prepare a response to the ODPM consultation document on Formula Grant Distribution for 2006/2007;

(3)    To adopt the approach to budget development for 2006/07 and value for money framework outlined in report FIN239;

(4)    That arrangements be put in place to implement an effective budget consultation strategy for 2006/07 to include reference in SK Today, and via the Local Area Assemblies, the Viewpoint Panel and the Council’s website;

(5)    To review the purpose and amounts of reserves;

(6)    That a detailed options appraisal on the impact of stock option transfer on the General Fund be developed;

(7)    That the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources develop options for Council Tax setting for future years.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)            Report number FIN239 by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources detailing the updated medium term financial strategy for 2006/07 to 2010/11, examining the main influences on the budget preparation for 2006/07 and proposals to implement any changes necessary during 2005/06;

(2)            Oral update given at the meeting on briefing received that day from the LGA in which a funding gap for local authorities of £1.5billion had been identified;

(3)            Main indicators towards assessing likely future levels of government grant and the Director’s recommendation that an annual figure of 1% increase on a like for like basis would be a prudent basis for financial planning;

(4)            Previous feedback from public consultation has indicated that reasonable increases in Council Tax are acceptable providing service improvements are visible.  Use of a budget survey with options given can target the spend, save and efficiency issues outlined in the Director’s report;

(5)            The impact on the General Fund of the outcome of a stock transfer ballot;

(6)            Estimated budget requirements to deliver the resources for stepped improvements in the priority areas; initial assessment of the impact of growth areas, efficiency savings and known liabilities for the early part of 2005/06;

(7)            Noting advice from the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources that, at this stage in the development of the 2006/07 budget and for future years, a starting budget requirement of £13,593,000 be set.  If this cannot be achieved or other factors become relevant, this will need to be reviewed and the impact on Council Tax assessed.

Report number FIN242 by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources.

                                                                                                            (attached)

DECISION:

(1)    To approve the IDeA health check summary action plan on the Council’s approach to procurement;

(2)    To use the the IDeA to develop the Fitness Plan arising from the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources’ report number FIN242.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)            Report number FIN242 by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources and appended IDeA health check on the Council’s attitude and approach to procurement;

(2)            The Fitness Plan will address the issues raised in the health check and help the Council to achieve best practice standard;

(3)            Noting the identified priorities for action for the Council, and the need to address as a priority the recruitment of a dedicated procurement officer.

Report number DLS40 by the Corporate Manager, Democratic & Legal Services.                                                                        (attached)

DECISION: That a Money Laundering policy based upon the recommended best practice as set out below be approved and implemented as soon as possible:

            (1)       The District Council will not accept any cash payments in excess of £10,000.

            (2) The District Council will only accept such cash payments on proof of identification of the person presenting the cash of a current drivers licence and/or a chequebook or cash/credit card and bank details.

            (3) The policy to be advertised by way of public notices within the Council’s Cash Offices.

(4)       That a responsible Officer be appointed as the Proceeds of Crime Reporting Officer to whom any suspicions should be reported and who will be fully conversant with the reporting procedures to the national Crime Intelligence Service.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)       Report number DLS40 jointly prepared by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources and the Corporate Manager, Democratic & Legal Services outlining the main implications and requirements for Local Authorities resulting from the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2003;

(2)       Advice obtained from a leading professional advisor to Central and Local Government to the effect that responsible Local Authorities should respond to their duties under the Proceeds of Crime Act and consider developing a policy based on recommended best practice for Local Authorities.

NON KEY DECISION:

(1)  Councillor Terl Bryant: Portfolio – Resources and Assets

Decision:            To approve the awarding of a financial contribution of £20,000 in respect of the Christ Church Access and Learning Centre Stamford.

[Decision made 08.08.05]

(2)  Councillor John Smith: Portfolio - Economic

Decision:            That approval be given to the following names in order to provide new postal addresses for part of the Elsea Park Development off South Road, Bourne: -

GREENACRES DRIVE

RUSSELL WAY

THE GABLES

THE RIDINGS

for Zone 4, Area 1 and part of Zone 2

[Decision made 01.08.05]

(3)  Councillor Paul Carpenter: Portfolio – Access & Engagement

Decision:            That approval be granted for the Council to sign the new Mapping Services Agreement with the Local Government Information House(LGIH).

[Decision made on 25.07.05]

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

In accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, it was resolved that the public be excluded because of the likelihood in view of the nature of business to be transacted that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 of Schedule 12A of the Act.  With the press and public excluded, the following item was considered.

Report number PLA519 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration.                                                                    (attached)

DECISION:  The Cabinet is minded to support the delivery of the Lincolnshire County Council’s proposal to extend the existing Northfields Industrial Estate in Market Deeping for employment development and to grant delegated authority to the Leader, in consultation with the Economic Portfolio Holder, to identify the preferred option for supporting the delivery of the project following detailed financial appraisal of the options by the Director of Finance and Strategic Resources.

Considerations/Reasons for Decision:

(1)          Exempt report number PLA519 by the Head of Planning Policy & Economic Regeneration outlining the background to the Lincolnshire County Council’s proposal to acquire land adjacent the existing Northfields Industrial Estate in Market Deeping;

(2)          The District Council has been requested to consider supporting delivery of this project;

(3)          In terms of business development (a category B priority for this council) the proposal would help to secure important skilled work in the Deepings, offer the prospect of additional employment growth, reduce the commuting out of the settlement for work purposes, and create a more sustainable community;

(4)          Oral update at the meeting provided by the Director of Community Services on the outcome of a recent meeting between the County and District Councils and the key prospective purchaser for the extended area when serviced and that company’s current negotiating position;

(5)          Option analysis on methods of support: a number of options exist as to the means by which the District Council could support this project.  These options are subject to a formal financial evaluation;

(6)          Noting that there is no provision for this project within the medium term financial strategy, a recommendation to full Council will be required.

Alternative option considered and rejected:  The option to decline to support this project would mean the loss of opportunity to further business and employment development in the south east of the district.

DATE DECISIONS EFFECTIVE:

Key Decisions at minute numbers CO48, CO49, CO51, and CO52 and other Non key Decisions made on 8^th August 2005 can be implemented on 17^th August unless subject to call-in by the relevant Development and Scrutiny Panel.