(i)            Councillor Hinchcliffe explained that Councillor  Duffy and Councillor  Ross-Shaw were  not voting members  at this meeting. 

 

(ii)          The following Elected Members had been granted dispensations under the Localism Act 2011 in relation to their declared Disclosable Pecuniary Interests relating to employment, sponsorship and land (Minute 88).

 

EMPLOYMENT

Councillor Imran Khan

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

SPONSORSHIP

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Duffy

Councillor Jabar

Councillor Imran Khan

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

LAND

Councillor Duffy

Councillor Ferriby

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Jabar

Councillor Imran Khan

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

TENANCY

Councillor Duffy

 

(i)        The following members disclosed a personal interest in the item on the agenda relating to the Budget 2022-23 and of the nature and description indicated by each category:

 

Members with a spouse, partner or close relative in the employment of the Council

Councillor Jabar

Councillor Imran Khan

 

Members employed by or who have a spouse, partner or close relative employed by a voluntary organisation/public body funded by the Council.

Councillor Duffy

Councillor Imran Khan

 

Members who occupied land or who had a spouse, partner or relative who did or who were directors of companies or sat on the management committee of an organisation that occupies land under a lease or licence granted by the Council.

Councillor Imran Khan

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

Members of other public authorities.

Airedale Partnership

Councillor Ross Shaw

 

Arts Council North

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Bradford Economic Partnership

Cllr Hinchcliffe

Cllr Ross-Shaw

 

Bradford Partnership (Safeguarding)

Councillor Duffy

 

City Regions Board (LGA)

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Key Cities

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan

 

Leeds Bradford International Airport – Consultative Committee

Councillor Cunningham

 

Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Nell Bank Outdoor Education Centre

Councillor Ferriby

 

Northern Acceleration Council

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Rail North

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Sir Titus Salt Trust

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Transport for the North

Councillor Hinchcliffe (alternate for the WY Mayor)

 

University of Bradford - Court

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan (alternate)

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Culture, Arts, and Creative Industries Committee

Councillor Sarah Ferriby

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Inclusive Growth and Public Policy Committee

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Finance, Resources, and Corporate Committee

 Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan (alternate)

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business, Economy and Innovation Committee

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Business Investment Panel

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Employment Skills Committee

Councillor Imran Khan

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Governance and Audit

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan (alternate)

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Climate, Energy, and Environment Committee

Councillor Ferriby

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Leeds City Region Partnership Committee

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan (alternate)

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Place, Regeneration and Housing Committee

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Vision Zero Board

Councillor Ross-Shaw

 

West Yorkshire Employers Association

Councillor Duffy

 

West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee

Councillor Duffy

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Imran Khan

 

Yorkshire Leaders Board

Councillor Hinchcliffe

 

Yorkshire Libraries and Information

Councillor Ferriby

 

Parish Councillors

Councillor Hinchcliffe

Councillor Ross-Shaw     

 

Members who sit on the management committee/ trustee of a voluntary organisation in receipt of Council Funding  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2021 and 4 January 2022 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Jill Bell / Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580 434579)

 

Resolved –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2021 and 4 January 2022 be signed as a correct record.

 

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents. 

(i)         Petition

 

The following petition was referred to the Executive from the Council meeting held on 25 January 2022. 

 

Proposal to develop a health and wellbeing hub on former Keighley College site – Keighley Central Ward.

 

Note: The Leader stated that this petition will be considered at a future meeting of the Executive.

 

 

(i)         Motion 12.8 – Gambling

 

The following motion was referred to the Executive from the Council meeting held on 25 January 2022. 

 

Moved by: Councillor Sarah Ferriby

Seconded by: Councillor David Green

 

The Council notes that over the past 18 months Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee has looked into the issue of gambling-related harm as part of an informal review process.

 

Whilst we note that much of the gambling industry is regulated at a national level we also note that there is more that we can do to address the issue of gambling-related harm at a regional and local level. We therefore make recommendations to the Government via our MPs regarding national policy as well as making recommendations for action at a local level. Whilst the date of the formal national call for evidence in the gambling review has expired we feel that it is important that our district’s MPs are aware of the views of the Council.

 

We therefore ask the Executive to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the District MPs and relevant Minister requesting that consideration be given to the following recommendations as part of the ongoing review of national regulations:

 

i.             The Government should publish a White Paper setting out its next steps by the end of the year.

ii.             Gambling should be considered a public health issue. Current approaches targeting affected individuals substantially underestimate the harms of gambling. Public health approaches to reduce harms related to gambling should encompass a range of population based approaches supported by regulation, legislation and funding.

iii.          Consider a mandatory levy to fund prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm and independent research into the issue. Funding must be spent independently of the companies and exclusively focused on reducing gambling related harm.

iv.          The Government amend the definition of gaming in section 6 of the Gambling Act 2005 to regulate loot boxes as gambling.

v.            To end all gambling advertising, sponsorship and promotion including bonus inducements and VIP schemes; and any exposure of gambling products likely to be viewed by children.

vi.          All new gambling products to be licensed and classified according to a series of harm indicators.

vii.         Introduce limits/caps for online betting, and measures to reduce stakes and speed of play.

viii.       To consider a national membership scheme for those wishing to gamble in person or online.

ix.          Simplify and improve self-exclusion schemes and measures from gambling premises and online sites, enforcing industry adherence and protecting gamblers from harm Locally the committee asks that the council and its partners:

 

1. Carries out further work to establish the nature and level of gambling at elevated risk in the district, and use its links across Yorkshire and the Humber  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

(Councillor I Khan)

The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “AW” ) which proposes a reduction of Published Admission Numbers at Peel Park Primary School and Long Lee Primary School; Proposed Alteration of Long Lee Primary School Priority Admission Area (Catchment Area).

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the Executive approve the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Peel Park Primary School from 90 to 60 from 1 September 2023.

(2)       That the Executive approve the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Long Lee Primary School from 60 to 45 from 1 September 2023.

(3)       That the Executive approve the proposal to change the priority admission area at Long Lee to include the new housing development.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

 

(Emma Hamer - 01274 439535)

 

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “AW”) which proposed a reduction of Published Admission Numbers at Peel Park Primary School and Long Lee Primary School. The report also proposed to alter Long Lee Primary School’s Priority Admission Area (Catchment Area).

 

It was stated that consultation exercises had been undertaken on the proposed changes and the outcomes were detailed in the report.

 

The Portfolio Holder welcomed the proposals and it was:

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Peel Park Primary School from 90 to 60 from 1   September 2023 be approved.

(2)       That the proposal to reduce the Published Admission Number (PAN) at Long Lee Primary School from 60 to 45 from 1 September     2023 be approved.

(3)       That the proposal to change the priority admission area at Long          Lee Primary School to include the new housing development be          approved.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

 

 

The Strategic Director Children’s Services will submit a report (Document “AX”) which asks the Executive to determine the admission arrangements for Primary and Secondary schools.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary   Admission Arrangements.

 

(2)       That the Executive approve the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

 

(3)       That the Executive approve the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme.

 

(4)       That the Executive note the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for own admission schools listed in Appendix F to Document “AX”.

 

(5)       That the Executive note the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix H to Document “AX”.

 

(6)       That the Executive note the updated guidance on deferring entry to school, part time places and delaying entry to school.

 

(7)       That the Executive note the updated policy on directing a school         to admit.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

 

(Rachel Phillips - 01274 43 9215)

 

The Strategic Director Children’s Services submitted a report (Document “AX”) which asked the Executive to determine the admission arrangements for Primary and Secondary schools.  It was stated that this was an annual report in line with the School Admissions Code.

 

The Portfolio Holder stated that he welcomed the report and in particular the change, which would automatically place children on a school waiting list, following the annual admissions round.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the Primary and Secondary Admission Arrangements be   approved.

 

(2)       That the Primary and Secondary Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

 

(3)       That the In-Year Co-ordinated Admissions Scheme be approved.

 

(4)       That the proposed changes to the admission arrangements for own admission schools listed in Appendix F to Document “AX” be noted.

 

(5)       That the Published Admission Numbers contained in Appendix H to Document “AX” be noted.

 

(6)       That the updated guidance on deferring entry to school, part time places and delaying entry to school be noted.

 

(7)       That the updated policy on directing a school to admit be noted.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director Children’s Services

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Children’s Services

 

 

(Councillor Hinchcliffe)

The City Solicitor will submit a report (Document “AT”) which recommends a schedule of ordinary meetings for Council and the Executive for the Municipal Year 2022/23.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the schedule of meetings of the Executive for 2022/23 as set        out in appendix 1 to this report be approved.

 

(2)       That it be a recommendation to the annual meeting of Council that      the ordinary meetings of Council for 2022/23 as set out in           appendix 1 to this report be approved.

 

(Jill Bell/Yusuf Patel - 01274 434580/4579)

 

 

The City Solicitor submitted a report (Document “AT”) which recommended a schedule of ordinary meetings for Council and the Executive for the Municipal Year 2022/23.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the schedule of meetings of the Executive for 2022/23 as set        out in Appendix 1 to Document “AT” be approved.

 

(2)       That it be a recommendation to the annual meeting of Council that      the ordinary meetings of Council for 2022/23 as set out in           Appendix 1 to Document “AT” be approved.

 

ACTION: City Solicitor

 

On 7th December 2021 the Executive approved budget proposals for consultation as required with the public, interested parties, staff and the Trade Unions.

 

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “AU”) which provides the Executive with an update on the 2022-23 budget position following national announcements outlined in the Provisional Local Government Settlement (15th December 2021), and the likely impact following approval of the Council Tax and Business Rates base setting report (4th January 2022).

It also identifies issues and uncertainties which could still have a bearing on the final size of the budget for 2022-23 and future financial years.

 

Executive will need to have regard to this report when considering the recommendations to make to Council at their meeting on 15th February 2022 in advance of Budget Council on the 17th February 2022.

 

Recommended –

 

Executive are asked to:

 

(1)          note the contents of Document “AU” and to have regard to the information contained within Document “AU” when considering the recommendations to make to Council on a budget or 2022/23 at their meeting on 15 February 2022.

 

(2)       in accordance with Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, to have

regard to the information contained in Appendix B and the Annex       to Appendix B to Document “AU” together with the equality    assessments when considering the recommendations to make to    the Council on budget proposals for 2022-23.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Andrew Cross - 07870 386523)

On 7th December 2021 the Executive approved budget proposals for consultation as required with the public, interested parties, staff and the Trade Unions.

 

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “AU”) which provided the Executive with an update on the 2022-23 budget position following national announcements outlined in the Provisional Local Government Settlement (15th December 2021), and the likely impact following approval of the Council Tax and Business Rates base setting report (4th January 2022).

It also identified issues and uncertainties which could still have a bearing on the final size of the budget for 2022-23 and future financial years.

 

The report made clear that Executive will need to have regard to this report when considering the recommendations to make to Council on a budget for 2022/23 at their meeting on 15th February 2022, in advance of Budget Council on the 17th February 2022.

 

It was stressed that the final financial settlement from Government was expected in due course and this would be reflected in consequent budget documents. 

 

The outcomes of the consultation process which had run from 8 December 2021 to 19 January 2022 was explained.  The consultation process included a survey, online events. The consultation was supported with Equality Impact Assessments against all proposals.  They showed low or no disproportionate impact on protected characteristics identified across most proposals, two proposals had medium impact against low income and where issues had been identified, mitigation measures have been proposed to address all impacts.  One of the main concerns expressed through the consultation was around the proposed increases in Council Tax. 

 

The Leader stated that the number of people responding to the consultation exercise was probably low because no significant reductions to services or jobs are proposed this year, however the resourcing of Council services remains a challenge; Covid support monies are coming to an end and there will still be a continuing impact on services . It is unlikely the Government will allocate more funding to support this.  It is important that the Council continues to support the people of the district during this difficult time  as well as grow the local economy.

 

The Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder alluded to the ongoing pressures in Adult Social Care, and despite the promises of additional money from Government with the proposed increases to National Insurance contribution, no immediate funding changes were imminent.

 

A Member of the main opposition group was present at the meeting and queried the level at which the tax base was calculated to determine Council Tax, compared to our neighbouring authorities.  In response it was stated that our tax base was broadly in line with the other councils, and that adjustments could be made annually to account for any anomalies.

 

The Leader stressed that it was up to each Council to calculate their own Council Tax base.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)          That the contents of Document “AU” be noted and that Executive have regard to the information contained within Document “AU” when considering the recommendations to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 88.

The Director of Finance will submit a report (Document “AV”) which provides Members with an update on the forecast year-end financial position of the Council for 2021-22.

 

It examines the latest spend against revenue and capital budgets and the forecast year-end financial position based on information at Qtr 3. It states the Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances. 

Recommended –

 

That the Executive

 

(1)       Note the contents of Document “AV” and the actions taken to manage the issues highlighted.

(2)       Note the following has been approved under Section 1.7 of the Financial Regulations:

·         £0.39m for the completion of health and safety works to the Children’s residential estate. This is to be funded from the General Contingency Budget.

·         £0.05m to make good and ensure the electrical safety of three Adult residential homes.To be funded from the General Contingency Budget.

 

(3)       That delegated authority is provided to the s.151 Officer in consultation with the portfolio holder to develop and implement a Covid Additional Relief Fund scheme as outlined in section 11.9 to Document “AV”.

 

(4)       That delegated authority is provided to the s.151 Officer in consultation with the portfolio holder in relation to Enterprise Zone Rate Relief as outlined in section 11.10 to Document “AV”.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

(Andrew Cross - 07870 386523)

The Director of Finance submitted a report (Document “AV”) which provided Members with an update on the forecast year-end financial position of the Council for 2021-22.

 

It examined the latest spend against revenue and capital budgets and the forecast year-end financial position based on information at Qtr 3. It stated the Council’s current balances and reserves and school balances. 

 

Based on a projection at 31 December 2021, the Council is forecast to overspend the £385.4m net revenue budget by £3.2m by 31 March  2022. This is after taking account of the c£27m of Covid related funding that has been carried forward from 2020-21, and c£53m of additional Covid related funding that is expected to be received in 2021-22.

 

The forecast overspend contains significant variances in a number of service areas, most notably agency staffing costs and increased Child Looked After Placements in Children’s Services, both of which have increased significantly in recent years. The forecast overspend is after the £7.1m increase in budget that was approved at Budget Council in February 2021, and the allocation of significant amounts of Covid related funding.

 

The Leader stated that these were indeed challenging times, and thanked officers for their work and dedication, adding that Covid funding would be coming to an end soon; however the pressures in Adult and Children Social Care remained, as was the case nationally, and therefore Government had to focus in resolving the funding issue going forward.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the contents of Document “AV” be noted and the actions taken to manage the issues highlighted.

(2)       That it be noted that the following has been approved under      Section 1.7 of the Financial Regulations:

·         £0.39m for the completion of health and safety works to the Children’s residential estate. This is to be funded from the General Contingency Budget.

·         £0.05m to make good and ensure the electrical safety of three Adult residential homes. To be funded from the General Contingency Budget.

 

(3)       That delegated authority be provided to the s.151 Officer in        consultation with the portfolio holder to develop and implement a            Covid Additional Relief Fund scheme as outlined in section 11.9    to Document “AV”.

 

(4)       That delegated authority be provided to the s.151 Officer in        consultation with the portfolio holder in relation to Enterprise                    Zone Rate Relief as outlined in section 11.10 to document “AV” which was tabled at the meeting as follows: 

             

11.10:Enterprise Zone Rate Relief: there may be opportunity     within the existing business rate system to provide Rate Relief             within Enterprise Zones, subject to specific circumstances. 

 

ACTION: Director of Finance

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Corporate

 

 

Regulations to enact the powers described under Part 6 of the Road Traffic Management Act 2004 relating to civil enforcement of moving traffic offences are to be considered by parliament early in 2022.  These regulations will provide local authorities the ability to apply to the Department for Transport for a Designation Order to take on responsibility for certain types of moving traffic offences, mirroring the powers which have been available to London authorities.

 

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AY”) which seeks Executive’s endorsement to progress with an application to the Department for Transport for the adoption of these powers at the earliest possible opportunity and sets out the potential scope of such powers, the pre-requisite arrangements necessary to secure a Designation Order, initial proposals for the operation of the enforcement of restrictions and the benefits to residents of such powers.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)         That Executive endorse the preparation of an application to the Department of Transport for the preparation of a Designation Order to confer the powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

(2)         That Executive approve consultation of initial details for enforcement of moving traffic contraventions in accordance with the timescales set out within Document “AY” and the Application Guidance.

(3)         That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to:

a)       manage the development of the initial list of sites and types of restriction which are to be subject to MTE as appropriate.

b)       as may be required, secure the procurement of specialist external services having regard to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and national procurement legislation in order to support the development of the application to the DfT for a Designation Order and to support the introduction of MTE in Bradford.

c)       to make any necessary modifications to the initial proposals consulted upon in order to resolve objections raised and resolve any disputes.

d)       make submission of an application for preparation of a Designation Order for Bradford having being satisfied that all necessary pre-requisite requirements of the DfT Advice Note have been complied with.

e)       approve any and all future expansion proposals of the enforcement network which may be recommended by the Council’s Traffic Manager subject to demonstration that all necessary pre-requisite requirements of the DfT Advice Note have been complied with.

(4)         That Executive note the need for a development budget for the preparation of the application for the Designation Order and the arrangements which are permitted under Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the recovery of this initial budget following introduction of moving traffic enforcement powers.

(5)         That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place and Director of Finance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to agree annually the allocation of proceeds from the issue of PCNs in accordance with the hierarchy set out in Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Environment

(Richard Gelder  ...  view the full agenda text for item 90.

Regulations to enact the powers described under Part 6 of the Road Traffic Management Act 2004 relating to civil enforcement of moving traffic offences are to be considered by parliament early in 2022.  These regulations will provide local authorities the ability to apply to the Department for Transport for a Designation Order to take on responsibility for certain types of moving traffic offences, mirroring the powers which have been available to London authorities.

 

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “AY”) which sought Executive’s endorsement to progress with an application to the Department for Transport for the adoption of these powers at the earliest possible opportunity and set out the potential scope of such powers, the pre-requisite arrangements necessary to secure a Designation Order, initial proposals for the operation of the enforcement of restrictions and the benefits to residents of such powers.

 

The Portfolio Holder stated that although some preparatory will have to be done, the proposals would go some way in addressing anti-social and poor driving in the district.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)         That the preparation of an application to the Department of Transport for the preparation of a Designation Order to confer the powers under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004 be endorsed.

(2)         That consultation of initial details for enforcement of moving traffic contraventions in accordance with the timescales set out within Document “AY” and the Application Guidance be approved.

(3)         That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to:

a)       manage the development of the initial list of sites and types of restriction which are to be subject to MTE as appropriate.

b)       as may be required, secure the procurement of specialist external services having regard to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and national procurement legislation in order to support the development of the application to the DfT for a Designation Order and to support the introduction of MTE in Bradford.

c)       to make any necessary modifications to the initial proposals consulted upon in order to resolve objections raised and resolve any disputes.

d)       make submission of an application for preparation of a Designation Order for Bradford having being satisfied that all necessary pre-requisite requirements of the DfT Advice Note have been complied with.

e)       approve any and all future expansion proposals of the enforcement network which may be recommended by the Council’s Traffic Manager subject to demonstration that all necessary pre-requisite requirements of the DfT Advice Note have been complied with.

(4)         That Executive noted the need for a development budget for the preparation of the application for the Designation Order and the arrangements which are permitted under Section 55 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the recovery of this initial budget following introduction of moving traffic enforcement powers.

(5)         That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place and Director of Finance, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to agree annually the allocation of proceeds from the issue of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of :

 

(a)  the NFP Appendix A to Document “AZ” - Proposals to refinance the Council’s Phase 2 Schools PFI Contract.

 

(b)  the NFP Appendix A to Document “BB” -  Bereavement Services Strategy – Programme Update

 

on the grounds that it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Information relating to Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), would be disclosed and it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceedings outweighs the interest in publication of the report.

 

Resolved –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration  of :

 

(a)  the NFP Appendix A to Document “AZ” - Proposals to refinance the Council’s Phase 2 Schools PFI Contract and;

 

(b)  the NFP Appendix A to Document “BB” -  Bereavement Services Strategy – Crematoria Programme Update

 

on the grounds that it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if they were present, exempt information within Paragraph 3 (Information relating to Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), would be disclosed and it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in  excluding public access to the relevant part of the proceedings outweighs the public interest in allowing public access to the relevant part of the proceedings for the following reasons:

 

It is in the public interest in maintaining these exemptions

because it is in the overriding interest of proper administration

that Members are made fully aware of the financial implications of

any decision.

 

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “AZ” – which contains NFP Appendix A) which seeks approval to agree new terms in order to re-finance the Phase 2 PFI Schools contract.

 

Refinancing the contract and securing better interest rates will allow the Council to reduce the monthly unitary charge costs it pays on the Phase 2 PFI Contract.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       Approval to progress with Option 1 as set out in Document “AZ”;

 

(2)       Authority be given to the Strategic Director for Place in   conjunction with the Director of Finance & IT to approve and agree the terms of the refinance of the Phase 2 PFI contract and     complete all necessary documentation required in consultation           with the City Solicitor.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Regeneration & Environment

 

(Ian Smart - 01274 431735)

The Strategic Director of Place submitted a report (Document “AZ” – which contained NFP Appendix A) which sought approval to agree new terms in order to re-finance the Phase 2 PFI Schools contract.

 

Refinancing the contract and securing better interest rates will allow the Council to reduce the monthly unitary charge costs it pays on the Phase 2 PFI Contract.

 

The Education and Skills Portfolio Holder stated that he fully supported the refinancing of the contract. It will save money. 

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That Option 1 as set out in Document “AZ” be progressed;

 

(2)       That authority be given to the Strategic Director of Place in        conjunction with the Director of Finance & IT to approve     and     agree the terms of the refinance of the Phase 2 PFI contract and     complete all necessary documentation required in consultation           with the City Solicitor.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director Place / Director of Finance and City Solicitor

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee – Regeneration & Environment

 

 

(Councillor Ferriby)

The Museums and Galleries Strategy helps determine the forward direction for the Service.

 

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “BA”) which seeks support for this direction and for a bid to the Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisation funding.

 

Recommended –

       

(1)       That Members approve the Museums and Galleries Strategy 2022        – 2032 and the application for NPO status.

 

(2)       That members support the implementation of the Museums       Strategy and request that the stories of the history and people of the whole District are reflected in the museums work including        links to the wider cultural strategies including the Monuments Review findings, Culture Is Our Plan and City of Culture 2025 Bid.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration & Environment

 

(Rosie Crook - 07815 681807)

The Museums and Galleries Strategy helps determine the forward direction for the Service.

 

The Strategic Director of Place submitted a report (Document “BA”) which sought support for this direction and for a bid to the Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisation funding.

 

It was explained that the collections, activities, exhibitions and projects of the Museums Service reflect and represent the entire district and offer access to the highest quality art, history, natural history and culture to everyone within the district for free.

 

The Museums and Galleries Service had been going through a period of transition both before and during the pandemic, including a major restructure and budget reduction process, which has led to some reductions, adaptations and changes in what the Service can offer. Staff have been flexible, creative about models of delivery and highly successful in securing external funding. A period of redirection and re-engagement with the public during the pandemic and the impetus of external funding have enabled new models of delivery to be tried and the Service to develop to the point where an application for Arts Council’s National Portfolio Organisation status is possible in spring 2022.

 

The Leader in welcoming the Strategy commended the work of the Museums and Gallery Service and that people continued to enjoy the collections.

 

The Portfolio Holder added that she would like to extend her thanks to the volunteers and friends of groups, whose contribution was invaluable, and that the Strategy set out our ambitions for the Service and that this was an opportunity for us to promote the collections to a wider audience.

 

Resolved –

       

(1)       That the Museums and Galleries Strategy 2022 – 2032 and the application for NPO status be approved.

 

(2)       That the implementation of the Museums Strategy be supported          and it be requested that the stories of the history and people of     the whole District are reflected in the museums work including     links to the wider cultural strategies including the Monuments Review findings, Culture Is Our Plan and City of Culture 2025 Bid.

 

ACTION: Strategic Director of Place

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration & Environment

 

 

The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “BB” – which contains NFP Appendix A) which provides an update on delivery of the adopted Bereavement Strategy.

 

Recommended –

 

That the Executive approves the following recommendations -

 

(1)       Approval for the Strategic Director, Place in consultation with the Director of Finance & IT to progress with the delivery of the Bereavement Investment Plan as detailed in Document “BB” within a revised overall programme budget of £29.7 million.

 

(2)       Approval for the Strategic Director of Place in conjunction with the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources and in consultation with the City Solicitor to agree and finalise the terms of the acquisition of the land at Bierley as set out in the Not for Publication Appendix A to Document “BB”.

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Environment

 

(Phil Barker - 01274 432616)

 

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “BB” – which contained NFP Appendix A) which provided a progress update on delivery Crematoria within the adopted Bereavement Strategy.

 

The Portfolio Holder stated that this was the fruition of many years of work to replace our outdated crematoria with modern state of the art facilities.

 

Construction costs for the Heaton and Bierley facilities would increase significantly from those projected at the outset, given the impact of the pandemic and Brexit  and increase in costs of raw materials however this was a national issue facing all major construction projects.

 

It was explained that the new Oakworth Crematorium is expected to open in early March, with work  now starting on the new Heaton Crematorium.  Land acquisition for the Bierley site was nearing completion, without the need for the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders.

 

The Leader in welcoming the update, stressed that that it was important to invest in capital projects and improve the infrastructure of the district.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Director of Finance & IT progress with the delivery of the Bereavement Investment Plan as detailed in Document “BB” within a revised overall programme budget of £29.7 million.

 

(2)       That the Strategic Director of Place in conjunction with the Strategic Director of Corporate Resources and in consultation with the City Solicitor agree and finalise the terms of the acquisition of the land at Bierley as set out in the Not for Publication Appendix A to Document “BB”.

 

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place / Strategic Director Corporate                              Resources / Director of Finance and City Solicitor

 

Overview and Scrutiny Committee: Regeneration and Environment