BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
STRATEGY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE STRATEGY COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON THURSDAY, 10 JANUARY 2008
PRESENT: Mr N A Ridley – Chairman
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Mrs J Antill
Mrs S Carpendale
Mr R E Kemp
Dr M R Miller
Mr C M Spence |
Mr R W Thake
Mr H N Todd
Mr R Whiting
Mrs S M Wigglesworth |
Mr N A Bennett and Mr M P Booth were unable to be present.
Mr D M Busby attended the meeting in order to present the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee referred to in Minute Nos. 88(a) and 88 (b) below.
It was noted in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 5, substitutes were in attendance as follows:-
Mr R W Thake (substituting for Mr N A Bennett)
Mr R Whiting (substituting for Mr M P Booth)
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Mr N A Ridley declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of his Chairmanship of the Gainsborough House Society but indicated that his interests were such that he was able to speak and vote on the matter.
Mr R E Kemp declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of being a member of various sporting clubs, and the landlord of a property occupied by the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust, but indicated that his interests were such that he was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Mrs S M Wigglesworth declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of her being the Chairman of the Polstead Village Hall but indicated that her interests were such that she was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Dr M R Miller declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of being a member of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, but indicated that his interests were such that he was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Mrs J Antill declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of her association with the Gainsborough House Society and the Citizens Advice Bureau, but indicated that her interests were such that she was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Mr R W Thake declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 88(a) below by virtue of his link with Glemsford Village Hall, but indicated that his interests were such that he was able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
Mr R E Kemp and Mr C M Spence both declared personal interests in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 90 below by virtue of being a member of Suffolk County Council, but indicated that their interests were such that they were able to speak and vote on the matter concerned.
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RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the meeting held on the 15 November 2007 be confirmed and signed as a correct record, subject to the addition of the following Declaration of Interest being included under Minute No. 63:-
Mrs S Carpendale declared a personal interest in respect of the item referred to in Minute No. 77 by virtue of being a concessionary bus pass holder but indicated that her interests were such that she was able to speak and vote on the matter.
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None received.
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None received.
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None received.
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Mr D M Busby, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee was present at the meeting and referred to the deliberations undertaken by the Committee as a result of the decision by Strategy Committee to refer the matter back to the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee for reconsideration.
Following the decision of the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee a report (Paper G168) was submitted setting out the Committee’s reasoning in reviewing their original recommendation and advising that specific attention had been given to the issues of retaining essential services in rural communities and providing ongoing support to sports clubs across the district.
RESOLVED
That the Discretionary Rate Relief Policy attached as Appendix A to Paper G168 be adopted and come into effect from 1 April 2008. Further that a report on progress be submitted back to the relevant Committees in approximately 6 months time.
Note: Mr R E Kemp voted against the decision referred to above and requested that this be recorded in the Minutes.
Mr D M Busby, as Chairman of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee was present at the meeting and presented the Committee’s recommendations.
Following the discussion of the draft budget and financial strategy by the Joint Committee and, as a result of further information becoming available, the Head of Finance had undertaken additional work and submitted Paper G169 on the 2008/09 Budget and Financial Strategy for future years.
The Head of Finance also referred to updated pages 11 and 12 to Appendix A of Paper G169 which had been circulated prior to the meeting.
RESOLVED
(1) That the draft budget for 2008/09, (Appendix A to Paper G169), and the proposed use of General Fund Reserves as set out in the table in Paragraph 5.30 be approved for further consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees prior to returning for final consideration by this Committee on 7 February 2008 for final recommendations to the Council meeting at the end of February.
(2) That, in relation to the capital programme, the Council continues to use capital receipts from the sale of council houses for General Fund projects, subject to this being considered further as part of the 2009/10 service and financial planning process.
(3) That in relation to the Medium Term Financial Strategy, it be noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committees accept that a review be undertaken of future Council Tax levels and all income generating opportunities, including car-parking, as a priority.
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The Project and Programme Executive and the Head of Contract and Asset Management submitted a report (Paper G172):-
(a) on the results of the structural assessment of the pool tank,
(b) to advise that the pool should remain open for as long as possible and
(c) to report on proposals for further public consultation on stand alone community/leisure facilities adjoining the existing pool and including an assessment of the pavilion site in Calais Street.
Mr Neil Dodds from Scott, White and Hookins, the Civil and Structural Engineers commissioned by the Council was also in attendance at the meeting to present information and answer questions from Members.
RESOLVED
(1) That the report on the structural assessment of the pool tank be noted.
(2) That Hadleigh Swimming Pool remains open for as long as possible on the understanding that prior to any major repair or maintenance work being undertaken authority will be sought from Members.
(3) That further consultation on a new building adjoining the pool be agreed.
(4) That the Hadleigh Pool Steering Group be requested to consider the fullest possible consultation with the wider Hadleigh community including adjoining parishes and that details of the consultation programme be reported to the next meeting of the Committee.
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Mike Hammond, Corporate Director, introduced this item and reported that in 2006 Suffolk County Council carried out a review of School Organisation in Suffolk.
In March 2007 the County Council agreed to proceed to a second stage of the review. Because of the number of schools potentially affected, the County Council decided to carry out the review in three phases and is currently consulting on proposals for Haverhill.
Frank Stockley, Area Manager (Access and Admissions) from Suffolk County Council was also in attendance at the meeting, provided a presentation (subsequently numbered Paper G194) and answered questions from Members.
RESOLVED
That Mike Hammond, Corporate Director, in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategy Committee and appropriate Ward Members, be authorised to submit a response to Suffolk County Council on the Schools Organisational Review.
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Note: Mr C M Spence did not take part in the debate or vote on this matter.
The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 1.20 pm and resumed at 1.50 pm when the following Members were present:
Mr N A Ridley – Chairman
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Mrs J Antill
Mrs S Carpendale
Dr M R Miller
Mr C M Spence |
Mr R W Thake
Mr H N Todd
Mr R Whiting
Mrs S M Wigglesworth |
2008/2018 Corporate Plan – Progress Report
Mr N A Ridley, as Chairman of the Corporate Plan Working Group, submitted a report (Paper G170) requesting approval for the format of the Corporate Plan document and the mechanisms for its review and the delivery of associated actions.
The Committee were also requested to consider the draft outcomes for the Corporate Plan for completeness and note the next steps in the development of the Plan.
During consideration of the document suggestions were made as to amendments to the Plan and the appropriate officers undertook to report these to the next meeting of the Corporate Plan Working Group.
RESOLVED
(1) That the draft format of the Corporate Plan be approved.
(2) That the planning and review mechanism outlined in Paper G170 be approved.
(3) That the Corporate Plan Working Group be requested to consider the following additional outcomes:-
The improvement of air quality
Traffic management issues
The importance of tourism
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The Head of Corporate Services submitted a report (Paper G171) on items identified for future meetings of the Strategy Committee.
RESOLVED
That the Workplan set out in Paper G171 be noted.
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The Head of Community Development reported that the Post Office has confirmed that the following Post Offices in Babergh will be closed:
- Acton
- Ballingdon
- Burstall
- Copdock
Therefore despite representations that had been made to the Post Office, these closures will proceed.
Following a further review of the area, Post Office Limited is now proposing the closure of three other branches, one of which is Kersey. A six week period of local public consultation will commence shortly in relation to the closure of these alternative branches and the Committee were requested to determine how a response should be made.
During the consideration of this item it was agreed that appropriate officers would investigate whether any improved measures of public transport (including the community bus scheme) could be introduced to Kersey.
RESOLVED
That Mike Hammond, Corporate Director, in consultation with the Chairman of Strategy Committee, formulate a response to the consultation on the proposed closure of Kersey Post Office.
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The Head of Finance submitted a report (Paper G173) relating to the draft Revenue budget for 2008/09 and a 3-year Capital Programme for Council Housing. It was noted that rent increases next year will be 5.2% on average, based on the Government’s rent restructuring arrangements. This is to ensure that rents are brought in line with the Registered Social Landlord Sector by 2017.
It was noted that as a result of the consideration at this meeting further consultation with the Housing Panel, the Tenants Forum and the Overview and Scrutiny (Community Services) Committee will be undertaken with final consideration being given to the necessary recommendations on 7 February 2008 for submission to Council on 22 February 2008.
RESOLVED
That the draft Council Housing Revenue Budget and proposed charges for services for 2008/09, the revised Budget for 2007/08 and the draft Council Housing 3-Year Capital Programme as set out in Appendix A to Paper G173 be approved for further consultation and scrutiny.
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The Head of Contract and Asset Management submitted a report (Paper G175) requesting approval to implement schemes within the Council’s General Fund Capital Programme which are ready to proceed.
It was noted that the income referred to under Car Parks and the installation and replacement of ticket machines related to enforcement income, ie. fines for overstaying the time restriction period.
RESOLVED
That expenditure from the Council’s General Fund is approved to carry out the proposed schemes detailed in the table in paragraph 3.1 of Paper G175.
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Hadleigh Swimming Pool – Application for Funding
RESOLVED
That the action taken out of meeting as referred to in Paper G176 be noted.
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RESOLVED
That pursuant to Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below on the grounds that if the public were present during these items it is likely that there would be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against each item.
The Committee was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.
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The Head of Contract and Asset Management submitted a report (Paper G177) requesting approval to appoint contractors to carry out the proposed 2008/09 External Painting Programme for Council Housing Stock.
RESOLVED
That approval be given to the appointment of the contractors listed in the Schedule in paragraph 5 of Paper G177.
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The Head of Contract and Asset Management submitted a report (Paper G178) requesting approval to dispose of the freehold interest in a unit on the Chilton Industrial Estate, Sudbury.
Further updated information was circulated at the meeting.
RESOLVED
That the freehold of the unit referred to in Paper G178 be sold subject to:
(a) A valuation as agreed by the Council’s Valuer.
(b) Terms and conditions deemed necessary by the Head of Contract and Asset Management in order to protect the Council’s interests, including a claw back clause in the event of the purchaser selling on the property to a third party within a specified period.
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The Head of Community Development and the Solicitor to the Council submitted a joint report (Paper G179) requesting approval to exercise compulsory purchase powers in respect of a former Council garage.
RESOLVED
That, subject to securing an indemnity for all financial liability, the exercise of compulsory purchase powers pursuant to Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) in respect of the sold garage as shown coloured black on the plan attached to Paper G179 be approved.
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Note: The meeting adjourned between 11.10 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. for refreshments.
The business of the meeting was concluded at 2.55 p.m.
Chairman
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