Agenda, decisions and minutes

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Contact: Democratic and Electoral Services 

Items
No. Item

28.

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 of interest.

29.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 161 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 11th July 2018.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11th July 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

30.

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.

31.

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 or deputations.

32.

Leader and Cabinet Members' Question Time (15 minutes)

Any Member of the Council may ask the Leader of the Council or any Cabinet Member any question without prior notice, upon:

       

·       Any matter relating to the Council’s administration

·       Any matter relating to any report of the Cabinet appearing on the summons

·       A matter coming within their portfolio of responsibilities

 

Only one supplementary question is allowed per question.

Minutes:

Cllr Pullen informed Members that he had been made aware of some confusion among a range of organisations over who was to deliver the civic commemoration of Remembrance Sunday 2018 and sought clarification.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy confirmed that Marketing Gloucester Ltd would work with the City Council to ensure that the event would run to its usual high standard and the detail around this arrangement was be finalised imminently.

 

Cllr Hilton asked the Leader of the Council if the membership of Cabinet would be changed following the recent announcement made by the County Council of a reshuffled County Cabinet to include the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources in his role as a County Councillor.  The Leader of the Council responded that he intended to address the matter later in the meeting.

 

In relation to agenda item 11 (Alternative Environmental Enforcement Trial) Cllr Hilton noted that regular patrols were proposed across the city, including during home games at Kingsholm Stadium, and enquired if any were intended for Kingsholm itself.  The Cabinet Member for Environment answered that although there were no definitive plans at present, enforcement officers would be working wherever the need was identified.  Cllr Hilton informed Members that Oxford Street was a particular problem area for litter and further asked if it would be addressed under the trial scheme.  The Cabinet Member for Environment thanked Cllr Hilton for the information, reiterated that officers would go wherever needed and emphasised that the approach would be to educate first before resorting to penalties.

 

33.

Financial Monitoring Quarter 1 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 161 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that seeks Members to note year-end forecasts, and progress made against agreed savings targets for the 1st quarter ended 30th June 2018.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that it is noted:

 

(1)         the savings achieved in year to date total £150k with a further £197k in progress.

 

(2)         the forecast year end position is currently for an increase to the Council’s General Fund balance of £47k against a budgeted increase of £163k.

 

(3)         the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues

 

(4)         the current level of Capital expenditure as shown on Appendix 2.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that informed Members of year-end forecasts, and progress made against agreed savings targets for the first quarter ended 30th June 2018.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources highlighted the positive progress over recent years, thanked the finance team for their support and recommended Members continue to closely monitor progress in their portfolios.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy noted the improvements since the Member for Performance and Resources had been in post and acknowledged the need for careful monitoring as there were still areas of concern.

 

RESOLVED that it is noted:

 

(1)         the savings achieved in year to date total £150k with a further £197k in progress.

 

(2)         the forecast year end position is currently for an increase to the Council’s General Fund balance of £47k against a budgeted increase of £163k.

 

(3)         the details of specific budgetary issues identified by officers and the actions being taken to address those issues

 

(4)         the current level of Capital expenditure as shown on Appendix 2.

34.

Performance Monitoring Quarter 1 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 99 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources informing Members of the Council’s performance against key measures in Quarter 1 of 2018/19.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the Quarter 1 Performance Report 2018/19 at Appendix 1 is noted.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that informed Members of the Council’s performance against key measures in the first quarter of 2018-19.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure advised Members that the current performance indicator for the Tourist Information Centre (VE1) did not accurately reflect performance as it measured footfall whereas the trend across the tourism sector was that people were accessing services in other ways, a phenomenon observed in Gloucester where on-line sales had been very successful.

 

RESOLVED that the Quarter 1 Performance Report 2018/19 at Appendix 1 is noted.

35.

Together Gloucester Service Transformation pdf icon PDF 177 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources outlining to and seeking approval from Members for the next steps in the Together Gloucester transformation programme.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the transformation proposals set out in this report be welcomed, endorsed and adopted

 

(2)       action is taken to ensure that customers are surveyed as part of the   redesign of customer focussed processes

 

(3)       the officers identified in the report be authorised to implement the programme as set out in this report, including the establishment of a Transformation Board

 

(4)       it be noted that the Leader has appointed the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources to the Transformation Board

 

(5)       Ignite be retained to support the Council’s future Transformation Programme as set out in this report and authorise the Corporate Director to procure this service in a way which complies with the Council’s Contract Rules

 

(6)   the creation of the new fixed-term posts as set out in the report be approved but that action to appoint to the proposed permanent posts be deferred pending further reports on funding, potential savings and the business case for this investment.

 

(7)     the budget and funding plan set out in this report be approved

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that outlined the next steps in the Together Gloucester transformation programme.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the progress and savings made and the need for further investment to ensure long-term success.  He suggested changes to recommendations one and six to reflect discussions at the recent Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy made it clear that the report represented a continuation of the recently implemented transformation process not a fresh restructuring.  He further commented that the proposed costs were one-off occurrences whereas the savings would be on-going.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the transformation proposals set out in this report be welcomed, endorsed and adopted

 

(2)       action is taken to ensure that customers are surveyed as part of the   redesign of customer focussed processes

 

(3)       the officers identified in the report be authorised to implement the programme as set out in this report, including the establishment of a Transformation Board

 

(4)       it be noted that the Leader has appointed the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources to the Transformation Board

 

(5)       Ignite be retained to support the Council’s future Transformation Programme as set out in this report and authorise the Corporate Director to procure this service in a way which complies with the Council’s Contract Rules

 

(6)   the creation of the new fixed-term posts as set out in the report be approved but that action to appoint to the proposed permanent posts be deferred pending further reports on funding, potential savings and the business case for this investment.

 

(7)     the budget and funding plan set out in this report be approved

 

36.

Progress Report on Countywide Entrenched Homeless Social Impact Bond ('ACTion Glos') pdf icon PDF 139 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods providing a progress update regarding the new service that seeks to support entrenched rough sleepers or people with repeat interaction with homeless services, and who have complex needs, through means of a Social Impact Bond.

 

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)        the progress made by this new service be welcomed.

 

(2)        authority be delegated to The Corporate Director in consultation with the S151 Officer and Council Solicitor to accept further funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for an additional funding of up to of £271,980 to work with an additional 16 clients and enter into all necessary legal documentation.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that provided a progress update regarding the new service that seeks to support entrenched rough sleepers or people with repeat interaction with homeless services, and who have complex needs, through means of a Social Impact Bond.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods thanked officers and Cabinet colleagues for their work to address the many challenges in this area and noted that the positive progress made had been recognised by the award of additional funding by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.  She further reminded Members that to achieve the desired outcomes in health and well-being working in partnerships and across support systems was essential.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy commented that there were no easy solutions to the complex needs of people requiring support but that headway had been made which needed to be maintained.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy stated that the good work was making a real difference to people’s lives.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)        the progress made by this new service be welcomed.

 

(2)        authority be delegated to The Corporate Director in consultation with the S151 Officer and Council Solicitor to accept further funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for an additional funding of up to of £271,980 to work with an additional 16 clients and enter into all necessary legal documentation.

 

37.

Alternative Environmental Enforcement Trial pdf icon PDF 133 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment setting out proposals to enter into a 12 month pilot of a new environmental enforcement arrangement in partnership with 3GS (UK) Limited and proposing an increase in the penalty charge for dropping litter (including from vehicles) and dog fouling.

 

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)        a 12 month contract with 3GS (UK) Limited be entered into to provide an           environmental enforcement arrangement to tackle environmental crime in           Gloucester in accordance with the Service Specification set out at section

 

(2)        the fixed penalty notices for the offences of dropping litter (including from vehicles) and dog fouling be increased from £50/£75 to £75/£100.

 

(3)        officers be instructed to explore all lawful means to maximise the effectiveness of enforcement and offender tracing procedures.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Environment that set out proposals to enter into a 12 month pilot of a new environmental enforcement arrangement in partnership with 3GS (UK) Limited and proposed an increase in the penalty charge for dropping litter (including from vehicles) and dog fouling.

 

The Cabinet Member for Environment highlighted the key aspects of the report and stated that the approach would be to increase awareness to reduce the litter problem and enforcing only when necessary with any surplus monies from penalties being ring-fenced to address the issue.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods welcomed the proposed trial and reminded Members of the scale of the costs to the Council for the disposal of litter and strong desire expressed by residents that littering be tackled.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy commented that the proposed trial complimented the recent work concerning Public Space Protection Orders.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)        a 12 month contract with 3GS (UK) Limited be entered into to provide an           environmental enforcement arrangement to tackle environmental crime in           Gloucester in accordance with the Service Specification set out at section

 

(2)        the fixed penalty notices for the offences of dropping litter (including from vehicles) and dog fouling be increased from £50/£75 to £75/£100.

 

(3)        officers be instructed to explore all lawful means to maximise the effectiveness of enforcement and offender tracing procedures.

 

38.

Great Place Project - Festivals & Events Review pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure setting out the main recommendations from the Gloucester Culture Trust-commissioned Review of Festivals & Events in Gloucester and the implications for the City Council in terms of its contribution to the delivery of these recommendations.

 

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the Review of Festivals & Events in Gloucester be welcomed as a useful insight to further improve the cultural offer in the City and further its ambition to become City of Culture in 2025.

 

(2)       the City Council will join the Strategic Events Partnership to consider and, where appropriate, take forward the more detailed proposals outlined in the review.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that set out the main recommendations from the Gloucester Culture Trust-commissioned Review of Festivals & Events in Gloucester and the implications for the City Council in terms of its contribution to the delivery of these recommendations.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure drew Members’ attention to the city’s increasingly strong performance in delivering festivals and events and informed them that ticket sales for the History Festival were already almost twice those of last year.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy reminded Members that partnership working and continually refreshing the offer were essential to success and of the importance of the economic impact from festivals and events.  The Cabinet Member for the Regeneration and Economy commented that the progress made with festivals and events should be seen in the context of other improvements such as Project Pilgrim at the Cathedral, the Business Improvement District (BID) and the regeneration projects.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the Review of Festivals & Events in Gloucester be welcomed as a useful insight to further improve the cultural offer in the City and further its ambition to become City of Culture in 2025.

 

(2)       the City Council will join the Strategic Events Partnership to consider and, where appropriate, take forward the more detailed proposals outlined in the review.

 

39.

Regeneration at Kings Quarter pdf icon PDF 118 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy noting the progress made for the new Kings Quarter regeneration proposals and seeking Members  to approve revised fees for the planning application.

 

Please note that Appendix B is exempt from disclosure to the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding that information). If Members wish to discuss Appendix B the Cabinet will need to resolve to exclude the press and public before

doing so.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)         the revised fee for the Planning Team appointment budget be approved. Please see Appendix B for the financial information.

 

(2)         the costs associated with the completion of a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) and the planning submission fees are agreed as set out in Appendix B.

 

RESOLVED it is NOTED thatthe progress made with the Kings Quarter    regeneration, and in particular:

 

(1)        the latest plans to attract funding to take forward the creation of a major new ‘Creative Cluster’ within the refurbished Kings House together with a food court on the ground floor.

 

(2)        the new bus station construction is progressing well and is on programme to complete on 5th October 2018.  Following a period of testing there will be a Public Open day on Saturday 27th October and bus services commence from Sunday 28th October.

 

(3)        The future potential cost implications of the enabling phase of Kings Quarter Regeneration. These actions will take the project forward into delivery. These are described in more detail in Section 3 and listed in Appendix B.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that sought Members to note the progress made for the new Kings Quarter regeneration proposals and to approve revised fees for the planning application.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy summarised the report and commented that the bold decision to take this major scheme of investment back under Council control had been the right one as it enabled consultations and changing conditions to be responded to.  He gave examples such as the shift away from a retail led scheme to a mixed use, development of a `Creative Hub’ at Kings House and the recognition of Kings Square as a flexible public open space.  He advised Members that work was expected to begin on site next year and took the opportunity to encourage the public to engage with the forthcoming consultation exercises.

 

The Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure expressed pleasure that culture had such a prominent role within the scheme given its power to transform people’s lives.  The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing Strategy placed Kings Quarter in the context of other regeneration schemes such as at the Quays and highlighted the importance of keeping the city centre thriving as the heart of Gloucester.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)         the revised fee for the Planning Team appointment budget be approved. Please see Appendix B for the financial information.

 

(2)         the costs associated with the completion of a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) and the planning submission fees are agreed as set out in Appendix B.

 

RESOLVED it is NOTED thatthe progress made with the Kings Quarter    regeneration, and in particular:

 

(1)        the latest plans to attract funding to take forward the creation of a major new ‘Creative Cluster’ within the refurbished Kings House together with a food court on the ground floor.

 

(2)        the new bus station construction is progressing well and is on programme to complete on 5th October 2018.  Following a period of testing there will be a Public Open day on Saturday 27th October and bus services commence from Sunday 28th October.

 

(3)        The future potential cost implications of the enabling phase of Kings Quarter Regeneration. These actions will take the project forward into delivery. These are described in more detail in Section 3 and listed in Appendix B.

 

40.

Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council announced that the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources would be stepping down at the end of the week to take up a new role at the County Council and that he would be looking to fill the City Council Cabinet vacancy in due course. 

 

The Leader of the Council took the opportunity to congratulate the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources on his new position and thank him for all of his work.  Each Cabinet Member individually expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources for the support he had given them.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources thanked Members and officers for their support and wished the authority all success in future.