Agenda, decisions and minutes

At this point, Members are asked to declare any personal, prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in the business on this agenda.

Members were invited to declare at this point in the meeting any personal, prejudicial or disclosable pecuniary interests they may have in the business on the agenda.

Cllr Levene declared a prejudicial interest in respect of agenda item 7 (Economic Infrastructure Fund - September Funding Recommendations) in respect of any discussion that should arise relating to Science City York as this body had a contract with his employer. If any discussion took place he undertook to leave the room and not participate in any discussion and voting on thereon.

To approve and sign the minutes of the last Cabinet meeting held on 17 July 2012.

RESOLVED:       That the minutes of the last Cabinet meeting held on 17 July 2012 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Members received and noted the details of those items listed on the Forward Plan for the next two Cabinet meetings, at the time the agenda was published.

At this point in the meeting, members of the public who have registered their wish to speak regarding an item on the agenda or a matter within the Cabinet’s remit can do so.  The deadline for registering is 5:00 pm on Monday 3 September 2012.

It was reported that there had been no registrations to speak at the meeting under the Public Participation Scheme; however one Member of Council had requested to speak on two separate agenda items.

Councillor Healey spoke to acknowledge the efforts of the Head of Community Safety and her team particularly in the run up to the Police Commissioner elections in November with the updating of the Community Safety Plan at Agenda item 8 (Community Safety Plan Refresh).

Councillor Healey also spoke in respect of Agenda item 6 (Reinvigorate York – Investing £3.3m in the City). He pointed out that feedback from visitors to the city did not refer to lack of signage or pavement surfacing but to the dirty, unkempt state of particular areas. He pointed out that, whilst there had been cuts to road maintenance and street cleaning budgets, it was now intended to borrow money to make capital investment in refurbishment of the city. He suggested that it would be better for York to be known as a cleaner city rather than making a large investment in the public realm.

Councillor Alexander pointed out that he had raised these issues with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea who had undertaken similar works. It had been found that with high quality investment in their public realm that maintenance savings had subsequently been made.

This report sets out the Council’s new Customer Strategy for 2012-15 as part of a number of strategies including the Workforce Strategy and the Procurement and Commissioning Strategy to support the delivery of the Council Plan. Members are asked to approve the new Customer Strategy.

RESOLVED:      i)      That Cabinet approves the Customer Strategy as attached as Annex A to the report.

ii)      That the Strategy be brought back for review to Cabinet in September 2013.

REASON:            To ensure the delivery of the core capabilities that support the Council Plan and improve outcomes for customers in meeting their needs.

Consideration was given to a report which set out details of the Council’s new Customer Strategy which would sit alongside the Workforce and Procurement and Commissioning Strategies to support delivery of the Council Plan.

Following completion of work under the 2009-12 Strategy, recent financial settlements, a changing and increasingly diverse population together with demands for increasingly technological and web based solutions for accessing services the authority had had to re-evaluate its basis for interacting with customers. This Strategy now provided a single vision for interaction with customers in the future.

It was reported that clear outcomes from the delivery of Strategy would be evident before the end of 2014-15.

With this in mind the Cabinet Member suggested that with the move to West Offices and further changes to IT infrastructure there was a need to keep the document under review to ensure services continued to meet customer needs. 

RESOLVED:      i)        That Cabinet approves the Customer Strategy as attached as Annex A to the report. ^1.

ii)      That the Strategy be brought back for review to Cabinet in September 2013. ^2.

REASON:            To ensure the delivery of the core capabilities that support the Council Plan and improve outcomes for customers in meeting their needs.

This report sets out Reinvigorate York Board’s suggested suite of projects aimed at creating significant improvements to the quality of key public spaces within the city centre. Members are requested to approve EIF investment in the Reinvigorate York programme.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approves Economic Infrastructure Fund investment of £3.3m in the Reinvigorate York programme, as set out in the report paragraphs 29 to 45, subject to more detailed costings, feasibility work and updates on individual projects as they develop. The £3.3m budget to be initially allocated as follows:

2012/13     £500,000

2013/14     £1.3m and

2014/15     £1.5m

REASON:            To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs,      growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.        

Members considered a report which set out details of a number of projects aimed at creating significant improvements to the quality of a series of key public spaces within the city centre. These improvements had been put forward by the Reinvigorate York Board with the aims of reinvigorating the city centre economy, increasing footfall, improving quality of life, increasing the sense of York as a special place and maintaining the city as a top tourist destination.

A draft work plan and a programme for delivery of the following key spaces had been set out at Annexes 1 and 2 of the report. Further details of each of the projects was also detailed at paragraphs 29 to 45:

·        Parliament Street (including Piccadilly/Coppergate Junction)

·        King’s Square

·        Exhibition Square/St Leonard’s Place/Bootham Bar

·        Fossgate/Pavement

·        Duncombe Place/Blake Street

·        Micklegate

An analysis of benefits for the city in this investment together with city case studies was reported at paragraphs 48 to 68 of the report.

Cabinet Members stressed the importance of this investment which would play a key part in the future success of the city centre and ensure the city could compete with other similar heritage cities.

Officers confirmed that Ward Members would be kept fully informed via regular briefings on progress on these projects.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approves Economic Infrastructure Fund investment of £3.3m in the Reinvigorate York programme, as set out in the report paragraphs 29 to 45, subject to more detailed costings, feasibility work and updates on individual projects as they developed. The £3.3m budget to be initially allocated as follows:

2012/13     £500,000

2013/14     £1.3m and

2014/15     £1.5m ^1.

REASON:            To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs,      growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.        

This report sets out proposals for the funding of three projects through the Economic Infrastructure Fund (EIF).

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approval be given to the following funding allocations from the Economic Infrastructure Fund:

·                £3.3m for the Reinvigorate York programme

·                £30k for Economic Growth Analysis

·                £250k for Promoting York

REASON:            To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs, growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.

Consideration was given to a report which set out detailed proposals for the funding of three projects through the Economic Infrastructure Fund.

The first for the Reinvigorate York Programme (as detailed in the previous minute), the second for work in the promotion of York in markets within the UK and beyond, particularly promotions of  our locally specific strengths. The final project related to funding through an Economic Growth Analysis which would provide a critical evidence base identifying the likely future growth trajectory of the city’s economy and particular sectors within that economy.

An overview and financial analysis of each of the projects was set out at paragraphs 8 to 43 and at Appendices 1 and 2.

Cabinet Members spoke individually to confirm the need for investment in these important projects in order to increase visitor numbers, York’s profile  and to create an increased opportunity for exporting for local businesses.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet approval be given to the following funding allocations from the Economic Infrastructure Fund:

·                £3.3m for the Reinvigorate York programme

·                £30k for Economic Growth Analysis

·                £250k for Promoting York ^1.

REASON:            To support the Council Plan priorities of creating jobs, growing the economy and investing in the city’s economic future.

This report provides the background to the Community Safety Plan refresh and asks Members to approve the Plan as a revised and updated version of the Community Safety Plan 2011-14.

RESOLVED:     i)               That Cabinet approve the content of the refreshed Community Safety Plan, as set out at Annex A of the report.

                          ii)      That Cabinet approves the commitment of City of York Council’s role in the implementation and delivery of the Plan.

REASON:                           To meet the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, as amended by the Police and Crime Act 2006.

Members considered a report which provided background to the preparation of the Community Safety Plan, a crime and disorder reduction strategy, as required by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. The plan set out the priorities for the city based on the Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment and consultation carried out  through the Crime Summit with key stakeholders and members of the community.

A copy of the updated Community Plan had been contained at Annex A of the report with a further copy of the revised strategy being circulated at the meeting providing a reorder of the various strategies.

The Cabinet Member confirmed that important measures were in place to contribute to the implementation and delivery of the plan. Improvements had been over the last year with a drop in the total number of crimes, including levels of violent crime, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and cycle thefts.

Concern was expressed that there had been little change in the reported number of domestic incidents, however it was confirmed that intervention work and victim support was ongoing. Partnership working was felt a necessity together with a media education campaign, in order to reduce incident levels.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:        i)                That Cabinet approve the content of the refreshed Community Safety Plan, as set out at Annex A of the report. ^1.

                          ii)      That Cabinet approves the commitment of City of York Council’s role in the implementation and delivery of the Plan.

REASON:                           To meet the requirements of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, as amended by the Police and Crime Act 2006.

The purpose of this report is to set out the performance of the Council in delivering its Council Plan priorities and report progress on delivering the revenue budget, covering the period 1 April 2012 to 30 June 2012.  The report sets out headline performance in the delivery of the Council Plan and projected performance against budget.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet notes the current projected pressures of £5,937k and that strategies are being prepared to mitigate this position.

REASON:            In order to ensure expenditure is kept within budget.

Consideration was given to a report which set out the Council’s performance in delivering its Council Plan priorities and revenue budget, covering the period 1 April to 30 June 2012.

The report outlined the challenges facing the authority with continued pressure to improve education and social care services but with increased care spending. Local Government had been required to reduce its expenditure by around 28 % over a four year period with York having taken in excess of £40m from its budget over the last 4 years.

Early financial pressures for 2012/13 had been identified totalling £5.937k across all directorate budgets. Extensive work was however being carried out to ensure that these pressures were mitigated by the end of the financial year. Further information on work undertaken on performance and delivery in relation to the Council Plan was set out at paragraphs 14 to 44 of the report. With a financial overview by directorate at Table 1 and financial outturn for these directorates at paragraphs 52 to 77.

Members were reminded of the minimum level for the General Fund reserve at £6.1m or 5% of the net budget. The February budget had included the addition of £250k to the reserved to provide an appropriate level of headroom.

Members confirmed the challenges facing them, following severe cuts in funding, and praised staff for their hard work in continuing to deliver some excellent services. The importance of Cabinet Members working closely with their Directors and Assistant Directors was stressed to mitigate any pressure points.

Officers reiterated the challenges facing the authority, reassuring members that officers were committed to bringing the budget back on track by the end of the year.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet notes the current projected pressures of £5,937k and that strategies are being prepared to mitigate this position.

REASON:            In order to ensure expenditure is kept within budget.

This report informs Members of the likely outturn position of the 2012/13 Capital Programme based on the spend profile and information to August 2012. Details are also provided of any under or overspends, and approval is sought for changes to the programme, informing of any slippage and seeking approval for the associated funding to be slipped to or from the financial years to reflect this.

RESOLVED:                That Cabinet notes:    

i)             The 2012/13 revised budget of £65.153m as set out in paragraph 4 and Table 2 of the report.

ii)      The restated capital programme for 2012/13 – 2016/17 as set out in paragraph 28, Table 3 and detailed in Annex A of the report.

iii)          The Better Bus Area Fund external funding received from the Department of Transport at £0.670m in 2012/13 and £1.095m in 2013/14.

REASON:                     To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

Members considered a report which informed them of the likely outturn position of the 2012/13 Capital Programme based on the spend profile and information to August 2012.

Changes made throughout the year had resulted in a current approved capital programme for 2012/13 of £67.067m, financed by £28.281m of external funding and internal funding of £38.786m. The key issues were a net decrease of £2.584m resulting from increased budget expenditure for new schemes of £0.832m and net re-profiling of £2.746m of schemes to future years.

The variances reported against each portfolio area were set out at Table 2 of the report, with a summary of key exceptions and implications on the capital programme at paragraphs 9 to 27. Tables 3 and 4 and Annex A to the report set out the revised 5 year capital programme and financing of the programme going forward.

The Chair thanked both members and officers for work on progressing the provision of community facilities at the Burnholme School site, confirming the authority’s commitment to the local community.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:                That Cabinet notes:     

i)             The 2012/13 revised budget of £65.153m as set out in paragraph 4 and Table 2 of the report.

ii)      The restated capital programme for 2012/13 – 2016/17 as set out in paragraph 28, Table 3 and detailed in Annex A of the report.

iii)          The Better Bus Area Fund external funding received from the Department of Transport at £0.670m in 2012/13 and £1.095m in 2013/14.

REASON:                     To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

RECOMMENDED:     i)         That Council approve the adjustment in the Capital programme of an increase of £0.832m in 2012/13 and re-profiling from 2012/13 to 2013/14 of £2.746k as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A.

ii)       That Council approve the new scheme Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in the grounds of Burnholme School at £0.1m (para 10), funded by £0.05m Sport England grant and £0.05m Section 106 funding.

iii)      That Council approve the following Housing and Public Protection Schemes:

·               Major repairs scheme for Local Authority Homes increased by £0.024m funded by ring fenced Housing Revenue Account (para19)

·               Housing grants and home investment scheme increased by £0.076m funded from early repayment of previously granted loans (para 20)

·               Disabled facilities grant decrease of £0.038m due to revised funding available from government grant (para 21)

REASON:                                 To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.

Members considered a report which informed them of the likely outturn position of the 2012/13 Capital Programme based on the spend profile and information to August 2012.

Changes made throughout the year had resulted in a current approved capital programme for 2012/13 of £67.067m, financed by £28.281m of external funding and internal funding of £38.786m. The key issues were a net decrease of £2.584m resulting from increased budget expenditure for new schemes of £0.832m and net re-profiling of £2.746m of schemes to future years.

The variances reported against each portfolio area were set out at Table 2 of the report, with a summary of key exceptions and implications on the capital programme at paragraphs 9 to 27. Tables 3 and 4 and Annex A to the report set out the revised 5 year capital programme and financing of the programme going forward.

The Chair thanked both members and officers for work on progressing the provision of community facilities at the Burnholme School site, confirming the authority’s commitment to the local community.

Following further discussion it was

RECOMMENDED:     i)         That Council approve the adjustment in the Capital programme of an increase of £0.832m in 2012/13 and re-profiling from 2012/13 to 2013/14 of £2.746k as detailed in the report and contained in Annex A.

ii)       That Council approve the new scheme Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in the grounds of Burnholme School at £0.1m (para 10), funded by £0.05m Sport England grant and £0.05m Section 106 funding.

iii)       That Council approve the following Housing and Public Protection Schemes:

·               Major repairs scheme for Local Authority Homes increased by £0.024m funded by ring fenced Housing Revenue Account (para19)

·               Housing grants and home investment scheme increased by £0.076m funded from early repayment of previously granted loans (para 20)

·               Disabled facilities grant decrease of £0.038m due to revised funding available from government grant (para 21)  ^1.

REASON:                                 To enable the effective management and monitoring of the Council’s capital programme.