Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor R. Hollingworth.

No declarations of interest were received.

The minutes of the meeting held on 1st December 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 Joint Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 23rd November 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 North Worcestershire Joint Committee held on 25th November 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 Shared Services Board held on 9th December 2010 relating to non confidential and non exempt items 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 Audit Board held on 13th December 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes be noted; and

(b)       that it be noted that the recommendation contained at Minute No 37/10 relating to Protecting the Public Purse had been implemented.

There were no updates on this occasion.

The Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Resources gave a presentation on the latest position on the Medium Term Financial Plan 2011/2012 – 2013/2014.

The Cabinet considered revenue and capital bids 2011/2012 – 2013/2014 together with the approved Capital Programme 2011/2012 – 2012/2013 and raised issues for Heads of Service to consider further.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the revenue bids 2011/2012 - 2013/2014 as set out in Appendix A be noted and that the revenue bids for 2011/2012 be adjusted to reflect the following:

(i)         the re-categorisation of the Fair Trade and New Road Parents Group bids (within the Equality and Diversity bid) to medium;

(ii)        the bids relating to Strategic Housing (£10,000), Homelessness Support Post (£15,000) and Leisure Options Appraisal (£50,000) being deferred for consideration at the next Cabinet meeting at which the budget is considered.

(b)       that the capital bids 2011/2012 – 2013/2014 as set out in Appendix B be noted;

(c)        that Heads of Service be requested to review the budget with the aim of addressing the issues raised by Members and presenting a balanced position to the Cabinet meeting on 2nd February 2011.   

The Cabinet considered the Annual Report of the Bromsgrove Partnership for 2009/2010.

It was noted that the report set out the performance of the Partnership against the priorities contained within the Sustainable Community Strategy for that period. The achievements of the Partnership and the progress made were welcomed.

RECOMMENDED   that the Annual Report of the Bromsgrove Partnership for 2009/2010 be approved.  

The Head of Customer Service gave a presentation to the Cabinet on the proposed new Customer Experience Strategy – Every Customer, Every Time.

It was noted that the Strategy focused on the key principle that “everybody matters” and was intended to build upon the good work previously undertaken in order to improve customer service and access to services. It was reported that the Strategy would be supported with a staff handbook and detailed guidance.

Members welcomed the development of the new Strategy as the next stage in the improvement of customer service and progress towards a “right first time, every time” service delivery.

RESOLVED  that the Customer Experience Strategy – Every Customer Every Time be approved.        

The Cabinet considered a report on the position relating to the assets of Lickey End Parish Council following the dissolution of the Parish Council. The Parish had forwarded its funds of £5,545 to the District Council and these were now being held in a suspense account.

It was noted that the Parish Council had requested that the funds be donated to the Help the Heroes Charity. In this regard, the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services reported that a further communication from the former Parish Clerk had been received prior to the meeting and she would welcome the opportunity to consider this in more detail. It was therefore

RESOLVED  that further consideration of this matter be deferred until the next meeting of the Cabinet on 19th January 2011. 

The Cabinet considered a report on the Longbridge Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

It was reported that the MoU was a proposed multilateral agreement to establish the standards of co-operation between Bromsgrove District Council, Birmingham City Council and Worcestershire County Council with regard to the management and delivery of the Longbridge Area Action Plan.  

It was noted that the MoU included Birmingham City Council’s role as banker for “pooled” Longbridge Infrastructure Tariff funds.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the non legally binding Longbridge Memorandum of Understanding be approved including the provision for Birmingham City Council to act as banker for “pooled” Longbridge Infrastructure Tariff developer contributions as detailed in Appendix 5 to the MoU;

(b)       that the Executive Director of Planning and Regeneration, Regulatory and Housing Services be authorised to make minor amendments to the MoU and Appendices in consultation with Birmingham City Council and Worcestershire County Council.     

Consideration was given to a report on a proposal to implement a marketing campaign to promote the Economic Development of the District and the Regeneration of the Town Centre of Bromsgrove to various sectors. The campaign would include the creation of a Bromsgrove “identity” and the production of a web site and investment prospectus.

Members noted that the budget required at this stage would be £20,000 and felt more details were required regarding any on-going financial commitments and procurement and value for money issues.

RESOLVED  that further consideration of the report be deferred until the next meeting of the Cabinet on 19th January 2011.

(The Chairman agreed to the consideration of this item as a matter of urgency)

Members paid tribute to the efforts of the staff within the refuse and recycling service in providing an excellent service during the recent extremely bad weather conditions.

The Chief Executive undertook to pass on the thanks of Members to the managers and staff concerned.    

RESOLVED  that consideration of this item be deferred until the next meeting of the Cabinet on 19th January 2011.