Agenda and minutes

The Chair drew attention to the evacuation procedure.

Apologies had been received from Councillors Cherry Beath and Roger Symonds.

Councillor David Bellotti declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest at Item 10 (Matters Referred to Cabinet by PDS Panels), because his wife was a housing officer for Somer Housing.  He therefore did not take part in the debate, nor did he vote, during that item.

Councillor Paul Crossley declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest at Item 18 (Children's Service Capital Programme) because he was a Governor of the Link School, which was next to Three Ways School, and there might be some shared benefit to the safety of children attending the Link.

There was none

There were 11 questions: Councillors John Bull, Tim Warren (3), Colin Barrett, Vic Pritchard (2) and Francine Haeberling; Members of the Public Rae Harris, Karen Emery, Lesley Mansell.

[Copies of the questions and responses are attached to these Minutes as Appendix 1.]

Councillor Charles Gerrish in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 2] presented a petition of 283 signatures on the subject of the Double Yellow Lines in Dursley Hill, Keynsham, asking for the proposed double yellow lines to be replaced with a single line one hour limit on the short stretch outside the Rest A While Café for the convenience of patrons.

The Chair said that he would refer the petition to Councillor Roger Symonds, for his attention and for a response in due course.

George Bailey (Radstock Public Transport Group) in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 3] appealed to the Cabinet to hold wide discussions with a view to re-opening the Frome/Radstock rail link.

Karen Emery made a statement in which she appealed to Cabinet to ensure the future of the oak tree threatened by the new road scheme.  She offered to work with the Council to get cuttings and to relocate the tree with advice from specialists.

The Chair referred Karen to the reply he had given to her question, which was included in the Q&A document in the public gallery.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Nathan Hartley, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 13th June 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

This is a standard agenda item, to cover any reports originally placed on the Weekly list for single Member decision making, which have subsequently been the subject of a Cabinet Member requisition to the full Cabinet, under the Council’s procedural rules

This is a standing agenda item (Constitution rule 21, part 4D – Executive Procedure Rules) for matters referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny bodies.  The Chair of the relevant PDS body will have the right to attend and at the discretion of the Leader to speak to the item, but not vote.

The Housing and Major Projects Panel has referred a matter to Cabinet relating to Somer Housing.  Councillor Eleanor Jackson, Chair of the Panel, will introduce the issue.

[Councillor David Bellotti did not take part in the debate of the following item, having previously declared a personal but non-prejudicial interest]

The Chair welcomed Councillor Eleanor Jackson, Chair of the Housing and Major Projects Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel, and invited her to introduce to Cabinet the Panel’s concerns about the relationship between Somer Community Housing and the Council (renamed Curo), especially the proposal to remove the position of a B&NES member from the Curo Board.  Councillor Jackson referred to the draft minutes of the Panel’s meeting, which had been distributed with the Cabinet agenda.

Councillor Jackson in a statement [attached to these Minutes as Appendix 14] explained the way in which the situation had developed.  She asked the Cabinet to consider the issue and to come up with an approach which would secure Council and resident representation on the new Board.

Councillor Tim Ball thanked Councillor Jackson and her Panel for referring this matter to Cabinet.  He explained that initially, Curo had intended removing resident seats from their Board, but under pressure had agreed to discuss this.  Negotiations were ongoing.  He explained however that the structure defined by the HCA allowed the removal of Council and resident seats.  He was awaiting advice from HCA about the situation and would inform Councillor Jackson in due course of his progress.

There were none.

There were none.

Kraft have appointed Taylor Wimpey as preferred developer for the Somerdale site who, under the terms of their mutual contract, are required to submit a planning application by 30th November 2012.  The Council’s adopted Local Plan and draft Core Strategy set out the current and draft planning policies for the redevelopment of the Somerdale site.  The Cabinet wishes to highlight the existing and proposed policy planning policies and to confirm its corporate intentions for the site in the event that planning permission is granted in due course.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement asked that the Council continue to press the developer, especially for traffic planning, which was a major concern of local residents.  He also expressed his lack of confidence in the promises being made by the developers about employment opportunities.  He wanted to see full time, permanent employment so that less Keynsham people would need to travel to Bristol or Bath for work.

Mike Thomas (Chair of the Residents of Somerdale Association) explained that he had raised the group’s concerns with Kraft.  They wanted to see a smooth transition of the factory site and had attended all the stakeholder events.  He listed their main concerns and asked Cabinet to ensure they were addressed.

Councillor Tim Ball asked Mike Thomas to email him the group’s concerns.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in an ad hoc statement spoke on behalf of the Labour Group, whose main concern was that the Council must ensure the connectivity of the K1, K2 and Town Centre schemes so that a single community results from the developments in Keynsham.  The Labour Group was disappointed that an opportunity had been lost to ensure the future of the water meadows and wild life.

Councillor Tim Ball in proposing the item thanked the previous speakers for their contributions.  He explained that the paper being considered by Cabinet was an interim paper and that a further report would be considered in September.  The Local Plan required adequate access, which would be likely to require the provision of a second entrance to the site.  The plans were currently the subject of traffic modelling.  He asked the residents to make sure they passed all their concerns to him.  He referred to paragraphs 5.15 to 5.18 of the report, which showed that the Council was determined to work with the developer and the Town Council to promote the site as a business location.

Councillor Nathan Hartley seconded the proposal.

Councillor David Dixon thanked residents for their input.  He assured them that the Council did not only want a housing development, tacked onto the edge of Keynsham, but an integrated part of the community which would not change the identity of the town.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor Nathan Hartley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the evidence base that supports the Draft Core Strategy in relation to development at Somerdale, summarised in the report;

(2) To AGREE that officers should engage with the developer to encourage a development of appropriate quality that not only meets the requirements of the adopted Local Plan but also supports the delivery of the Draft Core Strategy and meets the needs of the local community; and

(3) To NOTE the economic and employment opportunities for the site and the working party established between the Council’s Economic Development team and Keynsham Town Council to demonstrate and stimulate business demand.

The council received a capital grant through the Aiming High for Disabled Children programme in 2011 from the Department of Education to provide fully accessible targeted holiday provision in community settings for disabled children and their families. A consultation with families of disabled children identified a need for a targeted holiday provision for Disabled Children to be run in Keynsham.  The Lansdown building at Wellsway School in Keynsham was identified as the best venue to suit all needs. This report is requesting cabinet approval to move to the procurement stage of commissioning process for this capital expenditure.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement welcomed the proposals.  He felt there had for too long been inadequate provision in Keynsham and the proposals would address that.

Councillor Nathan Hartley in proposing the item, said that he had recently visited Butterflies, and they had spoken warmly of Councillor Gerrish.  He explained the reasons for the proposals and referred to paragraph 3.1 of the report, which laid out the funding sources which would enable the provision.

Councillor Simon Allen seconded the proposal.  He was delighted that the new provision would promote independent living and positive lives for people living in Keynsham.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor Simon Allen, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the capital expenditure request;

(2) To APPROVE the request to move to the procurement stage of the commissioning process; and

(3) To RECEIVE further report on the development of the site which will enable families living in the Keynsham area to access a fully accessible targeted holiday provision for their children after school and in the school holidays.

This report provides initial findings from the community consultation exercise undertaken in respect of Victoria Hall, Radstock and considers opportunities and possible options to take forward for the future use of the building.

Sue Hill in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 4] asked Cabinet to bring Victoria Hall back into use so that her company could offer weekend dance classes, as they had once been able to do in the Hall.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 5] emphasised the impressive exterior of Victoria Hall despite its internal dilapidation.  She appealed to Cabinet to recognise it as a heritage asset and as a jewel in the crown of the town.  She was not sure that the report fully reflected this.

Amanda Leon (Radstock Action Group) in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 6] urged the Cabinet to ensure that Victoria Hall would become a building fit for future use so that the community could take pride in a building which it helps to develop and run.

Bruce Shearn in a statement reminded the Cabinet of the Victoria Hall’s historical problems with disability access.  He felt that the funds being proposed to be spent on the Hall would be better spent on improving another facility.

Colin Currie in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 7] said that it was ironic that the Cabinet were meeting in a venue so near to the Victoria Hall, which if it were suitably renovated, would have served so much better as a venue.  He felt that the Hall should be seen as a valuable asset and that the cost of refurbishment would be an excellent investment in the community.

Oliver Bevan read a statement on behalf of Rupert Bevan (Chair, Friends of Radstock Victoria Hall) [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 8] which explained the history behind Victoria Hall and the determination of the townspeople to save it.  He believed the Hall could be self-financing, but would need a capital investment to save it.

Heather Chipperfield (Radstock Action Group) in a statement reminded Cabinet that the Victoria Hall had in the past provided very good facilities for young people to play snooker without the availability of alcohol, and had been used for so many other activities.  She acknowledged that disability access was a problem but said that with the right investment all its problems could be overcome and it could again become a great asset for the community who held it very dear.

Terry Weakes in an ad hoc statement said that, just as Churchill had wanted to save St Paul’s Cathedral because of its significance to the community, so the same must be said for Victoria Hall.  He reminded the Cabinet that the Hall had been built with miners’ hard-earned wages, and now must be saved by the Council as a community facility into the future.

Irene Burchill, a resident of Radstock,said in an ad hoc statement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

This report sets out a number of options which need to be considered in relation to the Council’s preferred Council Tax Support scheme to replace Council Tax Benefits with effect from April 2013. It also describes options for adopting new discretionary powers for setting discounts and exemptions to Council Tax against a range of changes proposed by new technical reforms to council tax which also come in to effect from April 2013.

Peter Duppa-Miller (Secretary of the B&NES Local Councils Association) in an ad hoc statement referred to paragraphs 3.10 and 9.4 of the report and asked that the provision of information to, and the consultation with, the Parish and Town Councils commences at the earliest opportunity so that they may be better prepared for their individual processes for setting their 2013/2014 Precepts.

Councillor David Bellotti in proposing the item, referred to appendix 2 of the report and to the fact that he considered that option 3 was the least complex option, which would make it more likely that fraud could be identified.  He emphasised that the Cabinet was being asked to start a consultation on the proposals and that the timetable for consultation was laid out in appendix 1 of the report.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE in principle that a cost neutral Council Tax Support scheme, which supports the objective of simplicity, to protect vulnerable people and minimise the impact on incentives to work, should be adopted;

(2) To AGREE that Option 3 of the Council Tax Support scheme proposals as set out in Appendix 2 of the report will be developed in to a policy document for consultation and approval in accordance with the required timetable;

(3) To AGREE that Work will be carried out to develop a more detailed understanding of the wider impacts on various customer types and equalities impacts during the consultation process;

(4) To NOTE that by adopting a simplified scheme we focus administrative activity on preventing fraudulent claims entering the system and enable effective detection principles; and

(5) To AGREE that the financial implications be factored into the budget process for 2013/2014 to be considered by the Council in February 2013, and the Council Tax base setting to be considered by Council in November.

This report describes options for adopting new discretionary powers for setting discounts and exemptions to Council Tax against a range of changes proposed by Government for local decision and which come in to effect from April 2013.  It will enable an in principle decision by Cabinet to enable further detailed research and adoption of the policies as part of setting the Council Tax base by Council in November 2012.

Councillor Charles Gerrish in an ad hoc statement acknowledged that there had been some difficult decisions to make because of reduced funding; but he expressed concern that the proposals relating to empty properties might not have the desired effect of persuading owners to bring their properties back into use.

Councillor David Bellotti in proposing the item, said that Cabinet was minded to take up the devolved option to raise funds.  He said that it was perfectly proper that the Council should maximise its income from empty properties such as the two properties in Wellow which had been empty for 20 years.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal and said that he looked forward to receiving further detail from Councillor Gerrish about how the problem could be dealt with.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To AGREE in principle the full range of technical changes to Council Tax as set out in Appendix 1;

(2) To AGREE that the Financial Implications be factored into the proposed Budget for 2013/2014 to be considered by the Council in February 2013; and

(3) To AGREE that the Council Tax base setting report to be considered by Council in November will be based on these proposed changes.

From 1st September 2013 there will be a mandatory Early Years Entitlement for a cohort of eligible 2 year old children as defined by guidance and criteria provided by the Department for Education.  Cabinet will be asked to consider the council’s future responsibilities.

Councillor Nathan Hartley in proposing the item, explained that his intention was that by 2014 more 2-year-olds than ever before would be able to take advantage of Early Years entitlement.  There was evidence that these children do better in later life, and the Council had a duty to manage the market to ensure adequate provision.  The proposals would sign the Council up to existing government policy so that, by September 2014, 600 2-year-olds in the area would be entitled to 15 hours provision a week.  The government had yet to confirm the criteria for entitlement, but it was likely to be partly based on school meals criteria.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.  He was delighted that the 15 hours could in future be split over 2 full days instead of 3 part-time, so that parents would no longer be restricted to part-time jobs.

Councillor Tim Ball said he was very pleased to support the proposals, particularly since the provision in Twerton would be restored, giving greater choice to local people.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE that the Council is fulfilling its statutory duty as required by the Education Act 2011 and DfE requirements;

(2) To NOTE that the Council in fulfilling the requirements relating to sufficiency of provision as required by the Childcare Act 2006 and any subsequent legislative amendments will do so with due regard to the resources required and available;

(3) To AGREE that the Council will continue to expand the scheme further by September 2014 in line with national requirements subject to decisions of the Council at its budget meeting in February 2013; and

(4) To APPROVE the use of a Section 106 payment enabling an increase in provision not previously listed as part of the Capital Programme.

To brief the Cabinet on capital funding levels and agree priority projects for inclusion in the 2012/13 Children’s Services capital programme

Councillor Charles Gerrish made an ad hoc statement as a Governor of Three Ways School.  He felt that the proposals had left it very tight for completion of the works in time for the new school year in September.  The planning application had only been submitted 3 weeks earlier.  He asked Cabinet for an assurance that the work would be completed before the new term, even if it required extra funds to make that happen.

Councillor Nathan Hartley in proposing the item, said investment into schools and education was essential.  He was determined that decisions such as this would be made in public.  He referred to the list of capital projects listed in the appendix, and particularly to the new projects at Three Ways School (traffic management scheme) and at Margaret Coates Autistic Centre (extension).  He thanked Councillor Gerrish for alerting him to the timing issue at Three Ways and promised to look at what could be done to optimise the schedule.

Councillor Simon Allen seconded the proposal.  He was delighted that autistic provision was to be enhanced by the extension at Margaret Coates, and that the traffic management scheme at Three Ways would improve the safety of children on their way to school.

Councillor David Bellotti said he was pleased to see the proposals but wished to move an amendment to the effect that Cabinet would ask officers to investigate alternative means of supporting the Parish Council in its aim of keeping Paulton pool open, and that Cabinet would provisionally allocate a budget of up to £10K subject to the results of the investigations.

The amendment was accepted by the proposer and seconder of the main motion.

On a motion from Councillor Nathan Hartley, seconded by Councillor Simon Allen, it was

RESOLVED (5 in favour, 1 abstaining)

(1) To AGREE that the projects put forward for approval are in line with Children’s Services capital programme priorities;

(2) To APPROVE a capital allocation of £107,000 for inclusion in the 2012/13 Capital Programme from Capital Maintenance funding to enable essential traffic management works to be carried out at Three Ways special school;

(3) To APPROVE a capital allocation of £150,000 for inclusion in the 2012/13 Capital Programme from Basic Need funding for the provision of additional places for autistic pupils at the Margaret Coates Centre; and

(4) To REQUEST officers to fully investigate alternative means of supporting the Parish Council in its aim of keeping Paulton pool open, and provisionally to allocate a budget of up to £10K subject to the results of the investigations.

[Note: Clause (4) above was an amendment proposed by Councillor David Bellotti and accepted by the proposer and seconder of the main motion].

The full approval of the Bath Transportation Package by the Department for Transport is anticipated in late summer 2012. Cabinet approval of the budget for the BTP main scheme, within the threshold of the 14th July 2011 Full Council decision, and within the Full Council provisional budget which was set in February 2012 is therefore sought subject to DfT approval.

Peter Duppa-Miller (Clerk to Combe Hay Parish Council) in an ad hoc statement said that the intended expansion of the Odd Down Park and Ride site (actually sited in Combe Hay Parish) already had full planning permission and would provide 230 extra spaces, a Nature Conservation area and dramatically improved lighting.  He said that Combe Hay Parish Council was most eager to see the implementation of the expansion, which would benefit all those approaching the City of Bath from the south, and urged Cabinet to approve the recommendation.

Councillor Paul Crossley in proposing the item, said that several changes had been made to the proposals inherited from the previous administration, and the proposals now had government agreement.  He commended officers for producing proposals which were within the budget available and hoped that the whole project would be delivered within that budget.  He explained that the current agreement said that any savings would be split equally between the Council and the government, but he intended to negotiate a better deal if possible.  He emphasised to Cabinet the urgency of implementing the schemes to improve traffic flow and the links to other cities.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.  He welcomed the long-awaited improvements to the Park and Ride, bus stops etc.  He was delighted that the project was within budget and said he hoped it would also be delivered on time.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To APPROVE the provisional budget for the BTP main scheme, in line with the budget set in February 2012, subject to DfT scheme approval, at a level of grant consistent with the principles of the bid submission in May 2012 & with a Council contribution to the project no higher than that previously approved.

The draft Concept Statements set out the Council’s planning framework for the redevelopment of the MoD Sites in Bath at Foxhill, Warminster Road and Ensleigh.  They are an early stage in the preparation of the Council’s Placemaking Plan. This report highlights the key issues arising from the public consultation undertaken on the draft Concept Statements during April and May 2012 and recommends an appropriate course of action.

Alan Langton read a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 9] on behalf of Caroline Kay (Chair, Bath Preservation Trust).  The Trust expressed its support in principle for housing-led development on the three sites, but with some caveats.  In particular, with reference to the Ensleigh site, the Trust was appalled at the assumptions being made about the additional use of adjacent green fields for amenity provision and had other reasons for believing that the feasible number of dwellings was overstated in the report.  The Trust asked Cabinet to make considerable changes to the Ensleigh Concept statement in the light of these concerns.

Philip Haile (Transition Bath) in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 10] expressed a number of concerns and offered to work with the Council to discuss viability issues and to find solutions which would support the local economy.  He felt in particular that the specification of 20% sustainable housing lacked ambition and should be 100%.  He referred to the full response statement previously submitted by the group and asked that it be taken fully into account when finalising the Concept Statements.  [The group’s response document has been attached to these Minutes as Appendix 11.]

Adrian Tinniswood (Beckford Tower Trust) in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 12] expressed serious concern about the possible impact which the Ensleigh proposals would have on views to and from Beckford Tower.  He appealed to Cabinet to remove the reference to the possible use of playing fields for development; and to strengthen the references to the setting of Beckford Tower.

Lesley Mansell (Chair, Radstock Town Council) in an ad hoc statement referred to paragraph 7 and observed that the Equality Impact Assessment was not included with the report.  She felt that women’s jobs would be endangered because of the loss of employment at the MoD sites.

The Chair explained that Equality Impact Assessments were posted on the Council’s website and were also available on request.  He promised to provide Lesley with a copy of the document following the meeting.

Cllr Patrick Anketell-Jones in an ad hoc statement said he felt that the site was not large enough to attract a bus service, shop, community hall etc and the Concept statement must retain the option for expansion if the site were to remain sustainable.

Councillor Tim Ball emphasised that it was still the early stages of the proposals.  He thanked the contributors for their comments and agreed to work with them.  He explained that he would propose an additional clause to the officer recommendations, to the effect that officers would be asked to undertake investigations into the impact of requiring 20% or more of the new homes to meet level 5 or above of the  Code for Sustainable Homes.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He felt that the points raised by the contributors had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

The Council is required to adopt and publish a housing renewal policy, referred to as The Home Health and Safety Policy in this report.  This policy sets out how Housing Services will provide assistance, including financial assistance, to help low-income, elderly, disabled and other vulnerable residents to undertake essential repairs and adaptations to their homes.  The policy supports the aims of the Housing and Wellbeing Strategy 2012 – 2015, particularly around improving health and wellbeing and reducing inequalities within our communities.  The existing policy, agreed by Cabinet on the 13th July 2011, has been reviewed.  This report proposes some enhancements to the policy. 

Councillor Vic Pritchard in an ad hoc statement thanked the Cabinet for responding to the advice from the Wellbeing Panel about special cases and for putting it through the democratic process.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson in an ad hoc statement said she too was pleased to see the Panel’s recommendations integrated into the proposals before Cabinet.  She made particular mention of the support for terminally ill patients and asked that changes be made to increase support given in the final months of life.

Lesley Mansell (Chair, Radstock Town Council) in an ad hoc statement observed that the Equality Impact Assessment was not included with the report.  She referred to paragraph 7 of the report which says that adverse impacts were identified, but does not say that any action plan was prepared.

The Chair promised to provide Lesley with a copy of the document following the meeting and repeated that Equality Impact Assessments could be found on the Council’s website.

Councillor Tim Ball in proposing the item thanked Councillors Pritchard and Jackson for their comments.  He commended the officers for achieving yet another improvement in provision.  He explained that the adverse impacts which Lesley Mansell referred to were justified in paragraph 7.1 of the report.  He promised to bring the policy back to Cabinet next year for an update.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He felt that this was one of the best papers being brought to Cabinet at this meeting because it ensured that vulnerable people would be supported.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To ADOPT the proposed Home Health and Safety Policy 2012 as the Council’s Housing Renewal Policy.

To update the cabinet on the development of joint working arrangements with the NHS from April 2013, when some key elements of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 come into effect.

Lesley Mansell (Chair of Radstock Town Council) in an ad hoc statement referred to paragraph 10 of the report and asked for clarity on how consultation would be conducted with the wider community.

Councillor Simon Allen said that the Cabinet was being asked to note the update report and that a further report would be submitted for approval at September Council.  The working arrangements between the Council and the PCT would develop in readiness for April 2013 when the Health and Social Care Act 2012 would come into effect.  He acknowledged the issue raised by Lesley Mansell and promised that consultation arrangements would become clearer as the arrangements developed.

Councillor Nathan Hartley seconded the proposal and said that he too was keen to see the consultation arrangements finalised and that he would ensure there would be consultation with the Faith Forum and with the Council’s three Equality Worker Challenge Groups.

On a motion from Councillor Simon Allen, seconded by Councillor Nathan Hartley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the work underway to enable the continuation and further development of joint working arrangements with the NHS beyond April 2013; and

(2) To ASK the Divisional Director (People and Communities) to bring more detailed proposals for approval by Full Council in September 2012.

The report presents the provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2011/12, highlighting an underspend of £253,000 or 0.1% of the Council’s gross revenue budget, a significant achievement in the current financial climate and in a year in which £11m of savings were delivered by the Council.  It refers to requests to carry forward specific revenue budget items to 2012/13, transfers to earmarked reserves and to write-off revenue overspends where recovery in future years would have an adverse impact on continuing service delivery.  It also refers to requests to re-phase specific capital budget items to 2012/13 and to write off net capital underspends.

Councillor David Bellotti moved the recommendations.

Councillor David Dixon seconded the proposal.  He said that it had been a challenge taking over another administration’s budget.  He had been concerned that the Cabinet had inherited some unfunded promises but a lot of hard work had been done by officers to overcome this and to reflect the new objectives.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor David Dixon, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the provisional revenue budget underspend of £253K for 2011/12 as set out in the report;

(2) To APPROVE the revenue carry forward proposals and write-off requests listed in Appendix 4;

(3) To AGREE the Transfers to Earmarked Reserves as set out in the Appendix 1;

(4) To APPROVE the revenue virements for 2011/12 and 2012/13 as listed in Appendices 6(i) and 6(ii);

(5) To NOTE the resulting reserves position shown in Appendix 1 and that unearmarked reserves remain at the target level of £10.5m.

(6) To NOTE the provisional outturn of the 2011/12 capital programme in Appendix 7, and the funding as laid out in the table in Appendix 1;

(7) To APPROVE the capital rephasing and write-off of net underspends as listed in Appendix 8; and

(8) To NOTE the adjustments to the 2011/12 to 2016/17 capital programme as detailed in Appendix 10, and the final capital programme for 2011/12 in Appendix 9.

In February 2012 the Council adopted the 2011 edition of the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice, which requires the Council to approve a Treasury Management Strategy before the start of each financial year, and to receive a mid year report and an annual report after the end of each financial year.  This report gives details of performance against the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Investment Plan for 2011/12.

Councillor David Bellotti moved the recommendations.  He reported that the Council’s planned borrowing had been reduced from £204M to £160M and said that officers were to be commended for achieving this.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the 2011/12 Treasury Management Annual Report to 31st March 2012, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice;

(2) To NOTE the 2011/12 actual Treasury Management Indicators; and

(3) To AGREE that the Treasury Management Report and attached appendices are reported to July Council.