Agenda and minutes

An apology was received from Councillor R. D. Smith.

Councillor Mrs. J. Dyer M.B.E. declared a personal interest during the discussion on Agenda Item 8 (verbal updates on meetings attended). This was in relation to the update from Councillor Mrs M. A. Sherrey JP on the Annual General Meeting of the Bromsgrove Citizens’ Advice Bureau, during which reference was made to the Basepoint project as Councillor Mrs Dyer was a Trustee of that project.    

The minutes of the meeting held on 3rd November 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be approved as a correct record.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board held on 26th October 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Board held on 2nd November 2010 were submitted. It was noted that the Overview Board had made recommendations on the Incremented Parking Tariff and these would be considered in conjunction with Agenda Item 12.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of Performance Management Board held on 15th November 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes be noted;

(b)       that in relation to the recommendations contained at 38/10 regarding Homelessness, it be noted that discussions were ongoing regarding ring fencing of the Homelessness Grant funding and that the Portfolio Holder was aware of the potential issues around homelessness and the actions required to ameliorate these.   

The minutes of the meeting of the Equality and Diversity Forum held on 12th August 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

Councillor Mrs. M. A. Sherrey reported on the Annual General Meeting of Bromsgrove Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Councillor G. N. Denaro reported on a development meeting he had attended in relation to the Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership. 

The Cabinet considered a report on a proposed change to the terms and conditions previously agreed in relation to the transfer of Bromsgrove Museum to the Friends of the Museum (the Friends).

It was reported that since the previous Cabinet decision in October 2009, the Friends had sought funding for the purchase of the museum but had advised that potential funders were not able to commit to the project because of the claw back provision imposed as part of that decision. The Friends had therefore requested that the claw back provision be removed.

The Cabinet considered the likely costs for the Authority which would arise from the retention of the Museum and the potential for the project to contribute to the Council’s priority of development and regeneration of the Town Centre. 

RESOLVED  that the Bromsgrove Museum be transferred to the Friends on the terms and conditions agreed on 7th October 2009, at the current market value and that the disposal be free of restrictions.      

The Cabinet considered a report on the proposed adoption of a common Climate Change Strategy with Redditch BC.

Members were reminded that the Climate Change Act 2008 placed the Secretary of State under a duty to ensure that the net carbon account for 2050 was at least 80% lower than the 1990 baseline. It was reported that the Government may well require Local Authorities to meet statutory targets for carbon reduction.

It was noted that it was intended to re-visit the Climate Change Strategy in twelve months’ time and to amend the Strategy slightly if necessary. The Strategy would be renewed completely in three to four years.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the recommendations of the Bromsgrove DC Overview Board as contained in appendix 2 to the report be approved and the comments from the Redditch BC Overview and Scrutiny Committee as contained in appendix 3 to the report be noted;

(b)       that the Climate Change Strategy as contained in appendix 1 to the report be approved;

(c)        that following repayment of the loan, 100% of the savings achieved from the Salix project be re-invested in climate change work and that in principle, this approach be extended to future similar “spend to save” Climate Change projects but that these be considered on a case by case basis;

(d)       that the following policy be included in the Draft Planning Core Strategy and the Climate Change Strategy:

            “for any new developments which the Council undertakes, for example building a new public leisure centre, consideration of whole life costs of the building are considered and, as part of this, all new public buildings will aim to exceed the nationally set BREEAM standard”.          

The Cabinet considered a report on the possibility of re-introducing the incremental tariff on the Councils “Pay on Foot” car parks.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Councillor M. J. A. Webb reported on the background to the proposal and in particular the apparent public demand for the re-introduction of the incremental tariffs and the cost implications of this.

RESOLVED:  

(a)       that the incremental charging system as detailed in the report be re-introduced and that officers be tasked with undertaking a review of the car parking provision, the charging structure that supports this and the extent to which alternative methods of service delivery can be achieved in this area, with a view to the provision of a more sustainable and cost effective car parking provision as part of the current shared service review;

(b)(i)    that the cost implications of re-introducing incremental charging and the consequential effect this will have on the Medium Term Financial Plan for 2011/2012 be noted;

(b)(ii)   that this deficit be managed by the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources as part of the wider budget setting process for future years.

            RECOMMENDED   that £45,000 be released from balances to ensure a balanced budget for 2010/2011 in respect of the incremental charging scheme.  

The Executive Director for Finance and Corporate Resources reported that officers were still working on the Medium Term Financial Plan and whilst she could give a presentation at this stage Members may wish to discuss the matter further at the January Cabinet meeting. 

The Cabinet felt it would be more beneficial to defer discussion at this stage. 

Consideration was given to a report on the requirement under the Local Authority (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 for the Authority to determine a Council Tax Base for the forthcoming financial year.

RESOLVED  that in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, the Council’s Tax Base 2011/2012, assuming a collection rate of 99%, be calculated at £36,548.42 for the area as a whole and that the calculation for each Parish be as set out in appendix 1 to the report.    

The Cabinet considered a report in relation to proposed improvements and enhancements to play and ancillary facilities at Laurel Grove/Beech Road, Recreation Ground. It was reported that the work could be funded from Section 106 monies.

RECOMMENDED   that the scheme be included in the Forward Capital Programme for 2010/2011 and that officers be requested to undertake the works required before the “claw back” point is reached.