Agenda and minutes

Councillor Barry Macrae sent his apologies; he was substituted by Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones.

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.

Councillor Liz Hardman made a statement on Children’s Services Funding. In her statement Councillor Hardman asked that £300k be put back into the budget, ring fenced for Children’s Centres. She also asked that, regarding the new model of service for Children’s Centres, a one off resource be found to enable a smooth transition.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson made a statement asking that £60k be put back into the budget to maintain the bronze level of security for vulnerable people in sheltered accommodation. Councillors Gerrish and Roberts stated that they had been contacted by concerned residents on this issue.

The Chairman thanked the Councillor for their statements.

Draft minutes of the previous meeting, held on 18th November 2013, are attached for confirmation by the Panel. Minutes will then be signed by the Chairman.

The report 'Council Budget 2014/15 and Medium Term Plans' will be sent out early next week when it is released for the Cabinet papers.

Please find attached a cover report and attachment 2 (including a presentation given to the Early Years PDS Panel).

The Chairman outlined the proposed structure of the debate. He explained that he would firstly ask Tim Richens, Divisional Director – Business Support to give an introduction to the budget report. He would then ask Andrew Pate, Strategic Director – Resources to comment on the Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Panel’s minutes. He explained that Ashley Ayre Strategic Director – People and Communities was in attendance to address any of the Panel’s questions regarding Children’s Services followed by general debate on the budget and on PDS comments. The Panel will then put forward their recommendations which will be put forward to the Cabinet on 12^th February 2014.

Tim Richens, Divisional Director – Business Support introduced the report “Medium Term Service & Resources Planning 2014/15 – 2015/16, & Budget and Council Tax 2014/15” (page 5, Agenda item 8). He highlighted some sections of Appendix 1 (page 11).

Andrew Pate, Strategic Director – Resources outlined the process of the Council budget setting. He referred members to the comments from PDS Panels (page 19) in their November meetings on the Medium Term Plans. He also referred to the report (page 15) where some of the points raised by PDS Panels are summarised.

Ashley Ayre Strategic Director – People and Communities, explained that there is a report on “Re- structuring of Early Years, Children Centre and Early Help (0-11) Services 2014-2016” on the Cabinet agenda for 12^th February.

The Panel raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Gerrish asked Ashley Ayre to comment on the observations of Councillor Hardman in her statement at Item 6. The Strategic Director explained that £500k had been put back into the budget for Children’s Services and £300k would go directly to Children’s Centres and £200k would go back into direct support for children with additional needs. He further explained that the £500k has enabled the protection of targeted services for families with children with additional needs.

Councillor Barrett asked that the increase in the hire charge for youth groups using Weston Children’s Centre be considered again as it may cause some groups to fold.  The Strategic Director explained that the charge had been £10 per hour which was not economic and not nearly at market rates. He explained that there would be consultation on charging policy and there would be an opportunity to comment on this.

There was some discussion around a proposal from Councillor Bull on Children’s Centres which was agreed and is shown at points 2 and 3 of the resolutions below.

The Revenue Budget 2014/15 (page 14)

Following a query from Councillor Gerrish, The Divisional Director for Business Support explained that there are some estimates as to the cost of administering business rate relief but exact amounts are not known until claims come in. There was some discussion around a proposal from Councillor Gerrish which was agreed and is shown at point 4 of the resolutions below.

Councillor Bull referred to the ‘Time Out’ Club and asked if they will be provided  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

The Cabinet Member will verbally update the panel on any relevant issues. Panel members may ask questions. There is no report attached.

Councillor David Bellotti – Cabinet Member for Community Resources, updated the Panel on the following:

·  Community Asset Transfer – a list for the coming year is set out in the budget report. Councillor Bellotti stated that he is happy to take further suggestions;

·  Grand Parade and Undercroft – all is going according to plan. He stated that the Council had only committed to  phases 1 and 2;

·  Keynsham Regeneration – this project is on budget and on time.

·  Cattle Market/Corn Market – The closing date has passed and there are a good number of bids. He stated that the Cabinet will look at the bids and share information when appropriate.

·  Midsomer Norton regeneration – all progressing on time.

·  Procurement – Some progress being made, slow but in the right direction. He stated that he would report to the Panel on an annual basis showing percentages of local businesses.

·  Property – there will be more news in the next few weeks

The Panel raised the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Barrett spoke about Percy Boys Club and explained that it was their 70^th anniversary in 2017. Councillor Bellotti explained that they had been offered a lease for 99 years on a peppercorn rent. On the issue of procurement champion, Councillor Bellotti advised speaking to the Group Leader.

This report presents the latest workplan for the Panel (Appendix 1).

The Panel noted the future workplan.