Agenda and Decisions and Minutes

Members and Officers are invited to notify the Chairman of other business which they wish to be discussed by the Cabinet at the end of either Part 1 or Part II business.  In so doing the Member(s)/Officer(s) concerned must state the special circumstances which they consider justifies the matter being raised as a matter of urgency.

 

The Chairman will decide whether the item(s) raised shall be considered under ‘Other Business’.

With regard to decision (ii) below the Chairman presented the RoSPA Gold Award to Tony Clark, Training and Safety Manager, on behalf of the Health and Safety Departmental Coordinators.  Cabinet thanked the team for their commitment and hard work on occupational health, health and safety procedures and practices and on health and wellbeing initiatives for Council staff.  A number of the Departmental Coordinators and the Head of Human Resources and Customer Services were in attendance at the meeting to receive the Award.  A further national presentation was due to be made to the Department in Birmingham on 14 May 2009.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That the following matters be taken as items of other business at the meeting:

 

(i)  Oral update report on Disabled Facilities Grants

 

(ii)  To present the RoSPA Gold Award to members of staff for their work on behalf of the Council in relation to Occupational Health and Health and Safety.

 

(iii) That Cabinet’s thanks to Gill Drew, Head of Human Resources and Customer Services, who was attending her last Cabinet meeting before leaving to take up a new role, for her hard work on behalf of the Council over the past seven years be recorded.  Cabinet wished her well for the future.

 

To confirm the Minutes of Meeting No 12 of the Cabinet held on 7 April 2009 (previously circulated).

CABINET DECISION

 

That the Minutes of Meeting No 12 of the Cabinet held on 7 April 2009 be taken as read and confirmed subject to the following amendment:

 

Minute 9 – Brandon Mews Temporary Accommodation

 

To amend reference to ‘paragraph 4.3 of the report’ to ‘paragraph 8.1 of the report’.

 

Planning and Conservation and Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holders

Planning and Conservation and Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holders

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Interim Project Consultant introduced the report providing an update on progress with the St Albans City Vision Project including responses from the recent public consultation.  The report detailed some suggested amendments and additions to the Vision proposed by the consultants, Urban Practitioners, and recommended by the Project Steering Group.  Since the report was written two further comments had been received:  the University of Hertfordshire had expressed a preference for residential development on the Hatfield Road site and the Aboyne Lodge Residents Association had expressed strong objections to any proposal for the re-siting of Aboyne Lodge School that would result in children having a more difficult route to school. 

 

The Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holder commented that City Vision provided part of the evidence base for the Core Strategy and the Local Development Framework.  The Chairman commended the depth and quality of the document and the speed with which it had been produced and thanked the Interim Projects Manager and Urban Practitioners for their work on the project.

 

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That Cabinet

 

a)  welcomes and endorses the recommended amendments and additions to the draft City Vision, as summarised in section 7 and detailed in Appendix 1 to the report (parts A and B) below; and

 

b)  agrees to proceeding to the next stage of the Project which will include:

 

·  development and refinement of options for city centre congestion reduction

·  master planning of key sites

·  development of detailed strategies

·  preparation of a Delivery and Implementation Plan and

·  holding a further round of public consultation

 

as described in Appendix 2 to the report

 

c)  agrees that the City Vision will inform the Public Realm Strategy and the Streetscape Design Manual.

 

Community Leadership and Communications Portfolio Holder

Community Leadership and Communications Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Chairman introduced members of the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Management Committee who were in attendance at the meeting.  The Corporate Performance Officer gave a presentation on the key points of the report on the refresh of the Sustainable Community Strategy. The current Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) had been launched in 2007 and was due to be refreshed after two years.

 

The vision and priorities had been reviewed by the LSP Board who had agreed that there was no need to rewrite the strategy from scratch but to revise the existing one in the light of emerging issues.  Two new issues had been highlighted – economic development in the context of the current economic downturn and meeting the needs of an ageing population.  The LSP had identified seven areas of work where gaps existed.  Consultation on the revised SCS had taken place for a period ending on 1 May.  The key messages from the 55 responses received were a positive reaction regarding the vision priorities and new issues, but a request for use of plainer language in the document.  On 13 May a meeting with local representatives would take place to agree which proposals should be presented for consideration by the LSP and Cabinet.  The revised SCS would be submitted for approval by the LSP on 15 May, to the LSP Board and Cabinet on 21 May and to Council on 17 June 2009.

 

The Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder advised that the report had been well received by the Planning Policy Advisory Panel at its meeting on 27 April.  The Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder remarked that a key issue was the coordination of the various related documents ie the Local Development Framework, City Vision and Public Realm.  The Chief Executive responded that this was recognised hence the inclusion of all those issues on this agenda.  The Chief Executive’s Board was considering how best to manage and coordinate these various related matters.  During the discussion a number of comments were made as detailed in decision (i) below.  The Chairman advised that the LSP had started a pooled fund for joint projects, working together to deliver improvements for residents.  It was proposed that details of the successes achieved through the work with the LSP be appended to the Strategy.  The Chief Executive referred to the Council’s legal duty under the Local Government Act 2000 to produce a Community Strategy in partnership with other stakeholders and engaging the public, private, business and voluntary sectors.  The Chief Policy and Partnership Officer advised that a key area of work for the LSP would be to put in place a performance framework to measure outcomes once the SCS was finalised and implemented. 

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That Cabinet receives the consultation draft of the revised Sustainable Community Strategy (SCS) attached at Appendix 1 to the report and endorses the vision set out at paragraph 4.6 and the principles and direction set out in the rest of the document, subject to the following comments made at the meeting:

 

§  Some of the language in the document required editing for clarity and plain English.  This included references to the historic nature of the City.

 

§  Reference to integration with other related developing issues (the Local Development Framework, Public Realm and the City and Rural Vision projects) was essential

 

§  There was a need for a performance framework to be put in place to monitor and record outcomes when the Strategy had been finalised and implemented.  This was an area of future work for the LSP

 

§  It was agreed that an Appendix be added to the revised SCS setting out the benefits and successes achieved by the LSP in implementing the current Community Strategy to date.

 

(i)  That Cabinet invites the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) Management Committee to consider comments and feedback regarding the draft in developing the final version of the Sustainable Community Strategy to be approved by the LSP Board and Cabinet on 21 May and St Albans City and District Council on 17 June 2009.

 

Planning and Conservation, Environment and Sustainability and Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holders

Planning and Conservation, Environment and Sustainability and Culture and Heritage Portfolio Holders

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder presented a report seeking approval for the St Albans Draft Streetscape Design Manual and for consultation to commence on the document.  It was important that the manual be developed in line with the City Vision, Public Realm and Streetscene Project work as a technical document informing these initiatives. 

 

A member wished to ensure that equalities issues were addressed, taking on board the needs of the physically disabled.  Other comments referred to the need to consider how the document guidance would be enforced and how to feed into the other related issues including the Local Development Framework.  A member suggested further groups to be included in the consultation including English Heritage, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) and those involved in the Historic Environment Forum.  It was considered there should be consultation and policy review by other groups, eg planners, the Highway Authority and County Council.  This could be achieved by forming a Reference Group to benchmark quality standards.  The Chairman welcomed this suggestion for future consideration and suggested the group should include scrutiny committee members and representatives from relevant external bodies.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That members approve the City and District of St Albans Draft Streetscape Design Manual (as shown in Appendix A to the report) and request Officers to proceed to public consultation.

 

(ii)  That members note the list of consultees as shown in Appendix B to the report.

 

(iii)  That a report be submitted to the October 2009 Cabinet on the outcomes of the consultation and the final draft of the Streetscape Design Manual for approval.

 

(iv)  That the Streetscape Design Manual be developed in line with the current work on the City Vision, Public Realm Strategy and the Streetscene Project Board, with specific links being made between these initiatives and the Manual.

 

Community Leadership and Communications Portfolio Holder

Community Leadership and Communications Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer presented a report setting out proposals for taking forward the main recommendations of the Scrutiny Review Panel on developing a public realm strategy.  These were contained in an action plan attached to the report.  It was proposed that the strategy should be driven forward by the Chief Executive’s Board, coordinated by the Head of Planning and Building Control.  There was an emphasis on links between the strategy and existing programmes of work such as City Vision and the Local Development Framework (LDF). 

 

The Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder pointed out the considerable work involved in progressing the LDF, Core Strategy and related matters and suggested that the Head of Planning and Building Control would have insufficient capacity to carry out a coordinating role. The Chief Executive responded that coordination would be through the Chief Executive’s Board in view of the cross cutting nature of this project, but that the root policy related to the LDF through Planning Design Standards etc. Ownership of the project was currently with the Board but he would give further thought to the need for a single senior officer to take responsibility for the implementation of the public realm strategy across departments.

 

The Chairman observed that the potential Reference Group discussed during the previous item on the Design Manual could also have a role in the improvement of the public realm, by joint working with backbenchers and Portfolio Holders.  In response to a member’s comment the Chief Executive agreed that the proposed actions in the Action Plan were subjective and that more work was required to consider resourcing and feasibility.  The Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder reminded Cabinet that the public realm project covered the whole District and not just the City.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That Cabinet notes the actions proposed in response to the recommendations of the scrutiny report as set out in Appendix 1 to the report – in particular the development of a public realm strategy by October 2009 including the lead co-ordination role for the Head of Planning and Building Control.

 

(ii)  That Cabinet invites the Overview and Scrutiny (Public Services) Committee to review the strategy in advance of its submission to Cabinet.

 

(iii)  That Cabinet invites the Chief Executive’s Board to review progress against the strategy quarterly, reporting issues by exception to Cabinet as part of the Council’s performance management framework.

 

(iv)  That Cabinet invites the Chief Executive’s Board to prepare an annual report to Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny (Public Services) on progress with implementing the strategy.

 

 

Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder

Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Internal Performance)

 

The Chief Finance Officer presented the Audit Commission’s Annual Audit and Inspection Letter on their assessment of the Council for 2007/08.  He confirmed that the actions required as detailed in the report were being followed up.  The Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder advised that he had suggested an informal meeting of the Chief Executive, the Chief Finance Officer and a senior Officer from the Audit Commission should take place in the summer.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That the report be received.

 

(ii)  That the Chief Finance Officer report to the Audit Committee on progress on the actions outlined in paragraphs 8 to 10 of the report.

Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder

Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder presented a report seeking approval for the adoption of the City and District of St Albans Walking Strategy.  The document formed part of the Green Travel Plan for the District.  Walking would be considered within the Core Strategy of the Local Development Framework and also within specific policies in the Site Allocations and Development Control Development Plan Documents. Consultation on the document had been carried out during January and February 2009.  The majority of respondents supported the strategy.  Concerns raised during the consultation related to potential conflict between pedestrians and cyclists, the condition of the pavements, the provision of seating and closure of local services such as libraries and post offices.  Using the comments received from groups and individuals a number of targets had been set.  All except one could be met within existing budgets.

 

Members welcomed the strategy.  The Sport and Healthy Living Portfolio Holder advised that Culture and Community Development in conjunction with the Countryside Management Service organised walks in the District led by trained volunteers.  She suggested the addition of a further target based on the principle of increasing the number of organized walks each year.  The Environment and Sustainability Portfolio Holder agreed with this suggestion.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That members adopt the City and District of St Albans Walking Strategy as attached at Appendix A to the report.

 

(ii)  That the targets associated with the strategy in Appendix C to the report be agreed, subject to the addition of a further target, which was to improve and increase the number of walks organised and led by trained volunteers by the Council’s Culture and Community Development Department with the Countryside Management Service.

 

Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder

Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder presented a report informing Cabinet about Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s Core Strategy Issues and Options consultation document, which included options for expanding Hatfield.  The report also outlined issues relating to Ellenbrook Country Park. 

 

The Core Strategy document identified possible broad location(s) for growth at Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield. Two options for possible development involved locations in Hatfield West, which could spread over the boundary into St Albans District. Comments on the consultation document had been requested by 1 May 2009.

 

Ellenbrook Country Park had been the subject of considerable discussion between this Council and WHBC. There was an existing S106 obligation which concerned the development of a Country Park. This had not however been progressed and it appeared that the development and occupation of at least one building contrary to the terms of the S106 had been allowed unchallenged. Members were asked to consider whether action should be taken in view of the importance of the former aerodrome country park as a fundamental part of the strategic gap between the west of Hatfield and eastern part of St Albans since actions to implement and progress the country park had been delayed. 

 

The Portfolio Holder drew attention to a copy of a letter dated 5 May 2009 addressed to the Chairman and tabled at the meeting from Goodman, landowners of Ellenbrook Park.  The letter advised that they had been working on landscape proposals with officers of this Council and Welwyn Hatfield Council, believed agreement had been reached with both parties and were waiting for formal approval to allow them to proceed with the works.  The Head of Planning and Building Control advised that contrary to the assertion in their letter he had on 30 April responded to a letter from Goodman’s consultants Scott Brownrigg, dated 24 April 2009.  Cabinet did not consider the case made in this letter should alter their response to this consultation document.

 

The report had also been considered by the Planning Policy Advisory Panel at their meeting on 16 April 2009 and the additional concerns raised at the meeting had been incorporated into the proposed response.  Cabinet was invited to endorse the proposed comments for submission to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That the comments at section 10 of the report be endorsed.  This includes:  Opposition to option d) PG36 West of the Redeveloped part of Hatfield Aerodrome; Opposition to PG36A West of the Redeveloped Part of Hatfield Aerodrome option – Implication of green infrastructure on location of housing (western part of d) East of Smallford; Opposition to major growth at option e) PG37 West of Ellenbrook and Roehyde; and Concerns regarding option C (north west of Hatfield).

 

(ii)  The comments at section 10 and paragraph 11.1 of the report be submitted to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.

 

(iii)  That Officers be instructed to pursue the options and opportunities available to secure a more rapid and thorough implementation of the country park proposals, as required by the S106 obligation.

 

Planning and Conservation and Housing Services Portfolio Holders

Planning and Conservation and Housing Services Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Planning and Conservation Portfolio Holder presented a report summarising the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes to the Draft Revision to the Regional Spatial Strategy on Accommodation for Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople in the East of England.  The number of proposed pitches in the District had been reduced from 33 to 28.  The Portfolio Holder proposed that the Council should object to the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes as set out in the report, with the addition of a further comment as recommended by the Planning Policy Advisory Panel at their meeting on 24 April.  It was understood that 23 females but only two males had responded and the Panel considered feedback might not therefore be balanced.  The Chairman stated that if available he would like to receive the actual figures on those questioned from the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA). 

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That Cabinet agrees that this Council should object to the Secretary of State’s Proposed Changes for the following reasons:

 

(i)  Go East has failed to provide a clear definition of what is exactly meant by “need” to be met and furthermore has not provided evidence of the dialogue or common agreement between the gypsy and traveller and settled communities on such requirements in formulating the draft policy.  The evidence contained in the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment for South and West Hertfordshire is questioned as it is understood that the vast majority of those interviewed were female, whilst male respondents might have differing aspirations, and the feedback was not therefore balanced.

 

(ii)  St Albans District has already proactively provided more gypsy pitches than any other District in Hertfordshire (see paragraph 7.7 and table 1 of the report). The proposed targets for 2006-2011 and 2011-2021 give St Albans the highest totals within the County and the District Council considers that the proposed 28 additional pitches between 2006 – 2011 and 24 further pitches between 2011-2021 is disproportionately high (see distribution table in Policy H3), particularly given the Green Belt and environmental constraints. EERA’s analysis of opportunities and constraints determined that St Albans falls within a highly constrained area. Whilst the District’s pitch requirements have been reduced slightly to take account of this, the distribution in the Proposed Changes still does not fully reflect the extent of these constraints.

 

Therefore most of the need calculated to arise in St Albans District should be met in nearby Districts in west and central Hertfordshire, to bring about a more equitable distribution.

 

(iii)  Policy H1 in the East of England Plan states that any housing development as part of the expansion of a Key Centre for Development and Change (KCDC) into another local authority area will count towards the housing targets of the KCDC, however, there is no guidance in the Proposed Policy H3 as to whether the same approach applies in respect of gypsy pitches. Policy H3 should be amended to clarify the position, in order to avoid future uncertainty and disagreements.

 

If KCDC expansions into St Albans District include accommodation for gypsies and if this counts towards the adjoining authority’s pitch targets, the number of pitches within St Albans District will be significantly larger than that allocated in Proposed Policy H3 whilst reducing the range of spatial opportunities for site identification within St Albans. This would not be appropriate as St Albans already has the highest pitch requirement and existing provision in Hertfordshire (see table 1 of the report and Appendix 2, Policy H3), therefore the number of pitches proposed in St Albans District should be further reduced.

 

Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder

Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Internal Performance)

 

The Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder presented a report on the key provisions of the recent Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 which were relevant to the democratic arrangements of this Council.  There were particular implications for election arrangements, political management of the Council and scrutiny.  The report also gave information on the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill.  The Portfolio Holder asked that thanks be passed to the Scrutiny Support Officer for her work in producing the report. 

 

The report also recommended changes to the Terms of Reference of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services) to enable the committee to undertake functions relating to Crime and Disorder in accordance with requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act.  The recommendations relating to the changes to the Terms of Reference would be considered by Annual Council on 20 May.

 

The Portfolio Holder proposed to set up a working party, which he would Chair, involving all party representation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees on a politically proportional basis to consider the implications of the changes in legislation for this Council, and to report back to Cabinet in October 2009.  The Chairman added that the intention was to report to Council in November 2009 when the Council would have to pass a resolution for change in relation to governance arrangements.  The new arrangements would take effect in May 2011.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

 

(ii)  That a recommendation on the governance issues contained in the report – namely revisions to electoral and political management arrangements in sections 7 and 8 – be made to Council in November 2009.

 

(iii)  That an information seminar on these governance issues be held in Summer 2009, with all members invited, to set out changes in legislation and implications for the Council.

 

(iv)  That a Portfolio Holder Working Party, chaired by the Portfolio Holder for Community Engagement and Support, and involving all party representation on a 3:2:1 proportional basis from the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, be set up to consider the implications of the changes in legislation for this Council, to report to Cabinet in October 2009.

 

(v)  That the changes to scrutiny arrangements required as a result of the Crime and Disorder Act are noted, and Cabinet recommends to Annual Council on 20 May that the Terms of Reference of the Overview and Scrutiny (Public Services) Committee be amended as set out at Appendix 3 of the report.

 

Housing Services Portfolio Holder

Housing Services Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Head of Housing presented a report reviewing how the Council delivered its leasehold management service.  The Council owned 1012 Right to Buy leasehold flats across the District.  Included in the report was a table listing areas of good practice in Councils and Housing Associations with similar housing stock to this Council.  Other management models and their suitability or otherwise were detailed in the report.  It was proposed that an action plan be drawn up in consultation with the Housing Services Portfolio Holder and leaseholders to implement good practice and that a further report be made to Cabinet in October 2009.  The Council already had a range of flexible payment options but did not favour the setting up of a Sinking Fund for the reasons set out in the report. 

 

The Sport and Healthy Living Portfolio Holder commented that it was important also to advise leaseholders of their responsibilities.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That Leaseholders are advised of their Right to Manage/Collective Enfranchisement.

 

(ii)  That an action plan be drawn up by the Head of Housing in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and leaseholders to implement the good practice highlighted in Section 8 of the report with a report back to Cabinet in October 2009.

 

(iii)  That the Council has a presumption against setting up a Sinking Fund for the reasons set out in paragraph 10.1 of the report subject to consultation and feedback from leaseholders but continues to offer flexible repayment options as set out in paragraph 10.4. of the report.

 

Housing Services Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Public Services)

 

The Head of Housing reported orally on action taken since the report to Cabinet on 2 September 2008 on this matter.  That report had contained proposals for ensuring that, as far as possible, disabled people living in either private or public sector housing were dealt with in the same fair and equitable way in respect of grant aid for disabled adaptations.  Since that meeting discussions had taken place with Hertfordshire County Council Adult Care Services and Children Schools and Families, a review of referral methods had been undertaken, and financial means testing of Council tenants had been introduced.  The two Departments of the District Council that dealt with housing adaptations, Environment and Regulatory Services and Housing Services, were working closely together.  Adaptations policies in the housing department were being reviewed.  The Head of Housing reported that for 2008/09 £927,000 had been spent on Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) in the private sector and £792,000 for council tenants.  A significant portion of resources come from RTB receipts with a small allocation from the Government of £234,000 for DFGs and a further £86,000 for private sector housing.

 

The Housing Services Portfolio Holder advised that concerns had been expressed by Adult Care Services regarding the introduction of means testing.  It is important that there is equitable treatment in both the private and public sectors.  A full written report would be submitted to Cabinet in July.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That the oral update on Disabled Facilities Grants be noted.

 

All Portfolio Holders

All Portfolio Holders

Both Overview and Scrutiny Committees

 

Members were invited to approve the Forward Plan for the period June to September 2009.  Various amendments were tabled at the meeting.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That the Forward Plan for the period June to September be approved as amended as follows:

 

June

 

·  Add report on Local Development Framework

 

July

 

·  Defer report on Maltings Arts Centre Business Plan to September

 

·  Defer report on Stock Condition Survey/HRA Business Plan Update to September

 

·  Add report on Council Performance Summary – Quarter4/Year End 2008/09

 

·  Add report on Sustainable Procurement Policy

 

·  Add report on Leisure Facilities Developments – Progress Report

 

 

September

 

Add report on Change to Taxi Voucher Scheme – to advise members of the proposed change to the criteria for the issue of taxi vouchers and the financial implications of this change

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 (A) of the said Act.

 

Note: Please remember that all papers issued in blue are confidential and should be treated accordingly.  Care should also be taken in disposing of these papers.

 

Information note on Attendance by the Public at Meetings:- Most meetings of the Council, Cabinet and Committees are open to the public.  Non-confidential reports which the public are entitled to see are on white paper.  The part of the meeting where these reports are considered is known as Part I. 

 

Certain confidential items are discussed in private sessions sometimes referred to as Part II of the agenda.  Confidential material is on blue paper and is not made available to the public or the press.  Confidential papers are sometimes referred to as being ‘in blue’ or as ‘Part II’ reports or as ‘exempt’.  This refers to exemption from the requirements to provide access to information for the public set out in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 which lists the grounds on which a matter may be treated as confidential e.g. if it includes personal details of staff or clients, legal actions, contractual arrangements, financial and business affairs of individuals or companies, or negotiations with employees and their representative bodies.

 

Before moving into Part II the meeting will vote to exclude the public on the grounds that the information to be discussed is confidential.  Members of the public who are present will be advised that the meeting is moving into private session and will be requested to leave the room and any adjoining area.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 (A) of the said Act.

 

Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder

Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Internal Performance)

 

The Community Engagement and Support Portfolio Holder reported back on discussions following the decision of Cabinet on 2 December 2008 regarding the next steps in the Council’s property strategy.  Cabinet’s endorsement of the direction chosen was sought.  It was considered that the Council should seek to avoid simple disposals of property but should use the property portfolio to encourage other land owners to assist in the delivery of policies under the City and Rural Visions and the Local Development Framework.  Further information is contained in Part II to these Minutes.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

(i)  That Cabinet agrees the Council’s property should be used to assist in the delivery of the Sustainable Community Strategy, Local Development Framework (LDF), City and Rural Visions and the Corporate Strategy.

 

(ii)  That further action be taken as set out in Part II to this decision sheet.

 

Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder

Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Internal Performance)

 

The Head of ICT informed Cabinet of proposals for collaborative joint working with Hertfordshire County Council on ICT projects to ensure resilience and more efficient utilisation of the Council’s ICT assets and infrastructure.  The Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder commended the report and thanked the Head of ICT for his work in progressing the IT service.  Further information is contained in Part II to these minutes.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That action be taken as set out in Part II to this decision sheet.

 

The Chairman proposed that warm thanks be extended to Councillor Oxley who was attending his last Cabinet meeting as Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder before taking up his nominated role as Mayor.

 

CABINET DECISION

 

That thanks be accorded to Councillor Oxley, who was attending his last Cabinet meeting as Resources and Efficiencies Portfolio Holder, for his work in this respect on behalf of the Council and City and District residents over a number of years since the new Executive Cabinet style political arrangements were implemented by the Council.