Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2014.

The minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2014 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

There were no public questions.

There were no petitions or deputations.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating members on the new anti-social behaviour tools being introduced through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

RESOLVED:

That the community trigger is implemented in the city of Gloucester as outlined in paragraphs 3.12 – 3.17.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods which provided an update on the new anti-social behaviour (ASB) tools which would be introduced through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.  It was noted that a further report would follow which would outline the approach to implementation once the Act had come into force.

Cabinet were informed that the Act would provide simpler and more effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that would provide better protection for victims and communities. It was noted that anti-social behaviour had been taken seriously in Gloucester and the multi-agency approach to tackling ASB problems through Project Solace was being used.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods referred to pages 13 and 14 of the report which contained more information regarding the community trigger.

It was noted that the Act would go live on 20 October 2014.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the additions to the Act which highlighted the importance of public safety.

In response to a question from the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture relating to what financial resources would be required, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods advised that she did not anticipate that the community trigger would be used on a regular basis and therefore this would not have a huge impact on resources.  A more detailed report outlining this would follow.

RESOLVED:

That the community trigger is implemented in the city of Gloucester as outlined in paragraphs 3.12 – 3.17.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating members on the work undertaken for an upgrade and maintenance programme for the City Council’s closed circuit television (CCTV) system.

RESOLVED:

That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods to determine the final detail of the upgrade and maintenance programme, including the potential inclusion of city centre wifi, based on the technical consultant’s recommendations.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods which provided an update on the work undertaken following Council’s approval on 27 September 2012 of a budget for an upgrade and maintenance programme for the city council’s closed circuit television (CCTV) system.

Cabinet were informed that one of the biggest impacts related to location of the CCTV Control Room which would now be based at Waterwells. This would have implications on the progress of the CCTV project as the system would need to be compatible with the new Control Room.

Whilst the proposed CCTV Control Room move had caused delays, it had become apparent that those changes would also affect Cheltenham’s operations. Approval had been given for the City Council and Cheltenham Borough Council to undertake a joint tender and work on the project together.  This would ensure both systems would be compatible and this would also achieve minimal costs.  The introduction of free Wi-Fi would also be explored. It was hoped the CCTV cameras would be installed before the Rugby World Cup.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and noted that public safety was paramount. 

RESOLVED:

That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods to determine the final detail of the upgrade and maintenance programme, including the potential inclusion of city centre Wi-Fi, based on the technical consultant’s recommendations.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture updating members on the Council’s support in grant funding to the Cathedral’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid ‘Project Pilgrim Phase 1 : the Heart of Gloucester’.

RESOLVED:

That it be noted that a grant of £50,000 has been made to the Cathedral from the Regeneration Fund to support the HLF bid.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture updating members on the Council’s support in grant funding to the Cathedral’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid ‘Project Pilgrim Phase 1 : the Heart of Gloucester’.

Cabinet were informed that a key objective in the current Council plan was to enhance the role of the Cathedral in the life of the City.  Gloucester Cathedral had secured major development funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture believed it was reasonable for the City Council to make a contribution to the project from the Regeneration Fund.  The Council had already provided funding from the events budget for Crucible 2.

Cabinet Members supported the report which highlighted the need to restore historic buildings. The Cathedral was an iconic building and any enhancements would benefit the economy and tourism of the City. 

RESOLVED:

That a grant of £50,000 which had been made to the Cathedral from the Regeneration Fund to support the HLF bid be noted.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture updating members on the work undertaken on the regeneration of city centre sites and buildings.

RESOLVED:

That the information contained in the report be noted and it was confirmed that these buildings would be a priority for regeneration activity.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which provided an update on work to bring about the regeneration of various important, mainly city centre, sites and buildings.

Cabinet were informed that it had been planned to target key sites and buildings for regeneration in the run-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup. It was intended that this would act as a focus for activity and encourage investment which would provide long term benefit in the city.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods referred to the ongoing progress to the three significant sites in Bristol Road. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture referred to the two new shops opening in Southgate Street in long term empty properties.

Cabinet Members endorsed the report which detailed the proactive approach that would be undertaken to regenerate the city and attract tourism.  It was noted that weaknesses had been identified and an action plan was in place to ensure work is carried out.

Cabinet Members thanked the Leader and officers involved in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the information contained in the report be noted and it was confirmed that these buildings would be a priority for regeneration activity.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating members on the progress made against the Corporate Peer Challenge.

RESOLVED:

That the report and action plan be noted and that updates be received on a quarterly basis.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources which informed members of the progress made against the Corporate Peer Challenge and provided a copy of the Peer Challenge Action Plan.

Cabinet were informed that the Peer Challenge took place in December 2013 and the final report had been signed off in March 2014. The report highlighted the areas of improvement particularly, the work undertaken on the regeneration in the City.

An Action Plan had been produced which was appended to the report and detailed the improvements and progress which had been made, particularly relating to Member/Officer relations. This was apparent at the recent staff event which had received positive feedback.

The Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods commented that he had spoken to colleagues from the Local Government Association (LGA) who endorsed the Action Plan and welcomed the work undertaken with Peers from each of the political parties and the work undertaken regarding Community Engagement.

Cabinet were advised that the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources had taken an active role in the development of the plan to bring together the skills of managers to help improve relationships.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and noted the positive changes which had been made within the organisation.  It was a positive approach to undertake a Peer Review and have an Action Plan in place. It was suggested that a continual review of progress was important to move forward.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture thanked the Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods and officers involved with the Action Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the report and action plan be noted and that updates be received on a quarterly basis.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval to join the existing One Legal Shared Service, operating between Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.  

RESOLVED:

That subject to the approval of a Business Case (including the financial case) by the Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the s151 Officer:

1.         The joining of the Gloucester City Council’s legal services with Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council (One Legal) be approved.

2.         Gloucester City Council’s legal services to staff be transferred to Tewkesbury Borough Council under the principles of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) on 31^st January 2015 or such other date as is agreed

3.         Gloucester City Council’s legal service functions to be delegated to Tewkesbury Borough Council, as host authority, in accordance with section 101 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 and under Part 1A Chapter 2 section 9EA of the Local Government Act 2000 and pursuant to the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012.

4.         That authority to the Head of Paid Service be delegated in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the s151 Officer, to enter into the s101 Agreement, other legal documentation and to take all necessary steps to implement the above mentioned resolutions.

Cabinet considered a report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources which sought approval, subject to a satisfactory Business Case, to join the existing One Legal Shared Service which operates between Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

Cabinet were informed that by joining One Legal the Council would benefit from having a joint service that would be efficient, resilient and cost effective. The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture said it was important to have a strong Business Case to support the decision and was happy to move in this direction.

The Corporate Director of Services and Neighbourhoods highlighted the need to ensure authority is delegated to the Head of Paid Service, the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the S151 Officer to progress the matter.

Cabinet Members supported the report and believed shared services would be the best way to achieve savings during difficult financial times. This process would provide a cost effective way without affecting front line services.  It was important to review Council services and explore the success of shared services which would provide cost savings.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the approval of a Business Case (including the financial case) by the Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the s151 Officer:

1.         The joining of the Gloucester City Council’s legal services with Cheltenham Borough Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council (One Legal) be approved.

2.         Gloucester City Council’s legal services staff transfer to Tewkesbury Borough Council under the principles of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) on 31^st January 2015 or such other date as is agreed

3.         Gloucester City Council’s legal service functions be delegated to Tewkesbury Borough Council, as host authority, in accordance with section 101 (1) of the Local Government Act 1972 and under Part 1A Chapter 2 section 9EA of the Local Government Act 2000 and pursuant to the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012.

4.         That authority be delegated to the Head of Paid Service in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources and the s151 Officer, to enter into the s101 Agreement, other legal documentation and to take all necessary steps to implement the above mentioned resolutions.

Wednesday, 12 November 2014 at 6.00pm.

12 November 2014 at 6.00pm.