Decisions

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Consider the outcomes of the consultation on a Public Space Protection Order to restrict street drinking in Bath and Midsomer Norton, as set out.

2)  Consider the legal criteria for adopting PSPOs, as set out in Paragraph 4 of this report, and particularly the test set out in paragraph 4.1

3)  In the light of 1) and 2) above make the Bath City Order and Midsomer Norton Order as set out in Appendix 1 of the report

4)  Request the Head of Legal Services or an authorised signatory on their behalf to sign and seal the Bath City Order and the Midsomer Norton Order.

5)  Request the Director of People and Policy to undertake publicity relating to any agreed Order and ensure the impact of the PSPOs is kept under review

6)  Request the Bath and North East Somerset Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership to receive regular monitoring reports on the impact of the PSPOs, including equalities impacts, and updates on support and treatment available for people who misuse alcohol including street drinkers.

7)  Thank those who were involved in the consultation process including Midsomer Norton Town Council and publicise the outcomes of the consultation.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Note progress on the delivery of the Corporate Strategy and key aspects of the Council’s service delivery, details of which are highlighted in report.

2)  Indicate any other key service areas to be highlighted and included in the strategic indicator report.

3)  Receive update reports on a quarterly basis.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Work with Wiltshire and Dorset Councils and the Sub-Regional Transport Board (STB) Western Gateway to complete a strategic study into north-south connectivity between the M4 and the Dorset Coast with an aim of making the A350 the strategic route and limiting HGV use of Cleveland Bridge as part of the Governments Road Investment Strategy 2 (2020-25).

2)  Assess and review the position after completion of the study, recognising that any investment that would resolve the core issue would be considered, at the earliest, as part of the Road Investment Strategy 3 which covers the period 2025-30. The study would also inform discussions between BANES and the other stakeholders. It is considered that this approach is the one most likely to result in a positive outcome for both B&NES and the other stakeholders involved.

3)  Continue to make representations to Government about the need to improve the traffic situation at Cleveland Bridge, highlighting the changes to road conditions within Bath and the wider area since 2012 such as the changes to the A350 as part of the planned improvement and upgrade and the introduction of the Clean Air Zone in Bath.

4)  Officers are requested to:

  A.  Prepare a draft Traffic Regulation Order seeking to restrict HGV movements over Cleveland Bridge in order to preserve or improve the amenity of the area through which the road runs, in this case the grade 2* listed Cleveland Bridge structure and environs including the London Road and Bathwick St, in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

  B.  Investigate and consider any other options that may exist for achieving a similar end to a TRO and report on both actions including the draft TRO to the November meeting of this Cabinet.

  C.  Consult with appropriate heritage and amenity groups in Bath including Residents’ Associations in the course of preparation of the TRO.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Note the successful launch and implementation of the CAZ during a global pandemic, the success in upgrading the local scheduled bus fleet and the successful response to the Financial Assistance Scheme to bring forward the replacement of non-compliant vehicles.

2)  Note the positive progress which has been made towards improving air quality and associated public health outcomes, together with increasing the proportion of compliant vehicles entering the CAZ and discharging the Ministerial Directions.

3)  Delegate authority to the Director of Place Management to make any non-material changes to, and authorise the adoption of, the Bath Clean Air Zone Charging (Variation) Order, and for it to have effect from the date of sealing.

4)  Note the performance of the scheme against the scheme financial model, ensuring it covers its costs of operation and avoids placing an additional burden on the Council and local taxpayers.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Cabinet agreed to:

1)  Adopt the B&NES Procurement & Commissioning Strategy – “Think Climate, Think Local, Think Innovation”,

2)  Delegate authority to the Director of Finance in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources to update the Strategy to reflect future changes to the national statutory framework.

The Cabinet Member agrees that the fees and charges will be reviewed annually in light of the UK Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) and amended on an upwards only basis from 1 July 2021 until and including 1 July 2023.

Any marked economic and/or budgetary change negatively impacting on Service fees and charges during this period will be reported back to the relevant Cabinet Member.