Agenda for Cabinet (pre 2012) on Thursday, 7th April, 2011, 4.00pm
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Agenda, decisions and minutes
- Attendance details
- Agenda frontsheet
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- Agenda reports pack
- Addendum PDF 199 KB
- Supplementary Agenda Items PDF 731 KB
- Item 219 - Intelligent Commissioning Pilot - Domestic Violence - Late Appendix PDF 253 KB
- New Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep) Supplementary Report PDF 1010 KB
- Printed decisions
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- Printed minutes
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Venue: Council Chamber, Hove Town Hall
Contact: Tanya Davies, Acting Democratic Services Manager
Media
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Procedural Business
(b) Exclusion of Press and Public - To consider whether, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, or the nature of the proceedings, the press and public should be excluded from the meeting when any of the following items are under consideration.
NOTE: Any item appearing in Part 2 of the Agenda states in its heading either that it is confidential or the category under which the information disclosed in the report is exempt from disclosure and therefore not available to the public.
A list and description of the categories of exempt information is available for public inspection at Brighton and Hove Town Halls.
Additional documents: Minutes: 208a Declarations of Interest
208a.1 Councillors Fallon-Khan, Simson, Mitchell and Randall declared personal, but non-prejudicial, interests in Item 218b, a Notice of Motion entitled ‘A Financial Inclusion Programme for the City’, as they were each members of the Credit Union.
208a.2 Councillor Randall declared a personal, but non-prejudicial interest, in any Items where Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes may be mentioned as he was a Member of its Board.
208b Exclusion of Press and Public
208b.1 In accordance with section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (‘the Act’), it was considered whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during an item of business on the grounds that it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the press or public were present during that item, there would be disclosure to them of confidential information (as defined in section 100A(3) of the Act) or exempt information (as defined in section 100I(1) of the Act).
208b.2 RESOLVED – That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Item 226 onwards. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting Minutes of the Meeting held on 17 March 2011 (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 209.1 RESOLVED- That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 March 2011 be approved as a correct record. |
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Chairman's Communications Additional documents: Minutes: 210.1 The Chairman noted that the meeting would be webcast.
210.2 The Chairman noted that it was the final meeting of the current Cabinet and the end of the first four-year term under the ‘Leader and Cabinet’ style of decision-making. She advised that efforts had been made to ensure transparency and accessibility, but that she understood why some Members felt isolated from the decision-making process.
210.3 The Chairman revisited each on her ten pledges to the city, each of which had helped to move the city forward. She noted the following work and achievements:
§ The council’s developing partnership work with colleagues in the Third Sector and Community and Equalities Team was producing stronger communities, as had initiatives in housing such as ‘Turning the Tide’. § Community Safety had improved through work with the police and the community safety team in areas such as hate crime, anti-social behaviour and youth offending. § Commitment to establishing a world class city and civic renewal had been delivered through a focus on heritage and promotion of the city as an international destination and a place to host major events. § The pledge for encouraging a sustainable city had been evidenced by commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, support for alternative energies and the provision of electric charging points. § The council and the city continued to thrive despite squeezes on resources, demonstrating a sustainable economy. § Positive futures for young people and compassionate care for older people had been sought the protection of Sure Start centres and support for personal budgets. Significant steps towards providing first class education had been made by securing the Connaught project and the progress of the two Academies.
210.4 The Chairman announced that funding for Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes had been agreed. A £30 million funding facility had been secured to invest in council housing and work would soon begin; the money would be used to bring 499 council homes up to standard and all of the homes would be let at affordable rents to families and others in housing need in the city. The Chairman thanked the officers, tenant representatives and Members involved in securing the deal.
210.5 The Chairman noted that the South Downs National Park had been launched. The council was the body charged with determining the first planning application within the boundaries of the park and it was hoped that this would reassure those who were concerned about the democratic accountability of the Park Authority.
210.6 The Chairman also noted that on 10 April the city would host its second marathon; she praised both those taking part and those supporting family and friends. |
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Items reserved for discussion (a) Items reserved by the Cabinet Members
(b) Items reserved by the Opposition Spokesperson
(c) Items reserved by Members, with the agreement of the Chairman.
NOTE: Public Questions, Written Questions from Councillors, Petitions, Deputations, Letters from Councillors and Notices of Motion will be reserved automatically. Additional documents: Minutes: 211.1 RESOLVED – That all the items be reserved for discussion. |
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Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 212. (i) Sure Start Children’s Centres
212.1 Councillor Hawkes presented a petition signed by 50 people calling for the council to protect access to and services at all of the city's Sure Start Children's Centres to ensure a positive future for the city’s young people.
212.2 Councillor Brown stated that, unlike other local authorities and as a result of the Value for Money Programme, the council had not cut any Sure Start services or closed any centres; the Early Intervention Grant had been prioritised in order to protect Sure Start Centres. She noted that there were six full centres and nine smaller gateway centres in the city and that the Tarnerland Centre had been rated as ‘outstanding’ in recent Ofsted Inspection.
212.3 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
212. (ii) Hove and Portslade must have a Police Station
212.4 Councillor Davis had submitted a petition signed by 818 people calling for the council to work with Sussex Police to continue to provide a Police Station for Hove and Portslade.
212.5 Councillor Davis was unable to attend the meeting.
212.6 Councillor Mitchell stated that the petition sought to retain a Police Station for the communities of Hove and Portslade that could be accessed by the public 24 hours a day.
212.7 The Chairman advised that the petition would be responded to following the presentation of the next petition from Councillor Elgood, as it concerned the same issue.
212.8 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
212. (iii)Keep Policing Local
212.9 Councillor Elgood had submitted a petition signed by 445 people calling for the retention of Holland Road Police Station, including full public access.
212.10 Councillor Elgood was unable to attend the meeting.
212.11 Councillor Simson reported that the council had discussed the potential closure of the Holland Road Police Station with Sussex Police Authority and had been assured that full consideration was being given to providing good facilities and arrangements for the public to access services. She advised that the Police were committed to protecting good localised policing for communities and that it may require some change to the delivery of services, but that the aim was to provide services in ways and locations that were most convenient to residents. Proposals were still under discussion and the new arrangements would be communicated effectively to residents once they were finalised. Councillor Simson stated that if the Holland Road Police Station was closed, she was confident that measures would be put in place to ensure that residents did not experience a reduced level of service.
212.12 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted.
212. (iv) The proposed sale of Town Hall Council Land, Portslade
212.13 Councillor Hamilton had submitted a petition signed by 29 people opposing the sale of land at the Portslade Town Hall site.
212.14 Councillor Hamilton was unable to attend the meeting.
212.15 Councillor Alford noted that residents had been misinformed about some of the proposals and that he had attended a recent Portslade Community Forum meeting to discuss the matter further with interested parties. He stated that major refurbishment works were required to safeguard the future of the Town Hall building and sale of part of the site was necessary to fund those works. He advised that he believed the community groups and bowling club to be happy with the proposals.
212.16 RESOLVED – That the petition be noted and a written response be provided. |
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Petitions debated at Council (a) Keep Brighton Unique.
(i) Draft extract from the proceedings of Council on 24 March 2011 (copy to follow).
(ii) Report of the Monitoring Officer (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 213.1 The Cabinet considered a petition referred following a Full Council debate on 24 March 2011 concerning the impact of large supermarkets on the city’s high streets.
213.2 The Chairman reported that at the ‘Streets Ahead’ conference held on 11 March she had asked the Strategic Director, Place to set up a special commission to consider the issues raised by traders and that it was appropriate to refer the petition to the commission for consideration; the remit of the commission was currently being scoped and participants would be invited once it had been formally determined.
213.3 RESOLVED –
(1) That the petition and recommendations from Council be noted.
(2) That the petition be referred to the special commission once established. |
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Public Questions (The closing date for receipt of public questions is 12 noon on 31 March 2011)
No public questions received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 214.1 There were none. |
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Deputations (The closing date for receipt of deputations is 12 noon on 31 March 2011)
No deputations received by date of publication. Additional documents: Minutes: 215.1 There were none. |
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Letters from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of letters from Councillors is 10.00am on 28 March 2011)
(a) Parking in Springfield Road, Southdown Avenue, Rugby Road and Florence Road. Letter from Councillors Allen, Kennedy and McCaffery (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 216.1 A letter had been received from Councillors Allen, Kennedy and McCaffery concerning parking problems in Springfield Road, Southdown Road, Rugby Road and Florence Road in Preston Park ward. Councillor McCaffery explained that parking schemes in surrounding areas had made it difficult for residents in these roads to park near their homes due to displacement. She welcomed the planned citywide parking review and advised that she requested a scrutiny review of the matter; she hoped that both would assist in finding a solution for residents.
216.2 Councillor Theobald noted the request for officers to undertake a detailed analysis scheme by scheme and examine how to reduce the overall number of vehicles on the city streets and how to facilitate resident parking without causing displacement. He confirmed that a citywide parking review was planned for later in the year and that it would look at various aspects of controlled parking and consider requests from residents and ward councillors to review existing parking schemes. Residents and businesses, ward councillors and other stakeholders would be consulted as part of the review.
216.3 RESOLVED – That the letter be noted. |
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Written Questions from Councillors (The closing date for receipt of written questions from Councillors is 10.00am on 28 March 2011)
(copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 217.1 The Chairman reported that one written question had been received from a Councillor.
217.2 Councillor Kennedy had submitted the following question:
“Why is there no Management Plan in place for Blaker's Park despite two years of requests from the Friends of Blaker’s Park, and when will the Council start the community consultation process for such a plan?”
217.3 Councillor Theobald had circulated the following response:
“The majority of our green spaces do not have management plans as they are time consuming to produce and we prefer to have staff working in our parks.
However, we do have them in place for the city’s major parks including Hove Park and Preston Park.
As you may be aware officers have agreed to produce a simplified management plan for Blakers Park. Our Parks staff will continue to work with the Friends Group and local residents.”
217.4 Councillor Kennedy was unable to attend the meeting to ask a supplementary question. |
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Notices of Motion Additional documents: |
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Enhancing Brighton & Hove Trees and Woodland Proposed by Councillor Janio (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 218a.1 The Cabinet considered the following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Janio:
“This Council recognises the hugely important role that is played by Brighton & Hove’s 9,000 street trees, and 500 hectares of woodland. In particular:
· Woodlands and parks provide invaluable space for recreation and exercise for residents.
· Trees and woodland play a crucial role in global climate regulation and, therefore, help to enable people and wildlife to adapt to climate change.
· Trees and woods also help in the reduction of urban temperatures, alleviate flooding, absorb pollution, and provide sustainable building materials.
Furthermore, Brighton & Hove plays a national role in tree conservation and biodiversity, hosting the official National Elm Collection and the former National Lilac Collection at Withdean Park. The Council also runs a successful Tree Trust, which enables residents to have a dedicated tree planted on their behalf to mark a significant event or simply to enhance the character of their chosen area.
This Council notes the woodland access standard developed by the Woodland Trust, which has a goal that no person should live more than 500m from at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 2ha in size, and that there should be at least one area of accessible woodland of no less than 20ha within 4km of people’s homes. Currently access to woodland within 500m is 3.6% for Brighton and Hove, which compares to an average of 13.2% for East Sussex and 15.6% for the UK.
This Council is also pleased to note that the coalition government has been forced to abandon its plans to sell off England’s treasured 1,400 national forests, including nearby forests visited and enjoyed by the people of this city, thanks to the Save Our Forests Campaign, organised by 38 Degrees and backed by organisations including the Woodland Trust, Greenpeace, the WWF, the National Trust, and the Ramblers, heralding a victory for people power with over 530,000 people signing a petition opposing the Government’s plan to privatise public forests.
This Council is, however, disappointed that this government still plans to sell 15 per cent of the Public Forest Estate, the maximum sales allowed under the law as it stands, where they have simply delayed the sale until the autumn. This will concern local people who enjoy visiting adjacent natural forests and woodland, such as the nearby Friston Forest,
Therefore, this Council resolves to:
1. Congratulate all Brighton & Hove residents involved in the Save Our Forests Campaign for their success in achieving a u-turn from the coalition government on these unpopular proposals to sell off our national forests; 2. Request that the Cabinet Member for Environment:
a) Works with the Woodland Trust to examine options for further woodland creation and tree planting in Brighton and Hove, with particular reference to the Mayor of London’s Street Trees campaign which aims to plant 10,000 new street trees in the capital;
b) Investigates the possibility of a developing a stand alone trees and woodlands policy, in consultation with the relevant scrutiny committee.
c) Explores the option of a free tree scheme, such as the one in Kent, which enables residents to apply for up to 25 free trees, of which nearly 7 tonnes of CO2 would be absorbed in their lifetime, and can be planted as single trees or used to create a woodland or hedgerow.”
218a.2 The Chairman advised that Councillor Janio was unable to attend the meeting.
218a.3 Councillor Theobald stated that Brighton and Hove was a special place for trees, with the national elm collection which had international significance. The city also had 12,000 street trees and the council was committed to increasing that number. The council worked with Trees for Cities on planting schemes, such as Warren Plantation in Woodingdean and East Brighton Park and significant planting in had also taken place in Stanmer Park, with more planned for the future. Councillor Theobald advised that trees were important for many environmental reasons, as well as preventing cars from parking on grass verges.
218a.4 The Chairman added that the council operated a tree fund that people could donate to and that many trees where planted in memory of friends and relatives who had passed away.
218a.5 RESOLVED –
(1) That the Notice of Motion be noted.
(2) That a report be brought to the Environment Cabinet Member Meeting to further examine the issues raised in the Notice of Motion. |
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A Financial Inclusion Programme for the City Proposed by Councillor Mitchell (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 218b.1 The Cabinet considered the following Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Mitchell:
“This Council acknowledges the need to build a sustainable economy in Brighton & Hove and recognises that an essential part of this should be a comprehensive information and advice strategy to ensure that people are supported in coping with increasingly complex financial pressures.
Regrets that today, in Brighton & Hove:
· 10,700 people in Brighton & Hove are without jobs and want to work. · 17% of households have incomes below £10,000 per year · 20% of children live in households with no working adults. · Average earnings in the city are also below national levels, while property prices are above average.
There is a lack of awareness about affordable credit and problem debt is increasing. Exclusion from financial services creates barriers and can lead to additional costs, particularly for those on the lowest incomes.
This Council acknowledges that social and financial exclusion is economically inefficient, representing a waste of people’s potential and generating unnecessary welfare costs.
Around 70% of financially excluded people live in social housing and this Councilbelieves that any financial inclusion programme must include social housing tenants. This Council recognises that effectively helping people achieve financial inclusion involves tackling the various factors that result in exclusion. For example, a person may be in debt through not claiming their full benefit entitlement, be paying punitive rates of interest to a doorstep lender, lack insurance cover to meet unexpected costs and be unable to budget effectively.
Therefore this Council:
1. Welcomes the work already undertaken to improve financial inclusion in the City; for example, through grant funding to agencies including Brighton Housing Trust, Credit Union (East Sussex) and St Luke’s Advice & Money Advice Community Support and through the City’s Advice and Information Services Partnership.
2. Requests the Leader and Cabinet to consider launching a campaign to increase East Sussex Credit Union membership among Brighton and Hove council staff and members led by the Council Leader, the Chief Executive and senior council staff;
3. Welcomes the decision of Full Council to provide funding to develop a Citywide Financial Inclusion Strategy, including support for existing money and debt advice services and credit unions;
4. Requests the Cabinet Member for Finance to immediately begin exploring options for commissioninga strategy which would aim to:-
· target disadvantaged areas to assist local residents in managing their money, · increase the number of residents having a basic bank account, · provide access to affordable credit – such as joining a credit union, · offer debt advice and tackle illegal loan sharks including support for existing money and debt services and credit unions;
5. Requests the Cabinet Member for Finance to continue toensure that all potential partners are fully liaised with and consulted, including existing money advice organisations, Citizens Advice Bureau, the local credit union and the Advice and Information Services Partnership of the LSP;
And
Requests the Chief Executive to write to the city’s three MPs urging them to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the introduction of a cap on interest rates, bringing the UK in line with Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland and most European countries.”
218b.2 The Chairman invited Councillor Mitchell to speak to the motion.
218b.3 Councillor Mitchell explained that the Notice of Motion sought to pool the financial advice available to residents from the council and the voluntary sector to create a co-ordinated strategy to combat the high levels of debt in the city and increase access to good advice.
218b.4 Councillor Simson advised that there was a significant amount of good debt advice available in the city and that a recent event promoting them had been held in Bevendean and had been well-attended by families in need of such support. She welcomed the proposal to increase the number of people saving money through the Credit Union and hoped that more councillors and staff would become members. She recognised the good advice services available through the voluntary sector and the importance of continuing to increase the information available, and reported that the council had put additional money in supporting such services over the last two years.
218b.5 Councillor Randall noted that high-interest credit was readily available on the high street and that such facilities were subject to little control; he supported the request to write to the Government with regard to the dangers posed by the attractiveness of such credit to those on low incomes. He stated that he also supported the promotion of the Credit Union and that he hoped Members and senior officers would play a significant role in driving it.
218b.6 Councillor Young stated that supported any measures aimed at improving the financial stability of the city and in particular the lives of those who struggled to manage financially. She also welcomed the proposal to write to the Government about tighter controls for high street credit facilities.
218b.7 Councillor Fallon-Khan welcomed the Notice of Motion and highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in changing behaviour amongst young people within the city. He advised that representations had been made to the previous Government in relation to the levels of benefits available to the recently unemployed and that the current Government would also be lobbied in this respect.
218b.8 RESOLVED – That the Notice of Motion be noted. |
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Investing in the City's Housing Proposed by Councillor Mears (copy attached). Additional documents: Minutes: 218c.1 The Cabinet considered the following Notice of Motion proposed by the Chairman:
“This Council welcomes the close involvement of Brighton & Hove’s tenants and leaseholders in deciding how housing services are planned and delivered in the City and in setting the Council’s housing budget strategy for 2011-12. Their identified priorities include:
· Continued investment in the Turning the Tide strategy to tackle anti-social behaviour and reduce social exclusion; · Identifying measures to tackle overcrowding through an enhanced housing options approach; · Leasing properties to Brighton & Hove Seaside Community Homes, the housing company set up by the council to raise investment for improvements to council tenants’ homes; · Working in partnership to develop an estates “masterplan” to inform best use of our assets and identify opportunities to build new Council homes; · Maximising the level of revenue resources available to support the Decent Homes Programme and working with residents to ensure that we are able to respond to opportunities to generate renewable energy.
However, this council is disappointed by the government’s record on housing so far, which includes:
· Controversially reducing housing benefit which risks driving thousands of vulnerable people from their homes in areas where housing costs are high. · Not adjusting the formula to limit the rise in social housing rents, at a time of high inflation, to help Brighton & Hove tenants during the financial downturn; · Housing associations being allowed to charge rents of up to 80% of market rate to fund new provision, which is likely to price vulnerable tenants out of their homes in these tough economic times. · Ending the universal right to secure tenancies for existing as well as new tenants, despite promising in the 2010 Conservative Party Manifesto to “respect the tenures and rents of social housing tenants.” · Extending the amount of time a home is allowed to stand empty, before a council can intervene, from 6 months to 2 years, meaning more empty homes for longer periods in Brighton & Hove. · Reducing the affordable housing budget by 60% which will lead to a decline in affordable house-building nationally and locally. · Taking-back 75% of right-to-buy income, rather than allow 100% of income from sales to be given to local authorities, such as Brighton & Hove. · Abandoning previous planning targets, which could lead to fewer new homes locally and nationally. · Failing to end the sale of council homes, leading to a reduction in the availability of affordable housing in Brighton & Hove. · Doing nothing to regulate rents in the private rented sector or regulate the work of letting agents, thus failing to ease the many problems faced by private sector tenants who account for almost a quarter of the tenancies in Brighton and Hove – more than twice the national average – and whose average tenancy length is between only 12 and 18 months.
The Council believes that the above measures, taken together, will have significant adverse impact on the availability of, and investment in, housing in the City.
Therefore, this Council resolves:
(i) to place on record its sincere gratitude to the city’s tenants and leaseholders for all their excellent partnership working with the Council in helping to deliver improvements to their housing;
(ii) to continue to involve them closely in budget and policy setting, which affect their lives and homes;
(iii) to request that the Chief Executive writes to the Housing Minister – Grant Shapps MP – with a copy of this motion highlighting this council’s concerns with his government’s housing polices, but also the excellent partnership working taking place in Brighton & Hove.
(iv) notes that the Cabinet member for Housing has publicly stated that the potential sites for the building of new council homes in the city are “clearly mapped out” and requests that these maps and details are distributed to all members of the council forthwith.”
218c.2 The Chairman stated that the Notice of Motion contained some significant national issues, but that it was important to be mindful of the council’s own housing tenants. She made the following comments:
§ The council had ring-fenced funding for ‘Supporting People’ to ensure that vulnerable people continued to be protected. § The Administration would not seek to introduce flexible tenancies as made possible by the Government. § The council consistently exceeded targets for bringing empty private properties back into use and was recognised for this in the South East. § Registered Social Landlords possessed significant assets that should be used to provide more affordable housing as the council was seeking to do through the Local Delivery Vehicle. § Tenants were leading on a programme of building the first new council homes in the city for a number of years and they would be identifying locations rather than having targets imposed on the city by the Government.
The Chairman praised the tenants who attended the Housing Management Consultative Committee and Area Panels and the officers involved in the work currently taking place in the city; the council was committed to listening to and supporting tenants.
218c.3 Councillor Mitchell noted that a previous Notice of Motion had called for a report on the impact of changes to the housing benefit system to be considered and asked when the report would come forward. She also asked when maps showing the proposed locations of new council housing would be shared with all councillors so that residents could be informed.
218c.4 The Chairman advised that proposals to build new council homes was being led by the tenants and that the locations would shared when it was appropriate to do so. She agreed to confirm in writing when the report on changes to the housing benefit system would be considered.
218c.5 Councillor Randall noted that the Notice of Motion did not mention homelessness in the city, which was rising. He advised that people were having for long periods before their case was assessed due to the high number of applications.
218c.6 Councillor Fallon-Khan advised that he welcomed the introduction of a universal system for housing benefit that would prevent incorrect payments and provide greater accountability. He also welcomed the Government abolition of housing targets, which would allow the council and local people to make decisions on when and where new housing should be built .
218c.7 Councillor Simson noted that tenants had made it clear that they wished the locations of new council homes to be released slowly, as the proposals were finalised, and that to release the full information immediately would not demonstrate that the council listened to its tenants.
218c.8 The Chairman noted that private sector leased accommodation would not be affected by the changes to the Local Housing Allowance.
218c.9 RESOLVED – That the Notice of Motion be noted. |
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Intelligent Commissioning Pilot - Domestic Violence
Report of the Chief Executive (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the effective impact of using the Intelligent Commissioning Framework on the future commissioning of domestic violence services.
(2) That Cabinet approves the city wide strategic outcomes for commissioning of domestic violence services which are set out in appendix 1.
(3) That Cabinet notes that, following its approval, the outcomes are to be returned to the partnership groups and organisations which also have responsibility for overseeing commissioning and delivery of domestic violence services. A further report will be presented to Cabinet on the full commissioning plan including service level outcomes. That report will also provide more detail on learning from the use of the Intelligent Commissioning Pilots. Minutes: 219.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive concerning the Intelligent Commissioning Pilot on Domestic Violence intended to inform the Intelligent Commissioning Framework for the city, which aims to enable the council with its partners to better meet the needs of residents within reducing resources in the most effective way.
219.2 The Chairman explained that Intelligent Commissioning represented a new way of working that would seek to tackle some of the city’s underlying and long-established problems by understanding the need and identifying would best meet them within available resources.
219.3 Councillor Simson praised the report and process undertaken in determining the outcomes and actions, which would begin to tackle the issues associated with domestic violence, and in particular welcomed the contributions of all stakeholders, including survivors of domestic violence, which had been instrumental in shaping the report.
219.4 The Chairman invited representatives of a number of the council’s partner organisations speak about their experience of the process.
219.5 Chief Inspector Neville Kemp of Sussex Police advised that tackling domestic violence was an importance issue that took up a lot of time and resources for the Police. He welcomed the pilot, which he felt represented an improved way of engaging partners in collaborative work, and was supportive of the strategic outcomes.
219.6 Gail Grey, Chief Executive of RISE, stated that the pilot was an opportunity to deliver services that survivors deserved by offering a better way of providing integrated services through combining budgets to enable sustainable and increased provision. She praised the decision to include survivors in the process and hoped that the model would be followed; survivors felt they had been listened to and services would be more appropriate as a result.
219.7 Steve Barton, Lead Commissioner, Children, Youth and Families, stated that the pilot had proved that Intelligent Commissioning worked and reported that Ofsted agreed that a good platform had been established for further work in the future. It had been challenging to articulate the shared outcomes, but they would serve to support the Children’s Plan and begin changing attitudes.
219.8 Emma Daniels from the Community & Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF) reported that it had been a positive process that engaged the sector as equal partners and offered an opportunity to further embed the Community Engagement Framework. She noted that previous engagement work and strong relationships had allowed the process to work.
219.9 Linda Beanlands, Commissioner for Community Safety welcomed the pilot as an exciting opportunity to begin effective work on tackling domestic violence in the city.
219.10 Councillor Randall praised the work undertaken. He noted the role played by alcohol in domestic violence and the number of incidences of violence before they were reported by women; there was a real need to change attitudes. He advised that a stronger emphasis on the LGBT community was needed as well as a total place approach to move forward successfully.
219.11 Councillor Mitchell commended the use of scrutiny workshops in the process and welcomed the presence of survivors comments throughout the report. She commented that the focussed process had highlighted how complex the issue of domestic violence was and she looked forward to the next stage.
219.12 Councillor Norman stated that the cost to sufferers of domestic violence could not be quantified and that early intervention work was key to making progress.
219.13 Councillor Fallon-Khan commented that the pilot had shown that Intelligent Commissioning worked by bringing key stakeholders together to align services and resources. He congratulated all those involved and hoped that opposition parties would now embrace Intelligent Commissioning.
219.14 The Chairman praised those who had worked on the pilot, which had demonstrated the need to work in new ways with all relevant stakeholders and use resources differently.
219.1 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the effective impact of using the Intelligent Commissioning Framework on the future commissioning of domestic violence services be noted.
(2) That the city wide strategic outcomes for commissioning of domestic violence services, which are set out in appendix 1, be approved.
(3) That it be noted that, following its approval, the outcomes are to be returned to the partnership groups and organisations which also have responsibility for overseeing commissioning and delivery of domestic violence services. A further report will be presented to Cabinet on the full commissioning plan including service level outcomes. That report will also provide more detail on learning from the use of the Intelligent Commissioning Pilots. |
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2011/12 Local Transport Plan Capital Programme Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) Cabinet approves the allocation of £3.35 million worth of funding for the 2011/12 Local Transport Plan capital programme to the Maintenance and Integrated Transport work programmes set out in Appendix 1 of this report. Minutes: 220.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning the proposed 2011/12 investment programme for Year 1 of the Local Transport Plan 3 (LTP3) Delivery Plan.
220.2 Councillor Mitchell stated that she welcomed the additional money for repairing potholes. She asked whether any new 20mph zones were planned as part of the funding allocation for ‘Road Safety Engineering – new schemes’.
220.3 In response to questions from Councillor Mitchell, Councillor Theobald confirmed that the council would be submitting a bid to the Government’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund by the deadline of 18 April and that if any new 20mph zones were to be implemented, they would be funded from the allocation for ‘Road Safety Engineering’.
220.4 Councillor Randall queried what effect the projects within the CIVITAS programme had had on changing behaviour in the city.
220.5 The Lead Commissioner for City Regulation & Infrastructure explained that the council was currently in year three of a four year programme, which had been front-loaded with transport schemes; research and analysis would take place in year four and the results would be reported to the Cabinet.
220.6 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the allocation of £3.35 million worth of funding for the 2011/12 Local Transport Plan capital programme to the Maintenance and Integrated Transport work programmes set out in Appendix 1 of this report be approved. |
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Development of Transport Model Report of the Strategic Director, Place (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet notes the progress made in developing the new transport model for the city. Minutes: 221.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning development of a new computer-based transport model for the city to provide a consistent and accurate basis on which to assess the potential effects of changes to road layouts, changes in policy approaches and the wider implications of major transport projects or development proposals.
221.2 The Cabinet received a presentation of the new transport model from the Lead Commissioner for City Regulation & Infrastructure (see Appendix 1) who explained the following:
§ The transport model was a computer-based tool that made it possible to see proposed changes and evaluate their impact in order to make better informed decisions. § Detailed data was fed into the model to give an accurate representation of the city’s road network and movement of traffic at different times. § The council had purchased one of the newest models available in the UK, which met the latest Department for Transport specification. § The model divided the city into zones and data had been captured throughout the city and from Worthing, to London and to Newhaven. § Significant time had been spent on inputting robust data; the strategic model had been built and would drive the detailed visual model that would focus on specific areas. § To keep costs down a significant amount of existing data had been used. New data had been collected through an unprecedented amount of interviews, surveys and traffic counts and the data would have to be updated as changes occurred in the city. § The model provided tabular statistical outputs, diagrams and maps. § The base year model would be completed by May 2011 after which it could begin being used to assist with both short and long-term planning by assessing citywide and localised effects of proposals and developments.
221.3 Opposition Members welcomed the model and the opportunities it presented, including the possibility of charging developers to use it.
221.4 In response to questions from Councillor Randall, the Lead Commissioner advised that a protocol would be developed to include use of the tool in the planning process and it was hoped that it would encourage developers to come to the city. He confirmed that cost of the model and associated work was £500,000, but that the council would be able to make money back by charging external organisations to use it, which would also assist in the maintenance of the data.
221.5 The Chairman thanked the officers involved in developing the model and noted the exciting potential in held for the city.
221.6 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the progress made in developing the new transport model for the city be noted. |
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Asset Management Fund 2011/12 Report of the Strategic Director, Resources (copy attached). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet approves the recommended remaining allocation of AMF bids totalling £0.5 million, as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of this report. Minutes: 222.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Resources concerning allocations under the Asset Management Fund (AMF) 2011/12, which supports property improvements, property related Health & Safety requirements and access improvements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
222.2 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the recommended remaining allocation of AMF bids totalling £0.5 million, as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report, be approved. |
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New Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep)
Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy to follow). Additional documents: Decision: (1) That Cabinet note progress since July 2010, particularly that relating to scheme design and the positive outcome of the planning application.
(2) That Cabinet note the contents of the detailed report presented to the Joint Project Board on 15 February 2011 (attached as Appendix 1 to the Part 2 report), particularly the Board’s recommendations, which have been referred to partners for agreement.
(3) That Cabinet confirms the council’s commitment to ‘The Keep’ and supports continued partnership working with ESCC and the University of Sussex in moving forward to the construction phase.
(4)(i) That Cabinet note the request for a higher level of funding from the city council, and the basis of this request as set out in Section 3.30 of this report, and
(4)(ii) Confirm the council’s agreed contribution of £5.345m towards the project’s capital costs to practical completion, with ‘in principle’ agreement to up to an additional £0.270m to be met from the capital financing costs budget, subject to effective management of the project contingency budget, which is expected to reduce the level of additional funding required.
(5) That Cabinet support the main principles set out in the draft Partnership Collaboration Agreement covering the period through to practical completion (attached as an Appendix to the Part 2 report), and agree that the partners should seek to conclude this as a matter of urgency.
(6) That Cabinet delegates authority to enter into the Partnership Collaboration Agreement to the Strategic Director Communities and the Head of Law in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism, and agree that the agreement should be signed by all three partners prior to ESCC entering into the construction contract.
(7) That Cabinet note the letter of intent submitted by the University of Sussex attached as Appendix 2 to the Part 2 report.
(8) That Cabinet note the anticipated annual running costs of the Keep, together with the currently anticipated apportionment between the three partners, and agree that the partners should to continue to refine this as part of the Partnership Collaboration Agreement; where delegation to enter into that agreement is covered in 2.6 above.
(9) That Cabinet note the next stages of development and the timetable associated with this as set out in Section 3.61 of this report.
(10) That Cabinet note the Heads of Terms for the long-term governance agreement, the final form of which will return to a future Cabinet meeting for approval in good time to enable all partners to enter into it prior to practical completion of the building.
(11) That Cabinet recommends to the Project Board, that it review current project management, Board membership, and reporting arrangements to reflect full partner engagement and that appropriate changes are agreed between the partners.
(12)
That for the reasons set out in the Part 2 report if it is agreed
with ESCC that the site shown on the substituted plan
annexed should be
(13) That if it is agreed with ESCC that the land should be appropriated for planning purposes, to authorise officers to advertise the intention to appropriate the land shown on the revised appended plan (Appendix 4) for planning purposes and to delegate to the Strategic Director Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism the consideration of any objections and the final decision whether or not to appropriate the land for planning purposes.
Minutes: 223.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Communities concerning progress in developing the New Historic Records Office & Resource Centre project (‘The Keep’); a partnership project between East Sussex County Council (“ESCC”), the University of Sussex and the city council, with ESCC acting as project manager.
223.2 The Chairman advised that the recommendations and plan had been amended and that revised versions had been issued to Members.
223.3 The Strategic Director, Communities explained that the new facility was necessary due to pressure from The National Archives for the council to find a long-term solution for the care and storage of archives and records because the existing arrangements did not meet the required standards. He advised that the partnership approach had a number of benefits, including being the most cost-effective solution.
223.4 Councillor Mitchell welcomed the progress and in particular the requirement for a legally binding agreement between the council, East Sussex County Council and the University of Sussex. She asked whether any options had been considered for use of the land at Wollards Field and whether there was any expectation for a further increase in costs for the project.
223.5 Councillor Smith advised that the Partnership Collaboration Agreement would make the involvement of each party clear. He stated that he would answer Councillor Mitchell’s other questions during the Part Two session, but that the project was being closely monitored to prevent it from going over budget.
223.6 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the following recommendations:
(1) That the progress since July 2010, particularly that relating to scheme design and the positive outcome of the planning application, be noted.
(2) That the contents of the detailed report presented to the Joint Project Board on 15 February 2011 (attached as Appendix 1 to the Part 2 report), particularly the Board’s recommendations, which have been referred to partners for agreement, be noted.
(3) That the council’s commitment to ‘The Keep’ and support for the continued partnership working with ESCC and the University of Sussex in moving forward to the construction phase be confirmed.
(4)(i) That the request for a higher level of funding from the city council, and the basis of this request as set out in Section 3.30 of this report, be noted, and
(4)(ii) That the council’s agreed contribution of £5.345m towards the project’s capital costs to practical completion, with ‘in principle’ agreement to up to an additional £0.270m to be met from the capital financing costs budget, subject to effective management of the project contingency budget, which is expected to reduce the level of additional funding required be confirmed.
(5) That the main principles set out in the draft Partnership Collaboration Agreement covering the period through to practical completion (attached as an Appendix to the Part 2 report) be supported, and it be agreed that that the partners should seek to conclude this as a matter of urgency.
(6) That delegated authority to enter into the Partnership Collaboration Agreement be given to the Strategic Director Communities and the Head of Law in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism, and it be agreed that the agreement should be signed by all three partners prior to ESCC entering into the construction contract.
(7) That the letter of intent submitted by the University of Sussex attached as Appendix 2 to the Part 2 report be noted.
(8) That the anticipated annual running costs of the Keep, together with the currently anticipated apportionment between the three partners be noted, and it be agreed that the partners should to continue to refine this as part of the Partnership Collaboration Agreement; where delegation to enter into that agreement is covered in 2.6 above.
(9) That the next stages of development and the timetable associated with this as set out in Section 3.61 of this report be noted.
(10) That the Heads of Terms for the long-term governance agreement, the final form of which will return to a future Cabinet meeting for approval in good time to enable all partners to enter into it prior to practical completion of the building, be noted.
(11) That it be recommended to the Project Board, that it review current project management, Board membership, and reporting arrangements to reflect full partner engagement and that appropriate changes are agreed between the partners.
(12)
That for the reasons set out in the Part 2 report if it is agreed
with ESCC that the site shown on the substituted plan
annexed should be
(13) That if it is agreed with ESCC that the land should be appropriated for planning purposes, to authorise officers to advertise the intention to appropriate the land shown on the revised appended plan (Appendix 4) for planning purposes and to delegate to the Strategic Director Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation & Tourism the consideration of any objections and the final decision whether or not to appropriate the land for planning purposes.
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New Historic Records Office and Resource Centre (The Keep) Report of the Strategic Director, Communities (copy to follow to Members only).
[Exempt Categories 3 and 5] Decision: (1) That Cabinet agrees the recommendations as detailed in the Part Two confidential report. Minutes: 224.1 The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director, Place concerning progress in developing the New Historic Records Office & Resource Centre project (‘The Keep’); a partnership project between East Sussex County Council (“ESCC”), the University of Sussex and the city council, with ESCC acting as project manager.
224.2 RESOLVED - That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet accepted the recommendations as detailed in the Part Two confidential report. |
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Part Two Items To consider whether or not any of the above items and the decisions thereon should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public. Additional documents: Minutes: 225.1 The Cabinet considered whether or not any of the above items should remain exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
225.2 RESOLVED – That item 224, contained in Part Two of the agenda, remains exempt from disclosure to the press and public.
225.3 The Chairman thanked all those who had provided administrative, technical and legal support to the Cabinet meetings over the last four years. |