STATEMENT OF DECISIONS MADE AT A MEETING OF THE
BOARD
HELD ON 15th NOVEMBER 2007
PRESENT:
Councillor Brian
Silvester
(Leader of the Council – in the Chair)
Councillor Rachel
Bailey
(Portfolio Holder for Planning)
Councillor David
Brickhill
(Portfolio Holder for Economic Development)
Councillor John
Dwyer
(Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities)
Councillor John
Hatfield
(Portfolio Holder for Finance)
Councillor John
Hammond
(Portfolio Holder for Local Environment)
Councillor Bill
McGinnis
(Portfolio Holder for Leisure)
Councillor Margaret
Simon
(Portfolio Holder for Customers)
Councillor Jacquie
Weatherill
(Portfolio Holder for Human Resources)
Councillor Ray
Westwood
(Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods)
NON-BOARD MEMBERS IN
ATTENDANCE:
Councillors T Beard, R Cartlidge, D
Charlesworth, B Evans, M Grant , S Hogben and A Moran.
OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Paul
Ancell
(Chief Executive)
Alastair
Bain
(Team Leader – Private Sector Housing)
Ralph
Bason
(Elections Officer)
Lisa
Carr (Policy
and Performance Officer)
Jenny
Cross
(Executive Director, Treasury and Corporate Support)
Paul
Goodwin
(Assistant Director, Accountancy & Audit)
Charlie
Griffies
(Assistant Parks Manager)
Chris
Henshall
(Borough Solicitor)
David
Marren
(Executive Director, Direct Services)
Alan
Millington
(Borough Planning Officer)
Gareth
Roberts
(Economic Development and Estates Manager)
Joanne
Smith
(Democratic Services
Officer)
NOTE: The following Decisions should
be read in conjunction with the corresponding reports which
accompanied the Board Agenda issued on 6th November 2007
together with the additional papers provided at the meeting.
The agenda and reports are available on the Council’s
Internet Website. http://www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk/
71.
DECLARATIONS OF
INTEREST
Agenda Item 9 – Appeal Contribution – Future Unitary Structures for
Local Government
Councillor
Moran declared a personal interest in this item on the basis
that he was a County Councillor.
Agenda Item 17 – Consolidation and Amendment – Off-Street Parking
Places Order
Councillor Moran declared a personal and prejudicial interest in
this item on the basis that he was a shareholder in Crewe Alexandra
Football Club.
Agenda Item 18 – Agreement with Cheshire County Council – Waste
Performance Efficiency Grant Funds
Councillors Brickhill, Moran and Simon each declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in this item on the basis that they were
County
Councillors.
Agenda Item 19 – All Saints Churchyard, Nantwich - Maintenance
Councillor Silvester declared a personal interest in this item as
he had relatives buried in the churchyard.
Councillor Moran declared a personal interest in this item as he
was a regular member of the congregation at St Mary’s Church,
Nantwich.
Agenda Item 22 – Proposed Sale of Council
owned Open Space (RT.1 land) off Minshull New Road, Crewe
Councillor Cartlidge declared a personal and
prejudicial interest in this item as he was an allotment holder on
land adjoining the Open Space.
No other Member made any declaration of
interest in any item of business on the agenda.
72.
BOARD DECISIONS –20TH SEPTEMBER 2007
The Board received the Statement of Decisions
made at a meeting held on 20th September 2007.
73.
RECONSIDERATION OF DECISIONS
No decisions had been referred back to the Board for
reconsideration.
74.
CONSIDERATION OF SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
COMMENTS/ RECOMMENDATIONS
The Scrutiny Committees had been invited to
comment on Board reports. Comments had been received from the
Organisation Scrutiny Committee and the Community Scrutiny
Committee. These were considered under the appropriate heading.
75.
CORPORATE STRATEGY – REVIEW OF PROGRESS
The Board received, for information, the
report of Councillor Brian Silvester, Leader of the Council.
The Council’s Corporate Strategy (2007-2012)
was adopted earlier this year and the report provided a mid-term
review of progress on the Corporate Strategy. The Board noted
the content of the report.
76.
2007-2012 REVENUE STRATEGY
The Board considered the report of
Councillor John Hatfield, Portfolio Holder for Finance.
The report presented Members with amendments
to the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2007-2012. It set out the
financial impacts of delivery of the Council’s existing key policy
commitments in terms of revenue spending and the capacity to fund
these.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL:
(A)
That the updated Revenue
Strategy 2007-2012 be approved;
(B)
That the 2008/09 Budget
preparations be guided by the September retail prices increase
and the medium term financial position by an allowance for
inflation ; and
(C)
That proposals for savings
and any requests for growth be brought forward to enable the
examination of alternative budget pproposals with the
principle of sustainability taken into account.
Alternative Options:
Many options exist as regards methods of
consultation and determination of policies and priorities. It
is expected, however, that this Strategy and other strategic
documents will lead the Council to choose methods and priorities
most appropriate to its circumstances.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a) The
Revenue Strategy sets out, in financial terms, the impact of
the delivery of the Council’s existing key policy commitments
in terms of revenue spending and the capacity to fund these in
the medium term.
(b)
The Strategy is an important element in the development of the
iterative process of financial planning and sets out the framework
of principles for the management and planning of the Council’s
finances, which links closely the corporate, service and financial
planning processes.
77.
CAPITAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY
2007-2012
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hatfield,
Portfolio Holder for Finance.
The report contained details of the updated Capital Strategy for
2007-2012. It also included a review of the resources
allocated to existing projects which were underway and to new
proposals that had been scored and ranked using the Council’s
scoring framework.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL:
(A)
That the Capital Investment
Strategy 2007-2012 be approved; and
(B)
That the Capital Programme
be amended to include the
changes recommended
in the Strategy.
Alternative Options:
(a) To adopt an
alternative system of prioritisation; or
(b) Not to allocate as
many resources at this time.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a) The
Capital Strategy is a prime document in the context of the
Council’s financial forward planning. It estimates resources
available
over the medium term and prioritises their use to obtain
maximum benefits.
(b)
Environmental sustainability, specifically improvements to the
built and natural environment are key objectives of the Capital
Strategy and projects are scored to reflect this.
(c)
The Capital Strategy is informed by the Community Strategy and
Corporate Strategy to reflect the visions and aspirations of local
people, recognising the potential for others to contribute to ideas
and resources and participate in service delivery.
78.
BOARD – SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
As part of the discussions on the Revenue Strategy and the
Capital Investment Strategy the issue of the limited
distribution of hard copies of supporting documents in respect
of the Board Agenda was raised.
DECISION:
That, in future, all Members of the Council will receive hard
copies of supporting documents relating to the Board
agenda.
79.
LICENSING ACT 2003: STATEMENT OF LICENSING
POLICY
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Dwyer,
Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities.
The Licensing Act 2003 came into force in 2005 when the Council
took over the licensing of the sale of alcohol from the
Courts. At its meeting held on 5th January 2005
the Council approved a policy document known as the Statement of
Licensing Policy. Under the terms of the Licensing Act the
Council must review and renew the policy document at intervals of
not more than three years.
The Board approved the revised draft Policy
for consultation at its meeting on 20th September 2007
and, following the consultation period, was invited to recommend
approval of the Statement of Licensing Policy to Council.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL:
That the Statement of Licensing
Policy be approved.
Alternative Options:
Not to approve or to amend the proposed
Statement of Licensing Policy.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a)
Under the terms of
the Licensing Act 2003 the Council must review and renew the policy
document at intervals of not more than three years and an approved
policy that has been through the consultation process must be in
place by the start of 2008.
(b)
The policy has been drawn up having regard to the statutory
guidance issued by the Secretary of State. The guidance,
which was revised in June 2007, gives specific advice on what
matters are relevant for inclusion in the policy.
80.
APPEAL CONTRIBUTION – FUTURE UNITARY STRUCTURES FOR LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
The Board considered the report of Councillor Brian Silvester,
Leader of the Council.
The report contained information on
appropriate actions for the Board to consider in light of the High
Court’s decision to dismiss the application by Congleton and
Shrewsbury & Atcham Councils to challenge the right of the
Secretary of State to continue with the proposed implementation of
Unitary Structures for Local Government.
A supplementary briefing note was distributed
at the meeting which contained details of a request from Congleton
Borough Council for a further contingency sum of £6,250 in the
event of appeal costs being awarded against them.
Comments had been received from Community and
Organisation Scrutiny Committees on this item.
Community Organisation expressed its concern
about the further implications which could arise from supporting
this contribution.
Organisation Scrutiny Committee requested that
the Board be advised of both the majority and minority view of the
Committee as follows:
‘The majority of the Committee agreed that
there should be no recommendation to Board on this item.
There was a minority view expressed that
did not support making a contribution of £20,000 to Congleton
Borough Council in respect of costs incurred in an appeal to the
Court of Appeal.’
DECISION:
That the Board, being satisfied in
terms of the powers available to it, the reasonableness of making a
contribution, being aware of the likely risks and that the decision
accords both with Council’s Policy and the Community
Strategy:
(A)
Authorises a contribution of up to (but not exceeding)
£20,000 to Congleton Borough Council in respect of costs incurred
in an appeal to the Court of Appeal and that virement of £20,000 be
approved from the Interest and Investments Income Budget to the
Democratic Representation and Management (S500) – grants and
contributions budget;
(B)
In the event of the appeal being lost, a contingency sum of
up to (but not exceeding) £6,250 be earmarked and be payable in the
event of appeal costs being awarded against Congleton Borough
Council; and
(C)
That of the contingency sum, £5,000 (or any lesser amount)
be vired from the Interest and Investments Income Budget, with the
remainder (if required) being vired from the Nantwich Pool Fitness
Suite Miscellaneous Expenses Budget to the Democratic
Representation and Management Budget (S500) – grants and
contributions budget.
Alternative Options:
To amend or to reject the proposals to contribute to the appeal
costs.
Reasons for the Decision:
That the Board, following consideration,
were satisfied in the terms of the powers available to it; in the
reasonableness of making a contribution; being aware of the likely
risks and that the decision accords both with Council’s
Policy and the Community Strategy.
81. TAX
BASE FOR COUNCIL TAX AND DISCOUNT FOR SECOND HOMES
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hatfield,
Portfolio Holder for Finance.
The report contained details of the Council
Tax Base calculation for the forthcoming financial year, together
with the tax base for each parish and Nantwich Town
Council.
The report also detailed the current situation
in relation to Second Homes Taxation. Crewe and Nantwich
Borough Council had determined to reduce the level of discount on
Second Homes to 25% for 2007/08 following agreement between the
County Council and 5 Cheshire District Councils to share the
additional revenues available based on a specific formula.
The Board was asked to approve recommendations in the report
subject to the County Council continuing with the agreement on
Second Homes Taxation sharing.
An additional recommendation in respect of the
allocation of the additional funding from the Second Homes Taxation
Sharing Agreement was distributed at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL:
That, subject to Cheshire County
Council continuing with the agreement on second homes taxation
sharing;
(A)
The discount for second
homes at 25% be approved;
(B)
The Tax Base for the whole
Borough, as set out in Appendix A1, be approved;
(C)
The Tax Base for the
parishes and Nantwich Town Council, as set out in Appendix A2, be
approved ;
(D)
The Board requests that the
Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership allocates a proportion of
the additional funding from the Second Homes Taxation Sharing
Agreement with the County Council, to enable signage and
implementation of the Designated
Public Places Order throughout the Borough; and
(E)
That in the event of the
agreement not continuing, the above be substituted with (A)
50% discount; (B) Appendix B1 and (C) Appendix B2
respectively.
Alternative Options:
To vary the level of discount and/or
collection rate.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a) The
Local Government Finance Act 1992 and subsequent Regulations
require the Borough Council to determine its Council Tax
Base. This information is required by Cheshire County
Council, Cheshire Police Authority and Cheshire Fire Authority
for their budgetary purposes and enables the Borough Council
to set the level of Council Tax for the financial year 2008/09.
(b) The Act
also allows Billing Authorities to reduce the discount on second
homes from 50% to as low as 10%. The income generated would
be retained locally by the major precepting authorities. If
such a decision is made, this then needs to be incorporated into
the Tax Base calculation for the relevant financial year.
82. BEST
VALUE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS – PROGRESS REPORT FOR QUARTER 2 –
2007/08
The Board considered, for information, the report of Councillor
Jacquie Weatherill, Portfolio Holder for Human Resources.
The report summarised the performance activity
of the key basket of Performance Indicators during the second
quarter of the financial year 2007-08 (to 30th
September) and the Board was asked to note the report.
83.
2007/08 FINANCIAL MONITORING REPORT – TO 30TH SEPTEMBER
2007
The Board considered, for information, the report of Councillor
John Hatfield, Portfolio Holder for Finance.
The report informed Members of actual
expenditure and income for the current financial year 2007/08 up
until 30th September, compared to profiled budgets, and
showed the projected out-turn for 2007/08.
84.
ASSET MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hatfield,
Portfolio Holder for Finance.
The report recommended actions to deliver the
Asset Management Plan approved by the Board in July 2007. The
report included the outcomes of the asset condition surveys, which
had given reliable data to assist in planning the future
maintenance programme for the Council’s buildings.
DECISION:
That Appendices 1 and 2, appended to the report, be
approved.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL;
That the Asset Management Plan
(approved at Board in July 2007) together with appendices 1 and 2,
attached to this report, be approved.
Alternative
Options:
None considered.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a)
The review has considered the performance data, the current
condition and whether properties contribute effectively to the
delivery of the Council’s Corporate Objectives and if not, whether
disposal could be explored.
(b)
The investment in assets minimises the risk of fire, poor health
and safety, theft by easy access, and higher costs due to lack of
investment. The Plan represents an opportunity to ensure
assets remain ‘fit for purpose’.
85.
PARLIAMENTARY POLLING DISTRICTS AND POLLING PLACES
REVIEW
The Board considered the report of Councillor Margaret Simon,
Portfolio Holder for Customers.
The Electoral Commission Act 2006 required the
Council to conduct a review of its Parliamentary Polling Districts
and Polling Places. At its last meeting the Board approved
the process for consultation. Following that consultation the
Board was now asked to consider the draft proposals and make
recommendations to Council for final approval. An amended
recommendation was distributed at the meeting.
It was noted that the Organisation Scrutiny Committee had asked for
the Board to consider the introduction of a mobile polling
station to be sited at Coole Lane/French Lane Ends,
Baddington and that the Committee supported Option 8 (c) in the
report.
RECOMMENDATION TO
COUNCIL:
That the proposals, as detailed in the
report, be approved subject to the following:
(A)
That, in respect of Polling
District 1CA1, the Board recommends Option 8(b) as detailed in
the report; and
(B)
That, in respect of electors from
Haughton and Spurstow, the Polling Place be amended to Bunbury
Jubilee Pavilion.
Alternative
Options:
To amend or reject the proposals contained
within the report.
Reasons for the
Decision:
(a)
In compliance with the Review of Polling Districts and Polling
Places (Parliamentary Elections) Regulations 2006, every council in
England and Wales must have undertaken and completed a review of
all of the polling places in its area by 31st December
2007.
(b)
The Council is required to keep polling districts and polling
places under review and suggestions for changes to arrangements may
be put forward for consideration at any time.
86.
REVISED CREWE AND NANTWICH EMPTY PROPERTY STRATEGY
The Board considered the report of Councillor Rachel Bailey,
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods.
The Housing Act 2004 came into force in April
2006 and gave additional enforcement powers to deal with empty
property in the form of Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs).
This, together with the Government’s continued commitment to
generally reduce the numbers of empty properties nationally, meant
a revised strategy was necessary.
A revision to the recommendation was made at
the meeting.
DECISION:
(A)
That the revised Crewe and
Nantwich Empty Property Strategy be approved for public
consultation, from 22nd November 2007 until
17th January 2008, as detailed in the draft Executive
Summary; and
(B)
That a proposal to review
the option to remove the Empty Property Council Tax discount
on vacant properties be included in the consultation
document.
Alternative Options:
(a)
To amend the revised Empty Property Strategy prior to consultation;
or
(b)
To reject the revised Empty Property Strategy, prior to
consultation.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a)
The Housing Act 2004 came into force
in April 2006 and gave additional enforcement powers to deal
with empty property in the form of Empty Dwelling Management
Orders.
(b)
The Strategy will assist in the key
objective of ‘ensuring housing conditions do not adversely
affect people’s health’; will increase affordable housing;
reduce the wasted resource of unused housing and reduce costs
to public services including Police, Fire and
Local Authority.
87. AIR
QUALITY MANAGEMENT AREA – NANTWICH ROAD, CREWE
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Dwyer, Portfolio
Holder for Safer Communities.
Every district authority is required by the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to
review and assess air quality in its area to determine whether it
meets the objectives laid down by DEFRA. Monitoring in the
Nantwich Road area of Crewe had revealed levels of nitrogen dioxide
that do not meet the objective levels.
A Detailed Assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide for
Nantwich Road, Crewe had been prepared for consultation prior to
the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area.
DECISION:
That the Detailed Assessment of
Nitrogen Dioxide for Nantwich Road, Crewe be approved for
consultation, prior to the declaration of an Air Quality Management
Area, in accordance with its duties under the Environment Act
1995.
Alternative Options:
Not to refer the Detailed Assessment
for consultation at this stage.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a) Under
Section 82 of the Environment Act 1995 every district authority
must carry out a review of the air quality in its area. The
authority must then assess whether the air quality meets the
objectives laid down by DEFRA.
(b) The
Council must produce its Detailed Assessment as required by
LAQM.TG(03). The draft assessment is a consultation document which
has to be submitted to statutory consultees.
(c) The
Environment Act 1995 contains statutory requirements that the
Council must comply with. If an Order is not declared, the
Secretary of State has reserve powers to take action.
88.
CONSOLIDATION AND AMENDMENT – OFF-STREET PARKING PLACES
ORDER
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hammond,
Portfolio Holder for Local Environment.
The report contained proposals for the
variation to and the consolidation and amendment of the existing
Borough of Crewe and Nantwich (Off-Street Parking Places)
Order. The Consolidation Order had been drafted to take into
account twenty two previous amendment orders, and numerous
variations already made to the existing Off-Street Parking Places
Order (1995). Subject to advertisement of and elapse of the
notice period required for the Variations detailed in the report,
the Consolidation Order would also incorporate those
Variations.
An addendum to the report was submitted to the
meeting which contained details of a proposal to make an Off-Street
Parking Places Minor Order.
DECISION:
(A)
That the Variations to the Off-Street Car Park Places Order
1995 in respect of the permit cost for Gresty Road, Crewe and
Excess Charges for use of Disabled Persons’ Parking Bays be
approved and authorisation be given to take all necessary
steps to bring the Variations into operation;
(B)
That the making of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich
(General)(Off-Street Parking Places)(Consolidation) Order 2007 be
approved and that authorisation be given to take all necessary
steps to bring the Consolidation Order into operation, the effect
of which will be to consolidate into one order the existing Borough
of Crewe and Nantwich (General Off-Street Parking Places) Order
1995 and all subsequent amendments and variations thereto made to
date, subject to the elapse of the necessary notice period, the
Variations referred to at (1) above; and
(C)
That approval be granted for taking all the necessary steps
(including giving public notice in accordance with statutory
requirements) for making an Off-Street Parking Places Minor Order
(‘the Minor Order’) to be made and brought into operation to ensure
compliance with the introduction of Decriminalisation of Parking
Enforcement. The Minor Order shall constitute the
Consolidation Order as varied to the extent necessary, expedient
and as a consequence of the proposal by Cheshire County Council to
make a Designation Order under Schedule 3 of the Road Traffic Act
1991 and proposed operative date of 21st January
2008.
Alternative Option:
Not to approve the making of the
proposed Orders.
Reasons for the Decision:
Making the proposed Consolidation Order (under
the 1984 Road Traffic Act) will mean that an existing Off Street
Parking Places Order and its subsequent amendments and variations
will be reduced to one single document. This will simplify
the interpretation of the Car Park Order. It is also a necessary
preliminary step towards converting the Car Park Order to make it
compliant with the 1991 Road Traffic Act, as required in
preparation for Decriminalisation of Parking Enforcement.
(Note: Having declared a personal and
prejudicial interest Councillor A Moran withdrew from the meeting
for this item).
89.
AGREEMENT WITH CHESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL – WASTE PERFORMANCE
EFFICIENCY GRANT
FUNDS
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hammond,
Portfolio Holder for the Local Environment.
Cheshire County Council was in receipt of
Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant Funding from DEFRA which it
was prepared to pool and share with collection authorities.
This was subject to collection authorities entering into an
agreement with the County Council to apply the funds to projects
that would improve recycling rates and reduce the County Council’s
potential Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) liability.
DECISION:
That the sealing of a Service Level
Agreement between Cheshire County Council and Crewe and Nantwich
Borough Council be approved.
Alternative Option:
Not to approve the Service Level
Agreement with Cheshire County Council.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a) The
funding contributes to the provision of a vehicle to achieve higher
garden waste (bio-degradable waste) LATS compliance by composting
instead of land-filling. Land-filling contributes to the production
of greenhouse effect gases..
(b) If the
agreement is not sealed the Borough Council will forego £49,530
funding which would be used to relieve the revenue budget from
costs associated with the deployment of the garden waste collection
scheme into the rural areas.
(Note: Having declared a personal and
prejudicial interest Councillors Brickhill, Moran and Simon
withdrew from the meeting for this item).
90. ALL
SAINTS CHURCHYARD, NANTWICH –
MAINTENANCE
The Board considered the report of Councillor John Hammond,
Portfolio Holder for the Local Environment.
The report concerned the Council’s potential
liability to maintain, in a good state of repair, part of All
Saints Cemetery, Nantwich, which was currently the responsibility
of St Mary’s Church, Nantwich. The Board was asked to consider the
proposals for the maintenance of the Cemetery detailed within the
report.
DECISION:
(A)
That the Board authorises the Executive Director, Direct
Services to offer to the Parochial Church Council that the Borough
Council will undertake the partial care management and control of
Part A and Part B of the All Saints Churchyard, Nantwich under s9
Open Spaces Act 1906 in consideration of their not giving a notice
under s215 Local Government Act 1972 in respect of Part
A;
And if that offer is accepted:
(B) That
the Board authorises the Borough Solicitor to prepare and complete
a Maintenance Agreement on such terms as he, in consultation with
the Executive Director, Direct Services considers
appropriate.
Alternative Options:
As detailed in the report.
Reasons for the Decision:
The Local Government Act 1972 provides that ‘a burial authority may
contribute towards any expenses incurred by any other person
in providing or maintaining the cemetery in which the
inhabitants of the Authority’s may be buried (Section 214(6))’.
91.
REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DIRECT SERVICES
In accordance with contract regulations, the Executive Director,
Direct Services, reported on tenders that had recently been invited
and received.
92.
POST OFFICE CLOSURES
Following the Government’s announcement on proposed
compulsory compensated closure of up to 2,500 branches of Post
Offices with the introduction of outreach service points to
mitigate the outcome, the Board wished to re-iterate its decision
from the previous meeting (Decision No 65(A) –
20th September 2007). The Board also requested
that a petition in respect of Post Office Closures be made
available for members of the public to sign.
DECISION
(A)
That the Board re-confirms
its previous decision to use all necessary means to mount a
vigorous and effective response to proposed post office
closures in the Borough; and
(B)
That a petition to save the
Post Offices in the Borough identified for closure or reduced
service be made available for members of the public to sign
throughout all Council Buildings and other Public Buildings,
where
possible.
93.
EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the
meeting during consideration of the following items pursuant to
Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds
that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as
defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of
the Act.
94.
PROPOSED SALE OF COUNCIL OWNED OPEN SPACE (RT.1 LAND) OFF
MINSHULL NEW ROAD, CREWE (PARAGRAPH 3)
The Board considered the report of
Councillor David Brickhill, Portfolio Holder for Economic
Development.
The Council had received a request for the purchase of an area of
Public Open Space located off Minshull New Road, Crewe, which was
identified as open space under Policy RT.1 in the adopted local
plan. The Board was asked to approve the disposal of the land
subject to the Open Space provisions and planning
approval.
DECISION:
(A)
That, subject to: (i)There being no objections to the
proposed disposal following the advertisement required under
Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972; and (ii)The grant of
planning permission required for the proposed use; approval be
granted for the sale of land in principle at the price of £350,000,
and on such other terms as shall be considered necessary by the
Borough Solicitor, in consultation with the Economic Development
and Estates Manager to protect the interests of the Council; and
that the intention to dispose of the land be advertised;
and
(B) That Officers review the
options available for the repair or replacement of fencing on the
land adjacent to the Public Open Space located off Minshull New
Road, Crewe.
Alternative Options:
As detailed in the report.
Reasons for the Decision:
The disposal of the land will generate a
capital receipt for the Council and by allowing the re-development
of the land it is envisaged that increased levels of employment
from the site will be obtained.
(Note: Having declared a personal and
prejudicial interest Councillor R Cartlidge withdrew from the
meeting for this item).
95.
CASH COLLECTION SERVICE (PARAGRAPH 3)
The Board considered the report of
Councillor John Hatfield, Portfolio Holder for
Finance.
The report provided details of the contract for the Cash Collection
Service which was due to terminate on 11th January 2008.
It contained proposals to extend the current contractual
arrangement until 31/03/09.
DECISION:
That, in accordance with Regulation
6(a)(ii) of the Council’s Regulations Relating to Contracts, the
requirement to formally seek tenders be waived and that current
contractual arrangements be extended with Security Plus until
31/03/09.
Alternative Option:
Not to agree to waive Regulations Relating to
Contracts.
Reasons for the Decision:
(a)
The historical
contract period for this contract has been three
years. Potential changes during the next three years which
includes a One-Stop Shop, Delamere House demolition, and
construction of replacement facilities, it is not possible to
specify a definite service provision for this length of
time.
(b) The
contract is at existing competitively won rates, uplifted
for inflation and should ensure that Best Value is achieved
from the Cash Collection Service and that the Council is best
placed to manage the changes in its requirements within the
next two years.
96.
HEALTH AND FITNESS SUITES PARTNERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS
(PARAGRAPH 3)
The Board considered the report of
Councillor Bill McGinnis, Portfolio Holder for
Leisure.
The report detailed the options available
for the supply, servicing and marketing of health & fitness
suites at the Council’s leisure facilities.
DECISION:
That, in accordance with Regulation
6 (a)(ii) of the Council’s Regulations Relating to Contracts, the
requirement to seek tenders be waived and that a contract be
negotiated for a two year period from 1st December 2007
with Alliance Leisure Ltd for the supply, servicing and marketing
of health and fitness suites at the Council’s leisure facilities at
the Barony Park, Nantwich Pool, Crewe Pool and Shavington Leisure
Centre.
Alternative Options:
As detailed in the report.
Reasons for the Decision:
(A)
The proposed two year term will allow the Council time to review
the way forward for major facility replacement and
rationalisation which is currently being considered in Crewe and
Nantwich.
(B)
The contract is expected to improve the quality of the existing
health and fitness suites, help maintain customer numbers and
income whilst reducing revenue expenditure.
………………………………….Signed