Agenda and minutes

The Chair was taken by Councillor Tim Warren, Leader of the Council.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

The Chair will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure as set out in the Notes

Senior Democratic Services Officer drew attention to the evacuation procedure as set out in the Agenda.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest,  (as defined in Part 2, A and B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officeror a member of his staff before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

Questions submitted before the deadline will receive a reply from an appropriate Cabinet member or a promise to respond within 5 days of the meeting.  Councillors may ask one supplementary question for each question they submitted, up to a maximum of two per Councillor.

There were 12 questions from Councillors.

[Copies of the questions and responses, including supplementary questions, have been placed on the Minute book as an attachment to these minutes and are available on the Council's website.]

Councillors and members of the public may register their intention to make a statement if they notify the subject matter of their statement before the deadline.  Statements are limited to 3 minutes each.  The speaker may then be asked by Cabinet members to answer factual questions arising out of their statement.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson complimented the Leader and the Cabinet Members on their election success. Councillor Jackson drew attention to the problems of traffic flow through Radstock, and the congestion (at times gridlock) which has been affecting Westfield residents particularly badly because they had no options other than the A367, whereas Radstock residents could use back lanes to get to Bath. Councillor Jackson suggested that there is a pattern in the mismanagement of traffic schemes, citing the Silver Street/Charlton Road pavement build out in West field, the Paulton chicane and the Combe Down roundabout as examples where taxpayers’ money had been wasted through poor highways management.  Councillor Jackson asked the Cabinet Member for Transport to investigate whether there was not a B&NES wide pattern here, and an area for saving money by preventing mistakes in the first place. Councillor Jackson said that the Radstock Traders’ Association Town Team had asked for her to raise the question of financial alleviation for their business lost due to the roadworks, and said they were also affected by the 184 bus service which brought in shoppers to the Somer Valley from Mendip. What would the administration’s attitude to rural transport be?

Councillor Jackson had asked the Cabinet to note that she was not speaking on an agenda item because unlike Bath and Keynsham which had travel strategy documents on the agenda, nothing had been done for the Somer Valley, and this was not right.

David Redgewell (South West Transport Network) made a statement (a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 2 and on the Council's website) by saying that things have been moving on in terms of transport in South West area.  David Redgewell highlighted the importance of rural bus transport.   

The Chair informed the meeting that the minutes have been included for information only; they have been signed and approved by the previous Leader of the Council on behalf of the previous Cabinet.

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 14, part 4D – Executive Procedure Rules) for matters referred by Policy Development and Scrutiny bodies.  The Chair of the relevant PDS Panel will have the right to attend and to introduce the Panel’s recommendations to Cabinet.

The paper sets out the proposed priorities of the new administration; these will be presented at the meeting by the Leader of the Council and cabinet members.

The Chair invited Councillor Robin Moss to address the Cabinet.

Councillor Moss commented that it was very much work in progress.  He said that there were vacant office spaces in Somer Valley which could be used.  Up until last year, there had been an Economic Forum in Radstock area, comprised of Councillors, officers and business community, and that was abolished by previous administration, and replaced by the Development Advisory Group, with only Councillors and officers on board. 

He also said that paragraph 5.7 of the report, Children and Young People, said that fostering should be included alongside adoption.  Councillor Moss concluded his statement by inviting the Cabinet to support the Labour initiative in opposing metro mayors and build on the existing democratic structure.

The Chair invited the other Members of the Council and public to address the Cabinet with their ad-hoc statements.

Councillor Dine Romero said that the aims and priorities of the new Cabinet seem to be built on proposals and plans from the previous administration and she supported the new Cabinet in their intention to continue with provision of early support and asked that there should be no more cuts to children centres or indeed youth services.  Councillor Romero also commented that people in Bath and North East Somerset were generally healthy, though there were still challenges in this area. 

Councillor Tim Ball asked if the Cabinet had taken into consideration, and taken measure to prevent new homes being forced to be built in Keynsham because Bristol was not able to deliver on housing.

The Chair responded that the Cabinet would be looking into that matter.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked the Cabinet to expand on what frontline services they saw as non-essential, which were likely to have an impact during the budget cuts.  Councillor Brett also asked if the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People would confirm that £6.6 million investment for capital school programme solely comprised of basic need funding and capital maintenance funding (both coming from the Central Government).

The Chair commented that these issues would be covered during the discussion on specific items.

Councillor Tim Warren, in moving this item, said that the Cabinet the aims and priorities in this paper had been closely aligned to those set out prior to the local elections, and demonstrate Cabinet’s commitment to delivering on the promises we made before May.

This paper sets out three core aims of our administration:

- A Council which is efficient and well-run;

- A Council which invests in the future of our area; and

- A Council which puts the interests of residents first.

Beyond these three core aims, the Cabinet had also set six more specific main priorities, which would guide their policies in the years ahead.

• Tackle waste and increasing efficiency
• Deliver new Homes and Jobs
• Improving transportInvest in young people
• To create cleaner, greener and healthier local communities
• To ensure choice and independence for Older People

Councillor Warren summarised his statement by saying that the Cabinet would ensure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The report provides and update on the process to review the Council’s spending and budgets in support of developing the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2016/17 to 2019/20 in light of the significant financial challenge that the Council is likely to face over this period.

The Chair invited Councillor Robin Moss to address the Cabinet.

Councillor Moss highlighted the fact that £38m of savings would be needed across the lifetime of the new administration.  He asked if the Cabinet could outline which services would be priorities of the new administration so it could go through the usual scrutiny process before the final budget is agreed. Councillor Moss had asked Jo Farrar (Chief Executive) if she had any indications on the financial implications for the Council.

The Chair assured Councillor Moss that the budget would be going through the usual scrutiny process before final agreement.

Jo Farrar responded that, according to early indications, there would be an impact on the Council although this appeared to be as expected.  Nevertheless, the officers would be looking carefully at the budget statement to get a clear understanding of all details of the financial implications.

Councillor Furse said that he would also be waiting to see details of the financial implications and what services would be prioritised by the Cabinet.  He also said that the Cabinet had already taken £1.5m from reserves and asked for an assurance that reserves should be protected as far as possible.

Councillor Tim Ball asked if the reports would be properly scrutinised before they are submitted to the Full Council.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked for a rigorous process to be put in place to support the development of the Council budget and medium term financial planning process going forwards, including a review of both the Council’s revenue budgets and the current Approved Capital Programme.

Councillor Joe Rayment asked how the new administration would make sure that these cuts would be made fairly and made a point about not being able to leave work in order to attend meetings.

The Chair assured everyone that the budget would be scrutinised through the usual budget process.

Councillor Michael Evans commented that the Government requires employers to give Councillors time off for meetings and other Council duties.

Councillor Charles Gerrish said that it would be appropriate for the new Cabinet to conduct a full review in the light of the size of savings required to be achieved over the next four years.  The review would be conducted by Councillor Paul May (Cabinet Assistant – Finance and Efficiency) and it would be looking into opportunities for savings, efficiencies, ways of service delivery and additional sources of income (how this Council can attract additional revenue).  Councillor Gerrish added that the review had just started and it would be too early to give any details about it.  The Cabinet does not have pre-conceived plans to what they would want, or not, to continue – in order to be prioritised, services would need to meet aims and objectives of this Cabinet.

Councillor Gerrish moved the recommendations.

Councillor Martin Veal seconded the proposal by saying that it was essential to tackle waste and increase efficiency.  The Council would need a long-term plan to prepare for the challenges in the years ahead.  The Cabinet would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Local Authority has a statutory duty, in consultation with the partner agencies, to produce an annual Youth Justice Plan. The Plan sets out how youth justice services are to be composed and funded, how they will operate and what functions they will carry out to prevent youth offending and re-offending across Bath and North East Somerset.

The Chair invited Councillor Lisa Brett to read out an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Brett read out the statement where she welcomed the decrease in the level of first time entrants into the youth justice system.  She also commended the collaboration between the Youth Justice Board, the youth offending teams and the judiciary to bring about a significant reduction in the numbers of young people in custody.  Councillor Brett concluded her statement by calling for reassurance that spending on youth offending would not be reduced below its current level and is retained at 45% or above of the total youth offending budget.

A full copy of the statement from Councillor Brett is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Evans said that the cuts had been made to children’s services and that he would hope not to make any more cuts.  He also also confirmed that £6.6m funding for spending on new school would indeed come from the Central Government, as all education capital and revenue spending would come, and it would be wrong from the Council to insert more money from the Council Tax.  He added that Restorative Justice was a statutory area of work and it would be unlikely to suffer any cuts.  He also said that one of the initiatives of the Plan would be to tackle cannabis consumption, re-offending and first offending.

Councillor Evans moved the recommendations.

Councillor Vic Pritchard seconded the proposals.

Councillor Pritchard said that the Plan sets out clear plans for the future of youth justice and how this Council would work with its partners to help prevent youth offending and re-offending across Bath and North East Somerset.  Early intervention would be a priority for all work with children, young people and families.

On a motion from Councillor Michael Evans, seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously):

1)  The Cabinet recommends adoption of the Youth Justice Plan as part of the Council’s Policy and Budget Framework and notes this can be accommodated within the Council budget;

2)  Cabinet recommends the Youth Justice Plan to Council as fulfilling the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and can be submitted to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales.

The first Bath and North East Somerset Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy (JHWS) was published in November 2013.

The approval of the CCG 5 year strategic plan, publication of NHS England’s ‘The 5 Year Forward View’, publication of the first Health and Wellbeing Board annual report and work on a new Council vision and corporate plan means a lot has changed since November 2013. The Strategy needed to be refreshed in order to reflect this change.

The Chair invited Councillor Tim Ball to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Ball welcomed the report and asked that all budget related issues should be properly scrutinised before they are adopted by the Full Council.  Councillor Ball welcomed the 3 themes and 11 priorities of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

Councillor Vic Pritchard welcomed Councillor Ball’s support for the paper and said that it would be far too early to respond now on any budget implications.  He said that the Health and Social Care Act 2012 requires that local authorities, through the Health and Wellbeing Board, develop a Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy which meets the needs identified in the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.  The 3 themes and 11 priorities of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy were still considered to be relevant; the Health and Wellbeing Board remains confident that the 3 themes and 11 priorities were the right ones to reduce health inequality and improve health and wellbeing in Bath and North East Somerset.  He praised strong partnership between the Council and the NHS, in particular with the B&NES CCG. 

Councillor Pritchard moved the recommendations.

Councillor Tim Warren seconded the proposal.

Councillor Warren said that the Strategy reflects changes that have taken place since it was first put together in November 2013.  The Council are committed to work with partners in the NHS towards these three core themes: Preventing ill health by helping people to stay healthy; Improving the quality of people’s lives; and, Tackling health inequality by creating fairer life chances.

On a motion from Councillor Vic Pritchard, seconded by Councillor Tim Warren it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously):

1)  To adopt the refreshed Bath and North East Somerset Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.

2)  To note that a final Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy will be submitted to Council for approval as forms part of our policy and budget framework.

NOTE: Councillor Anthony Clarke did not vote as he was out of the room during the discussion and voting on this item.

The report presents the revenue and capital outturn for 2014/15, highlighting an underspend of £54,000. This represents a significant achievement in the context of the government’s public sector deficit recovery plan which resulted in a revenue savings requirement of over £10 million for 2014/15.

The report refers to requests to carry forward specific revenue budget items to 2015/16 and to write-off revenue overspends where recovery in future years would have an adverse impact on continuing service delivery.

The report also refers to requests to re-phase specific capital budget items to 2015/16 and to remove net capital underspends.

The Chair invited Councillor Robin Moss to make a statement.

Councillor Moss commented suggested that the Cabinet should resist calls from the Central Government in selling assets as the Council has been well served in income from heritage services.  He also said that the report had indicated that housing benefit subsidy is underspent by £387k and hoped that this was not an indication that subsidy had not been advertised properly.

The Chair invited Councillor Andy Furse to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Furse pointed to bullet points 1.6, 1.12, 1.20 of the appendix in the report and asked for updates on issues highlighted in those bullet points.

Councillor Charles Gerrish paid a tribute to the late Councillor David Bellotti for his work over the past four years as previous Cabinet Member for Finances. This report provides information about the Council’s financial performance against its revenue and capital budgets in 2014/15.

This report enables Cabinet to review:

•  Requests for write-off of overspends

•  Requests for carry forward of underspends

•  Suggested transfers to earmarked reserves

The report identifies that after carry forwards and transfers to reserves, the Council underspent by £54,000.  He highlighted the main areas contributing to the underspend and over achievement of income position, such as Heritage Services’ overachievement of income of £512,000 and IT Service underspend of £476,000.

Councillor Gerrish moved the recommendations.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones seconded the proposal.

Councillor Anketell-Jones said that the Council would continue to meet its reserves strategy as outlined in the budget report to the Council in February.  He was pleased to see that the Heritage income had increased due to higher visitor numbers and their additional retail spend, and suggested that the Council should continue to look at ways of generating new income in this way.

On a motion from Councillor Charles Gerrish, seconded by Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously) that:

1)  The revenue budget outturn underspend of £54,000 for 2014/15 is noted.

2)  The revenue carry forward proposals and write-off requests listed in the report are approved.

3)  Transfers to Earmarked Reserves are agreed as set out.

4)  The revenue virements for 2014/15 are approved.

5)  The resulting reserves position shown in the report is noted and that unearmarked reserves remain at the target level of £10.5m (excluding Invest to Save drawdowns).

6)  The provisional outturn of the 2014/15 capital programme, and the funding as laid out in the report, are noted.

7)  The capital re-phasing and write-off of net underspends are approved.

8)  The adjustments to the 2014/15 to 2019/20 capital programme, and the final capital programme for 2014/15 are noted.

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, review performance during the year, and approve 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 2014/15.

The Chair invited Councillor Andy Furse to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Furse asked for an assurance that the Council would not include any banks from Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain.  He also said that the Council should monitor what would be happening in the Eurozone in the next 48 hours and what impact that would have on our investment in that market.

Councillor Charles Gerrish said that 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, review performance during the year, and approve 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 2014/15.  Councillor Gerrish replied to points raised by Councillor Furse by saying that the Council would be kept abreast of all those issues raised.

Councillor Gerrish moved the recommendations.

Councillor Marie Longstaff seconded the proposal.

Councillor Longstaff said that the report shows that the Council would continue to be prudent in their investment strategy, with most investments on main UK banks, AAA rated Money Market Funds and highly rated foreign banks with emphasis on security and liquidity. 

On a motion from Councillor Charles Gerrish, seconded by Councillor Marie Longstaff it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously) that:

1)  The 2014/15 Treasury Management Report to 31^st March 2015, prepared in accordance with the CIPFA Treasury Code of Practice, is noted.

2)  The 2014/15 Treasury Management Indicators are noted.

The Council adopted the Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy in November 2014.  This report provides an update to some of the key issues within the Strategy and how they are being taken forward.  A key recommendation of the Strategy included the need to develop a new Park and Ride (P&R) to the east of Bath.  This report recommends that a public consultation be undertaken on the options for the delivery of this facility.

The Chair invited Councillor Alison Millar to read out her statement.

Councillor Millar read out her statement and said that the Cabinet should conduct a thorough consultation with the residents of Bathavon North Ward in terms of the long term solution.

A full copy of the statement from Councillor Millar is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Anthony Clarke introduced the paper as printed by highlighting the five key areas where this report expands upon the policies contained within the Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy, and which the Cabinet view as priority areas for the years ahead: 

·  Supporting sustainable transport

·  Investing in infrastructure

·  Cutting congestion and pollution

·  Promoting local rail

·  Improving parking provision

The Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy recommended that the need for a P&R to the East of Bath should be established in the light of a wider review of parking within the city.  In selecting any site for this new facility a number of factors would have to be considered, for example: capacity, safe access, usage, environmental, distance, number of buses, bus priority, frequency of service, pricing, site cost and ownership.

These and other factors would provide guidance on the selection of the preferred or optimum site and public consultation would invlove residents, Councillors and Parish Councils particularly to the east of the City.

Once a preferred site has been selected by the Cabinet, it would be included in the Placemaking Plan later this year.

Councillor Clarke moved the recommendations.

Councillor Tim Warren seconded the proposals.

Councillor Warren said that transport is a key priority for this administration.  The Cabinet would take forward the Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy.  A key to good transport in Bath is in keeping traffic on the move, not only to reduce congestion.  The Cabinet believes an East of Bath Park and Ride would be critical for the future economic success of Bath.  The Cabinet would consult with the local communities on options they think should be taken forward.

Councillor Martin Veal supported the report by saying that residents of the Bathavon Ward, and also from West Wiltshire would be fully consulted on the proposed sites.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones also supported the report by saying that this has been a long outstanding issue and that he would be looking forward to an East of Bath Park and Ride.

On a motion from Councillor Anthony Clarke, seconded by Councillor Tim Warren it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously) that:

1)  The Cabinet noted the progress being made on the Getting Around Bath Transport Strategy, and agrees the additional measures proposed within paragraphs 5.3 to 5.7 to support the delivery of this Strategy.

2)  The Cabinet agreed to undertake a public consultation on the options to help identify a preferred location for a new P&R east of Bath.

The Council’s Adopted Core Strategy identifies Keynsham for growth of more than 2,000 dwellings together with over 1,000 new jobs. This represents a significant increase in the size of the town which at peak times suffers from delays and congestion. Although the Council has an overall Transport Strategy in 3rd Joint Local Transport Plan 2011 to 2026, a more detailed Transport Strategy for the town is required to ensure the growth proposed can be accommodated.

The Chair invited Councillor Neil Butters to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Butters said that the previous administration has set this strategy up and that he was pleased that this Cabinet would be pursuing this matter.

The Chair invited Councillor Alan Hale to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Hale asked the Cabinet to look closely into policing parking on the road, marked with yellow lines, in Keynsham.  Councillor Hale said that the Council should have a much firmer approach on this matter, including communicating with the police on what their role should be in this issue.

The Chair invited Councillor Brian Simmons to make an ad-hoc statement.

Councillor Simmons made an ad-hoc statement in which he highlighted issue of lack of parking in Keynsham.

A full statement from Councillor Simmons is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Anthony Clarke welcomed the comments from Keynsham Ward Councillors and assured them that a point on increasing parking enforcement officers would be looked at.  He said that the Strategy would be for the benefit of Keynsham and the Council would be looking to developing transport strategies for the Somer Valley and Chew Valley.

Councillor Clarke moved the recommendations.

Councillor Marie Longstaff seconded the proposals.

Councillor Longstaff said that Getting Around Keynsham Strategy would be essential to the economy and wellbeing of the town, its residents and employees.  The Cabinet would be committed to reducing traffic congestion in and around Keynsham and wanted to ensure the town retains its independence and its separate identity as a sustainable, desirable and well-connected place in which to live and work. 

Councillor Charles Gerrish praised the work of officers for working closely with local Councillors when developing this Strategy and highlighted a need for more parking spaces in Keynsham.  He also said that the Council would need to co-operate with Bristol and South Gloucestershire area.

On a motion from Councillor Anthony Clarke, seconded by Councillor Marie Longstaff it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously) that:

1)  The Cabinet noted the responses to the consultation process and the amendments made and approve the adoption of the ‘Getting around Keynsham Transport Strategy’.

2)  The Cabinet agreed the Strategy be subject to a period of engagement within Keynsham to allow the public a further opportunity to understand the proposals within the Strategy.

3)  The Cabinet delegated any further minor changes to the Getting Around Keynsham Transport Strategy to the Divisional Director Environmental Services, or the Strategic Director Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport.

The B&NES CIL Charging Schedule was adopted by the Council on 17th February 2015 and came into effect on 6th April 2015. Following the adoption, it is necessary to agree the process for allocating and releasing funds raised through CIL. The CIL Strategic Spend Protocol proposed in this report sets out the process, timetable and infrastructure prioritisation criteria.

Councillor Marie Longstaff introduced the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule and said that a charging authority must apply CIL to funding the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure to support the development of its area.  It would also allow the Council to pass money to bodies outside their area to deliver infrastructure that will benefit the development of the area.

Councillor Longstaff moved the recommendations.

Councillor Charles Gerrish seconded the proposal.

Councillor Gerrish said that this was an important report because the CIL would contribute to funding infrastructure needed to support the district’s growth aspirations and that an estimated £6.8m could be raised in the next five years and that a proportion of this levy would be passed on to local communities.

On a motion from Councillor Michael Evans, seconded by Councillor Vic Pritchard it was:

RESOLVED (unanimously) that:

1)  The B&NES Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Strategic Spend Protocol is approved;

2)  Responsibility is delegated to the Divisional Director for Development, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, to make any minor amendments and to correct any errors to the documentation.