Agenda item

This report presents the Place and Resources Directorate Plan to the Panel for consideration and feedback as part of the Council’s service planning and budget development process.

All Directorate Plans can be viewed at

https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ecCatDisplay.aspx?sch=doc&cat=13506

Panel members considered the Directorate Plans for Place and Resources (where issues fall within the Panel’s remit) as part of the Council’s service planning and budget development process and made the following comments.

Directorate Plan for Place

Councillor Hale asked whether a rateable value can be imposed onto University buildings. The Chair noted that this falls within the remit of the PHED Panel and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Charles Gerrish, explained that the Council have responded to Government consultation in line with this view.

Councillor Bull asked about the Highway Maintenance Programme and Transport Improvement Programme (page 31) – he asked that that the Panel be sent these figures alongside figures for previous years so that they can see the overall context. The Director agreed. It was explained that the Government do not give clarity on future year proposals and also that the Highways Programme does include the pot hole funding – The Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency, Councillor Charles Gerrish, added that £788k is the national productivity investment from the Government regarding highways.

Regarding the Depot Review (page 33) the Director for Place, Louise Fradd explained that the review is about reducing numbers and improving existing service. Councillor Hale asked if the Council can consider any available land for increase in rental accommodation, the Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency explained that the Property Company always considers available land. The Director for Place explained that a ‘combined transport and licensing hub’ refers to the bringing of the administration together.

Regarding the Transport and Parking Review (page 34) the Director explained that the review is covering short and long stay parking; construction vehicles; non charging car parks. Councillor Butters asked about the future of Avon Street Car Park. The Director explained that there is scope to look at automated number recognition, she explained that there will be a proportion of replacement parking and that there has always been a plan to reduce the amount of city centre parking and that is why Park and Ride schemes are being considered. Samantha Jones, Inclusive Communities Manager explained that if cash services are stopped in car parks then some people cannot access the service and there needs to be a safety net. Members asked about the likely effect of the review. Officers said that nothing was ruled in or ruled out, including charges at Council car parks which are free at present. Councillor Bull asked that the Parking Review by brought back to the Panel at a later date.

Councillor Hale mentioned the Bereavement Service and asked how charges can be increased as well as offering cheaper services. Martin Shields, Divisional Director for Environmental Services, explained that the increase in some services reflects the fact that the authority charges have been low up until now but there will be scope to cater for both ends of the spectrum. Councillor Hale mentioned that it is an excellent team with a fantastic level of customer service.

Councillor Bull asked if Bath will pay for hanging baskets (page 34) in the same way as other areas. The officer explained that a review showed that hanging baskets were being undersold so that has been rectified and should generate income.

Councillor Bull asked how the service redesign of ‘Transport – moving people from A to B’ (page 34) will save money, the officer explained that regarding SEN transport – the service is not efficient and now there is an officer in Children’s Services who talks to the family and works out a service that the family want and will use. He explained that he is happy to come back to the Panel and talk through the details.

Councillor Goodman asked about the reduction in the dog warden service. Sue Green Group Manager - Public Protection & Health Improvement explained the procurement process is happening now. She reminded the Panel of the statutory responsibility of the authority which is strays and kennelling.

Regarding recycling centres, Councillor Bull asked about time banding. The officer explained that time banding will allow staff to check vans in and charge them. He also explained that rather than register electronically now, staff just check for physical proof of address which makes the system easier and saves time.

Directorate Plan for Resources

Panel members asked about the changes to library services over the next 3 years including Bath Central Library, Midsomer Norton, mobile libraries and other libraries. Officers explained that the service is being modernised, that there is considerable investment planned to enable integration with the advice services in the Council’s one stop shops in Bath and Midsomer Norton.  Keynsham already has this integrated model. Other libraries will need local community led solutions such as the healthy living centre idea (and successful bid for external funding) for Radstock. Officers further explained that customer demand at one stop shops is reducing with the implementation of Universal Credits.  It was explained that further local consultation will take place, with the next level of consultation in Bath beginning at the start of February.

Members asked whether the cuts to the library service budget would lead to a reduction in service. The reply expressed the hope that branch libraries would be run in future by parish councils or community groups.