Agenda and minutes

          Apologies for absence were received from Councillors John Ballman and Vera Tomlinson.

The Chief Executive Designate, reported that no communications had been received.

          Resolved – That, subject to amendment of Minute 58 ”Declarations of Interest” to include a personal declaration of interest from Councillor Jim Robbins as a Foster Carer in respect of Agenda Item 6 (Minute for Confirmation – Changes to Swindon Borough Council’s Fostering Agency Foster Panel Membership) and a personal declaration of Interest from  Councillor Timothy Swinyard as an appointee to a Charitable Trust seeking to manage Lydiard Park and House in respect of Agenda Item 7(a)  (Motion – Lydiard Park and House) the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st January 2016, be confirmed and signed.

          Ms Kate Linnegar submitted written questions in respect of the Council’s response to the Government’s austerity programme.  The meeting was advised that the Leader of the Council had provided a written response to the question.

          Ms Kate Linnegar asked a supplemental question regarding the publishing of details of savings made by the Council, and proposed future savings, to offset reductions in its budget.  The Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.

          Mr Keith Simms submitted written questions regarding the future of Swindon’s Library Service.  The meeting was advised that the Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills had provided a written response to the question.

          Mr Simms asked a supplemental question regarding the financing of the Council’s Library Service in the future.  The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills responded at the meeting.

          Mrs Alison Durrant submitted written questions regarding the future of the Council’s Library Service and the forthcoming consultation on this service.  The meeting was advised that the Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills had had tabled a written response.

          Mrs Durrant asked supplemental questions regarding the maintenance of the current standard of Library Services within the Borough. The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills responded at the meeting.

          Ms Charlotte Mannings submitted written questions regarding the  proposed Broadband provision in North Swindon by the Council in partnership with UK Broadband.  The Cabinet Member for Corporate, Customer and Digital Services responded at the meeting.

          A local resident asked a question regarding the future provision of Library Services in Penhill. The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills responded at the meeting.

          Mr Ian James asked a question regarding statements made by Councillors in respect of savings being made to balance the budget in the current and future Financial Years. The Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.

          Ms Jane Francis asked a question the cost of care provision in the private sector.  The Cabinet Member for Adult’s Health and Social Care responded at the meeting.

          Ms Francis asked a supplemental question provisions within the Care Act relating to the self-funding of services. The Cabinet Member for Adult’s Health and Social Care responded at the meeting.

          Mr Tom Jeffrey asked a question regarding reduced funding for the Council’s Library service the potential impact of any loss of service provision on children in deprived areas. The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills responded at the meeting.

          Mr Terry Reynolds asked a question regarding the Council’s purchase of the bus depot.  Councillor Colin Lovell responded at the meeting.

          Mr David Parkinson asked a question relating the use of Queen Elizabeth Drive by buses.  The Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Transport and the Leader of the Council responded at the meeting.

          Mr Brian McLean asked a question regarding Government Guidance on the use of roads by buses. The Cabinet Member for Transport and Sustainability responded at the meeting.

          Mr McLean asked a supplemental question regarding the Council’s interpretation of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72.

To confirm the appointment of Mr. John Gilbert as Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service, as set out in the recommendation of Minute 5 of the meeting of the Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee held on 29^th January 2016 (attached).

The Council received Minute 5 of the Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee of the Appointments Committee.

          Councillor David Renard moved and Councillor Jim Grant seconded and it was unanimously agreed:

”That Minute 5 of the Chief Officer Appointments Sub-Committee be adopted and Mr. John Gilbert be offered the post of Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service of Swindon Borough Council.”

To approve, following a recorded vote, the Council’s Budget for the Financial Year, 2016/17.  The Cabinet met on 10^th February 2016. The following reports considered at this meeting relate to the Council’s Budget, 2016/17.

(i) Budget 2016/17 and Beyond.

(ii) Capital Programme 2016/17.

(iii) Update to Budget 2016/17 and Beyond.

Cabinet Minutes 59 and 60 relating to these reports are attached. (Pages xx to xx)

          The Council considered joint reports of the Cabinet Member for Finance, People and Performance and the Board Director, Resources, considered by the Cabinet on 10^th February 2015 relating to (i) Budget 2016/17 and Beyond, (ii) Capital Programme 2016/17, (iii) Update to Budget 2016/17, and (iv) Minute 59 of the Cabinet (Budget 2016/17 and Beyond) and Minute 60 of the Cabinet (Capital Programme 2016/17).

          Councillor Russell Hollandmoved and CouncillorDavid Renard seconded:

“That subject to the detailed budget proposals set out in Appendix 4 and summarised in Table 3 of the published report as amended by the proposals under paragraph 1.4 in the tabled update paper and that the £826,000 2016-17 Transition Grant is used to smooth the implementation of planned services changes, including for Libraries, as targeted pump-priming funding to ensure that the transition to new service models is managed as effectively as possible; and to fund any shortfall in the budgeted level of savings achieved through the transfer of services to parish councils be agreed the Motions contained in Minute 59 of the Cabinet (Budget 2016/17 and Beyond) and Minute 60 of the Cabinet (Capital Programme 2016/17) be confirmed and adopted.”

          Councillor Kevin Small moved and Councillor Jim Grant seconded that:

“That Council:

(i)    Resolves to amend the Cabinet’s Revenue Budget and Capital Programme proposals for 2016/17 as agreed at the February 10^th Cabinet Meeting and as amended by the mover, as follows:

Proposed Amendments to On-Going Budget

Amendments to One-Off Expenditure

To enable Members, following a recorded vote, to formally resolve the Borough Council’s Council Tax for 2106/17.

The Council considered a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Finance, People and Performance and the Board Director, Resources, concerning the amount of Council Tax for each Valuation Band for dwellings in each part of the Borough for 2016/17, and related matters including legal advice.

Councillor Russell Holland moved and Councillor David Renard seconded and the Council agreed:

          “(1) That it be recorded that the advice of the Director of Law and Democratic Services’ has been taken into account when setting the level of Council Tax for 2016/17.

          (2) That it be noted that the Council’s revenue budget is £135,225,635 as recommended by the Cabinet to this Council on 10^th February 2016.

          (3) That it be noted that in accordance with Section 31B of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended) the Council’s Tax Base for 2015/16 is 69,545.8 in total with the breakdown by Parish set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

          (4) That the following amounts be calculated by the Council in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by the Localism Act 2011:-

(a)      Borough / Parish Gross Expenditure £469,691,855 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the 1992 Act taking into account all precepts issued to it by Parish Councils.

(b)      Borough Gross Income plus Collection Fund Balance£384,582,760 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)      Borough/Parish Net Expenditure £85,109,095 being the amount by which the aggregate at 4(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 4(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year.

(d)      Basic Amount of Tax (including Average Parish Precepts)£1,223.78 being the amount at 4(c) above, less the amount at 4(d) above, all divided by the amount at 3 above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year. In accordance with Schedule 5 of the Localism Act 2011, this sum is not considered to be excessive.

(e)      Special Items £3,993,020 being the aggregate of Special Expenses and Parish Precepts and collectively known as special items and referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act.

(f)       Basic Amount of Tax (Unparished Area) £1,166.37 being the amount at 4(d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 4(e) above by the amount at 3, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which no special item relates. (The Basic Amount of Tax (Unparished Area) of £1,166.37 comprises £1,143.45 for services generally plus £22.92 specifically relating to a 2% increase in the previous year’s bill to contribute towards the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

To approve the Council’s Housing Account Budget for the Financial Year, 2016/17. The Cabinet met on 10^th February 2016. The attached report on the Housing Revenue – Rents and Charges 2016/17 was considered at that meeting.

Cabinet Minute 61 relating to this report is attached. (Pages xxx to xxx)

The Council considered (a) a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety and the Board Director, Commissioning concerning the proposed Housing Revenue Account Housing Revenue Account – Rents and Charges 2016/17, and (b) Minute 61 of the Cabinet (Housing Revenue Account – Rents and Charges 2016/17).

Councillor Emma Faramarzi moved and Councillor Russell Holland seconded:

• That the proposed average rent for Housing Revenue Account (HRA) dwellings for 2016/17, of £80.76 per week (52 week basis), which is a decrease of 1.0%, be approved, subject to confirmation from the Government as mentioned in paragraph 3.6 of the report. This would be an average decrease of £0.81 per week (52 week basis). The range of increases is shown in paragraph 3.10 of the report.

• That the Board Director, Service Delivery, be authorised to seek authority from the Secretary of State to extend the permission for the use of the Housing Revenue Account for payments to the Council’s tenants under the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme, and provide a budget of £300k in 2016/17 as detailed at paragraph 3.27 of the report.

• That the housing related support charges for 2016/17 and service charges for 2016/17 as outlined in Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

• That Leaseholder service charges are set for 2016/17, as shown in Appendix 3 to the report.

• That, based on the proposals set out within this report, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) proposed budget 2016/17, shown in Appendix 4 to the report, be approved and that the HRA Capital Budget and Funding be approved as shown in Appendix 5 to the report.

• That a budget of £1m be approved to acquire properties as detailed at paragraph 3.36 of the report and that the Board Director, Service Delivery, in consultation with the Board Director, Resources, be authorised to commit this expenditure.

• That the draft three year capital projects and planned maintenance programme be approved, at an indicative funding level of £15.7m (2015/16 prices) for 2016/17 onwards, as shown in Appendix 6 to the report.

• That rents charged on General Fund properties be decreased by an average increase of 0.9% and the service charges for Christopher House and the David Murray John Apartments, as shown in Appendix 7 to the report, be approved.

• That rents charged for plots at the Hay Lane Residential Gypsy Site be increased by £0.45 per week (0.9%) to £50.26 per week (52 week basis) and the rents for workpens, as shown in Appendix 7 to the report, be approved.

• That the charges for Private Sector Leased (PSL) accommodation for those accepted as homeless, outlined in Appendix 7 to the report, be approved.

• That any underspend on the 2015-16 Housing Revenue Account be added to revenue reserves.

• That Housing Revenue Account rents in supported housing be increased by 0.9% subject to a further tenant consultation to be held on 15 February 2016.

     Councillor Steve Allsopp moved and Councillor Robert Wright seconded:

““That Council resolves:

(i)              To amend the Cabinet’s Housing Revenue Account proposals  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To receive a Minute for Note from the Cabinet.

·     Minute 66(3) (Superfast Broadband).

          Councillor Mary Martin moved and Councillor David Renard seconded that Minute 66(3) of the Cabinet (Superfast Broadband) be noted.

          The motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

Councillor Ray Ballman will move and Councillor Stephanie Exell will second:

“This Council:

• Expresses its concerns about the Government’s decision to delay capping the cost of care on individuals to £72,000, leaving only those with assets below £23,250 to receive support towards their costs. The 2014 Care Act stated that the new care cap would be implemented by April 2016.
• Notes that the last time Swindon Council researched the number of self-funding care users in Swindon, in 2014, it was estimated that there were 1450 service users self-funding their domiciliary care and 750 self-funding users receiving Domiciliary care.
• Requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health expressing the Council’s concerns about the Government’s delay in introducing the capping of people’s funding of their own care.

          Councillor Ray Ballman moved and Councillor Stephanie Exell seconded:

“This Council:

Expresses its concerns about the Government’s decision to delay capping the cost of care on individuals to £72,000, leaving only those with assets below £23,250 to receive support towards their costs. The 2014 Care Act stated that the new care cap would be implemented by April 2016.

Notes that the last time Swindon Council researched the number of self-funding care users in Swindon, in 2014, it was estimated that there were 1450 service users self-funding their domiciliary care and 750 self-funding users receiving Domiciliary care.

Requests the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Health expressing the Council’s concerns about the Government’s delay in introducing the capping of people’s funding of their own care.”

          Councillor Brian Mattock moved and Councillor David Renard seconded that the Motion be amended to read:

“This Council

Recognises the concerns of many residents about the Government’s decision to delay capping the cost of care on individuals to £72,000, leaving only those with assets below £23,250 to receive support towards their costs. The 2014 Care Act stated that the new care cap would be introduced in April 2016.

Notes that the last time Swindon Council researched the number of self-funding care users in Swindon, in 2014, it was estimated that there were 1285 people or their families funding their own domiciliary care and 669 funding their residential care.

Recognises the financial challenges faced by all Councils, particularly those responsible for Adult Social Care, together with a predicted huge increases in demand from an ageing population. 

Requests the Leader of the Council write to the Secretary of State for Health to:

1) Introduce the capping proposals within the Care Act 2014 at the earliest opportunity;

2) Fund fully the additional costs involved including the administrative/assessment costs imposed on local authorities; and

3) Ensure adequate funding for all the adult social care provision required of the Council by Central Government.”

          The amendment was put to the vote and declared carried becoming the Substantive Motion.

          The Substantive Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

To approve the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2016/17.  The attached report on the Council’s Pay Policy Statement 2016/17 was considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 10^th February 2016.  The figures and salary information contained in the report will be updated as of 1^st April 2016 prior to publication on the Council’s website.

Cabinet Minute 64 relating to this report is attached. (Page xxx)

The Council considered (a) a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance, People and Performance and the Head of People, Performance and Engagement on the requirement, under Section 38 of the Localism Act 2011, for the Council to agree and publish a Pay Policy Statement by 1^st April each year, and setting out the Council’s proposed Pay Policy Statement for consideration, (b) Minute 64 of the Cabinet (Pay Policy Statement), and (c) the Council’s draft Pay Policy Statement.

Councillor Russell Holland moved and Councillor David Renard seconded:

          “That the Council’s Pay Policy Statement for 2016/17, as set out in

Appendix A of the joint report be approved and adopted.”

          The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

          The Director of Law and Democratic Services reported that Standing Order 15 questions had been received from Councillors Steve Allsopp, Ray Ballman, and James Robbins. 

          Councillor Steve Allsopp asked a supplemental question regarding information available to the public as part of any consultation on the future of Coate Water. The Cabinet Member for the Economy, Regeneration and Skills responded at the meeting.

          Councillor Steve Allsopp asked a supplemental question regarding replacement vehicles for recycling work.  The Cabinet Member for Streetsmart responded at the meeting.

          Councillor James Robbins asked supplemental questions regarding (a) the percentage of suppliers referred to in Question 6, and (b) the use of apprenticeships under the Social Value Act.  The Cabinet Member for Finance, People and Performance indicated that he would provide a written response to these questions.