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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Town Hall, Penrith

Items
No. Item

Cl/16/7/16

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

The Chairman announced that agenda item 21 ‘Transfer of Assets to Penrith Town Council – Fair Hill’ had been withdrawn.

 

Apologies had been received from Councillor A Meadowcroft and Councillor W Patterson.

Cl/17/7/16

Declarations of Interest

To receive declarations of the existence and nature of any private interests, both disclosable pecuniary and any other registrable interests, in any matter to be considered or being considered.

 

Minutes:

1.    Councillor P Godwin declared a registerable interest in respect of item 12 ‘Appointment to the Alston Moor Partnership Outside Body’ as an existing Director of the Partnership.

Cl/18/7/16

Minutes

RECOMMENDATION that the public minutes Cl/1/5/16  to Cl/15/5/16 of the meeting of Council held on 12 May 2016  be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of those proceedings (copies previously circulated).

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the public minutes Cl/1/5/16 to Cl/15/5/16 of the meeting of Council held on 12 May 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record of those proceedings.

Cl/19/7/16

Chairman's Announcements

Minutes:

Tonight is Ruth Anderson MBE’s last Council meeting, before she retires from the post of Deputy Chief Executive and Communities Director in August, after 16 years dedicated service.

 

Ruth on behalf of the Council, I would like to firstly congratulating you on receiving the MBE for services to Local Government in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, on your recent marriage to Nick and finally for serving Eden District Council so diligently.

We wish both you and Nick all the best for your future together.

 

I would also like to welcome Councillor Karen Greenwood, the newly elected Independent Councillor for the Appleby Ward. This is Councillor Greenwood’s first Council meeting, so I am sure we all wish her well representing the Appleby Ward and will support her as she embarks on her new role as a District Councillor.

 

The charity I have chosen to support this year as Chairman is Eden Flood Volunteers. This charity was sent up in response to the terrible floods that hit Cumbria in December 2015. Its committed group of volunteers continues to support people who are working to overcome the devastating impact of these events on their lives.

 

So far the charity has benefitted:

·         Over 3600 families have now received support with 500 ongoing clients still receiving help.

·         They provide pastoral care - both for flood victims, the people supporting them, and for their own volunteers.

·         They have created 5 (PT) paid jobs and set up a charity that is here to help when disaster strikes again.

·         They have set up an emergency room with donated goods including dehumidifiers, hydro sacks, mops, buckets, camp beds, sleeping bags and blankets plus a small selection of clothing. There are camp stoves, kettles, flasks and heaters, emergency toiletry bags to name just a few.

 

The procedures they have in place have already been replicated by other groups in other counties - showing that once again Cumbria leads the way.

In recent weeks, I have attended the following events on behalf of the Council:

Mayor making ceremonies Allerdale, Carlisle and Kendal.

 

·         The Cumbria School Games at the Sands Centre in Carlisle

·         Hunter Hall School Prize Giving at St Andrew Church, Penrith

·         University of Cumbria Degree and Awards Ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral

·         Preview of Lego Bricks exhibition at Rheged

·         Official opening of Voices from the Somme at Cumbria Museum of Military Life at Carlisle

·         A Celebration Service a Carlisle Cathedral for the Queen’s 90 Birthday

·         Cumbria Military Dinner and Beating Retreat at Lowther Castle

·         Opening of Scaws Multi Use Games area in Penrith.

 

Before we move on to questions from the public and Members, I would like to remind Members that questions are due by midday one working day before the meeting, not including the day of the meeting. This means that if the meeting is on a Thursday, the deadline for questions is midday on Tuesday. All questions should be sent to the new Director of Governance, Matthew Neal.

 

Cl/20/7/16

Questions by the Public

To receive questions from the public under Rule 10 of the Constitution

 

Minutes:

There were twelve questions from members of the public under Rule 10 of the Constitution.

 

The Leader made a general statement in relation to all of the questions that had been received by members: 

 

As a general set of comments to all the questions it should be noted:

 

·         That a decision to sell the area of land at Pategill was made by the Council last year as part of a wider paper on the single site.

·         The government has asked all public bodies and Councils to look at their assets to provide housing.

·         I had asked to meet with residents (Mrs Dent) and the Local Member to discuss all these issues and that offer is still open.

·         There is a lot of amenity ground nearby as can be seen from the Plan.

 

Part of my negotiations were to include the following ideas:

 

·         Some land retained for car parking.

·         Some proceeds of sale used for development of adventure type play in woods to be gifted to the residents.

 

If the Council was minded to sell the site then it should seek to get best value from any sale which would mean the site would be placed on the open market in order to achieve that.

 

1.    Paula Grabarz had asked the following question of the Leader:

“With the proposed sale of Pategill Back Field, which will result in the loss of over 15 car parking spaces at the end of Pategill Walk and also the loss of the 20 spaces at Sim Court Garages. Which all in all you are talking an extra 35-45 cars to find parking on the estate.

 

How do you suggest the emergency services (i.e. ambulances, fire engines) get easy access through Pategill Road to any residents and also the care home Winters Park, as the extra cars that are undoubtedly going to cause problems and restrict their response time to any emergencies?” 

 

The Leader had responded as follows:

 

“There is no proposal before the Council to take away any parking”

 

2.    Mr John Dent had asked the following question of the Leader:

“The community has put in a bid to buy the land as a community asset, when will the Council let us know if our bid is successful?”

 

The Leader had replied as follows:

 

“The Chief Executive will report the bid to the Executive in September.”

 

3.    Miss Charlotte Dent had asked the following question of the Leader:

“Why do the Council want to put houses on our back field, are there no other sites available that are not listed as amenity land?”

 

The Leader had responded as follows:

“There is a lot of amenity land in the area as clearly can be shown by looking at the plan of the area.”

 

4.    Sarah Dent had asked the following question of the Leader:

“Why is the Council still considering selling the land for building when it removed the land from its local plan in September 2015?”

 

The Leader had responded as follows:

“A request was  ...  view the full minutes text for item Cl/20/7/16

Cl/21/7/16

Questions by Members

To receive questions from Members under Rule 12 of the Constitution.

 

Minutes:

There were sixteen questions from Members under rule 12 of the Constitution.

 

1.    Councillor A Connell asked the following question of Resources Portfolio Holder:

“A report by the former Director of Legal Services found that during and since 2010 various changes had been made to the Constitution, not by decision of Council, but because of apparent copying errors.  In April 2016 Council considered the recommendation of Accounts & Governance that the published Constitution should once again include amendments made by Council and never repealed.  Councillor Nicolson successfully persuaded Council to reject the recommendation.  However, two of the amendments whose reinstatement Councillor Nicolson adamantly opposed – one relating to eligibility to chair the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Board, the other relating to the procedure for electing the Leader – were the same amendments that he himself, when Leader, successfully proposed at the Council meeting of 22 April 2010.  He was seconded by Councillor Thompson, and – I believe – supported by the entire Conservative group.  Will Councillor Nicolson please explain the conversion experience that led him and his Conservative colleagues to oppose with such passion their own proposals of six years earlier?”

 

Councillor G Nicolson had replied as follows:

“The position is that on 25 February 2016 the  Accounts and Governance Committee endorsed the recommendations of the Constitution  Review Group.  Council considered these recommendations on 14 April 2016 and they were fully debated and Council resolved not to accept the recommendations. The Director of Governance is taking a report to Account and Governance Committee this September in line with the Phase 2 of the Constitution review which was reported to Council in April.  Ultimately any changes to the constitution including changes to the eligibility for Chairmanship of the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Board and appointment of Leader are matters for Council having regard to any recommendations made to it. The opportunity exists for the Accounts and Governance Committee to consider any changes to the constitution and make recommendations for any changes in accordance with the constitution which it may wish to do so later in the year.”

 

Councillor A Connell asked the following supplementary question of Councillor G Nicolson:

“Prior to the Council meeting on 14 April 2016, did you or anyone else inform your Conservative colleagues that the amendments against whose restoration to the Constitution you intended to speak and which you desired them to oppose were the same amendments that you as Leader had successfully proposed and your group had supported on 22 April 2016?”

 

Councillor G Nicolson replied as follows:

“Yes. Six years is a long time and we are now in a better informed position.”

 

2.    Councillor A Connell asked the following question of the Leader:

“In Parliament ministerial posts, like executive portfolios are on Eden District Council, are all held by the majority party.  However, Parliamentary Select Committee chairs are not monopolised by any one party.  The same applied in EDC until the 2016 AGM, when all committee chairs went to members of the Conservative group.   Will you please  ...  view the full minutes text for item Cl/21/7/16

Cl/22/7/16

Motions on Notice pdf icon PDF 36 KB

To consider motions on notice received under Rule 13 of the Constitution.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Two Motions on Notice had been received under Rule 13 of the Constitution.

 

Moved by Councillor J Tompkins

Seconded by Councillor V Taylor that

 

At the 3 December 2015 meeting of this Council, Members were informed that to advance the sale of Mansion House, negotiation would take place with the potential purchaser. The sale of ‘Pategill Back Field’ would enhance the offer and contribute to the finances of the ‘Single Site Project.

 

Following the tenders for Mansion House and the decision of this Council to scrap the ‘Single Site Project’, in addition to the potential buyer of the ‘Pategill Back Field’ having no involvement in any other aspect of this Council moving forward with a single site, the ‘in principle’ decision to sell the ‘Pategill Back Field’ was based on our supplied information no longer being correct.

 

With this in mind, I put the following motion:

‘That this council revoke the ‘in principle’ decision to sell the amenity land, ‘Pategill Back Field’, on the grounds that the linked conditions set out in the report dated 3rd December 2015 have not been met.’

 

The Chief Executive advised that under Council Procedure Rule 13(f) the motion would automatically be referred to the Executive as the motion fell within the remit of this Committee.

 

Moved by Councillor M Eyles

Seconded by Councillor J Derbyshire  and RESOLVED that

 

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

 

We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.

 

We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”

 

We have also been asked to publicly condemn any such attacks and make it clear what steps the council will take to tackle this unacceptable behaviour. We do so willingly and will support the Executive, as the ruling body of our council, with any steps it takes in this matter.

 

 

Cl/23/7/16

Portfolio Holders on the Executive pdf icon PDF 47 KB

To consider a verbal updated from the Leader of the Council in relation to the Portfolio Holders on the Executive.

Minutes:

The Leader made a verbal statement announcing that Councillor M Slee would become the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Councillor Mrs E Martin would become the Portfolio Holder for Communities.

 

The Leader had produced a revised remit of Portfolio Holder’s responsibilities as a result of these changes.  

 

A copy of the Leader’s statement is attached as appendix 1 to these minutes.

Cl/24/7/16

Delivering Growth, Better Paid Jobs and Commercial Income for the Council - Heart of Cumbria Limited pdf icon PDF 77 KB

To consider report CE14/16 of the Chief Executive which is attached and which deals with the establishment of a corporate vehicle to consider the delivery of Council priorities and projects in relation to the potential for income generation and employment development.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

1.    That four members of the Council, consisting of two Conservatives, one Independent and one Liberal Democrat, be recommended to the Executive for appointment as Directors of the Company.

2.    That it be noted that further consideration is to be given to the Business Plan for the company and the detailed arrangements for staffing arrangements including the identity of the  Managing Director and Company Secretary and financial arrangements and for such matters to  be the subject of a future report to the Executive.

3.    The proposed actions as set out in paragraph 3.3 of this report be noted.

Minutes:

Council considered report CE14/16 of the Chief Executive which dealt with the establishment of a corporate vehicle to consider the delivery of Council priorities and projects in relation to the potential income generation and employment development.

 

Councillor Mrs J Raine left the meeting at 7:40pm

Councillor Mrs J Raine returned to the meeting at 7:41pm

 

Moved by Councillor K Beaty

Seconded by Councillor A Todd and RESOLVED that:

 

1.    That four members of the Council, consisting of two Conservatives, one Independent and one Liberal Democrat, be recommended to the Executive for appointment as Directors of the Company.

2.    That it be noted that further consideration is to be given to the Business Plan for the company and the detailed arrangements for staffing arrangements including the identity of the  Managing Director and Company Secretary and financial arrangements and for such matters to  be the subject of a future report to the Executive.

3.    The proposed actions in relation to attending the Cumbria Nuclear Conference in September be noted.

Cl/25/7/16

Council Plan - Amendments to Strategic Actions in 2016-2017 pdf icon PDF 68 KB

To consider report CE12/16 of the Chief Executive which is attached and which asks Members to approve amendments to the strategic actions in the Council Plan for 2016-2017.

 

RECOMMENDATION: The amendments to the strategic actions in the Council Plan be approved for 2016-2017.

Minutes:

Council considered report CE12/16 of the Chief Executive which asked Members to approve amendments to the strategic actions in the Council Plan for 2016-2017.

 

RESOLVED that the amendments to the strategic actions in the Council Plan for 2016-2017 be approved.

Cl/26/7/16

Allocations of Seats on Committees pdf icon PDF 73 KB

To consider the report of the Director of Governance which seeks to make appointments to the Committees for the 2016-2017 municipal year in light of the by-election in Appleby (Appleby) ward and following the vacancy in Alston Moor ward.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1.    That the appointment of Members to Committees as set out in this report be approved.

2.    That a revised Allocation of Seats on Committees report be brought to Council, pending the organisation and outcome of a by-election in Alston Moor.

Minutes:

Council considered report G4/16 of the Director of Governance which sought to make appointments to the Committees for the 2016-2017 municipal year in light of the by-election in Appleby (Appleby) ward and following the vacancy in Alston Moor ward.

 

RESOLVED that

1.    That the appointment of Members to Committees be as follows:  

Accounts and Governance Committee – 9 Members

Independent Group            2

Mrs M Robinson, K Greenwood

Conservative Group           5

Ms P Breen, A Hogg, S Jackson, J Lynch, Mrs S Orchard

Liberal Democrat Group     2

A Connell, J Tompkins

Standing Deputies             

Mrs J Raine, M Temple

W Patterson, M Smith

J Derbyshire, V Taylor

 

Scrutiny Co-ordinating Board – 9 Members

Independent Group            2

Mrs M Robinson, M Smith

Conservative Group            5

Ms P Breen, I Chambers, Mrs S Orchard, Mrs J Raine, J Thompson

Liberal Democrat Group    2

A Connell, J Derbyshire

Standing Deputies

J Owen, R Sealby

M Tonkin

D Holden, J Tompkins

 

Housing and Community Committee - 13 Members

Independent Group:           4

H Sawrey-Cookson, Miss M Clark, D Banks and Mrs M Robinson

Conservative Group            7

Mrs V Kendall, Ms A Meadowcroft, Mrs S Orchard, Mrs J Raine, R Sealby, M Temple, plus one vacancy

Liberal Democrat Group     2

J Derbyshire, V Taylor

Standing Deputies

A Armstrong, I Chambers, J Thompson

T Ladhams, M Smith

M Eyles, R Howse

Environment and Economy Committee - 13 Members

Independent Group:           4

K Greenwood, T Ladhams, M Tonkin, W Patterson

Conservative Group           7

A Armstrong, Ms P Breen, I Chambers, A Hogg, S Jackson, J Thompson, plus one vacancy

Liberal Democrat Group    2

D Holden, R Howse

Standing Deputies

Mrs V Kendall, Ms A Meadowcroft, R Sealby

D Banks, Ms P Godwin, H Sawrey-Cookson

J Derbyshire, J Tompkins

 

Human Resources and Appeals - 9 Members

Independent Group            2

T Ladhams, Ms P Godwin

Conservative Group           5

Mrs L Grisedale, Mrs V Kendall, J Lynch, G Nicolson, J Owen

Liberal Democrat Group    2

V Taylor, M Eyles

Standing Deputies

Ms P Breen, M Slee

D Holden, A Connell

 

Planning Committee - 11 Members

Independent Group            3

W Patterson, H Sawrey-Cookson, Miss M Clark

Conservative Group           6

A Armstrong, I Chambers, J Lynch, J Owen, R Sealby, J Thompson

Liberal Democrat Group     2

J Tompkins, D Holden

Standing Deputies

A Hogg, S Orchard

M Smith, Ms P Godwin

R Howse, M Eyles

 

Licensing Committee - 10 Members

Independent Group            3

D Banks, Miss M Clark, M Tonkin

Conservative Group           5

S Jackson, Mrs V Kendall, J Owen, Mrs J Raine, R Sealby

Liberal Democrat Group     2

R Howse, M Eyles

Standing Deputies

J Lynch, J Thompson

H Sawrey-Cookson, W Patterson

A Connell, V Taylor

 

2.    That a revised Allocation of Seats on Committees report be brought to Council, pending the organisation and outcome of a by-election in Alston Moor.  

Cl/27/7/16

Appointment to the Alston Moor Partnership Outside Body

To consider the appointment of a Councillor representative to the Alston Moor Partnership following the resignation of the previous appointee.

 

RECOMMENDATION: that an appointment be made.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that Councillor M Slee be elected to represent the Council on the Alston Moor Partnership Outside Body.

Cl/28/7/16

Request for a Community Governance Review of Kaber Parish pdf icon PDF 84 KB

To consider report G5/16 of the Director of Governance which is attached and which informs Members that a petition has been received from the Parish of Kaber requesting that a Community Governance Review be undertaken. The report sets out the terms of reference for the review and the Council will have twelve months from publication of the terms of reference to complete the review.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

1.    That the petition for the request of a Community Governance Review for the Parish of Kaber be accepted.

2.    That the terms of reference for the review set out in appendix one to this report be agreed.

3.    That a supplementary estimate of £1,445 be approved.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Council considered report G5/16 of the Director of Governance which informed Members that a petition had been received from the Parish of Kaber requesting that a Community Governance Review be undertaken.

 

RESOLVED that

1.    That the petition for the request of a Community Governance Review for the Parish of Kaber be accepted.

2.    That the terms of reference for the review set out in appendix one to this report be agreed.

3.    That a supplementary estimate of £1,445 be approved.

 

Cl/29/7/16

Sector-led Appointment of External Auditors pdf icon PDF 103 KB

To consider report F29/16 of the Director of Finance which is attached and which summarises the changes to the arrangements for appointment external auditors following the closure of the Audit Commission and the end of the transitional arrangements at the conclusion of the 2017/18 audits.

 

The Council needs to consider the options available and put in place new arrangements in time to make a first appointment by 31 December 2017.

 

RECOMMENDATION:

 

Accounts and Governance Committee

Recommend to Council that:

·      the Council opts in principle, in to the Local Government Association supported sector-led procurement of local authority external auditors from 31 December 2017.

·      the Director of Finance is given delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman of the Accounts and Governance Committee to commit to the sector-led procurement.

Council

Agree the recommendation from the Accounts and Governance Committee

Minutes:

Council considered report F29/16 of the Director of Finance which summarises the changes to the arrangements for appointment of external auditors following the closure of the Audit commission and the end of the transitional arrangements at the conclusion of the 2017-18 audits.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.    The Council opts in principle, in to the Local Government Association supported sector-led procurement of local authority external auditors from 31 December 2017.

2.    The Director of Finance is given delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman of the Accounts and Governance Committee to commit to the sector-led procurement.

Cl/30/7/16

Capital Expenditure 2015-2016 Outturn and Revised 2016-2017 Programme pdf icon PDF 98 KB

To consider report F72/16 of the Director of Finance which is attached and which is to advise Members of:

 

            a.    capital expenditure for the financial year 2015-2016, together with the means by which it was funded; and

            b.    to present an amended Capital Programme for 2016-2017, to take account of a revision of projected resources and other factors affecting the Council’s Capital Programme and the impact of the 2015-2016 outturn, subject to audit.

1.2       The Capital Programme is susceptible to change because of a variety of factors.  Capital schemes can be subject to slippage and overspend, which can affect finance.

1.3       This report is brought before Members on an annual basis to take account of such factors and to allow Members to assess the Capital Programme for the current financial year.  It also forms the basis for the Capital Programme for the coming financial year.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

1.      The outturn for 2015-2016, subject to audit, as set out in Appendix A, is noted;

2.      The amended Programme for 2016-2017, as set out in Appendix C, is agreed;

3.      Executive recommend to Council the carry forward of the unused revenue funding for capital in 2015-2016 to 2016-2017 as a supplementary estimate of £115,000 in 2016-2017;

4.      No new schemes are included in the Programme, unless fully grant-funded, formally approved by Council, or emergency schemes.

Minutes:

Council considered report F72/16 of the Director of Finance which advised Members of:

 

            a.    capital expenditure for the financial year 2015-2016, together with the means by which it was funded; and

            b.    to present an amended Capital Programme for 2016-2017, to take account of a revision of projected resources and other factors affecting the Council’s Capital Programme and the impact of the 2015-2016 outturn, subject to audit.

1.2       The Capital Programme is susceptible to change because of a variety of factors.  Capital schemes can be subject to slippage and overspend, which can affect finance.

1.3       This report is brought before Members on an annual basis to take account of such factors and to allow Members to assess the Capital Programme for the current financial year.  It also forms the basis for the Capital Programme for the coming financial year.

RESOLVED that:

1.      The outturn for 2015-2016, subject to audit, as set out in Appendix A, is noted;

2.      The amended Programme for 2016-2017, as set out in Appendix C, is agreed;

3.      Executive recommend to Council the carry forward of the unused revenue funding for capital in 2015-2016 to 2016-2017 as a supplementary estimate of £115,000 in 2016-2017;

4.      No new schemes are included in the Programme, unless fully grant-funded, formally approved by Council, or emergency schemes.

 

 

Cl/31/7/16

Penrith Civic Centre pdf icon PDF 110 KB

To consider report CE15/16 of the Chief Executive which is attached and which presents the findings from a feasibility study that was undertaken in relation to the former Co-op building following the recommendation from Council on 14 April 2016.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS:

 

1.            The Council do not proceed with the purchase of the Co-op building.

2.            Members consider and agree the next steps:

 

2.1       In light of the offer price for the Mansion House not meeting expectations and the fact that it has now been on the market for four years, that it be withdrawn from the market and interested parties are advised accordingly.

2.2       The single site project is put on hold at this time.

2.3       The Service Innovation Board review current and future accommodation needs and report back to the Council by the end of the calendar year.

2.4       Following the review, that Officers prepare costings for any works that are required to the Town Hall and Mansion House to make them fit for use for the future and that this is reported to Council at a later date.

 

3.            That officers are thanked for the work carried out on both the Town Hall extension and the Co-op building.

Minutes:

Council considered report CE15/16 of the Chief Executive which presented the findings from a feasibility study that was undertaken in relation to the former Co-op building following the recommendation from Council on 14 April 2016.

 

RESOLVED that:

 

1.            The Council do not proceed with the purchase of the Co-op building.

2.            Members agree the next steps:

 

2.1       In light of the offer price for the Mansion House not meeting expectations and the fact that it has now been on the market for four years, that it be withdrawn from the market and interested parties are advised accordingly.

2.2       The single site project is put on hold at this time.

2.3       The Service Innovation Board review current and future accommodation needs and report back to the Council by the end of the calendar year.

2.4       Following the review, that Officers prepare costings for any works that are required to the Town Hall and Mansion House to make them fit for use for the future and that this is reported to Council at a later date.

 

3.            That officers are thanked for the work carried out on both the Town Hall extension and the Co-op building.

 

Cl/32/7/16

Proposed Changes to the Local Plan arising from the May 2016 Examination Hearings pdf icon PDF 82 KB

To consider report CD57/16 of the Communities Director which is attached and which outlines that the Examination of the Eden Local Plan 2014-– 2032 commenced on 9 May 2016. The Inspector wrote to the Council on 19 May 2016 to advise that the Local Plan’s approach to Key Hubs in Policy LS1 – Location Strategy is unlikely to be found “sound” and provided advice on how to make the policy sound. Officers have taken on board the Inspector’s advice and redrafted the Policy. The purpose of the report is to seek the endorsement of the revised Policy by the Portfolio Holder as representing the Council’s policy position at the Examination.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION: That the revised Key Hubs element of Policy LS1 – Locational Strategy represents the Council’s policy position at the Examination.

Minutes:

Council considered report CD57/16 of the Communities Director which outlined that the Examination of the Eden Local Plan 2014-– 2032 commenced on 9 May 2016. The Inspector wrote to the Council on 19 May 2016 to advise that the Local Plan’s approach to Key Hubs in Policy LS1 – Location Strategy is unlikely to be found “sound” and provided advice on how to make the policy sound. Officers have taken on board the Inspector’s advice and redrafted the Policy. The purpose of the report is to seek the endorsement of the revised Policy by the Portfolio Holder as representing the Council’s policy position at the Examination.

 

 

RESOLVED that the revised Key Hubs element of Policy LS1 – Locational Strategy represent the Council’s policy position at the Examination.

 

Cl/33/7/16

Staffing

The Chief Executive has reviewed the senior management posts within the Council with the HR and Appeals Committee following the retirement of the three former Directors.  An exempt report with the details of this review has been produced for consideration at this meeting.  The report is exempt from being discussed in public because it contains personal information about employees.

 

The essence of the report refers to the allocation of responsibilities for undertaking various managerial and service tasks over the next twelve months.  The twelve month period is considered an appropriate period of time to review how the managers can work in the expanded roles and deliver improved services including progress on delivering the digital services project.

 

The report identified the costs and savings of the revised arrangements including the increase in days/hours to be worked by the Chief Executive from 110 days to 132 days, 825 to 990 hours for the period 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.  Overall, it is forecast the revised arrangements will deliver a £9,150 saving for the period to 31 July 2017.

 

A review of how the proposed revised arrangements work will be carried out by the HR and Appeals Committee and it will report to Council on that in the early part of 2017.  Details of any decisions made on this item will be published, as appropriate, as part of the minutes for the meeting.

 

Minutes:

The Chief Executive provided a verbal update on report CE13/16 which was to be considered after the exclusion of the press and public. The Chief Executive outlined that a review of the senior management posts within the Council had been undertaken with the Human Resources and Appeals Committee following the retirement of three former Directors.

Cl/34/7/16

Date of Next Scheduled Meeting

The next scheduled meeting of Council will be held on 8 September 2016.

Minutes:

The next scheduled meeting of Council was confirmed as the 8 September 2016.

 

Cl/35/7/16

Exclusion of Press and Public

To consider whether, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, members of the public (including the press) should be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 to Schedule 12A of the Act.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, members of the public (including the press) should be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 to Schedule 12A of the Act.

Cl/36/7/16

Transfer of Assets to Penrith Town Council - Fair Hill

To consider report G6/16 of the Director of Governance which considers the transfer of amenity land at Fairhill to Penrith Town Council.

 

This report is not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person including the authority holding that information) and paragraph 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  

 

Minutes:

The Chairman advised that this agenda item had been withdrawn.

Cl/37/7/16

Staffing

To consider report CE13/16 of the Chief Executive which is attached and which relates to staffing structures at the Council.            

 

This report is not for publication by virtue of paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as it includes information relating to individual employees of the Council including their conditions of service and details of their remuneration packages.

 

Minutes:

The Directors of Finance and Governance left the meeting prior to consideration of this item.

 

The Chief Executive left the meeting prior to consideration of matters related to his role.

 

Council considered report CE13/16 of the Chief Executive which detailed the review that had been undertaken following the retirement of three former Directors.

 

The report referred to the allocation of responsibilities for undertaking various managerial and service tasks over the next twelve months. The twelve month period is considered an appropriate period of time to review how the managers can work in the expanded roles and deliver improved services including progress on delivering the digital services project.

 

The report identified the costs and savings of the revised arrangement including the increase in the days/hours to be worked by the Chief Executive from 110 days to 132 days, 825 hours to 990 hours for the period of 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. Overall, it is forecast the revised arrangements will deliver a £9,150 saving for the period 31 July 2017.

 

A review of how the revised arrangements work will be carried out by the Human Resources and Appeals Committee and it will report to Council on that in the early part of 2017.

 

RESOLVED that the recommendations be approved.

Cl/38/7/16

Penrith Civic Centre

This report is an addendum to report CE15/16 of the Chief Executive which contains confidential information in support of report CE15/16.

 

This report is not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

Minutes:

This report contained an addendum for report CE15/16 of the Chief Executive which was considered at minute reference Cl/31/7/16.