Agenda, decisions and minutes

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Items
No. Item

57.

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.

58.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 136 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 November 2018.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 7th November 2018 be taken as read and signed by the Chair.

 

59.

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:

A member of the public informed Members that additional bench seats had recently been placed along the Victoria Dock positioned so as to obstruct the original seating rather than complement it.  He asked why this had been done and when it would be remedied.  The Cabinet Member for Environment replied that this area was maintained by the Docks Estate Company rather than the City Council, but as Chair of their Board of Directors he would investigate the matter and provide a written answer.

 

60.

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.

61.

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:

There were no questions to the Leader of the Council or Cabinet.

62.

Community Building in Gloucester pdf icon PDF 384 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods concerning plans for the medium and long-term delivery of community building activities in Gloucester and gain Cabinet’s support for the project.

Decision:

RESOLVED to:

 

(1)  Agree the vision, mission and principles for a longer-term approach to community building in Gloucester.

 

(2)  Approve the establishment of a formal partnership agreement with Barnwood Trust to deliver community building in the short-term and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Partnerships) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods to finalise arrangements.

 

(3)  Note the budget, financing and the longer term financial approach to deliver community building in Gloucester.

 

(4)  Authorise the Corporate Director (Partnerships) to work towards setting up a separate legal entity such as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to undertake community building and to bring a further report back to Cabinet.

 

(5)  Authorise the Corporate Director (Partnerships) to explore the feasibility of transferring the Gloucester Lottery into a future CIC.

 

(6)  Commit the ‘Your Gloucester’ budget (£10k pa) to the project for two years

(7)  Commit £5k per annum of the Gloucester Lottery central fund to the project for two years.

 

(8)  Acknowledge that fundraising continues, but agree to cover any shortfall for the first two years as set out in section 8 of the report.

 

(9)  Undertake a piece of work on what input the community can have on community building

(10)         Organise a development session for Elected Members to explore Asset Based Community Development and Community Building more fully and that endeavours are made for it to include all Members.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods that outlined plans for the medium and long-term delivery of community building activities in Gloucester and sought Cabinet’s support for the project.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods described the background to the report.  She gave examples of how engagement with local people and communities had already changed the ways in which activities were delivered, made a positive impact and enhanced individual people’s lives but advised Members that continued evaluation was needed in what was a long-term process.  She further emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnerships with other organisations including the Barnwood Trust, Police and Crime Commissioner, and County Council.  She commented that Gloucester was already pioneering practices recommended in the government’s recent Civil Society Strategy well ahead of other councils in order to improve the lives of its residents.  The Cabinet Member for Environment reminded Members of the continuing legacy from the community builder in Kingsway with successful local community initiatives such as Men’s Shed, Parkrun and the Big Lunch.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy noted that these bold community building plans complemented the regeneration plans for the city.

 

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods drew Members’ attention to the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of 3rd December 2018 that a piece of work be undertaken on what input the community can have on community building and that a development session be organised for all Elected Members to explore Asset Based Community Development and community building more fully.  Concerning the former, the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reiterated that the achievements so far had been due to communities being fully engaged and endorsed the recommendation provided that the methodology of the work to be undertaken was right.  Regarding the latter recommendation she stated that as partner organisations would attend a development session it had to be positive and well attended with at least 20 out of the 39 Elected Members.  The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources advised Members that she was prepared to chair the development session provided that these conditions were met.

 

RESOLVED to:

 

(1)  Agree the vision, mission and principles for a longer-term approach to community building in Gloucester.

 

(2)  Approve the establishment of a formal partnership agreement with Barnwood Trust to deliver community building in the short-term and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director (Partnerships) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods to finalise arrangements.

 

(3)  Note the budget, financing and the longer term financial approach to deliver community building in Gloucester.

 

(4)  Authorise the Corporate Director (Partnerships) to work towards setting up a separate legal entity such as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to undertake community building and to bring a further report back to Cabinet.

 

(5)  Authorise the Corporate Director (Partnerships) to explore the feasibility of transferring the Gloucester Lottery into a future CIC.

 

(6)  Commit the ‘Your Gloucester’ budget (£10k pa) to the project for two years  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

63.

Draft Budget Proposals (including Money Plan and Capital Programme) pdf icon PDF 162 KB

To consider the report of Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning the Money Plan 2019-24 & Budget Proposals 2019/20.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  That the assumptions contained in the Council’s draft Money Plan from 2019/20 to 2023/24 and revisions to the draft revenue budget be approved.

 

(2)  That the uncertainties regarding future incomes, as shown in this report and Appendix 1, and the need to update the Draft Money Plan when there is more certainty regarding Central Government financing, be noted.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought review of the Council’s Money Plan for recommendation to Council.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources advised Members that the plan presented was prudent given the information available, the Local Government Finance Settlement 2019/20 not having been announced yet.  She highlighted the importance of the commitment to return the reserves to the recommended minimum level and the need to proactively explore investment opportunities.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy noted that the savings required this year were relatively modest because the difficult decisions had been taken early although the benefits of this were already becoming apparent.  He further commented that the refurbishment of Kings Square to be delivered through the Capital Programme was an achievement to be celebrated.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)  That the assumptions contained in the Council’s draft Money Plan from 2019/20 to 2023/24 and revisions to the draft revenue budget be approved.

 

(2)  That the uncertainties regarding future incomes, as shown in this report and Appendix 1, and the need to update the Draft Money Plan when there is more certainty regarding Central Government financing, be noted.

 

64.

Financial Monitoring Quarter 2 Report pdf icon PDF 174 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning year-end forecasts, and progress made against agreed savings targets for the 2nd quarter ended 30th September 2018.

Decision:

RESOLVED that it be noted that:

 

(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 a reduction to the Council’s General Fund balance of £28k 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 presented the year-end forecasts and progress made against agreed savings targets for the second quarter ended 30th September 2018.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources stated that the approach taken to the report had been conservative and that she was confident in the end of year position being positive.  In relation to the cost of placing families in temporary accommodation (6.2) the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reminded Members that considerable progress had already been made reducing the need and took the opportunity to thank the Housing Team for their innovative work in this area, in particular with landlord incentive initiatives.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that he was monitoring his own portfolio carefully with the expectation that contractors would improve on the previous year’s performance or be penalised.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy emphasised the importance of making targets realistic and recognising that generating savings and income was a long-term process, especially in relation to Markets, Museums and Cultural services where particular challenges were being addressed.

 

 

RESOLVED that it be noted that:

 

(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 a reduction to the Council’s General Fund balance of £28k 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

65.

Treasury Management Six Monthly Update 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 615 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning treasury management activities between 1st April 2018 and 30th September 2018.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.   

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought to update Members on treasury management activities for the six months from 1st April 2018 to 30th September 2018 in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice for Treasury Management.

 

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.   

66.

Performance Monitoring Quarter 2 Report pdf icon PDF 98 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources concerning the Council’s performance against key measures in Quarter 2 of 2018/19.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the Quarter 2 Performance Report 2018/19 at Appendix 1 be 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 quarter two of 2018/19.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources highlighted the trends outlined in the report.  The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that the format was good way to demonstrate performance.  The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy acknowledged that performance had been mixed but stated that it was important to understand the context behind individual trends.

 

RESOLVED that the Quarter 2 Performance Report 2018/19 at Appendix 1 be noted.

 

67.

Strategic Risk Register Update pdf icon PDF 115 KB

To consider the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance (Chief Internal Auditor) concerning an update of the Council’s Strategic Risk Register.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that the Strategic Risk Register be noted and endorsed.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Audit Risk Assurance (Chief Internal Auditor) that presented an update to the Strategic Risk Register.

 

The Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources summarised the key features of the report.

 

RESOLVED that the Strategic Risk Register be noted and endorsed.

 

68.

Risk Based Verification pdf icon PDF 97 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and resources concerning the annual review of the Risk Based Verification Policy in determining evidence requirements for the assessment of new Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims.

 

Please note that Appendix 1 is exempt from disclosure to the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 7 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended (information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.). If Members wish to discuss Appendix 1 the Cabinet will need to resolve to exclude the press and public before doing so.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  That the reviewed Risk Based Verification Policy for verifying Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims be approved.

 

(2)  That the reviewed Risk Based Verification Policy as at December 2018 be approved for immediate implementation.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources that sought approval of the annual review of the Risk Based Verification Policy in determining evidence requirements for the assessment of new Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)  That the reviewed Risk Based Verification Policy for verifying Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support claims be approved.

 

(2)  That the reviewed Risk Based Verification Policy as at December 2018 be approved for immediate implementation.

 

69.

Regeneration at Kings Quarter pdf icon PDF 123 KB

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy concerning regeneration at Kings Quarter.

 

Please note that Appendix A is exempt from disclosure to the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person, including the authority that holds the information) and paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended. If Members wish to discuss Appendix A the Cabinet will need to resolve to exclude the press and public before doing so.

Additional documents:

Decision:

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the following activities areapproved to assist in achieving the delivery       and discharge of likely planning conditions for a newly refurbished      Kings Square by the Autumn of 2020-

 

a)    Procurement of a demolition contractor to remove the former Furniture Recycling Project part of Grosvenor House and the old bus station structures.

 

b)    Procurement of archaeological and soil investigations for the proposed sites of Plot 1, 2 and 4.

 

c)    Procurement of a below ground geotechnical survey to agree the foundation structure for a new substation on Plot 2.

 

d)     Procurement of a Construction Design Management (CDM) Principal Designer. This is a legal requirement and must be in place prior to commencement of works on Kings Square and the wider quarter.

 

e)    Satisfaction of various planning conditions associated with Kings Square likely to include archaeological surveys, ground investigations and detailed construction drawings to enable the procurement of the contractors by Autumn 2019.

 

f)     Appointment of a legal advisor to provide assistance with the development of the S106 agreement.

 

(2)       it is noted that subject to any necessary consents being obtained and        the bids from the procurements listed in recommendation (1) being in    budget, the Head of Place, in consultation with the Council Solicitor,     will award the contracts to enable those works to be undertaken before             determination of the planning application. 

 

(3)       it is noted that the cost of refurbishing Kings Square is included in the       Council’s draft capital programme to be presented to Full Council in   February 2019.  Further budget will need to be identified for the next    phases of the regeneration programme. Preliminary Enabling Works          associated with this have been listed in Appendix A Table 2 of the       report.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy that sought approval for necessary capital enabling costs to carry forward the momentum generated by the Kings Quarter regeneration project and ready the site for development.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economy emphasised the importance of maintaining the momentum for the regeneration of Kings Quarter and thanked officers for their work.  He further advised Members that the recent planning application concerning Kings Walk had been successful but that outcome of the recent Culture Development Fund bid to refurbish Kings House into a creative incubation hub (3.6), was not yet known.  The Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods reiterated the importance of maintaining the pace of progress and reminded Members of the significant impact of the new Transport Hub on the area and importance of the proposed archaeological investigation for both the history of the city and the public interest it would stimulate.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

(1)       the following activities areapproved to assist in achieving the delivery       and discharge of likely planning conditions for a newly refurbished      Kings Square by the Autumn of 2020-

 

a)    Procurement of a demolition contractor to remove the former Furniture Recycling Project part of Grosvenor House and the old bus station structures.

 

b)    Procurement of archaeological and soil investigations for the proposed sites of Plot 1, 2 and 4.

 

c)    Procurement of a below ground geotechnical survey to agree the foundation structure for a new substation on Plot 2.

 

d)     Procurement of a Construction Design Management (CDM) Principal Designer. This is a legal requirement and must be in place prior to commencement of works on Kings Square and the wider quarter.

 

e)    Satisfaction of various planning conditions associated with Kings Square likely to include archaeological surveys, ground investigations and detailed construction drawings to enable the procurement of the contractors by Autumn 2019.

 

f)     Appointment of a legal advisor to provide assistance with the development of the S106 agreement.

 

(2)       it is noted that subject to any necessary consents being obtained and        the bids from the procurements listed in recommendation (1) being in    budget, the Head of Place, in consultation with the Council Solicitor,     will award the contracts to enable those works to be undertaken before             determination of the planning application. 

 

(3)       it is noted that the cost of refurbishing Kings Square is included in the       Council’s draft capital programme to be presented to Full Council in   February 2019.  Further budget will need to be identified for the next    phases of the regeneration programme. Preliminary Enabling Works          associated with this have been listed in Appendix A Table 2 of the       report.