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THE CABINET met at SHIRE HALL, WARWICK on the 17th July 2003
Present
Cabinet Members:
Councillor Ian Bottrill (Chair) (Policy and Governance)
" Martin Brassington (Supporting Communities)
" Ken Browne (Transport, Environment and Rural Affairs)
" Richard Grant (Schools)
" John Haynes (Public Information and Safety)
" Mick Jones (Young People, Lifelong Learning and Families)
" Tim Naylor (Resources Management)
" June Tandy (Regeneration and Planning)
" Sid Tooth (Adult Services)
Non-Voting Invitees:
Councillor Gordon Collett (Leader of the Conservative Group)
" Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group)
Other Members:
Councillors: Sarah Boad, David Booth, John Burton, Richard Chattaway, Tom Cavanagh, Jose Compton, Chris Davis, Jill Dill-Russell, Alan Farnell, Peter Fowler, Susan Juned, Martin Heatley, Richard Hobbs, Chris Holman, Helen McCarthy, Raj Randev, Chris Saint, Izzi Seccombe, Bob Stevens, Dot Webster and John Wells
Chairs Announcement – James Sandy, Assistant to Labour Group
The Chair congratulated James Sandy on his appointment to a post as Political Assistant at Swindon Council and thanked him, on behalf of Members, for his contribution and support during his time with Warwickshire.
1. General
(1) Apologies
An apology for absence was received from Councillor Bransby Thomas (Cabinet portfolio holder for Government and Performance).
(2) Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 June 2003 and Matters Arising
Resolved:
That the minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 26 June 2003 be agreed as a correct record subject to the following amendment to Minute 3:
Delete paragraph 2 starting ‘Members were in agreement…’ and delete sub-paragraphs (5) and (6). Delete resolution (2) and insert:
(2) That the planned admission numbers proposed by the governing bodies of Lawrence Sheriff School, and King Edward VI School are sufficiently serious to warrant reference to the adjudicator.
(3) That the proposal by the governing body of King Edward VI School to admit girls to the Sixth form be referred to the adjudicator.
(3) Members declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests
(i) The following Councillors declared personal interests in item 7 (Measuring the Capacity of Primary Schools) as governors of the schools indicated:
Councillor Sarah Boad – Lillington Primary School
Councillor Ken Browne – Emscote Infant School, Warwick
Councillor Alan Farnell – Weddington Primary School
Councillor Richard Hobbs – Snitterfield Primary School and Haselor School
Councillor Sid Tooth – Camp Hill Primary School
Councillor Izze Seccombe – Kineton High School
(ii) The following councillors declared personal interests in item 8 (Measuring the Capacity of Secondary Schools) as governors of the schools indicated:
Councillor Tom Cavanagh – Bilton High School, Rugby
Councillor Jerry Roodhouse – Eastland School and Harris School
(iii) Councillor John Haynes declared a personal interest as member of the Nicholas Chamberlaine Trust
(iv) Councillor Richard Grant declared a personal interest in item 9 - South Warwickshire: Strategic Review of 14 – 19 Provision, as a member of the Learning and Skills Council
(v) Councillor Sid Tooth declared a personal interest in item 24 as a member of "Camp Hill"
(vi) Councillor Susan Juned declared a personal interest in item 25 - the Sustainable Energy Bill item as a Director of a charity - the Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre.
(vii) Councillor Bob Stevens declared a personal interest in item 35 as a governor of Southam College
(viii) Councillor Ian Bottrill declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 37 as a resident in property at Exhall School and left the meeting during discussion of this item.
(ix) Councillor Richard Grant declared a personal interest in item 34 as a member of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council
(4) Requests for Discussion of En Block Items,
It was agreed that items 22, 23 and 25 would be discussed before decisions were taken.
2. Audit Commission and Social Services Inspectorate Joint Review of Social Services – Report and Draft Action Plan
Rachel Ayling, Assistant Review Director, outlined the main findings of the review team and the priorities they had identified for action.
The review had shown that there were examples of improved practice and innovation but it had concluded that there were a number of areas that required improvement. These findings and a summary of the recommendations are in the published report of the joint review and is summarised in a leaflet.
It was noted that the review had taken place between November 2002 and January 2003, a time of transition for the Social Services Department, and that the findings should be seen in this context.
The Director of Social Care and Health thanked the review team for their work and for the input of staff. The Director welcomed the identification of the strengths, including the recent improvement in childrens services, but was disappointed that the review had not concluded that services had promising prospects for improvement. Rachel Ayling assured the meeting that this did not mean that the review team considered improvement was not possible.
The Director drew attention to the draft action plan that would be confirmed with the review team within 6 weeks of the meeting.
Following questions and discussions the Cabinet agreed as follows:
Resolved:
(1) That the joint review report be noted and the team thanked for the report.
(2) That the draft joint review action plan be approved by Cabinet.
(3) That the Cabinet receive quarterly reports on progress against the action plan.
The Chair, on behalf of the Cabinet and Council, thanked the joint review team for their work.
Councillor Bob Stevens, Chair of the Social Care and Welfare Overview & Scrutiny Committee, indicated that he wished there to be a select committee style consideration of the action plan. It was agreed that a meeting would be arranged.
3. Warwickshire County Councils Strategy for Carers 2003
Cabinet considered the report of the Chair of the Social Care and Welfare Overview & Scrutiny Committee following a meeting of that Committee on 24 June. The report outlined the Social Services Department's strategy and action plan for improving and developing services for carers.
Resolved:
(1) That Cabinet noted the observations of the Social Care and Welfare Overview & Scrutiny Committee
(2) That Cabinet approve the Warwickshire County Council's strategy for carers 2003.
4. Composite Performance Report
The Cabinet agreed that this report would be discussed further by the Chief Executive and the Deputy Leader and then re-presented with their views.
5. School Organisation Plan
The County Education Officer presented proposals for the publication of the draft School Organisation Plan.
Resolved:
That the County Education Officer prepare and publish the draft School Organisation Plan 2003/08 on the basis described in his report.
6. LEA Strategic Plan 2002/03 – 2006/07 – First Annual Report
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Education Officer and draft Annual Report 2002 – 2003/4. This report accounted for progress against priorities activities and actions in the LEA Strategic Plan. It featured analysis of performance indicator trends and detailed status reports on the activities approved by Cabinet and Council in March 2003.
The County Education Officer assured the Cabinet that future plans would include information on the interface with other corporate strategies and that by April 2004 the LEA would also be able to combine a number of its plans into a single plan.
Resolved:
That first Annual Report on the LEA strategic plan 2002/03 – 2006/07 be submitted to the Secretary of State on 18 July in accordance with the agreement made with central government.
7. Measuring the Capacity of Primary Schools
The report of the Chair of the Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee was considered. The Cabinet on 26 June had referred this item to the Committee.
The report gave details of the impact of the new department for Education and Skills guidance on calculating the capacity of primary schools across the county.
Resolved:
(1) That the Cabinet note the changes in the regulations concerning the measurement of primary school capacities.
(2) The Cabinet determine the planned admissions numbers for the community and voluntary controlled schools set out in Appendix A of the report of the County Education Officer, which had already been
agreed with the school governing bodies, and authorised the County Education Officer to determine the planned admissions numbers for the one school which remained to be confirmed by its governing body.
(3) That Cabinet agree the planned admissions numbers proposed by the foundation and voluntary aided schools set out in Appendix B of the report and authorises the County Education Officer to agree the planned admission numbers for the one school which remained to be confirmed by their governing body.
(4) That a further report be brought to Cabinet if in any case the County Education Officer and the governing body are not able to reach agreement about a planned admission number.
8. Measuring the Capacity of Secondary Schools
The report of the Chair of the Learning, Overview and Scrutiny Committee was considered.
The Learning, Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered a report referred to it by Cabinet on 26 June. This report gave details of the impact of the new Department for Education and Skills guidance on calculating the capacity of secondary schools across the County.
It was noted that the report did not make it clear that Cabinet had already agreed that the issues regarding Lawrence Sheriff and King Edward VI Boys Grammar Schools should be referred to the adjudicator. (The minutes of the meeting of Cabinet had also been amended to reflect the fact that Cabinet had made a decision on these issues).
Resolved:
(1) That the changes in the regulations concerning the measurement of secondary schools capacities be noted.
(2) That Cabinet determine the planned admission numbers for the community schools set out in Appendix A of the report, which had already been agreed with the schools governing bodies, and authorise the County Education Officer to determine the planned admissions numbers for the two schools which remained to be confirmed by their governing bodies.
(3) That Cabinet agree the planned admissions numbers proposed by the foundation and voluntary aided schools set out in Appendix B of the report, and authorise the County Education Officer to agree the planned admissions number for the one school which remained to be confirmed by its governing body.
(4) That a further report be brought to Cabinet if in any case the County Education Officer and the governing body are not able to reach agreement about a planned admission number.
9. South Warwickshire: Strategic Review of 14 – 19 Provision
The report of the Chair of the Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee was considered by Cabinet. The report was in response to the Learning and Skills Council and Local Education Authorities Joint Review of 14 – 19 Provision in South Warwickshire. The Cabinet on 26 June had agreed that the report should be considered by this Committee and the Committee considered this on 3 July.
Resolved:
(1) That Cabinet note the report of the review of 14 – 19 Provision carried jointly by the LSC and LEA and request that an action plan be prepared taking account of the recommendations of the review and of the report on measuring secondary schools capacity in South Warwickshire.
(2) That the action plan be reported to the LSC, Area Committee and the Cabinet.
(3) That the County Education Officer discuss with the Chief Executive of the Learning and Skills Council how the LEA and the Local Learning and Skills Council might work together to develop a strategic overview and the County Education Officer report to Committee on proposals for how this will be achieved.
It was agreed that the LLSC be invited to attend a Cabinet briefing meeting to share their views.
10. Addition to the Education Capital Programme – Camp Hill Primary School, Nuneaton
The Cabinet in February 2003 had agreed the closure of Camp Hill Nursery School and the resiting of the nursery at Camp Hill Primary School as part of an early years learning centre at the Hollies. The Cabinet was now asked to consider a proposal to add the refurbishment of the Hollies building at Camp Hill Primary School to the capital programme for 2003/04.
Resolved:
That the County Council be asked to add work to refurbish the Early Years’ Learning Centre at the Hollies at Camp Hill Primary School to the 2003/04 capital programme at a cost of £270,000.
11. Provisional Capital Outturn 2002/03
A report from the County Treasurer identified the provisional 2002 – 2003 capital spending and how it would be financed. The report showed how spending had changed since the last report to Cabinet on 11 February.
Resolved:
That Cabinet agrees the provisional outturn capital expenditure and its
financing for 2002/03.
12. 2002/03 Final Revenue Outturn
The final revenue spending of the Council in 2002/03 was £390,600,000, representing a £2,707,000 underspend compared to the latest approved budget of £393,307,000. The report of the County Treasurer provided a summary of the overall position, with the details of individual service spending in the attached appendices.
Resolved:
That Cabinet
(1) Note the 2002/2003 final revenue spending and the reserves
position at the year end.
(2) Note the transfer of £23,000 to general reserves from the continued operation of the carry forward rules.
(3) Approve the use of £1,531,000 service savings to support the
2003/2004 Revenue Budget as outlined in the report.
(4) Agree with the request to use £78,000 of general reserves towards the Priory Bungalow.
(5) Agree with the request to use £164,000 of general reserves to pay for the Airport Project.
(6) Approve the exemption from the carry forward rules for the Fire & Rescue Service underspend relating to £67,000 of charges for the use of equipment.
(7) Defer consideration of a request that Social Services repay their £1,975,000 overspend back to reserves over the next three years rather than repaying it fully in 2003/04, pending a report from Leaders Liaison Group.
13. Education Revised Revenue Estimates 2003/04
Cabinet approved the departments’ detailed budgets on 13 March and since then the County Education Officer had amended schools’ budgets to account for demographic changes and amended LEA budgets because the 2002/03 outturn position had increased pressure on out- of-county placements.
Resolved:
That the Cabinet approve the revised estimates outlined in the report.
14. 2004/2005 – Available Resources
A report of the County Treasurer provided members with the first indication of revenue resources available for 2004/05. The Cabinet was assured that a full actuarial review of pensions would take place when needed but that there were no perceived need for a review at present.
It was also noted that the government consultation on prudential indicators was due at the end of July.
Resolved:
(1) That the forecast 2004/05 formula spending share of £440.272m and the resultant increase in government support of £21.359m be noted.
(2) That the projected resource implications of setting a 2004/05 council tax at various levels, as outlined in paragraph 4.3 of the report, be noted.
(3) That the implications of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2002 on the likely level of resources in the medium term, as outlined in Section 9 of the report be noted.
15. Corporate Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan - July 2003
The report of the Director of Property Services was considered and the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan which was to be submitted to the Government Office by 31 July.
Resolved:
(1) That the Capital Strategy and Asset Management Plan which
accompanied the report be approved.
(2) That the core data and national performance indicators be submitted to the Government Office.
(3) That, in the event of any last minute amendments being necessary, they be made by the Director of Property Services in consultation with the Cabinet portfolio holder for Resources Management.
16. Highway Implications of the Redevelopment Rugby Railway Station
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy had been considered by Rugby Area Committee on 9 July. The Area Committee had supported the proposals and recommended that Cabinet request member representation on the Rugby Borough Council's working party.
Resolved:
(1) That Cabinet approve the carrying out of further investigation into the feasibility and funding issues concerning the schemes referred to below:
1. Newbold Road
(a) the provision of an additional footpath/cycleway on the west side or
(b) the widening of the main span to provide combined footways/cycleways and three traffic lanes
2. Black Path Footbridge
The provision of a replacement bridge 3 metres wide to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and for the combined use of pedestrians and cyclists.
3. Mill Road
(a) the provision of general environmental improvement, and
(b) the conversion of the subway access to the current rail station into a combined footway and cycleway
(2) That a request be made to Rugby Borough Council that the County Council have representation on its working party.
17. Proposals for the Expenditure of the £100,000 Allocated to Sustainability
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy regarding the allocation of funding for sustainability.
Resolved:
That Cabinet endorses the patterns of expenditure outlined in the report.
18. Implementation of the Procurement Savings Target
At Council in February 2003 a procurement savings target for 2003/2004 of £955,000 was agreed. The report to Cabinet from the County Treasurer outlined proposals for how this target may be achieved and sought approval to the budget virements to deliver the savings identified to date.
Resolved:
(1) That permanent budget adjustments of £750,000 in 2003/2004 to reflect the procurements savings identified to date, shared across departments as detailed in table 1 of the report, be approved.
(2) That the process outlined in section 7.2 of the report and detailed in figure 1 as a method of identifying the remaining £205,000 of corporate procurement savings required in 2003/2004, be approved.
19. Delegation of Authority to Permit Ramps etc in the Highway
The joint report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy and County Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive, outlined the need for the County Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive to be able to approve schemes for access (such as ramps).
Resolved:
That Cabinet delegate authority to the County Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive upon the recommendation of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy to exercise the functions of the County Council under Part VIIA of the Highways Act 1980 in respect of any measures for improving access for people with impaired mobility.
20. People’s Network Sustainability
The report of the Director of Contracts and Management Services (CAMS) sought approval to the virement of resources between CAMS and Libraries Heritage & Trading Standards to fund the ongoing support of the People’s Network.
Resolved:
That Cabinet approve the virement of £220,000 on a permanent basis from CAMS to Libraries Heritage and Trading Standards to fund the sustainability of the People’s Network.
21. Planning a Regulatory Services National Online Project
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy was considered.
Resolved:
That the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy be
authorised to sign up to the Consortium Agreement of the Planning and Regulatory Services On- Line National Project.
22. M6 Motorway – Highways Agency Study
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy was considered. This presented the views on potential future strategies for the M6 motorway between junction 4 and the M1. It was noted that the County Council’s area committees would be considering the implications for their areas. The Cabinet also considered that all Members should have an opportunity to obtain an overview of transport developments, including railway and the impact of the proposed airport and that a seminar should be arranged for this.
Resolved:
(1) That the Highway Agency be informed of:
(a) The Council's concern about future traffic conditions on the M6 between junction 4 and the M1, particularly the potential implications for the local transport network.
(b) The Council's wish to be actively involved in studies that the Agency undertakes to investigate this issue.
(2) That the views of the North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth and Rugby Area Committees be sought on the Highways Agency’s forecast of future conditions on the M6 between junction 4 and the M1.
(3) That there be a fuller report to Cabinet in due course and a seminar to look at the transport network across the County and that the Highway Agency and Strategic Rail Authority be invited to send representatives to this seminar.
23. Bus Information Strategy
The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy outlined the results of the consultation on the bus information strategy and revisions to the strategy in response to the consultation.
Resolved:
That the Cabinet approves the bus information strategy.
24. Inclusion of Access Road, Midland Quarry Camp Hill, Nuneaton in the Regeneration Capital Programme
The Cabinet considered the joint report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy and County Treasurer. This report had been prepared in response to a request from Advantage West Midlands that the County Council take on detailed design and delivery of the new access road to serve the existing Camp Hill Industrial Estate.
Resolved:
That, subject to the approval of planning conditions by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and the full funding for the project from external funding, INF3 Phase 1 be added to the regeneration capital programme.
25. The Sustainable Energy Bill
The report of the Director of Property Services and Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy set out the arguments for supporting a sustainable energy bill.
Resolved:
That Warwickshire County Council
(1) Supports sustainable energy for the people of Warwickshire and accordingly supports the sustainable energy bill
(2) Asks MPs to write to the relevant government ministers (Brian Wilson MP, Patricia Hewitt MP and Margaret Beckett MP) in support of the Bill and of the retention of targets in the Bill providing that regional energy consumption data is made available to local authorities and that county councils have the planning powers necessary to meet those targets.
(3) Write to the relevant government ministers (as in (2) above) urging them to back the Bill with the targets retained in it providing that regional energy consumption data is made available to local authorities and that county councils have the planning powers necessary to meet those targets.
(4) Informs the Association for the Conservation of Energy of this support.
26 Tree Stock Liabilities on County Council Land
This joint report of the Director of Property Services, the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy and the County Education Officer, set out the Council's responsibility for the condition of trees on its property and options to maintain their safety.
Resolved:
(1) That the Director of Property Services coordinates the County Tree Policy as part of management of the wider property portfolio and develops a policy, to be reviewed as necessary, Members being involved in the policy proposals as necessary and being kept informed when the policy is implemented and of subsequent changes thereto.
(2) That members note the serious nature of the responsibility that falls on the Council in relation to the safety of trees.
(3) That members note that, in order to enable the Council to discharge the above responsibility, a budget will be prepared in accordance with the 2004/05 revenue budget timetable.
27. Best Value Review of Transport – Operation of School Bus Fleet (item 30)
This report was listed as item 30 on the agenda and as an item of exempt business. The Cabinet agreed that this item could be discussed in public.
The Cabinet considered this report, which advised members of development in respect of one of the key improvement activities following this best value review. This concerned the acquisition, management and operation of a bus fleet to undertake home to school transport.
Resolved:
That Cabinet endorses the in-house management and operation of a school bus fleet by the County Council in order to provide home to school transport through the most effective means available.
28. Any Other Items
There were no other items of urgent business.
29. Exclusion of Press and Public – Reports containing Exempt Information
Resolved:
That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 1, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.
30. Exempt Minutes of the Meeting Held on 26 June 2003
Resolved:
That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 26 June 2003 be approved as a correct record.
31. Rugby Western Relief Road – Procurement of Works
The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy on the procurements of works and adoption of their best value initiative. The report also provided an assessment of tenders received for the design development stage.
32. Rugby Airport Option – Consultants
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy which sought an extension of a contract with the political consultants engaged to advance the case against Rugby Airport at Westminster for six months to 31 January 2004 and requested the Council to meet the cost of this.
33. Coleshill Multi-Modal Interchange
The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy which related to progress and agreed the entering into of a development agreement.
34. Nuneaton: Disposal of Land at Roanne Ringway Area
The Cabinet agreed that this item be withdrawn.
35. Former Caretakers Bungalow at Southam College
The Cabinet discussed the proposal to transfer the former caretaker’s bungalow at Southam College to Social Services and the funds being identified to cover potential capital receipts promised to the school in June 2001.
36. Shipston High School Swimming Pool
The Cabinet considered the joint report of the Director of Property Services and County Education Officer concerning the release of land forming part of Shipston High School Playing Field to Stratford on Avon District Council.
37. Exhall Grange School – Leases to RNIB
Councillor Ian Bottrill declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the room for the discussion and voting on this item.
The Cabinet considered the request to grant a lease to the RNIB.
38. Furnace Fields Parents Centre
The Cabinet considered the report of the County Education Officer relating to a proposed tenancy agreement.
39. Private Finance Initiative: Information and Communications Technology in Schools
The Cabinet discussed the report of the County Education Officer which sought approval to take forward the PFI project.
40. Southern Justice Centre
The Cabinet considered the options for the siting of a southern justice centre.
41. Warco Joint Venture
The Cabinet considered the joint report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Economic Strategy, County Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive and County Treasurer relating to progress in forming a Joint Venture Company.
The meeting rose at 4.40pm |