Agenda and minutes

            The Council held a minute of silence in remembrance of Caroline Fowles, Group Director of Adult Social Care and Chief Executive of the Swindon Primary Care Trust.

            The Leader of the Council, in agreement with the political group leaders and on behalf of the Council, paid tribute to the work of Caroline Fowles and her contribution to the work of both Swindon Borough Council and the Swindon Primary Care Trust and to Caroline as a person.

            The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, requested that the Chief Executive write to Caroline’s family expressing this Council’s sympathy and condolences.

            Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ian Dobie, Maurice Fanning, Mary Martin and David Wood.

To receive the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14^th January 2010.

            Resolved – That, subject to the inclusion of the amendment of the Motion set out in Minute 79, the minutes of the meeting held on 14^th January 2010, be confirmed and signed.

See explanatory note below.

            Ms. Sue Morrison submitted a question on the Penhill Academy Bus Service and a written response was tabled.

            Mr. Andy Harrison submitted a question on the Penhill Academy Bus Service and a written response was tabled.

            Mr. Andy Harrison asked the following supplementary question, “Is the Cabinet Member aware that the No.17 service referred to in his response is not an Academy Service.  Is he also aware that there was a “Black Hole” in terms of Penhill in the consultation process on the Academy? With respect to the Bus Service not leaving children behind at the school he suggested that Councillor Perkins may wish to talk to drivers to clarify this point, and asked if he were aware that the last bus serving the Academy was at 17:45?

            Councillor Perkins noted that during the consultation process a number of leaflets had been circulated to target all households.  He noted that the answers set out in his response to question 3 were based on information received from the bus company and that he had spoken to Thamesdown Transport earlier in the day to confirm details.  In respect of the last bus from the Academy being at 17:45 he had been informed that the last school event at the Academy finished prior to 17:30.  He also noted that a service from Beech Avenue, via the town centre, to Penhill was available until midnight.

            Mr. Brian Cockbill submitted a question concerning the Railway Village Action Group and a written response was tabled.

            Mr. Brian Cockbill asked the following supplementary question, “Thank you for the written replies and I would like to thank the Lead Member for Connecting People, Connecting Places for meeting me this morning to discuss Community Involvement more generally. I am somewhat puzzled by the last paragraph in answer to my second question as it makes no reference to an Urgent Works Notice? Albeit the information is useful. May I ask two further questions. With regard to reports in the Swindon Advertiser over the last 7 days concerning the Mechanics’ Institute, which many regard as the most important historical building in Swindon, can the Council issue a statement about the works now necessary, and on the actual progress made in the 8 years since 2002, when the Authority are on record as describing certain works on the Listed Building as urgent?  I have just left Committee Room 2, and will be returning there, where the Community Planning Forum are considering responses to a Supplementary Planning Document headed “Inclusive Design Access for All”. To enter this Public Gallery by the only entrance/exit one has to navigate the way to the back of the building, climb up 40 steep concrete steps to enter this cramped area where it is difficult to pass the rows of seating. Are you, the Council’s insurers and the Health Safety Executive content with these arrangements?”

            Councillor Philip Young indicated that he would provide a written response to the question on the Mechanics  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

To receive any communications or letters which the Mayor or Chief Executive may have to bring before the Council.

The Chief Executive reported that no communications had been received.

Questions (if any) of which notice has been given by Councillors in accordance with Standing Order 15.

            The Director of Law and Democratic Services reported that Standing Order 15 Questions have been received from Councillors Junab Ali, Steve Allsopp, Ray Ballman, David Glaholm, Jim Grant, Des Moffatt and Bob Wright.  The questions and answers from the appropriate Cabinet Member are attached as Appendix 1 to the Minutes.

            Councillor Junab Ali asked how much of the £33,000 referred to in the Cabinet Member’s response related to the Mayor’s hospitality budget?

            The Mayor indicated that he would provide Councillor Ali with a breakdown of his hospitality budget in a written response.

            Councillor Steve Allsopp asked if the £349,000 figure for the Tabernacle Stones was a final figure or whether this was likely to increase?

            Councillor Roderick Bluh replied that there were currently no storage costs and that this was the likely cost which the Council would seek to recover.

            Councillor David Glaholm asked the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services whether the Academy’s Governors had been in contact with him regarding children’s safety with respect to the travel to and from Penhill?

            Councillor Garry Perkins responded that he had received a letter, sent on behalf of the Governors, relating to this subject three days previously.

            Councillor David Glaholm asked the Cabinet Member for Children’s Serviceswhy his answer set out £130,000 as an estimated cost for an additional bus service from Penhill to the Academy when in a letter to Michael Wills M.P., a quote of £40,500 had been provided?

            Councillor Garry Perkins responded that the figure was dependent upon the level of service increase proposed, noting that each additional bus requested would each cost £40,750 leaving the proposed service amendments costing approximately £500,000.

            Councillor Jim Grant asked the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care whu in the light of recent comments regarding the suitability of the Evergreen Day Centre this was refurbished at great expense?

            Councillor David Renard responded that at the time of refurbishment it was the only practical option for the service provision, but since the refurbishment other better equipped facilities had become available that offered greater customer support.

            Councillor Des Moffatt asked the Leader of the Council if it was correct that only £50,000 had currently been paid to Connect Communications and asked if there was a release clause in the contract and if so what this would cost the Council?  He noted that the Council currently appeared to tie Connect Communication’s hands by constantly criticising the Government, and asked if this contract was therefore offering value for money?

            Councillor Bluh responded that he would provide a written response to Cou8ncillor Moffatt regarding any release clause and costs relating to the Connect Communications contract.   He noted that the contract was intended to support the delivery of extra revenue growth funding and part of this was establishing appropriate contacts.  He felt the contract was showing value for money and offered more support than had been received from the town’s two Members of Parliament over the previous thirteen years, who seemed intent on running the work  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

To approve the Council’s Budget for the Financial Year 2010/2011. The Cabinet met on 10^th February 2010.  The following reports considered at this meeting relate to the Council’s Budget, 2010/11.

(i) Special Expenses Within the Non-Parished Areas 2010/2011;

(Pages xxx – xxx)

(ii) Revenue Budget 2010/2011; (Pages xxx – xxx)

(iii) Capital Programme Update 2009/10 to 2011/2012 (Pages xxx – xxx)

(iv) The Treasury Management Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Annual Investment Strategy 2010/2011.  (Pages xxx – xxx)

Minutes 96, 98, 99 and 100 of the Cabinet refer. (Pages xxx – xxxx)

The Council considered (a) a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Benefits and the Director of Law and Democratic Services setting out recommendations from the Cabinet regarding the Council’s Revenue Budget for 2010/11, (b) Minute 96 of the Cabinet (Special Expenses Within the Non-Parished Areas 2010/11), (c) Minute 98 of the Cabinet (Revenue Budget 2010/11),  (d) Minute 99 of the Cabinet (Capital Programme Update 2009/10 – 2011/12), and  (e) Minute 100 of the Cabinet (Treasury Management Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Annual Investment Strategy 2010/11).

Councillor Mark Edwards moved and CouncillorRoderick Bluh seconded:

“(1) That the Special Expenses Within Non-Parished Areas 2010/11, as detailed in Minute 96 of the Cabinet, be confirmed and adopted.

(2) That the Revenue Budget 2010/11, as detailed in Minute 98 of the Cabinet, be confirmed and adopted.

(3) That the Capital Programme 2009/10 – 2011/12, as detailed in Minute 99 of the Cabinet, be confirmed and adopted.

(4) That the Treasury Management Strategy, Prudential Indicators and Annual Investment Strategy 2010/11, as detailed in Minute 100 of the Cabinet, be confirmed and adopted.

Councillor Derique Montaut moved and Councillor Stan Pajak seconded that that Motion be amended as follows:

“This Council Resolves:

To amend the Council Budget for 2010/11 as referred to in minute 98 (i) as follows:

1

We save £50,000 by ending the Connect PA lobbying contract early and apply the revenue funds to a reserve for the exclusive use of Enterprise Works.

2

We end contributions to Cotswold Water Park Management committee, which costs £15,000, and apply that to prevent the proposed increases in bulk waste collection fees £13,000 plus 2,000 carried over.

3

We reduce the capital provision of £2,000,000 over 3 years for feasibility studies to £500,000 and apply the £50,000 revenue effect to reinstating Town Centre Cleaning and some barrow litter brushing/picking, as well as reinstating the fly tipping crew.

4

We reduce the corporate provision for general consultants by £52,000 and apply that to prevent the increased charges in provision for Community Meals and the new charge levied on transport to day centres for our senior citizens.

5

We will impose a charge on the Digital City use of office space in the David Murray John Tower and a charge on officer time supporting Digital City of £40,000 and will apply this to support Shopmobility to ensure shop mobility continues to be independently managed.

6

We will cancel all hospitality budgets across the Council, with the exception of the Mayor's allocation. This will generate £23,000 and will be applied firstly to preventing the increases in space hire for youth clubs and then to Youth Services generally.

7

We will apply £20,000 to support a more frequent and relevant bus service from Penhill to the new Academy in Pinehurst by reducing the corporate furniture and fittings budget by £13,000 and ending the provision of laptops and PDAs for all Councillors, £7,000.

8

We will reduce the budget for Public Relations by £150K and apply £148K to mitigate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

To set the Council Tax for the Financial Year 2010/2011.

            The Council considered a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Benefits and the Director of Finance concerning the amount of Council Tax for each Valuation Band for dwellings in each part of the Borough for 2010/11, and related matters including legal advice.

Councillor Mark Edwards moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh 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 2010/11.

            (2) That it be noted that the Council’s Revenue Budget is as agreed by Council on 22^nd February 2010 (Minute 98 refers).

            (3) That the following amounts be calculated by the Council in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

Whole of the Council’s Area – In accordance with Section 84 of the Local Government Finance Act 2003 the Council’s Tax Base for 2009/10 is 70,611.5 in total with a breakdown by Parish as set out in Appendix 2 to these minutes.

            (4) That the following amounts be calculated  by the Council in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government Act 1992:-

(a)            Borough / Parish Gross Expenditure £404,472,407 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) of the 1992 Act.

(b)            Income £271,313,000 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c) of the Act.

(c)            Borough/Parish Net Expenditure £133,159,407 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 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for the year.

(d)            Government Grants and Collection Fund Surpluses £ 50,297,411 being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be payable for the year into its General Fund in respect of redistributed Non-Domestic Rates and Revenue Support Grant, increased by the amount of any sums which the Council estimates will be transferred in the year from its Collection Fund in accordance with Regulation (7) of the Local Government Changes for England (Collection Fund Surpluses and Deficits) Regulations 1995, and by the amount which the Council estimates will be transferred from its Collection Fund to its General Fund under Directions made under Section 98(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, and reduced by the amount which the Council estimates will be transferred from its General Fund to its Collection Fund in accordance with the Collection Fund (Council Tax Benefit) (England) Directions 2000.

(e)       Basic Amount of Tax (including Average Parish Precepts) £1,173.49 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 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year.

(f)            Special Items £3,071,440 being the aggregate of Special  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

To approve the Council’s Housing Revenue Account Budget for the Financial Year 2010/2011. The Cabinet met on 10^th February 2010.  The Cabinet met on 10^th February 2010.  The attached report on the Housing Revenue Account – Rents and Charges 2010/2011 was considered at the meeting. 

Minute 101 of the Cabinet refers (Pages xxx – xxx).

            The Council considered (a) a joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure concerning the proposed Housing Revenue Account for 2010/11, (b) Minute 101 of the Cabinet, and (c) noted that the views of the Housing Advisory Forum had been considered by the Cabinet at its meeting held on 10^th February 2010, and reported orally to the Council by the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care.

Councillor David Renard moved and Councillor Mark Edwards seconded:

(a) The proposed average rent for Housing Revenue Account (HRA) dwellings for 2010/11 be £69.22 per week (48 week basis), which is an increase of 2.16%, as set out in Appendix 2 to the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure and it be noted that this is in accordance with the Government’s rent restructuring policy.

(b) Housing related support charges for 2010/11 and service charges for 2010/11 be as set out in Appendices 5 - 9 in the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure

(c) A project be set-up to review the unpooling of Service Charges with a view to report findings to the Housing Advisory Forum in January 2011.

(d) Leaseholder Service Charges for 2010/11 be as set out in Appendix 10 to the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure.

(e) Garage Rents, Parking Charges and Cross Over Charges for 2010/11 be as set out in Appendix 11 and Appendix 12 to the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure.

(f) That the views expressed by the Housing Advisory Forum as updated orally by the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care be noted.

(g) Based on the proposals set out within to the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) proposed budget 2011/12, be as set out in Appendix 13 of the joint report, and that the Housing Revenue Account Repairs Budget and Funding be as set out in Appendix 14 of the joint report.

(h) Rents charged on General Fund properties be increased by the average rent increase for Housing Reveue Account Dwellings (2.16%) and the Rents and Charges for the David Murray John Apartments, as shown in Appendix 15, to the joint report of the Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and the Director of Housing and Leisure.

(i) Rents charged for plots at the Hay Lane Residential Gypsy Site be increased by £1.00 per week to £39.00 per week (52 week basis) and the rents for workpens, as set out in Appendix 16 to the joint  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

(i) References from Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership Board - Establishment of Children's Trust Board – Minute 102 of the Cabinet.

See related reports in Background Papers (Yellow)

Councillor Garry Perkins moved and Councillor Roderick Bluh seconded that:

That Minute 102 of the Cabinet (Reference from Children and Young People’s Strategy Partnership Board - Establishment of a Children’s Trust Board). be confirmed and adopted.

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

(a) Councillor David Glaholm will move and Councillor Steve Wakefield will second:

“This Council noting the lack of significant progress made in respect of the resolution of the Council (Minute 42 of the meeting held on 24/09/2009) and recognising the disappointment of parents and others in the Penhill area who feel bewildered as promises were felt to have been made during the consultation process on the provision of the Academy in Pinehurst that the bus service would be improved.

Resolves:-

1. That Officers bring forward costed proposals to increase the frequency of the current No 21 Bus service to half hourly up to 6.00 pm by no later than the Council meeting in April 2010.

2. That officers investigate and bring forward proposals to divert buses down Beech Avenue to service the Academy;

3/. Noting that in the report to the Planning Committee on 10th July 2007, regarding the Pinehurst Academy, Officers proposed in their report the following contributions to Public Transport provision involving increasing the frequency of Bus Service 24, to every 30 minutes between 08.00 - 18.00 (Mon -Sat) = £52,500 and Increasing frequency of Bus Service 10 to hourly between Town Centre, Pinehurst and Haydon Wick 18.00 - 22.30 = £15,000, -the officers also, as soon as practical, introduce an hourly service from 6.00pm to 10.00 pm  serving Penhill and the Academy as proposed in the planning permission for the Academy.

(Note     Service 10 was reduced from 1/2 hourly to hourly after the planning permission was granted.)”

(b) Councillor Stan Pajak will move and Councillor Dave Woods:

“That this Council will honour its commitment to increase to half hourly the Penhill / Pinehurst bus service between 8am & 6pm from the £52,000 budget already allocated in the report to the Planning Committee of the 10th July 2007.”

(a) Councillor David Glaholm moved and Councillor Steve Wakefield seconded:

“This Council noting the lack of significant progress made in respect of the resolution of the Council (Minute 42 of the meeting held on 24/09/2009) and recognising the disappointment of parents and others in the Penhill area who feel bewildered as promises were felt to have been made during the consultation process on the provision of the Academy in Pinehurst that the bus service would be improved.

Resolves:-

1. That Officers bring forward costed proposals to increase the frequency of the current No 21 Bus service to half hourly up to 6.00 pm by no later than the Council meeting in April 2010.

2. That officers investigate and bring forward proposals to divert buses down Beech Avenue to service the Academy;

3/. Noting that in the report to the Planning Committee on 10th July 2007, regarding the Pinehurst Academy, Officers proposed in their report the following contributions to Public Transport provision involving increasing the frequency of Bus Service 24, to every 30 minutes between 08.00 - 18.00 (Mon -Sat) = £52,500 and Increasing frequency of Bus Service 10 to hourly between Town Centre, Pinehurst and Haydon Wick 18.00 - 22.30 = £15,000, -the officers also, as soon as practical, introduce an hourly service from 6.00pm to 10.00 pm serving Penhill and the Academy as proposed in the planning permission for the Academy.

(Note Service 10 was reduced from 1/2 hourly to hourly after the planning permission was granted.)”

This item stood deferred to Cabinet without discussion in accordance with Standing Order 9(1).

(b)  Councillor Stan Pajak moved and Councillor Martin Wiltshire seconded:

“That this Council will honour its commitment to increase to half hourly the Penhill / Pinehurst bus service between 8am and  6pm from the £52,000 budget already allocated in the report to the Planning Committee of the 10^th July 2007.”

This item stood deferred to Cabinet without discussion in accordance with Standing Order 9(1).

Councillor Roderick Bluh will move and Councillor David Renard will second:

“This Council notes the Government’s proposals in the Personal Care at Home Bill to offer free care at home to the people with the highest needs.  While this Council welcomes the general principle of enabling people to stay in their own homes as long as possible, this Council is appalled that the Government is proposing to fund only a limited part of the costs and leave the rest to local authorities.  For all local councils in England, including Swindon, this is an unfunded  commitment of at least £250 million – assuming government has got its sums right - that will have to be made up from higher council tax, redundancies and cuts in other front line services.  If the policy is imposed it will add at least £2 million to Swindon Borough Council’s annual expenditure, and, if the Scottish experience is repeated, the actual cost will be far higher.  This Council asks that its grave concern about having yet another unfunded mandate imposed on the local authority be communicated by the Leader of the Council to the relevant Minister.”

Councillor Roderick Bluh moved and Councillor David Renard seconded:

“This Council notes the Government’s proposals in the Personal Care at Home Bill to offer free care at home to the people with the highest needs. While this Council welcomes the general principle of enabling people to stay in their own homes as long as possible, this Council is appalled that the Government is proposing to fund only a limited part of the costs and leave the rest to local authorities. For all local councils in England, including Swindon, this is an unfunded commitment of at least £250 million – assuming government has got its sums right - that will have to be made up from higher council tax, redundancies and cuts in other front line services. If the policy is imposed it will add at least £2 million to Swindon Borough Council’s annual expenditure, and, if the Scottish experience is repeated, the actual cost will be far higher. This Council asks that its grave concern about having yet another unfunded mandate imposed on the local authority be communicated by the Leader of the Council to the relevant Minister.”

            With the agreement of the Council the Motion was amended to read:

“This Council notes the Government’s proposals in the Personal Care at Home Bill to offer free care at home to the people with the highest needs. While this Council welcomes the general principle of enabling people to stay in their own homes as long as possible, this Council is appalled that the Government is proposing to fund only a limited part of the costs and leave the rest to local authorities. For all local councils in England, including Swindon, this is an unfunded commitment of at least £250 million – assuming government has got its sums right - that will have to be made up from higher council tax, redundancies and cuts in other front line services. If the policy is imposed it will add at least £2 million to Swindon Borough Council’s annual expenditure, and, if the Scottish experience is repeated, the actual cost will be far higher. This Council asks that its grave concern about having yet another unfunded mandate imposed on the local authority be communicated by the Leader of the Council to the relevant Minister and Swindon’s two Members of Parliament.”

            The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.