Agenda, decisions and minutes

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Contact: Atika Tarajiya  Democratic Services Officer 01452 396192 Email: atika.tarajiya@gloucester.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

90.

Declarations of Interest

To receive from Members, declarations of the existence of any disclosable pecuniary, or non-pecuniary, interests and the nature of those interests in relation to any agenda item. Please see Agenda Notes.

Minutes:

There were no declarations.

91.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 25 February 2015.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on the 25 February 2015 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to amendment of paragraph 87:

 

Councillor James summarised the current position and explained that the focus would be on generating savings and increasing profits reducing the cost to the taxpayer whilst maintaining all the current services. He commented that the decision had been taken not to implement the box office frontage, as this would not be cost effective and in line with public priorities.  

92.

Public Question Time (15 minutes)

The opportunity is given to members of the public to put questions to Cabinet Members or Committee Chairs provided that a question does not relate to:

 

·         Matters which are the subject of current or pending legal proceedings, or

·         Matters relating to employees or former employees of the Council or comments in respect of individual Council Officers

Minutes:

There were no public questions.

93.

Petitions and Deputations (15 minutes)

To receive any petitions or deputations provided that no such petition or deputation is in relation to:

 

·         Matters relating to individual Council Officers, or

·         Matters relating to current or pending legal proceedings

Minutes:

There were no petitions and deputations.

94.

Recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group on the Management of Parcels of Unadopted Green Land pdf icon PDF 88 KB

To consider the report of the Chair of the Task and Finish Group updating Members on the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group on the management of parcels of unadopted green land.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the recommendations as set out in report of the Task and Finish Group be considered and matters that can be actioned without the need for a further report be implemented at the earliest opportunity and matters requiring more detailed consideration be the subject of a further report to Cabinet.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Chair of the Task and Finish Group updating Members on the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group on the management of parcels of unadopted green land.

 

Councillor Haigh, Chair of the Task and Finish Group, explained that the purpose of the report was to identify a range of solutions that would help to improve these areas. She commented that the Task and Finish Group had identified that preventative action, in the planning stages of new developments and promoting residents to take ownership were potential solutions. She noted that these areas could be used for community or recreational activities by local residents. 

 

Councillor Wilson, Member of the Task and Finish Group, advised that issues regarding safety had emerged as a result of the findings. He was pleased to note that Amey were committed to intervene in instances where threats to personal safety had been identified.

 

The Environmental Planning Manager, in response to a query from the Councillor Organ, reported that the existing software, identified land ownership and responsibility within the City but noted that it would be beneficial if any new data, gathered as a result of work carried out on the Stock Transfer was transferred over.  

 

Cabinet Members acknowledged the importance of identifying ownership of these parcels of land and noted that the inclusion of a legal framework during planning applications could enforce developers to discharge their corporate responsibility. They recognised that the findings had not produced an exhaustive list and that further work would be required. They endorsed the approach, noting that it would benefit local communities and commented that existing community groups could be approached to take part in the community clean-ups which would reduce the cost to the Council.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the recommendations of the Task and Finish Group be considered, and matters that can be actioned without the need of a further report be implemented at the earliest opportunity and matters requiring more detailed consideration be the subject of a further report to Cabinet as necessary.

95.

Treasury Management Quarter 3 Report 2014/15 pdf icon PDF 271 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating Members on Treasury Management Activities in Quarter 3 (1st October 2014 to 31st December 2014).

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted and note that no changes are required to the prudential indicators.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating Members on Treasury management activities in Quarter 3 (1October 2014 to 31 December 2014).

 

Councillor Norman highlighted the key areas of the report and commented that the report had been to Audit and Governance Committee on the 16 March 2015, where the contents of the report had been noted

 

Cabinet Members endorsed the proposed approach and were pleased to note that the Council were currently in an under borrowing position in the current challenging economic environment.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted and note that no changes are required to the prudential indicators.

96.

Gloucester City Markets Strategy pdf icon PDF 146 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture presenting Members with the results of the 12 week consultation on the 5 year Draft Gloucester Market Strategy with a view for formal adoption.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the content of the consultation feedback be noted.

 

2.    That the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan are approved and adopted.

 

3.    That the Council’s preferred option is a new ground floor indoor market in either Kings Quarter or Blackfriars developments, the Eastgate Shopping Centre or another prominent city centre location and that further work is undertaken on these options.

 

4.    That the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan should include proposals for better signposting for the current Eastgate Indoor Market.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture which presented Members with the results of the 12 week consultation on the 5 year Draft Gloucester Strategy with a view for formal adoption.

 

Councillor James outlined how the strategy and detailed action plan sought to attract tourists and continue to develop the City’s heritage. He commented that due to the popularity of the Hempsted Meadows market, discussions to increase the size of the site were on-going and the service was currently out for tender. He reported that following a meeting with the Asset Managers at Eastgate Shopping Centre, the first floor option for the Eastgate indoor market was no longer considered appropriate and would not be pursued further.

 

Councillor James advised that the report had been presented to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 23 March 2015, they had noted the contents of the report and had requested the inclusion of an additional recommendation concerning proposals for better signposting for the current Eastgate Indoor Market. 

 

Cabinet Members acknowledged the role of the Markets in the heritage and regeneration of the City. They stressed the need to take the views of the traders and service users into account and commented that new options could be explored as result of new regeneration schemes within the City. They recognized the need for a strategy that would be financially viable and that would not require subsiding to remain operational. They placed on record their thanks to all the Officers involved.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the content of the consultation feedback be noted.

 

2.    That the Gloucester City Markets Strategy and Action Plan are approved and adopted.

 

3.    That the Council’s preferred option is a new ground floor indoor market in either Kings Quarter or Blackfriars developments, the Eastgate Shopping Centre or another prominent city centre location and that further work is undertaken on these options.

 

97.

Proposed implementation of charges for the discretionary services provided for street naming and numbering pdf icon PDF 159 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture seeking approval of a Street Naming and Numbering Policy that defines how the Council will deliver this statutory function and recover associated costs, and the introduction of a charging regime from May / June 2015 for this function.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the implementation of charging for the discretionary element of the street naming and numbering process on a ‘not for profit’ basis in accordance with the new street naming and numbering policy be approved.

 

2.    It be noted that the fees charged are on a cost recovery basis only in line with other local authorities.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture seeking approval of a Street Naming and Numbering Policy that defines how the Council will deliver this statutory function and recover associated costs, and the introduction of a charging regime from May/June 2015 for this function.

 

Councillor James reported that the new charges were on a not for profit basis and were in line with other local authorities.

 

Cabinet Members endorsed the proposals, stating that it was appropriate to charge for the service to reduce the costs to the tax payer. They were confident that the minimal charges would not dissuade any future developers from the City.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the implementation of charging for the discretionary element of the street naming and numbering process on a ‘not for profit’ basis in accordance with the new street naming and numbering policy be approved.

 

2.    It be noted that the fees charged are on a cost recovery basis only in line with other local authorities.

98.

Social Prescribing Update pdf icon PDF 119 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the pilot of Social Prescribing in the Gloucester and South Tewkesbury Locality and to seek approval for the City Council to continue to host the social prescribing hub, subject to satisfactory evaluation of the pilot scheme.

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the contents of the report be noted.

 

2.    That the City Council continues to host the social prescribing hub in partnership with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) funded scheme, subject to satisfactory evaluation of the pilot scheme which ends in June 2015.

 

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the pilot of Social Prescribing in Gloucester and South Tewkesbury Locality and seeking approval for the City Council to continue to host the social prescribing hub, subject to the satisfactory evaluation of the pilot scheme.

 

Councillor Dallimore reported that the project had been re-branded “Your Wellbeing” to provide greater clarity for service users. She explained that the project adopted an asset based regeneration model and aimed to assist users through non-medical intervention. She commented that due to the success and the high number of referrals of the original pilot scheme, the County Commissioning Group (CCG) had agreed to extend the project.

 

Cabinet Members were pleased to note the popularity of the scheme and recognised the respite that it provided for healthcare services in the City. They advised that the scheme would need to be monitored closely during its early phases and noted that statistical information was not yet available but would be useful in evaluating the scheme’s overall success.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the contents of the report be noted.

 

2.    That the City Council continues to host the social prescribing hub in partnership with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) funded scheme, subject to satisfactory evaluation of the pilot scheme which ends in June 2015.

 

 

99.

An update on the effects of staff volunteering policy and promotion of volunteering across the City pdf icon PDF 110 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the effects of the staff volunteering policy to date in the year 2014/2015.

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted.

 

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods updating Members on the effects of the staff volunteering policy to date in the year 2014/15.

 

Councillor Dallimore reported that the scheme had been in existence for several years and had been actively promoted since July 2014 which had resulted in increased participation. She explained that the uniqueness of the scheme lay in providing a face to face service and utilising the asset based community model to promote volunteers’ own interests for the benefit of the wider community.

 

Cabinet Members praised the strategy noting that it led to up-skilling of the work force and paid employment opportunities.  They noted that the Rugby World Cup 2015 and other events planned in the City would give rise to many varied volunteering opportunities.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted.

 

 

100.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA) Six Monthly Report on use of RIPA Powers pdf icon PDF 130 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating Members on the Council’s use of its powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

 

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating Members on the Council’s use of its powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

 

Cabinet Members noted that the Council had not been required to exercise these powers and acknowledged the importance of adhering to the recently reviewed RIPA policy and procedure when required.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted.

101.

Heritage Statement 2014/15 pdf icon PDF 39 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture informing Members of the work carried out by the Historic Environment team in the City over the past financial year.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the content of the report be noted.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture informing Members of the work carried out by the Historic Environment Team in the City over the past financial year.

 

Cabinet Members noted the depth of work carried out in the City over the past year and it’s contribution in promoting the City’s pride and heritage culture. They commented that this would continue to develop Gloucester as a tourist destination thereby promoting the City’s economy.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the content of the report be noted.

102.

Rugby World Cup Update Report pdf icon PDF 119 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture outlining  the key issues for the delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the progress made so far regarding preparations for Gloucester’s Host City arrangements for the Rugby World Cup 2015 be noted.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture outlining the key issues for the delivery of the Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC15)

 

Councillor James highlighted the key progress to date and acknowledged that further work was still needed. He commented that £48 million return was expected from the event for the benefit of the City and this would be achieved through local businesses working with the Council and taking personal responsibility and action. He reported that a permanent commemoration of the RWC15 was due to be launched in Kings Square alongside further improvements to the infrastructure at this location.  

 

In response to Councillor Dallimore’s query, Councillor James explained that community groups and leaders could go online on the Festival of Rugby Site to register their interest for any event that they wished to hold around the RWC15 and this would contribute to the legacy of the event.

 

Cabinet Porter requested that reference to the planning and environmental projects being undertaken concerning the RWC15 be included in any future updates.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the progress made so far regarding preparations for Gloucester’s Host City arrangements for the Rugby World Cup 2015 be noted.

103.

Proposals for delivery of the Council's Communications and Marketing Service pdf icon PDF 215 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval to proposals for the future delivery of the Council’s Communications and Marketing Service.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Appendix 1 contains exempt material as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). If Members wish to discuss material contained within Appendix 1 it will be necessary to notify the Chair to enable a resolution to be passed to exclude the press and public.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the City Council’s Communications and Marketing Service be delivered by Gloucestershire County Council, as outlined in Option 3 of the report, (with the exception of the City Filming Office function) with effect from 1 April 2015.

 

2.    Authority be delegated to the Head of Legal and Policy Development to negotiate and approve the terms of an Agreement with Gloucestershire County Council to provide the services approved at paragraph (1) above. 

 

3.    That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any consequent changes to the Council’s Constitution to reflect the arrangements.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources seeking approval to proposals for the future delivery of the Communications and Marketing Service.

 

Cabinet Members endorsed the approach noting that this was the appropriate option and would generate further savings.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the City Council’s Communications and Marketing Service be delivered by Gloucestershire County Council, as outlined in Option 3 of the report, (with the exception of the City Filming Office function) with effect from 1 April 2015.

 

2.    Authority be delegated to the Head of Legal and Policy Development to negotiate and approve the terms of an Agreement with Gloucestershire County Council to provide the services approved at paragraph (1) above. 

 

3.    That the Monitoring Officer be authorised to make any consequent changes to the Council’s Constitution to reflect the arrangements.

 

104.

Strategic Risk Register pdf icon PDF 186 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources updating Members on the Strategic Risk Register for their awareness and consideration.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Appendix 2 contains exempt material as defined in paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended). If Members wish to discuss material contained within Appendix 2 it will be necessary to notify the Chair to enable a resolution to be passed to exclude the press and public.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted and endorsed.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet for Performance and Resources updating Members on the Strategic Risk Register.

 

Councillor Norman summarised the main areas of the report and commented that the report had been to Audit and Governance Committee on the 16 March 2015, where the contents of the report had been noted.

 

Cabinet Members endorsed the policy recognising the need for a robust risk management strategy.

 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the contents of the report be noted and endorsed.