BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL STRATEGY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE STRATEGY COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON 9 MARCH 2006

PRESENT: Mr N A Ridley – Chairman

Mr H N Todd was unable to be present.

Mr C J Hunt attended in order to present the recommendations of the Overview & Scrutiny (Community Services) Committee referred to in Minute No. 136 (b) below.

Mr M J Miller, Chairman of the E-Government Steering Group attended the meeting in order to present the recommendations of that Group referred to in Minute No. 139 (b) below.

131 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Mr C M Spence declared a personal interest in various items on the Agenda by virtue of his membership of Suffolk County Council.

Mr N A Bennett declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No 149, Disposal of Land at Sudbury by virtue of his membership of Sudbury Town Council and was not present during consideration of this item.

132 MINUTES

RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2006 be confirmed and signed as a correct record subject to Minute 124 – 2006/07 Corporate Plan – Recommendation (1) being amended by the inclusion of the wording set out below and a reference to Paper E274 being corrected to E273:

Page 45

Inclusion of a reference to the Sudbury Western Bypass under Economic Development – bullet point 7.

133 PETITIONS

The Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services reported that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No.13, a petition had been submitted to the Chief Executive relating to:

Development of land East of Carsons Drive, Great Cornard (Signed by approximately 1,830 residents of the district)

134QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS

None received.

135 ISSUES ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES (OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY RULES 33 AND 34)

None received.

136 RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES

(a) Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 – Implications for Enforcement and Fixed Penalty Fines (Overview and Scrutiny (Community Services) Committee Minute No.61)

It was noted that DEFRA have indicated that a number of matters falling within this topic are out for consultation at the moment and further matters may be reported in due course. Accordingly the recommendations contained in the above mentioned Minute will not be reported to Strategy Committee until further details are known.

(b) Review of Refuse Collection Policy (Overview and Scrutiny (Community Services) Committee Minute No.62)

RESOLVED

That the proposed amendment to the Refuse Collection Policy as set out in Paper E269 be approved, specifically:-

§The proposed blue bin contamination and enforcement procedure
§A levy for an unscheduled collection of a contaminated bin
§The principle of the proposed arrangements for acceptance of excess recyclable materials in sacks, including a nominal charge for sacks

137ODPM CONSULTATION – ‘LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP; SHAPING THEIR FUTURE’

Mr David Wood, the Western Suffolk LSP Manager was in attendance at the meeting to present his views.

The Corporate Support Manager submitted a report (Paper E293) advising that the Government has produced a consultation paper ‘Local Strategic Partnerships – Shaping their Future’ that invites responses on the future development of Local Strategic Partnerships.

During consideration of this item it was agreed the response should include a reference to link infrastructure and transport to provide sustainable community strategies and the “Western” and not “West” Suffolk LSP should be referred to.

RESOLVED

That, subject to the Corporate Support Manager being authorised to make minor amendments to the document as referred to above, Appendix A to Paper E293 be approved as Babergh’s response to the ODPM Consultation Document ‘Local Strategic Partnerships: Shaping their Future’.

138 WESTERN SUFFOLK LSP DRAFT COMMUNITY STRATEGY

Mr David Wood, the Western Suffolk LSP Manager was in attendance at the meeting to present his views.

The Committee considered a report (Paper E294) from Colin Spence, Babergh’s representative on the Western Suffolk LSP Board on the draft Western Suffolk Local Strategic Partnership Community Strategy 2006 to 2016 ‘Making Life Better’.

During consideration of this report the following points were noted.

Paragraph 9 (a) – the Southern Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership should also be mentioned.

Paragraph 9 (d) – the words “and by encouraging Parish Councils to take surveys of their villages” to be added.

Paragraph 10 – Priority 4 to be reworded to: To improve the quality of life to reduce avoidable early deaths

The document should also contain:-

(i) a paragraph advising how Transport Policy can enhance the built and natural environment.

(ii) reference to the pro-active relationship between the Local Strategic Partnership and the Suffolk Strategic Partnership

RESOLVED

That subject to the Corporate Support Manager being authorised to make minor amendments as referred to above the main contents of the Western Suffolk Local Strategic Partnership consultation document ‘Making Life Better’ attached as an appendix to Paper E294 be approved.

139 RECOMMENDATIONS AND REPORTS FROM TASK GROUPS/PANELS

(a)CAST

Dr M R Miller as Chairman of the CAST Programme Board introduced Paper E286 providing an update on the progress of the Customer Access and Service Transformation (CAST).

It was noted that four long-term strategic options for delivering customer access have been identified and a fifth positioning option has been developed for a shorter term plan. Until the position across Suffolk is clearer it is not feasible to determine a long-term strategic option therefore an Action Plan for the positioning option is recommended. This will enable real progress to be made until such time as a longer term strategic decision can be made.

Two Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) pilot reviews have been undertaken in Revenues and Development Control. Officers indicated that these pilot reviews have generally confirmed the assumptions made in the original outline business case report in August 2005 except that reviews are taking a little longer to complete and that the savings will take longer to deliver. It is recommended that at least one further review should be undertaken to cover service requests in Environmental Services.

Members of the Programme Board were split on whether or not any further review should be started prior to the Strategy Committee receiving a 6 monthly report on CAST. Some Members wished only to proceed with one further review at this stage until the proposals from the two pilots are implemented and a clear picture of actual savings can be assessed. Other Members wished to move straight from the agreed review in Environmental Services to further reviews to ensure continuity and momentum as well as retaining new skills and ensuring savings from these reviews are accrued more quickly. The Strategy Committee was requested to determine the recommendation to Council on this matter.

During consideration of this matter it was proposed and seconded that the BPR reviews be continued. On being put to the vote this proposal was lost.

The views of the Babergh branch of UNISON contained in Paper E299 were circulated at the meeting.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

(1) That the Proposed Customer Access Priority Requirement and Delivery Arrangements detailed at Appendix 1 to Paper E286 be approved.

(2) That the positioning Option for delivering customer access at Appendix 2 to Paper E286 be approved.

(3) That arrangements be made to undertake a further Business Process Re-engineering review, from May 2006, to cover service requests in Environmental Services.

(4) That further BPR Reviews be not undertaken, from August 2006 prior to receiving a progress report on CAST on 28 September 2006.

(5) That the high level Programme Plan for 2006/07, including major deliverables and milestones, resource requirements, spending plans and risks, set out at Appendix 5 to Paper E286 be approved.

(6) That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the CAST Programme Board, be authorised to make ongoing operational and tactical decisions to progress CAST, in accordance with the objectives, action plans, budget and spending plans determined by the Council.

(7)That update reports be submitted to the Council through the Strategy Committee meetings during 2006/07 as follows:-

28 September 2006 Strategy, for 31 October 2006 Council

8 March 2007 Strategy, for 17 April 2007 Council

(b)IEG 6 Statement

Mr D J Read, as Chairman of the E-Government Steering Group, presented Paper E287 advising that as part of the funding process the Council has to submit an Implementing Electronic Government Statement No.6 (IEG 6) by 10 April 2006 to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That the IEG 6 Statement attached as Appendix A to Paper E287 be submitted to the ODPM, subject to the Head of Organisational Development in consultation with the E-Government Steering Group being authorised to make any necessary changes as work is completed that affects the Statement to ensure that the IEG 6 Statement correctly reflects the situation at 31 March 2006.

140WORK PLAN

The Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services submitted a report (Paper E288) on items identified for future meetings of the Strategy Committee.

RESOLVED

That the Work Plan set out in Paper E288 be noted.

141 TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND REVIEW

The Head of Finance submitted a report (Paper E289) requesting approval to the Treasury Management Strategy for the financial year 2006/07.

It was noted that the Credit Rating Criteria for investments was to be amended to align Support Rating for UK Banks and Building Societies and the support rating of 4 reflects a minor change from the previous rating of 3.

RESOLVED

(1) That the Treasury Management Strategy for 2006/07, including the Annual Investment Strategy set out in Appendix 2 to Paper E289 be approved.

(2) That the credit rating criteria as set out in Appendix 3 to Paper E289 be approved.

142 EFFICIENCY STATEMENT 2006/07

Helen Style, Corporate Director reported that the Council has to submit an Annual Efficiency Statement to the Government and the next one is due by the 18 April 2006.

The deadline, combined with the fact that the Guidance for completing the Statement has just been received means that it has not been possible to submit a report to this meeting.

It is recognised that the agreed Efficiency framework includes the Strategy Committee’s involvement but given the circumstances it was suggested that the Efficiency Statement be submitted direct to the next Council Meeting.

RESOLVED

That the Efficiency Statement for 2006/07 be submitted directly to the Council Meeting on 11 April 2006 on the understanding that the Statement will be signed by the Chairman of the Strategy Committee, the Chief Executive and the Head of Finance.

143 STANSTED AIRPORT – PROPOSED SECOND RUNWAY –BAA CONSULTATION

The Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development submitted a report (Paper E290) advising that BAA Stansted have put forward several options for the location and operation of a second runway at Stansted.

RESOLVED

(1) That the following points were agreed for inclusion in the response:-

(i) Babergh District Council understand the need for Stansted Airport Master Plan to identify a preferred second runway option and development strategy in order to comply with Government requirements.

(ii) Babergh District Council’s position and concerns on the use and development of Stansted Airport were set out in our letter to BAA dated 20 September 2005. This letter, in response to the consultation on “Growing Stansted Airport on the Existing Runway – Consultation July – October 2005” set out this Council’s reservations in respect of:-

· concerns over the wider environmental impact of the growth of Stansted;

· lack of clarity on the alleged economic benefit of the proposals for Babergh;

· concerns on the impact of night flying over the Babergh District.

Babergh therefore does not wish to support the BAA preferred option, or any other option for a second runway at this stage, having not accepted the principle of a second runway.

(iii) Notwithstanding(ii). above, Babergh believes that the BAA consultation provides insufficient evidence (particularly evidence and assessment on the likely impact on BDC) on which to express a view as to the most appropriate option.

(iv) The information provided in the consultation document makes it difficult to establish the precise implications of a second runway for Babergh, and more research should be undertaken.

(2) That Mike Hammond, Corporate Director, be authorised to submit a response to BAA Stansted based on the information contained in (1) above.

At this point the Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.10 p.m. and resumed at 1.50 p.m. when the following Members were present:-

Mr N A Ridley – Chairman

144 HAVEN GATEWAY PARTNERSHIP, BID FOR ‘GROWTH POINT’ STATUS’

The Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development submitted a report (Paper E291) advising that the Council is a Member of the Haven Gateway Partnership and has been requested to support the Partnership’s bid to the ODPM for ‘Growth Point Status’.

The major housing and economic growth associated with this status will take place outside of Babergh, mainly in Ipswich and Colchester. It is likely that there would be direct and non direct financial benefits to Babergh if the Partnership secures the status and that is why ‘Growth Point Status’ is being sought.

RESOLVED

(1) That the Haven Gateway Partnership bid to ODPM for Growth Point Status be supported.

(2) That authority be delegated to Mike Hammond, Corporate Director in consultation with the Council’s Member Representative on the Partnership Board to submit the joint bid to the ODPM for Growth Point Status.

145 RESPONSE TO THE LYONS INQUIRY CONSULTATION PAPER

The Corporate Support Manager submitted a report (Paper E292) outlining a proposed response to the Lyons Inquiry Consultation Paper on the future role and function of Local Government.

During consideration of this matter it was agreed that the response should clarify the role of the District Council and that funding under the Performance Management Framework must be relevant to services deemed important at local level.

RESOLVED

That the Council’s response to the Lyons Inquiry as outlined in Appendix 1 to Paper E292 be approved subject to the Corporate Support Manager being authorised to make minor amendments to reflect the points referred to above.

146 POLICY FOR ABANDONED VEHICLES

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a Report (Paper E295) outlining the proposed policy statement on abandoned and nuisance vehicles.

It is intended that, prior to formal adoption, the policy will be the subject of consultation with the Police and Emergency Services, Town and Parish Councils and further stakeholders.

RESOLVED

(1) That, subject to there being no substantial or significant amendments following consultation with appropriate stakeholders the policy on Abandoned and Nuisance Vehicles as attached to Paper E295 be adopted.

(2) That the policy take effect from a date to be authorised by the Head of Environmental Services.

147 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC (WHICH TERM INCLUDES THE PRESS)

RESOLVED

That pursuant to Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the business specified below, on the grounds that if the public were present during these items, it is likely that there will be the disclosure to them of exempt information as indicated against each item.

The Committee were also satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

148 CYCLICAL COUNCIL HOUSE PAINTING PROGRAMME 2006/07 (Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1)

The Head of Technical Services submitted a report (Paper E296) requesting approval to appoint contractors to carry out the proposed 2006 external painting programme for the Council housing stock.

It was noted that since the report had been prepared site No. 201 referred to in the Appendix had been withdrawn from the proposed programme.

RESOLVED

That approval be given to the appointment of the contractors listed in the schedule attached as Appendix 1 to Paper E296 subject to the deletion of site number 201.

149 DISPOSAL OF LAND AT SUDBURY (Exempt information by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1)

The Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services submitted a report (Paper E297) advising of a request to purchase land from the District Council on the Woodhall Business Park, Sudbury as shown hatched on the plan attached to Paper E297.

It was noted that to enable the scheme to proceed consent would also be required for the release of a restrictive covenant in respect of Sudbury Town Council’s land which was originally sold to them for recreational purposes.

RESOLVED

(1)That the Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services be authorised to dispose, to the company referred to in Paper E297, the freehold of the land shown hatched on the plan attached to Paper E297 subject to:-

(a) A consideration as agreed by the Council’s Valuer

(b) Terms agreed to protect the Council’s interest including

(i)safeguards to ensure that the Council reserves the right of access to serve adjoining land.

(ii)safeguards to ensure that the Council receives a reasonable proportion of any financial benefit arising from future development of adjoining land, which derives access through the Council’s existing land.

(iii)Any other terms deemed necessary to protect the Council’s interest.

(2) That the Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services be authorised to release the restrictive covenant in respect of the Sudbury Town Council’s land as shown hatched on the plan attached to Paper E297.

Note: The meeting was adjourned between 10.50 a.m. and 11.10 a.m. for refreshments.

The business of the meeting was concluded at 2.35pm.

Chairman