Meeting documents

145. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

Councillor Crossley welcomed everyone to the meeting.

146. EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURE

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

147. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest made.

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

There were no items of urgent business. The Chair announced he would be taking agenda item 17 after item 9, then items 10 and 11 would be taken in reverse order.

149. QUESTIONS FROM PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS

The following people had given the appropriate notice of their request to ask a question of an Executive Member. The text of the questions and responses, including the supplementary questions, are contained in a Q&A document which is attached to the minutes electronically, once it has been finalised.

Question from Councillor Brian Barrett regarding the number of taxis for wheelchair users in both the Bath taxi area and those in the North East Somerset area. Plus supplementary question.

Question from Councillor David Hawkins (on behalf of Councillor Gordon Wood) regarding charges for the hire of football pitches.

Question from Councillor Vic Pritchard regarding the funding of the the Parish Warden Scheme in Chew Valley. Plus supplementary question.

Question from Councillor Francine Haeberling (on behalf of Councillor Bryan Organ) regarding any proposed developments for the Cadburys-Schweppes factory, Cannocks garage or Charlton cinema in Keynsham.

Question from Councillor Francine Haeberling (on behalf of Councillor Bryan Organ) regarding the current status of the St. Johns Court development proposal and the possible building of a supermarket on the site.

Question from Councillor David Hawkins regarding the decision to be taken on the Lansdown Road weight limit.

Question from Councillor Adrian Inker regarding disabled person's parking bays. (Councillor Inker did not attend to ask this question).

Question from Councillor Bill Carruthers regarding the Weekly list report (Paper 1 - Weekly list 8/03) on funding for redevelopment of Elderly Person's Homes. Plus supplementary question.

Question from Councillor Bill Carruthers regarding agenda item 16 - Paris Strategic Partnership Project. Plus supplementary question.

150. STATEMENTS, DEPUTATIONS OR PETITIONS FROM PUBLIC AND COUNCILLORS

There were none.

151. MINUTES: WEDNESDAY 5TH FEBRUARY 2003

On a motion from Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 5th February 2003 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair(person).

152. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT BOARD (Item 9).

Councillor Francine Haeberling, Chair of the Overview & Scrutiny Management Board, explained to the meeting that the four Overview & Scrutiny in-depth reviews that it had hoped would be presented to Council, were now being brought forward in a different way. They would form separate presentations and Councillor Haeberling hoped that Councillors would make an effort to support these.

With regard to the External Bodies Overview & Scrutiny Panel who have a duty to scrutinise the Health Service, Councillor Haeberling explained that the Panel had drawn up a first principles document about how to carry out this function, which she commended to the Executive and hoped would receive Council support in due course.

153. WESTERN RIVERSIDE: SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING GUIDANCE (DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION) (Report 10).

Councillor Metcalfe introduced this report which would be going out for consultation in April and May. Once concluded, this would form part of the District Wide Local Plan.

Councillor Caroline Roberts raised a textual amendment that was necessary.

Councillor Barrett referred to paragraph 1.3.2, page 5, of the Supplementary Planning Guidance regarding site boundaries. He asked that thought be given to the impact of the scheme on adjacent land uses, and the impact of development on adjacent sites having an adverse effect on the Western Riverside site. Councillor Metcalfe gave his assurance that this aspect would be clarified.

On a motion from Councillor Metcalfe, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED

(1) that the Council be recommended to approve the Draft Supplementary Planning Guidance for Western Riverside for public consultation during April and May 2003; and

(2) that the Executive Member for Transportation and Planning Policy be authorised to make any minor textual amendments to the Guidance prior to its submission to the Council.

154. WESTERN RIVERSIDE: BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET LOCAL PLAN POLICY GDS.1 (Report 11).

Councillor Metcalfe introduced this item and referred Members' attention in particular to paragraph 5.4 of the report regarding the need for this policy aspect to reflect more closely the need for an integrated transport solution rather than any specific form of transport system.

Councillor Barrett referred to paragraph 4.3 of the report and regretted that conclusions were being reached without an outline knowledge of the transportation infrastructure. Councillor Metcalfe responded that it was very hard to reach a composite view issue coming to a view on the transportation infrastructure aspects and stressed that this was going for consultation and would be coming back to the Council in the summer.

Councillor Caroline Roberts echoed this view and also asked a question regarding the specific date when there would be public consultation on any transit system, indicating her hopes that it would be at an early stage. Councillor Metcalfe undertook to provide Councillor Roberts with this information after the meeting.

Councillor Lingard requested that efforts be made to ensure a public transport interchange when implementation of a rapid transit system was being considered.

On a motion from Councillor Metcalfe, seconded by Councillor Dawson, who stressed the need for an overall approach to any transportation infrastructure issues, it was

RESOLVED that the Council be recommended to:

(1) Approve the proposed change to Policy GDS.1, B1, as set out in paragraph 5.4 of the report (i.e. to reflect the need for a more integrated transport solution);

(2) Approve the responses to the representations made on the Deposit Draft Local Plan (attached at Appendix 1 to the report); and

(3) Approve the proposed changes to the Deposit Draft Local Plan (attached at Appendix 2 to the report) for inclusion in the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan, Revised Deposit Draft 2003.

155. SOUTHGATE RE-DEVELOPMENT - SITE ASSEMBLY (ABBEY WARD) (Report 12).

Councillor Metcalfe introduced this report and ran through the progress towards several key events that would need to be assessed before a final view was reached on the need for a compulsory purchase order.

On a motion from Councillor Metcalfe, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED

(1) that ongoing support in principle for the redevelopment of Southgate be confirmed;

(2) that the reasons why and the circumstances within which the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order may be recommended be noted; and

(3) that support for the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order if so recommended be confirmed in principle.

156. IMPLEMENTATION OF FAIRER CHARGING AND FAIR ACCESS TO CARE (Report 13).

Councillor Tapper introduced this report regarding these two new pieces of legislation that need to be implemented by April 2003, and giving the result of the public consultation. Councillor Tapper explained the implications of the changes and how these would be implemented. She also explained the extensive consultation that had taken place and the involvement of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Hogg raised a number of questions which Councillor Tapper undertook to respond to in writing after the meeting. However, she added that she did feel the questions raised were addressed within the report and stressed the agreement of the Overview & Scrutiny Panel to the recommended charges.

Councillor Crossley made a comment regarding the very small number of people who would be eligible for the maximum rate.

On a motion from Councillor Tapper, seconded by Councillor Hedges, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) The setting of the threshold for the eligibility criteria within the Fair Access to Care framework, as set out in Appendix E to the report, be agreed; and

(2) The implementation of fairer charging and changes to charges, as described in paragraphs 9.2 and 9.3 of the report, be agreed.

157. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CLIMBIE INQUIRY REPORT (Report 14).

Councillor Tapper introduced this report and emphasized the need for corporate ownership by the Council and senior officers of services to children, young people and their families. She explained that, as part of the training programme for new Councillors that was currently being developed, the intention was for there to be a mandatory course for all Councillors on their corporate parenting role as part of the induction in summer 2003.

Councillor Barrett asked a question regarding the budgetary provision for the Council to carry out its responsibilities for children and was informed that this was over £6 million. He asked for a specific figure for the child protection element and Councillor Tapper promised that this would be supplied to him after the meeting.

On a motion from Councillor Tapper, seconded by Councillor Hedges, it was

RESOLVED that the Director of Social Services be instructed to ensure that the self-assessment is completed and returned to the Social Services Inspectorate by 30^th April 2003 and that any implications arising from the assessment are reported back to the Council Executive.

158. YOUTH JUSTICE PLAN (Report 15).

Councillor Tapper introduced this report and explained that the Youth Justice Plan would be submitted to the Youth Justice Board on 31^st March 2003, in accordance with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

Councillor Barrett raised a query regarding whether the performance targets in Section D were set nationally. Councillor Tapper confirmed that they were. He then expressed concern that the targets were unrealistic and did not relate to the Outturn figures.

On a motion from Councillor Tapper, seconded by Councillor Crossley, it was

RESOLVED that

(1) The Youth Justice Plan, as submitted, be accepted as work in progress to fulfil the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Section 4;

(2) The actions contained in the report as priorities to reduce youth offending be endorsed; and

(3) That the Plan be recommended to the Council.

(Note: The Housing and Social Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel will receive a monitoring review report on this Plan in 6 months time.)

159. PARIS - STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROJECT (Report 16).

Councillor Todd introduced this report. She explained that this was a planned and considered process and therefore should not be deflected by the forthcoming election, as had been requested by GMB union.

On a motion from Councillor Todd, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) The decision of the Council Executive on 15th January, 2003 [minute 120(4)] to require the draft contract to be reported to the Council Executive, be rescinded;

(2) The Resources Director be authorised to undertake the negotiations and other activity specified at the 15th January 2003 meeting [minute 120(2) and (3)];

(3) The Executive Councillor (Resource Planning and Support Services) and the Leader of the Council be authorised to agree the final terms of the arrangements with HBS (the preferred bidder appointed at the 15th January meeting) should that prove necessary in the event there is no suitable planned meeting of the Council Executive; and

(4) The Solicitor to the Council and the Corporate and Community Law Manager be authorised to finalise and enter into contract arrangements to give effect to the above.

160. TOWARDS 2013 - A THRIVING SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY FOR BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET (Report 17).

Councillor Symonds introduced this report and referred to the update sheets including the consultation, which had been circulated at the meeting. He mentioned the many plans that overlap in this area and the need to ensure they were working in harmony. Councillor Symonds explained the 3 themes of sustainability, partnership and inclusion which ran through this Strategy.

Councillor Barrett asked how the comments in the Press the previous day regarding the lack of IT in this area would be taken into account. Councillor Symonds responded that, if this was a genuine problem, he would look into it.

Councillor Curran expressed his thanks to the officers for producing this Strategy.

The motion below was moved by Councillor Symonds and seconded by Councillor Dawson who commented that she welcomed the housing aspect of the Strategy, in particular the self-build aspect, and the environmental aspect regarding open spaces. With regard to the comments regarding IT, Councillor Dawson explained that investigations were being made into whether broadband could be used to extend availability to remote areas.

It was then

RESOLVED that:

(1) The Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan (Appendix 1) be approved for submission to the Council for adoption;

(2) The Council Executive develops proposals along with its partner organisations to ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation procedures are in place to measure the performance of the Strategy;

(3) Annual reports be received by the Council Executive on the progress of the Strategy against the identified targets and actions; and

(4) This Strategy be presented to the Planning, Transport, Economy and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Panel, on 14^th March, for comment.

1612002. 2002/2003 CAPITAL MONITORING REPORT (Report 18).

Councillor Todd introduced this report.

Rae Harris asked a specific question regarding the funding for the pilot walking route in Walcot Street. Councillor Metcalfe agreed to discuss this with Rae after the meeting.

On a motion from Councillor Todd, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) The current position of the 2002/2003 capital programme be noted;

(2) The incorporation of additional funding to the 2002/2003 programme be approved, as detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report; and

(3) The current position of available resources be noted.

162. COUNCIL REVENUE BUDGET MONITORING 2002/03 (Report 19).

Councillor Todd introduced this report.

On a motion from Councillor Todd, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED that:

(1) The expenditure and income position for the Council in the financial year to the end of December 2002 and the year end projections detailed in Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(2) The recommended carry forward use of potential underspends in Environmental and Consumer Services and Public protection be noted; and

(3) The proposed virements listed in Appendix 3 be approved.

163. RESOURCES 4-MONTHLY PERFORMANCE REPORT (Report 20).

On a motion from Councillor Todd, seconded by Councillor Dawson, it was

RESOLVED that the Resources performance report for the period September to December 2002 and the issues arising, as detailed in the report, be noted.