Agenda and minutes

There were none.

The record of the meeting held on 13 March 2012 was agreed and signed by the Leader as correct.

There were none. 

Background:

This report provided details of the Community Safety Plan 2012/2013. The Plan was required under section 6 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 which placed obligations on Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, also known as Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), to produce a Community Safety Plan to formulate and implement a strategy to reduce crime and disorder, combat substance misuse, and reduce re-offending.

The report stated that the regulations governing the formulation and implementation of the Plan had been amended resulting in the Community Safety Partnership being required to consult with the community, prepare a strategic assessment, and prepare and implement its plan for its area on behalf of the responsible authorities.

The report provided details of the seven priorities together with key performance against those priorities.

The Regeneration, Community and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 3 April 2012 and its comments were set out in paragraph 6 of the report.

It was noted that a Diversity Impact Assessment screening form was attached at Appendix 2 to the report, which showed that a full Diversity Impact Assessment was not required.

Reasons:

The Community Safety Plan discharges the council’s statutory requirement to produce a plan for community safety.

The Community Safety Plan forms part of the Policy Framework and the Constitution requires the Cabinet to finalise its proposals for the Council to consider having taken into account any proposals from Overview and Scrutiny.

Background:

This report provided details of the Review by the Effective Challenge of Underperformance Task Group into improving performance at Key Stage 2. The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee had identified Key Stage 2 as an area for review, so to look at ways of improving Key Stage 2 attainment in Medway, as well as identifying barriers to improvement and interventions to overcome them.

The review document, attached to the report, set out the background to the review and included key findings, a summary of evidence gained from various sources, information and context drawn from other publications and policies along with the findings of the Task Group.

It was noted that during its work the task group had spoken with various schools and experts, as well as inviting feedback from Medway’s Citizen Panel. The Task Group’s visits had included three outstanding primary schools outside of the Medway area. It was noted that the Task Group was impressed by the various examples of good practice and had identified areas for improvement and development to help improve performance and attainment at Key Stage 2 locally.

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 14 March 2012 and its views were set out in paragraph 6 of the report.

Background:

This report provided details of a new proposed Special Educational Needs (SEN) Transport Policy for consultation. The report noted that the current SEN Transport Policy had been written in 2003 and was now out of date. Nationally, practice had changed and the new proposed policy had been written to ensure that Medway’s practice was in line with legislative requirements.

The report highlighted particular issues in the current policy and the main differences in the proposed new policy. The policy would be subject to formal consultation and would be reported back to the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinet in summer 2012.

Reasons:

The current policy is outdated and requires revision to ensure that it is compliant with legislation. The practice in Medway is currently out of step with other local authorities and the changes proposed would enable better value for money as well as well as support independence.

Background:

This report provided details of the outcomes of the consultation period on the Council’s proposals to expand the lower age range and enlarge the premises at Wainscott Primary School, by way of statutory prescribed alterations. The Cabinet had originally agreed to go out to consultation on these proposals on 1 November 2011. The first stage of the statutory process required the Council to hold a period of informal consultation and this took place between 9 January 2012 and 26 February 2012.

The report set out the outcome of consultation and it was noted that of the 42 responses received to the proposal to lower the age limit from four to three, 29 responses were supportive and 13 objected. 45 responses were received to the proposal to enlarge the physical premises to accommodate the additional pupils, with 27 in favour of the proposal and 24 against.

The report also provided details of proposed new public meeting procedures as set out in appendix 8 to the report. The new procedures would ensure that the consultation is clearly, accurately and transparently reported, ensuring confidence in the council’s consultation process.

The Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered this report on 14 March 2012 and its views were set out in paragraph 12 of the report. 

A Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) screening form was attached at Appendix 2 to the report. The DIA looked at how the proposed changes could impact upon various groups. The report showed that there could potentially be some impact upon certain groups based upon age, however it showed that any impacts were expected to be positive.

Reasons:

To ensure the council’s duty to provide sufficient good school places is met. Accounting for the expected additional demand in the Strood area caused by higher birth rates, inward migration and local developments such as Liberty Park.

To comply with the actions in the approved School Organisation Plan 2011-16, which highlighted the need for additional places in the Wainscott area.

To enable the council to fulfil its policy to incorporate an integrated foundation stage in primary schools wherever possible.

Approval to proceed to a six-week period of statutory representation will ensure the council complies with its duty  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Background:

This report provided details of a revised Guide to Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The report stated that in the four years since the guide was adopted, much of the information had changed including new sections on affordable housing, waste and recycling. The draft Guide reflected current requirements but did not increase the overall level of contributions sought.

The report also provided some information on the emerging Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and it was noted the Guide for Developer Contributions would become obsolete once the Council becomes a CIL charging authority by 31 March 2014.

Reasons:

The consultation process will enable the Guide to Developer Contributions to be updated to reflect current contacts and information/evidence base. This will support planning officers and developers negotiating Section 106 contributions.

Background:

This report provided details of the six monthly review of the Council’s Corporate Business Risk Register. It was noted that since the last review, risk owners had reviewed their risks and amendments were recommended to SR27 (Government changes to Local Authority’s responsibility for schools), SR29 (Transition to a new provider for Mental Health Social Care Services) and SR30 (Delivering Better for Less transformation).

The Business Support Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered this report on 21 March 2012 and its views and recommendations were set out in paragraph 5 of the report.

Reasons:

The establishment of a corporate framework for risk management is recommended by CIPFA and SOLACE and will complement and support the work already being carried out within each directorate to manage risks.

Background:

This report provided details of a proposal to declare surplus 46 Green Street site including the Adult Education Service and five garages in Dawes Street.

It was reported that the property had been used as an Adult Education Centre for many years and that 46 Green Street had originally formed part of the centre, with a number of the buildings’ services shared between the buildings. Members were advised that the Adult Education Centre was no longer considered fit for purpose due to its age, layout, and general lack of facilities appropriate for current and anticipated learning provision.

The report and an addendum report tabled at the meeting provided information on the proposals and how existing services would be delivered in the future.

In response to a question from another Member of the Cabinet the Portfolio Holder for Finance advised that in relation to Home-Start Medway, who occupied three ground floor rooms at the rear of 46 Green Street under an internal repairing periodic tenancy, that this tenancy had security of tenure protection. They had expressed interest in the vacant first floor offices and were willing to take a 5-year lease ‘contracted out’ of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. A one-month rent-free period was proposed to reflect internal alteration works to be undertaken by Home-Start prior to occupation. The lease was to include a mutual break option on one-year’s notice.

Reasons:

In order to reduce revenue costs, improve service delivery, realise capital receipts and gain investment in the Medway area.

Background:

This report presented information on vacancies that officers had requested approval to commence recruitment for, following the process agreed by Cabinet on 7 January 2003 (decision number 9/2003).

Appendix 1 to the report provided details of the posts.

Reasons:

The posts presented to Cabinet will support the efficient running of the Council.

Background:

This report provided details of the proposed contract for the provision of new cremators, mercury abatement equipment, better car parking facilities and the enlargement of two chapels at the Medway Crematorium, Bluebell Hill Village.

It was noted that the Strategic Procurement Board had considered this report on 14 March 2012 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An exempt appendix provided key information in respect of finance and whole-life costings and detailed procurement process tender evaluation information.

Reasons:

The provision of abatement equipment is required through legislation. The current cremators are coming to the end of their economic life and the chapel accommodation is too small for service users. There is also insufficient car parking space for current demand and additional car parking would be required as a condition of enlarging the chapels.

The recommendations had been provided on the basis that the contractor satisfied the compliance checks and its proposal indicated that the scheme would be within budget. The criteria as set out in the ITT were met and the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended) require the decision to award the contract be on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.

Background:

This report provided details of the proposed contract for the provision the Family Group Conference (FGC) service to meet the needs of children on the edge of care and vulnerable adults in need of safeguarding. It was noted that within a clear structure, laid down by safeguarding professionals, Family Group Conferences enabled a child or vulnerable adult’s family and support network to establish a plan to keep the child or adult safe and deal with a range of issues that may be affecting them adversely.

The Strategic Procurement Board had considered this report on 14 March 2012 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An exempt appendix provided key information in respect of finance and whole-life costings and detailed procurement process tender evaluation information.

Reasons:

The recommendations had been provided on the basis of the information gathered during the procurement process. This contractor meets the requirements of the specification and would give best value.

Background:

The report provided details of progress on the HRA Maintenance (Comprehensive Responsive Repairs and Capital Works) Contract. The current contract was tendered in accordance with the procurement process and was let by Medway Council on 1 April 2007 initially for a five-year period.  Approval was given by Cabinet in April 2011 to extend the contract for a further two years with effect from April 2012. The contract allowed the Council to ensure it met its statutory repairing obligations and maintained properties in a good state of repair.

The Strategic Procurement Board had considered this report on 14 March 2012 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An exempt appendix provided key information in respect of finance and whole-life costings.

Reasons:

The recommendations had been provided on the basis of

·        Current performance is satisfactory

·        Continuity of service to Tenants and Leaseholders

·        Continuation allows a 9-month pilot of several new transformation initiatives as set out in this report.