Meeting documents

1 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting including the new Executive Member for Sustainability and the Environment, Councillor Gerry Curran, who had replaced Councillor Rosemary Todd. He also thanked Councillor Rosemary Todd for her work on the Executive.

2 EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

The Chair(person) drew attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out on the Agenda.

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest made.

4 TO ANNOUNCE ANY URGENT BUSINESS AGREED BY THE CHAIR(PERSON)

Councillor Paul Crossley raised one item of urgent business concerning the change of membership of the Recreation Ground Bath Trust Board.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Nicole O'Flaherty, it was

RESOLVED that the following Executive Members serve as Trustees on the Recreation Ground Bath Trust Board - Councillors Gerry Curran (new Member), Jonathan Gay and Sir Elgar Jenkins.

5 QUESTIONS FROM PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS

Councillor Sarah Webb asked a question, plus a supplementary, regarding the Street Drinking Ban. Councillor Vic Pritchard responded.

Councillors Marie Brewer and Tim Warren has also submitted questions for which answers had been prepared (regarding alleygates, and Temple Cloud traffic issues respectively). As the Councillors were not present, it was agreed that answers would be sent to them.

[Copies of the questions and responses have been placed on the Minute Book and are available on the Council's website.]

6 STATEMENTS, DEPUTATIONS OR PETITIONS FROM PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS

Notice had been given by the following 4 people who wished to make a statement - Andy Powell (Chair of Governors Newbridge Junior School), Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst, Councillor Chris Watt and Councillor Peter Edwards. These are listed next to the relevant item. [Copies have been placed on the Minute Book, when provided]

7 MINUTES: WEDNESDAY 6TH APRIL 2005

On a motion from Councillor O'Flaherty, seconded by Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 6th April 2005 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair(person), including the exempt minute of that meeting.

8 CONSIDERATION OF SINGLE MEMBER ITEMS NOW REQUISITIONED TO COUNCIL EXECUTIVE (Report 9).

There were no such items on this occasion.

9 CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS REFERRED BY OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY BODIES (Report 10).

There were no such items on this occasion.

10 NEWBRIDGE ST JOHN'S C OF E INFANT SCHOOL AND NEWBRIDGE JUNIOR SCHOOL - AMALGAMATION (Report 11).

Andy Powell, Chair of Governor's for Newbridge Junior School made a statement regarding the Governing Body's view that the consultation had been inadequate and confusing and presenting a case for amalgamation as a Community school.

Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst made a statement endorsing the comments of the previous speaker.

Richard Wendland pointed out that the two closest neighbouring junior schools to the North West cluster were also church schools.

The Acting Head of Strategic Services clarified some of the points that had been raised regarding the scope of consultation and the building work that would be required.

Councillor Jonathan Gay introduced this report by outlining the case for combining these two excellent schools to achieve a better use of resources. Councillor Gay responded to the points that had been raised earlier and explained his reasons for recommending amalgamation as a voluntary controlled school, due to the choices that parents had already made for a church school.

Councillor Gerry Curran moved a successful amendment to recommend a Community school, in order to give the most choice to parents in the area.

Rationale

Although there are understandably some concerns about amalgamation, the consultation process has established that there is broad support for the principle of amalgamation from staff, governors and parents. The governors of both schools clearly feel that adaptations to the buildings are required to ensure a successful amalgamation and their support is conditional upon the essential works being agreed.

The coincidental resignation of both Headteachers makes this an opportune time to consider amalgamation.

An all through primary school with a planned but gradual reduction in pupil numbers may be able to cope better with the projected drop in pupil numbers which will eventually impact on both schools separately if there is no change.

The above together with the possible educational, financial and managerial benefits suggest that a single all through primary school would prove most effective for the future of the schools.

The amalgamation is an opportunity to provide over time a 420 place all through primary school which is in line with the LEA `s preferred model as set out in the School Organisation Plan.

Other Options considered

The option of maintaining the status quo, which would see the two schools continue in their present form, has been considered. However, for the reasons set out above it is considered that an amalgamation offers the best option for the schools.

The option of a voluntary controlled school was recommended in the report due to the strongest views and largest number supporting this option.

On a motion from Councillor Gerry Curran, seconded by Councillor Malcolm Hanney, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To note the responses received during the consultation exercise and note the broad level of support for the amalgamation of the two schools;

(2) To authorise the publication of Statutory Notices proposing the closure of Newbridge St John's C of E VC Infant School and Newbridge Junior School on 31^st August 2006; and

(3) To instruct Bath & North East Somerset LEA to publish Statutory Notices for the opening of a new Community primary school on 1^st September 2006.

11 BRIGHTER FUTURES COMMUNITY PLAN, MIDSOMER NORTON & RADSTOCK AREA MARKET & COASTAL TOWNS INITIATIVE (Report 12).

Councillor Chris Watt made a statement regarding the underlying skills shortage in the area and calling for this to be addressed as a priority for enhancing the economic future of the area.

Councillor Colin Darracott, in commending this Plan to the Executive, acknowledged the comments of Councillor Watt and highlighted the Learning and Skills Council as a key agency for addressing this need.

Councillor Jonathan Gay mentioned the excellent schools in the area and hoped that they would have a positive effect on the future economy of the area.

Councillor Nicole O'Flaherty referred to projects 6 and 7 relating to Tourism and mentioned various initiatives in the area including a new hotel, and the possibility of a One Stop Shop facility.

In summing up, Councillor Darracott commended the bold priorities of the Plan whilst recognising the need for realistic expectations. He urged his fellow Executive Councillors to keep in mind community priorities when considering the Corporate and Financial Plan.

Rationale

Market towns and the rural areas they serve are changing and this gives rise to a range of issues and challenges. A long term plan is important as a basis for actions to address challenges and realise opportunities. There is a need for community ownership and partnership working to develop a shared understanding of the area's future and to enable action.

The Brighter Futures process and Community Plan makes an important contribution to local development and to creating a local area focus that has the potential to fit into Unitary, Sub Regional and Regional Plans and processes.

The Brighter Futures process has been supported by Bath and North East Somerset up to this point.

The Brighter Futures Plan addresses many issues contained in the Bath and North East Somerset Corporate Plan and Community Strategy. It includes a number of projects that are led by Bath and North East Somerset Council Services.

Other Options considered

The Council could withdraw support and involvement in the Brighter Futures initiative and rely on its own strategies and policies. This approach would undermine community confidence and trust, weaken the capacity of the local community to participate in its future, reduce external funding opportunities and have a negative impact on the Councils relationship with SWERDA.

On a motion from Councillor Colin Darracott, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Gay, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To note the contents of the Brighter Futures Community Plan for the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Area;

(2) To agree that the Council will, within its annual planning processes, consider the Plan and the potential for appropriate policy and resources provisions, especially where proposals in the Plan fit with the Council's Corporate Improvement Priorities and where proposals in the Plan are most appropriately led by Council Services; and

(3) To agree that the Council will liaise and work with Brighter Futures to achieve a co-ordinated approach in the area.

12 EXECUTIVE RESPONSE TO OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY REVIEW OF COUNCIL PROVIDED PASSENGER TRANSPORT (Report 13).

The Executive noted the statement from Councillor Peter Edwards which had been circulated to the meeting.

Councillor Malcolm Hanney thanked the Review group for their work on this.

Councillor Jonathan Gay referred to the recommendations regarding school transport and highlighted the need for an urgent review to contain costs and improve transport to make it fairer for all. With regard to the timing of such a review and implementation of any results, it would probably require a phased approach.

Councillor Colin Darracott recognised the substantial achievement that had been made by the co-operative working across political parties. He asked if the dates could be made more specific. Councillor Darracott also expressed reservations about the word `reject' for recommendations 4.7.4 and 4.8.1 and `defer' for 4.9.3: whilst accepting that all savings should be handled via the corporate and financial planning process, he hoped that these recommendations could be given appropriate consideration.

Rationale

The rationale for each recommendation is set out within Appendix 2.

Other Options considered

When responding to O&S reports, the Executive has the following options:
(1) Accept the Panel's recommendation
(2) Reject the Panel's recommendation
(3) Defer a decision on the recommendation because a response cannot be given at this time. This could be because the recommendation needs to be considered in light of a future Executive decision, imminent legislation, relevant strategy development or budget considerations, etc.

On a motion from Councillor Malcolm Hanney, seconded by Councillor Jonathan Gay, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To formally agree the responses to each of the Panel's recommendations as set out in the Executive response table (Appendix 2 to the report) subject to the amendments set out below;

(a) the `Implementation Date' column for all recommendations in 4.9 School Transport to be amended to read `Programme dates being established for consultation';

(b) Recommendation 4.7.4 - the Decision to be amended from `reject' to `defer subject to review by Executive and Council when considering the Corporate & Financial Plan'; and

(2) To thank the Overview and Scrutiny Panels involved for their hard work on this substantial review.

[The underlined wording in resolution (1)(a) above was proposed by Councillor Jonathan Gay and accepted by the mover of the motion. The underlined wording in resolution (1)(b) above was proposed by Councillor Paul Crossley and accepted by the mover of the motion.]

13 OLDFIELD OUTLOOK ACTION UPDATE AND FUTURE PRIORITIES (Report 14).

Councillor Shaun McGall presented this report on behalf of Oldfield Outlook and outlined the process that had led to the production of the Action Plan.

Helen Woodley spoke as a local resident and commended the work of the Ward Councillors.

Councillor Colin Darracott praised the excellent community work that had led to Oldfield Outlook's achievements so far. He noted the extensive list of projects but acknowledged the problem of raising expectations where funds were not available.

Councillor Paul Crossley also praised this as a very good model for developing a community plan and stressed the need to ensure that these objectives are fed through into the relevant budget setting processes, to be considered along with the needs of all communities across the Authority.

Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins echoed earlier points and commented that some of these projects could be considered within the portion of the delegated Transport budget to the Area South Local Committee.

Councillor Vic Pritchard outlined various crime and safety initiatives in Oldfield and stated that he would endeavour to respond to specific proposals where it was realistic to do so.

On a motion from Councillor Colin Darracott, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To recognise the Oldfield Outlook exercise as a model for community partnership working to provide evidence for decision taking; and

(2) To consider the priorities expressed in developing the Corporate & Financial Plan.

14 REVENUE AND CAPITAL BUDGET CASH LIMITS AND VIREMENTS (Report 15).

Rationale

This report is presented as part of the reporting of financial management and budgetary control required by the Council.

Other Options considered

None.

On a motion from Councillor Malcolm Hanney, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED

(1) To approve the revenue virements listed in Appendices 1 and 3 to the report; and

(2) To note for information the increases in the capital budget listed in Appendix 5 to the report.

15 ENVIRONMENT 4 MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Report 16).

Councillor Shaun McGall asked a question regarding household waste recycling targets to which Councillor Gerry Curran responded.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins, it was

RESOLVED to note the report.

16 CUSTOMER 4 MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Report 17).

Councillor Shaun McGall asked a question regarding whether/when the Kiosk points would be rolled out permanently. Councillor Paul Crossley responded.

On a motion from Councillor Paul Crossley, seconded by Councillor Sir Elgar Jenkins, it was

RESOLVED to note the report.