Meeting documents

1. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Does the extra allocation of revenue highlighted in the Revenue and Capital Budget and Council Tax 2005/2006 proposal, address the current and projected overspend in Social Services?

Yes, although there remain severe pressures on Social Services Budgets where B&NES are projected to spend nearly 14% more than government guidelines in 2005/6 reflecting the inadequacy of Government Funding for Social Services. There is also a proposed allocation from balances to cover the net overspend arising in 2004/05.

2. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Would the Executive not feel that a more drastic plan for the Social Services Budget is needed; in fact a complete overhaul of this budget across all areas, not just Adult Care?

Answer by Executive Councillor Francine Haeberling

The majority of the budget of Social Services and its main financial pressures relate to Adults Services. The Member Working Group has agreed to continue its work from early in the new financial year to monitor and review this particularly large budget.

3. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Do we have any projected figures as to what the long term projected savings would be of the £137k investment of an Efficiency Project for Long Term Office Accommodation?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

The work of this team is in its early stages and one of its first tasks will be to produce estimates of future likely savings in a business case. However, the Executive is confident that savings can be made from changes to working practices, as the Revenues and Benefits Service has illustrated. The Resources O&S panel reviewed this area and figures produced for me by the Resources Director for the effects of the various office use initiatives showed savings in six figures on space used alone (£111k), as well as increased productivity and use of existing space and equipment totalling over £200,000.

4. Question from Cllr David Dixon

What are the Terms of Reference of the Efficiency Project?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

The Draft Terms of Reference include the following key elements:

PURPOSE

The purpose of this strategic project is to support the Council's vision and culture change in order to optimise customer service, increase efficiency, modernise ways of working, provide affordable and flexible accommodation and deliver an appropriate working environment.

This project is not an end in itself, but one of a number of initiatives aimed at improving the Authority's effectiveness and optimising the services it provides.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are to:

SUCCESS FACTORS OF THE PROJECT

5. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Does the Executive feel that Council front line services are based in the correct locations to service our community?

Answer by Executive Councillor Paul Crossley

The locations of many of our front-line services are still those that were in place in 1996. We have recognised that we need to provide improved access to services, and have prioritised this in the Corporate Plan.

The Customer Access Programme is developing a range of access routes including walk-in, telephone and on-line access. Improvements achieved already include Action Line, Info Plus at the Hollies and standard reception services across the area. Work is under way to build on this through an improved telephone contact centre.

Video links have been established in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton to enable the public to talk with social services staff face to face without having to travel further than necessary. A range of staff have mobile technology to make it possible to deal with service issues wherever they are.

The Library Service is developing first stop services from all of its buildings and mobiles, and is also developing a 93menu of services94 to make sure that services are being delivered in the places and the way the public need.

A new Accommodation and Working Practices Project will support the Customer Access Programme and other change initiatives in the Council to ensure that the Council makes best use of the accommodation it has, and optimise use of technology in service delivery. Through the human resource strategy the Council is developing more flexible working practices better matched to customer needs.

6. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Although some attempt has been made at tackling Special Expenses, does the Executive not agree that it would be easier to set up service level agreements with Parishes for maintenance of Cemeteries, Burial Grounds, Children's Playgrounds, Playing Fields and Football Pitches, and administer the funds needed, and this would result in Parishes not needing to charge such high precepts as they would then be funded by Bath and North East Somerset to do this?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

The Council Executive is committed to dealing with inequities across B&NES over time and within available resources. The additional capital funding of A370,000 in 2004/5 for play areas in the North East Somerset area is an example of our approach recognition of an obvious area of need. This funding has been continued in 2005/6. I do not believe that Special Expenses is an appropriate way of dealing with such inequities. Similarly, if Councillors wish to suggest that funds should be allocated to fund Parish Council activities then they will need to state where services are to be reduced to pay beyond the level that B&NES Council is responsible for or chooses to allocate in accordance with its decision on play areas.

7. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Does the Executive not feel that to propose a 4.75% increase on Council Tax is simply to ease the burden of this unfair form of taxation, whilst not effectively tackling the Improvement Priorities set by this Council?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

There has been a substantial shift of funding from national to local tax over the period 1997 to 2005 (70% to 63%) with an effective loss of grant of A311.4 million equivalent to 19% on Council Tax. It is this shift that is primarily responsible for B&NES Council Tax rises exceeding the rate of inflation. Clearly the political groups in the administration have different views on the possible alternatives to Council Tax. However, with B&NES having average house price to earnings ratios well above regional and national norms, it is clear that the level of a local income tax would have to be significant to compensate for Council Tax revenues without substantial national equalisation which would not be consistent with the concept of 'local'.

8. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Is the Executive confident that we could not deliver a lower increase of Council Tax for our residents?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

The level of Council Tax proposed at 4.75% has only been possible by continuing our funding strategy for Education which addresses the quality of school premises.. Clearly if the Council is prepared to reduce services or standards then a lower Council Tax could be delivered. However, the cost pressures in adults' social services and the Major Projects that the Council is involved in (particularly those that are not revenue neutral e.g. the Spa), are a major contributor to the level of Council Tax. All services have also been required to find additional savings in line with their financial plan targets including absorption of the increased pension contribution which adds an additional 1.8% cumulatively each year to pay costs from 2005/06 to 2007/08.

9. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Recent findings have indicated that it is likely that many houses in Bath and North East Somerset Council would increase by Council Tax Band, is it not therefore sensible to assume that we would still only need to collect around A363million from our residents and therefore it is likely that the Council Tax level for a Band D house would be likely to decrease, and therefore would have very little effect on the average Council Tax burden per household?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

No detail has yet been issued on the effects of the Council Tax revaluation due for implementation from 2007. Given that house prices in this area have risen faster than the national average, it is likely that Council Tax bills will increase relative to other parts of the country. This is because the grant funding we receive is related to the relative value of our houses compared to other parts of the Country. However this cannot be confirmed until Government has issued details of revised Council Tax bandings and of any revisions to grant mechanisms.

10. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Once again this budget is merely adding bits to and taking away bits of what this Council already does, would the Executive not agree with me that a full overhaul of Council services is needed to refocus this Council into achieving what residents have asked for from the Council in the Community Consultation in 2003, rather than scraping the surface of underlying issues which we need to address as a Council?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

The budget is consistent with the Corporate Plan (and Improvement Priorities) agreed by Council last year and with the Community Strategy, public opinion and PSA targets etc. The Corporate Plan does require significant resource shifts over time while still meeting key targets set by government and locally. The Executive are proposing a zero-based pilot approach for Social Services to take place in 2006/7.

However, all Councillors have to be prepared to stop services or reduce standards of non-priority services if there are to be larger shifts of resources. Unfortunately, Councillors of all parties are sometimes keener to identify new areas for spend but not new areas for saving.

11. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Does the Executive agree with me that the level of grant received from the Government for the Emergency Management Unit is grossly unfair when we look at the increases enjoyed by neighbouring Authorities, in light of the current threats to the safety of our residents, thus compromising our ability to deliver training to council staff to effectively deal with a civil emergency?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

B&NES has received some poor settlements. The Emergency Management Unit may fall into this category. We have to make the most of our resource allocation and consider even closer cooperation with neighbouring authorities to achieve best use of the resources we have available.

12. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Has the Executive member for Resources taken on board the recommendations of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Panel with regards to the funding of the Emergency Management Unit?

Answer by Executive Councillor Rosemary Todd

The Panel asked me to 93consider carefully94 the funding needs of the Service. I have done so. The Budget replaces the Unit's lost Grant in 2005/06 with increased Council funding.

13. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Would the Executive member for Economic Development please justify the reason for holding such a large property portfolio and does he feel that it could be put to better use to serve our community?

Answer by Executive Councillor Colin Darracott

Bath's Local Councils and Corporations over several centuries have owned much of the freehold of the city centre as well as corporate buildings and land. The primary reason for retaining the commercial estate is to enable there to be greater control of the use of buildings, in which the character of uses matters to visitors and thus to the local economy. It also generates the single largest income stream for the Council, which goes towards the provision of services.

Following the Improvement Project carried out last year, a review of strategy and policy is being undertaken both for the commercial and the corporate estates, and following these I will be in a better position to take a view on the future.

14. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Does this Executive honestly feel that we have effectively engaged the public in the preparation of this Budget?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

Yes. The Budget is consistent with our Corporate Plan which is in turn consistent with the Community Strategy. The Corporate Plan and Improvement Priorities are consistent with resident priorities. However, individual Service Areas need to ensure that they have had appropriate involvement and consultation with staff and stakeholders in respect of service and resource priorities and changes. The Executive does not believe that a budget consultation is appropriate for such service level changes and will continue to place emphasis on major resource shifts and Improvement Priorities in terms of the Corporate Plan and the annual Budgets which should, of course, be consistent with the Corporate Plan and Community Strategy.

15. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to increase the availability of affordable housing?

Answer by Executive Councillor Vic Pritchard

This was set out in the corporate plan. The Council is continuing the planned investment in affordable housing cA39m over the period 2004-2007 of which A32.8m is to be spent in 2005/06.

The Housing Service and Planning Service supports this through the development of planning policy and agreements with registered social landlords and private developers for the provision of affordable housing.

16. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to promote the independence of older people?

Answer by Executive Councillor Francine Haeberling

There is Council Investment in 2005/06 through the capital programme of A310.9m in the provision of 3 community resource centres for older people. These will include 30 extra care beds, 60 sheltered flats plus three new Day Centres for older people with Dementia.

Part of the growth in Social Services costs relates to investment in domiciliary care services due to increasing support provided to people in their own homes. This is supported through the continuation of the PSA scheme to improve the quality of life and independence for older people.

17. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to reduce the fear of crime?

Answer by Executive Councillor Vic Pritchard

As detailed in Appendix 2, the council continues to support A3864,000 of expenditure on Community Safety and the Drug Action Team.

18. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to improve the environment for learning?

Answer by Executive Councillor Jonathan Gay

The Corporate Plan Review sets out broad strategy, key actions and targets. Within this, Page 28 sets out the initiatives already underway and further actions required by 2007 to improve the Environment for learning.

There is major investment over the plan period in schools, through government allocations (Radstock, Bath Special schools, and general modernisation). For 2005/06 the Council is investing A31.4M of its own resources to supplement those received from Government and specifically to progress the new primary school in Keynsham. The Council is also providing 93bridging finance94 for the new Bath Special School pending receipts from land sales.

19. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to improve the life chances for disadvantaged teenagers, through improvements to their education, training and support?

Answer by Executive Councillor Jonathan Gay

The Corporate Plan Review sets out broad strategy, key actions and targets. Within this, Page 29 sets out the initiatives already underway and further actions required by 2007 to improve the life chances of disadvantaged teenagers, through improvements to their education, training and support. This is funded through refocusing existing activities within education (including youth service), children's social care and some elements of external funding, eg, connexions service, information sharing grant (A3100,000 for 2004/5 only) and change fund (A343,671 in 2004/5 & A345,041 in 05/06).

20. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to improve the quality of public transport, roads and pavements and ease congestion?

Answer by Executive Councillor Elgar Jenkins

The whole of the Transport Capital programme is geared towards this improvement priority. A bid is also being developed within the next Local Transport Plan which, if successful, will enable more significant progress to be made.

21. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to reduce landfill?

Answer by Executive Councillor Rosemary Todd

In financing of the increased recycling initiatives and further costs of waste disposal - a cumulative increase of over A31.5m revenue cost by the end of the plan period. The Executive is increasing the Waste Budget by A3417,000 on 2004/05 which is more than A3166k than was set out in the original plan. Although part of this is to fund increased landfill tax and waste volumes (which rose by 5% this year), there is continuing investment to sustain and maintain recycling initiatives within the budget.

22. Question from Cllr David Dixon

Where in this Budget are we working to improve the urban public realm?

Answer by Executive Councillor Rosemary Todd

This year A380,000 was allocated to improvements in the Public Realm, as one of the Council's corporate improvement priorities. That money has been split between design projects to enhance the public realm, better street cleansing and graffiti removal, and the recruitment of more community wardens, and work will continue into 05/06. There is no new funding for the public realm identified in the draft budget proposals for 05/06 and beyond, but, following the constructive work by the PTES O&S panel, a medium-term plan is being developed to achieve better coherence across contributing services.

23. Question from Cllr David Dixon

The Council has a high level of Unsupported Borrowing, would the Council Executive please indicate exactly how much this is costing Council Tax payer and what we are delivering for that investment, would the Executive Member for Resources also give a breakdown of this as per Capital Project for 2005/2006 financial year?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

Prudential Indicators for capital expenditure are set out in the Treasury Management Report to the Executive. This shows that the estimate of incremental impact of total capital investment decisions proposed in the budget report, related to the added borrowing requirement is A322 a year in 2005/06 (A326 cumulatively) per Band D property. This includes unsupported borrowing which is projected at A325.9M for 2005/06.

The overall Council investment for 2005/06 (Appendix 3 to the Budget report) includes additional funding for school repairs (A31.4m), funding of Bath Special Schools (A35.1m), EPH reprovision (A36.8m), highways (A31m), property schemes including repairs and disabled access (A32.1m), Libraries and Play (A30.6m), major projects (A36.5m), Housing (A32.8m) as well as other smaller schemes and a contingency.

24. Question from Cllr David Dixon

What percentage of Redistributed Business Rates do we receive back from Government in relation to what we collect and hand to them?

Answer by Executive Councillor Malcolm Hanney

Before Transitional Relief, Village shop relief, empty property rates, empty exemptions, Mandatory & Discretionary relief, S44a reductions etc. the Gross NNDR for B&NES for 2004/05 based on a straight forward Rate in the pound multiplied by the Rateable Value calculation is A347.8m. We collect A342.5m of this after all the exemptions are discounted.

Under the current pooling and redistribution rules, B&NES will receive A347.4m pa. In 2004/05.

Hence we receive back 111.5% of what we actually collect.

25. Question from Cllr Brian Barrett

I wish to congratulate the Council officers responsible for the Holocaust presentation made on 27th January, 2005, in the Guildhall.

I note with concern the lack of an operational budget item to finance this and similar commemorative events.

Given the Council's Strategy Committee's decision of 30th November, 1999 respecting such events, will the Executive require the Executive Member for Social Service to make provision for a designated item of A3500 to finance Holocaust and similar presentations in this year's budget?

Answer by Executive Councillor Francine Haeberling

I welcome Cllr Barrett's congratulations regarding the Holocaust commemoration at the Guildhall on January 27th. The event is an important one, aimed at ensuring that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the holocaust are never forgotten and its relevance for each new generation is understood.

The cost of the event (officer time, room hire, materials etc) are met from the Corporate Equalities Team budget which, though small, is sufficient for the purpose. I do not see the need for a designated budget item but will ensure that, in approving the Corporate Equalities budget for 2005/06, that there is sufficient budget provision to repeat this successful event in 2006 and subsequent years.

Supplementary question from Cllr Brian Barrett

Does the Executive Member not find it unacceptable for Officers to have paid out of their own pocket for the candles that formed part of the ceremony.

Answer by Executive Councillor Francine Haeberling

I was not aware of this and I do agree that it is unacceptable. I will follow this up.

26. Question from Cllr Gordon Wood

Saltford Community Association are considering a proposal to build a Play Wall next to Wedmore Road, Saltford. There has been some confusion about who owns this piece of land. This information is required before any progress can be made on this idea.

Could the Executive Member give some advice on the way forward?

(A copy of correspondence between Saltford Ward Councillors and relevant organisations has been sent to the Council's Estate Surveying Department to help you in this answer)

The land in question does fall within the ownership of BANES and the Saltford Community Association should contact the Head of Property and Legal Services to discuss their proposals.

27. Question from Cllr Colin Barrett

A number of outside market traders not in the Guildhall at present have been approached by market operator firm Gideon Middleton.

1. Is the Executive Member aware of these approaches?

2. Have any Council Officers undertaken discussions with any Gideon Middleton employees?

3. Would the Executive Member like to make a statement about what he interprets to be the purpose of Gideon Middleton approaching these outside market traders?

4. Have the authority agreed a contract with Gideon Middleton to run the Guildhall Market?

28. Question from Mr Chris Benson

1a: What are this Council's key commitments to reducing climate change and what resources are being dedicated to this?

1b: What are this Council's key commitments to coping with the impacts of climate change and what resources are being dedicated to this?

2: Does this Council envisage that additional resource will be needed to address the new 'Urban Renaissance' objective of Draft PPS9, and if so, is that being included in the budget?

29. Question from Cllr Nigel Roberts

Would the executive member make provision for the monitoring of mobile masts to ensure they comply with the ICNRP guidelines?

Bath and Northeast Somerset Council does not have the specialist technical expertise required to carry out the monitoring of electro-magnetic radiation emitted from mobile phone base stations.

Independent Auditing of mobile phone masts to ensure they comply with the International Commission For Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNRP) guidelines is carried out by engineers attached to Ofcom

The Ofcom system has been developed toward satisfying the recommendation for independent, random and ongoing auditing of all base stations made in the report produced by the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones entitled "Mobile Phones and Health" (The Stewart Report- April 2000).

Results from monitoring 2001 - 2004 are published on the Ofcom website - www.ofcom.org.uk

Ofcom welcomes registrations for monitoring from schools and hospitals, along with other sensitive sites close to base stations which are considered on a case by case basis. Online registration to request an audit is available to anyone who considers a site in their vicinity to be sensitive.