Venue: Concorde Room, Council Offices, Farnborough
Contact: Chris Todd, Democratic Services on 01252 398825 or e-mail: chris.todd@rushmoor.gov.uk
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To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28th April, 2015 (copy attached). Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28th April, 2015 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman. |
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GENERAL FUND PROVISIONAL OUTTURN REPORT 2014/15 PDF 458 KB To consider the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1511 (copy attached), which sets out the provisional outturn position on the General Fund (revenue and capital) for 2014/15, subject to audit. Presented By: Leader of the Council/Corporate Services Minutes: The Cabinet considered the Head
of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1511, which set out the provisional
outturn position on the General Fund (revenue and capital) for 2014/15, subject
to audit. The Report set out the General Fund Revenue Summary and Revenue
Balances, with the principal individual variations between the current approved
estimates and actual expenditure. The Cabinet was
advised that, in its original budget for 2014/15, the Council had set a
savings figure of £500,000 to be achieved through reductions in service costs
and income generation, in addition to £300,000of expected staff turnover
savings. A significant proportion of these savings had been achieved during the
first half of 2014/15and the efficiencies identified had been built into the
Council’s revised budget, which was set out in Appendix A to the Report. The
revised budget figure had been further adjusted to
reflect any subsequent virements, supplementary
estimates and use of the service improvement fund, to form the current approved
budget, with estimated year-end balances of £1.58 million. The provisional outturn showed
an improvement in the Council’s financial position,
with a net underspend of approximately £308,000 against the current approved
budget and £112,000 compared with the last budget monitoring position. A list
of the principal variations between the provisional outturn position and the
current approved budget was set out in Appendix B to the Report. The effect of
the net underspend was to increase revenue balances to approximately
£1.89million, which fell within the range of balances set out in the Medium
Term Financial Strategy (£1 million -£2 million). It was noted that, included in
the variations identified, were a number of under spent budget items where specific
conditions had prevented the expenditure being made during 2014/15 but where
the works was still required and would be carried out during 2015/16. In
accordance with Financial Regulations, the Directors’ Management Board had
recommended approval for these items, totalling approximately £322,000,to be carried forward for spending in 2015/16.The
Cabinet was advised that £172,000 of the carry forward items related to
expenditure that was directly funded by external grants. The grants would be set aside to meet this
future expenditure. This left around
£150,000,which would be set aside from General Fund
balances in 2014/15in order to meet the expenditure now planned for 2015/16. The Report set out details of
financial risks to the Council which had been
identified to date. It was hoped that
the announcement of a second 2015 Budget, to be held on 8th July,
2015, would provide more clarity over future funding for local government, as
would the outcome of the review of Business Rates. As part of the outturn
process, and, in line with proper accounting practices, all outstanding
potential liabilities would be reviewed to ensure that
the appropriate level of reserves was held against the risks that the Council
faced. Appendix C of the Report set out the Capital Outturn Summary and showed a total net underspend of £3,410,000 against the current approved budget. This underspend was due mainly ... view the full minutes text for item 2. |
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TREASURY MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS 2014/15 PDF 378 KB To consider the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1510 (copy attached), which sets out details of the main treasury management operations in 2014/15. Presented By: Corporate Services Minutes: The Cabinet received the Head
of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1510, which set out the main Treasury
Management activities during 2014/15and provided an update on the current
economic conditions affecting Treasury Management decisions. The Report set out
the actual prudential indicators relating to Capital Financing and treasury
activities for 2014/15and compared these to the indicators set in the Annual
Treasury Management Strategy for the year, which had been approved by the
Council in February, 2014. The Cabinet was advised that,
since April 2013, the Council had received treasury advice from Arlingclose Limited, which was an independent treasury
advisory company that provided specialist treasury support to 25% of UK local
authorities. It was noted that, with the
exception of pooled funds, all investment activity was carried out in-house by
the Council’s treasury team, with support from Arlingclose
Limited. The Report also set out
information on the economic background over the previous year, borrowing
activity, investment activity, treasury management indicators, budgeted income
and outturn and an update on the Council’s Icelandic investments. The 2014/15 municipal year had
proved to be another challenging period regarding treasury management. The Council’s treasury team had concentrated
on the security of investments while still having regard to the returns
available. Revision of the Treasury Management Strategy had enabled the Council
to further diversify its investment portfolio and benefit from alternative
investments during 2014/15. Despite low interest rates and the lack of suitable
counterparties with whom to invest, investment income had outperformed the
budget by approximately £300,000 and had contributed £699,000 to the Council’s
General Fund during 2014/15. It was confirmed that all
treasury management activity during 2014/15had been carried out in accordance
with the Annual Treasury Management Strategy and had complied with the treasury
and prudential indicators, which were set out in the Report, and with the
Treasury Management Code of Practice. The Cabinet NOTED the Head of Financial Services’ Report No. FIN1510 and the treasury management activities which had been carried out during 2014/15. |
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CORPORATE STRATEGY AND CORPORATE PLAN 2014/15 – QUARTER 4 AND END OF YEAR MONITORING REPORT PDF 2 MB To receive the Directors’ Management Board’s Report No. DMB1502 (copy attached), which sets out details of performance against the Corporate Plan in the fourth quarter of 2014/15. Presented By: Leader of the Council Minutes: The Cabinet received the
Directors’ Management Board’s Report No. DMB1502, which gave an update on
performance management monitoring information against the Corporate Plan for
the fourth quarter and end of the 2014/15financial year. The Chief Executive gave
Members an update on strategic and performance management data on many areas,
including community safety, education and skills, economic data and
homelessness. Members also heard about key project and service measures under
the themes of leadership, prosperity, place, people and communities and good
value services. In respect of key projects and service measures, it was noted
that 80.3% were on target, 19.7% were unlikely to achieve the action or
indicator and none had been unable to achieve elements of the target. The Chief Executive gave a
summary of key projects and an explanation of why some of the projects were not
on target set and also covered the remedial action being put in place, where
appropriate. The Cabinet NOTED the Directors’ Management Board Report No. DMB1502and the performance made against the Corporate Plan in the fourth and final quarter of the 2014/15municipal year. |
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RUSHMOOR CORPORATE PLAN 2015/16 PDF 176 KB To receive the Directors’ Management Board’s Report No. DMB1503 (copy attached), which sets out the Council’s Corporate Plan for 2015/16. Presented By: Leader of the Council Minutes: The Cabinet received the
Directors’ Management Board’s Report No. DMB1503, which introduced the
Council’s draft Corporate Plan for the 2015/16 municipal year. Members were informed that, as
has been the case in recent years, the development of the Plan had taken into
account the need to respond to the continued economic pressures and uncertainty
that local government faced. The draft Plan was circulated to Members and the
Chief Executive explained that it had been set out as in previous years. It was
further proposed that the monitoring of the Plan would take place by way of
quarterly monitoring reports, as was the case currently. The Cabinet welcome the draft
Plan and expressed a commitment to continue to monitor the Council’s
performance in this way as a matter of best practice, even though the statutory
requirement to do this had now been removed. The Cabinet RESOLVED that the approach to Corporate Planning and performance monitoring for 2015/16 and the priorities, as set out in the draft Corporate Plan (public version), be endorsed. |
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BUSINESS RATES – LOCALISED TRANSITIONAL RELIEF POLICY 2015/16 AND 2016/17) PDF 314 KB To consider the Corporate Director’s Report No. CD1501 (copy attached), which seeks approval of a proposed localised transitional relief policy for 2015/16 and 2016/17. Presented By: Concessions and Community Support Minutes: The Cabinet considered the
Corporate Director's Report No.CD1501, which set out a proposed local scheme
for the allocation of transitional relief in the financial years 2015/16 and
2016/17. It was explained to Members
that the current, national Transitional Relief Scheme had been introduced in
2010 to help ratepayers facing higher bills as a result
of the 2010 revaluation. The Scheme had ended on31st March,
2015, which had coincided with the anticipated 2015 revaluation. As the Cabinet
had been previously informed, however, this revaluation has been put back to
2017and this meant that a small number of ratepayers would have faced a sharp
increase to their full rates bill from 1st April, 2015. In recognition of this,
the Government had agreed to extend the Transitional Relief Scheme to March, 2017 but, instead of changing the legislation to
cover these two years only, the Government had advised local authorities to
adopt a local scheme and use discretionary relief powers that were already
held. The Government had untaken to reimburse any reliefs paid under such a
local scheme. Members were informed that, in
the Borough, eight customers could qualify for this relief totalling £3,500 and
that, due to the Government’s commitment to reimburse this,
there would be no financial implications for the Council. The Cabinet RESOLVED that (i)
A local Transitional Relief Scheme
for the years 2015/16 and 2016/17, as set out in the Corporate Director’s Report
No. CD1501 and
appendix, be established; and (ii) the responsibility to award any relief due be delegated to
the Head of Financial Services. |
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ALDERSHOT TOWN CENTRE SHOP FRONT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME PDF 1 MB To consider the Corporate Director’s Report No. CD1502 (copy attached), which outlines applications that have been received and makes recommendations on the allocation of grants. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery Minutes: The Cabinet considered the
Corporate Director’s Report No. CD1502, which set out the applications received
in respect of the Aldershot Town Centre Shop Front Improvement Scheme and made
recommendations on the allocation of grants. Members were
reminded that this was an initiative that aimed to stimulate the
improvement of shop fronts and building facades and support the economic
vitality and attractiveness of the area. It was explained that the
closing date had been18th May, 2015and that a total of 36
applications had been received. These had been evaluated by
officers, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service
Delivery and recommendations for the allocation of grant funding were
attached to the Report at Appendix 1. It was noted that some were recommended
for approval as applied for, others where further details should be sought
before consideration and some for which refusal was recommended. Furthermore,
it had been agreed that, where applications had been
received from a number of premises in close proximity, it would be beneficial
for a single, coherent scheme to be devised and, where this was the case,
officers would work with applicants to try to deliver this. The Cabinet RESOLVED that (i) the recommendations
for the allocation of grant funding, totalling £43,530.37, as set out in Table
1 of Appendix 1 of the Corporate Director’s Report No. CD1502,be
approved; (ii) the recommendations for the allocation of funding, subject
to further details, as set out in Table 2 of Appendix 1, be approved; (iii) applications requiring further details be determined
by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service Delivery, in consultation
with the Corporate Director, subject to the applications continuing to meet the
Scheme’s criteria and the total budget not being exceeded; and (iv) a composite project for Grosvenor Road / Upper Union Street
and Station Road be developed, in conjunction with the applicants. |
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CONSULTATION ON THE DRAFT RUSHMOOR LOCAL PLAN PDF 22 MB To consider the Head of Planning’s Report No. PLN1521 (copy attached.), which sets out the draft Rushmoor Local Plan and seeks approval for a period of public consultation. Colour copies of Annexes A and B to the Report are available online and will be circulated at the meeting. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet considered the Head
of Planning's Report No. PLN1521, which sought approval for a period of
consultation on the draft Rushmoor Local Plan, during
June and July 2015. A copy of the latest draft of the Plan had been circulated
to Members and the process by which this document had been produced was
explained in the Report. Members heard that, following changes to the planning
system, the Council had agreed, in October2014, to prepare a comprehensive
Local Plan for the Borough covering the period to 2032. It was confirmed that
this document would: ·
Reflect new
national policy and guidance published since the Core Strategy was adopted ·
Reflect the work
of the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership on future economic growth ·
Be supported by
an evidence base, including, where relevant, on a joint basis with other
relevant local authorities, under the Duty to Cooperate In producing this draft,
strategic cross boundary issues had been explored, particularly around housing
need and provision. Members discussed issues, mainly around housing need, and
were very supportive of the work carried out to date by the Planning team. The
Cabinet RESOLVED that (i) the draft Local Plan, as set out in Annex A to the Head of
Planning’s Report No. PLN1521and the changes to the Policies Map, as set out in
Annex B, be approved for public consultation; and (ii) the Head of
Planning, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Service
Delivery, be authorised to make any necessary minor amendments to the Local
Plan, Policies Map and supporting documentation, prior to the commencement of
the public consultation. |
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BASINGSTOKE AND DEANE CONSULTATION PDF 87 KB To consider the Head of Planning’s Report No. PLN1524 (copy attached), which provides a summary of the content and issues that have been identified with the draft Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan with regard to its potential impact on Rushmoor. Approval is sought to make comments as set out in the Report, taking account of any new evidence that may be published prior to the consultation closing on 22nd June, 2015. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery Minutes: The Cabinet considered the Head
of Planning's Report No. PLN1524, which sought agreement to submit comments on
the Mid-Examination Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan consultation, with regard
to its potential impact on the Borough. The Cabinet was advised that,
during the consultation on the pre-submission version of Basingstoke and
Deane’s Local Plan in June 2014, Rushmoor, on behalf
of the Hart, Rushmoor and Surrey Heath Housing Market
Area (HMA), had submitted a response that had raised soundness issues in
relation to housing delivery. The response had suggested that the housing
target should be amended to reflect an accurate figure of housing need, to
avoid the potential risk of any under delivery needing to be provided within
the Hart, Rushmoor and Surrey Heath Housing Market
Area. Members were informed that this issue had been addressed in the
Mid-Examination Local Plan and the housing requirement figure had been
increased. For this reason, it was now proposed that the Council’s objection
should be withdrawn. The Cabinet RESOLVED that, in light of the proposed modifications set out within the Mid-Examination Local Plan consultation, the objection to the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Local Plan, made previously by Rushmoor Borough Council, be withdrawn. |
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DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING PUBLIC HOUSES SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT PDF 809 KB To consider the Head of Planning’s Report No. PLN1522 (copy attached), which sets out responses to the Council’s recent consultation exercise and seeks adoption of the Development Affecting Public Houses Supplementary Planning Document. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery Minutes: The Cabinet considered the Head
of Planning’s Report No. PLN1522, which set out the Development Affecting
Public Houses Supplementary Planning Document for approval. Members were
informed that public consultation had taken place between February and March,
2015and this had attracted twelve representations. The draft document had been amended to take account of these representations
and the main changes were summarised in Annex 2 to the Report. The Cabinet was now being asked to adopt this document, which provided a
standard, consistent approach to demonstrating that there was no long-term need
for a public house that was the subject of a planning application for a change
of use, outside of permitted development rights. The Cabinet RESOLVED that, to supplement the existing Core Strategy and Rushmoor Local Plan, the Development Affecting Public Houses Supplementary Planning Document 2015be adopted. |
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FARNBOROUGH CIVIC QUARTER MASTERPLAN SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT PDF 28 MB To consider the Head of Planning’s Report No. PLN1523 (Report body and Annex 2 attached, Annex 1 to follow), which seeks adoption of the Farnborough Civic Quarter Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document, following the recent public consultation exercise. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery) Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet considered the Head
of Planning’s Report No. PLN1523, which set out the Farnborough Civic Quarter
Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document for approval. Members were informed
that public consultation had taken place between February and March, 2015. This had attracted 130representationsand the
comments received were set out in Annex 2 to the Report. The draft document had been amended to take account of these representations
and the key changes were summarised as: ·
To include an option
within the Masterplan which retained the Elles Hall
Building ·
To retain a water
feature within the green space and add detail about the design of this space ·
To strengthen
reference to cycling and walking routes and include a plan explicitly illustrating
these new and improved routes ·
To
strengthen reference to the continuity of services including the library,
leisure centre and community space. The Cabinet RESOLVED that, to supplement the existing Core Strategy policies, the Farnborough Civic Quarter Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document 2015be adopted. |
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APPOINTMENTS (1) Community Cohesion Task and Finish Group – To
confirm the appointments to the Community Cohesion Task and Finish Group for
the 2015/16 Municipal Year. (2) Future Contracts Member Working Group – To
confirm the appointments to the Future Contracts Member Working Group for the
2015/16 Municipal Year. (3) Hackney Carriage Fares Review Task and Finish Group – To
confirm the appointments to the Hackney Carriage Fares Review Task and Finish
Group for the 2015/16 Municipal Year. (4) Member Development Task and Finish Group – To confirm the appointments to the Member Development Task and Finish Group for the 2015/16 Municipal Year. Presented By: All Minutes: (1) Community Cohesion Task and Finish Group The
Cabinet RESOLVED that the following
appointments be made to the Community Cohesion Task and Finish Group for the
2015/16Municipal Year, on the basis of eight Members including the Leader of the
Council and seven Members (4 Conservative: 2 Labour: 1 UKIP):- Leader
of the Council - Cr.
P.J. Moyle Conservative
Group - Crs.
M.S. Choudhary, R. Hughes, J.H. Marsh and K.H. Muschamp Labour
Group - Crs. A.H. Crawford and B. Jones UKIP
Group - Cr.
D.M.T. Bell (2) Future Contracts Member Working Group The
Cabinet RESOLVED that the following
appointments be made to the Future Contracts Member Working Group for the
2015/16Municipal Year, on the basis of six Members including the Cabinet Member
for Environment and Service Delivery, the Chairman of the Environment Policy
and Review Paneland four Members (2 Conservative: 1
Labour: 1 UKIP):- Cabinet
Member for Environment
and Service Delivery- Cr.
R.L.G. Dibbs Chairman
of Environment Policy
and Review Panel- Cr.
D.E. Clifford Conservative
Group - Crs. J.H. Marshand and A. Jackman Labour
Group - Cr.
C.P. Grattan UKIP
Group - Cr.
M. Staplehurst Standing
Deputy: LabourGroup - Cr.
K. Dibble (3) Hackney Carriage Fares Review Task and Finish Group The
Cabinet RESOLVED that the following
appointments be made to the Hackney Carriage Fares Review Task and Finish Group
for the 2015/16Municipal Year, on the basis of five Members including the
Cabinet Member for Business, Safety and Regulation, the Chairman of the
Licensing and General Purposes Committee and three Members (1Conservative: 1
Labour: 1 UKIP):- Cabinet
Member for Business, Safety
and Regulation - Cr.
K.H. Muschamp Chairman
of Licensing and General
Purposes Committee - Cr.
A.M. Ferrier Conservative
Group - Cr. M.J.Tennant Labour
Group - Cr.
L.A. Taylor UKIP
Group - Cr.
M. Staplehurst (4) Member Development WorkingGroup The
Cabinet RESOLVEDthat the following appointments be made to the Member
Development WorkingGroup for the 2015/16Municipal
Year, on the basis of sevenMembers including the
Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, one Cabinet Member, the Chairman of the
Corporate Services Policy and Review Paneland four
Members (1Conservative: 2Labour: 1 UKIP):- Cabinet
Member for Corporate Services- Cr.
P.G. Taylor Cabinet
Member - Cr.
R.L.G. Dibbs Chairman
of Corporate Services Policy
and Review Panel- Cr.
Jacqui Vosper Conservative
Group - Cr. D.S.
Gladstone Labour
Group - Crs. B.Jones and L.A. Taylor UKIP Group - Cr. D.M.T.Bell |
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC To consider resolving: That, subject to the public
interest test, the public be excluded from this
meeting during the discussion of the undermentioned items to avoid the
disclosure of exempt information within the paragraphs of Schedule 12A to the
Local Government Act, 1972 indicated against such items: Minute Schedule Categories Nos. 12A Para. Nos. 14 and 15 3 Information relating to
financial or business affairs Minutes: RESOLVED: That, taking into account the public
interest test, the public be excluded from the meeting during the discussion of
the under mentioned items to avoid the disclosure of exempt information within the
paragraph of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 indicated against
the items:
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THE FOLLOWING ITEM WAS CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC |
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ACQUISITION OF SANG PROVISION PDF 228 KB To consider the Solicitor to the Council’s Exempt Report No. LEG1510 (copy attached), which seeks authority to purchase the freehold interest in land to be used for SANG provision. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery/Corporate Services Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet
considered the Solicitor to the Council’s Exempt Report No. LEG1510, which
sought approval for the purchase of the freehold interest in land at Ball Hill,
Cody Technology Park, Farnborough, to be used for
Suitable Alternative Greenspace (SANG) provision. Members heard how
the acquisition would enable the delivery of around 500 new homes. Natural
England had visited the site and had considered that it was suitable for use as
a SANG. It was confirmed that land suitable for SANG provision within the
Borough was difficult to find, so it was hard to
compare its value. The Council’s professional valuer
had, however, recommended the agreed purchase price and this was, therefore,
considered to be best value. An application for
funding for this scheme had been made to the
Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for an interest-free loan, to
be paid back over five years. The Cabinet
discussed the proposal and agreed that the purchase was necessary to allow
potential residential developments to proceed, which was particularly relevant
to delivering town centre regeneration and enabling future housing provision
across the Borough. The Cabinet RESOLVED that (iii) in the event of the Enterprise M3 LEP funding not being available within the required timescale, the Head of Financial Services be authorised to use Council finance to fund the acquisition and delivery of the scheme, subject to there being evidence that the scheme would be self-funding and deliver a reasonable rate of return on the use of Council capital. |
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ACQUISITION OF SITE FOR COUNCIL DEPOT PDF 724 KB To consider the Solicitor to the Council’s Exempt Report No. LEG1511 (copy attached), which seeks Authority to purchase the leasehold interest in properties to provide a Council depot in connection with the waste collection and street cleansing services. Presented By: Environment and Service Delivery/Corporate Services Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet
considered the Solicitor to the Council’s Exempt Report No. LEG1511, which
sought approval for the purchase of the leasehold interests in Plot Nos. 5 and 6
Farnborough Industrial Estate, Invincible Road, Farnborough, to provide a
Council depot in
connection with the waste collection and street cleansing services. Members heard
how, for a number of years, the Council’s waste collection and street cleansing
service had operated from a depot in Doman Road, Camberley. This depot was owned by Surrey Heath Borough Council and, with no
formal arrangement in place and with Surrey Heath’s use of the depot likely to
intensify, the need to secure a suitable site for a Rushmoor
depot was becoming a priority for the Council. It was
reported that both of these plots were currently unoccupied and that it
would be necessary to procure both plots to provide a site of sufficient size.
Both purchase prices were recommended by the Council’s professional valuer and were, therefore, considered to
be best value. The Cabinet RESOLVED that |