Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Friday, 23 June 2017 11.00 am

Venue: Sparkenhoe Committee Room, County Hall, Glenfield

Contact: Mrs. J. Twomey (Tel. 0116 305 6462)  Email: joanne.twomey@leics.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

Webcast. pdf icon PDF 456 KB

A webcast of the meeting can be viewed at [insert link].

1.

Minutes of the previous meeting. pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 March 2017 were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

 

2.

Urgent items.

Minutes:

There were no urgent items for consideration.

 

3.

Declarations of interest.

Minutes:

The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to declare any interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting.

 

Mr. Rushton CC, Mr. Blunt CC, Mr. Rhodes CC and Mr. Shepherd CC declared a personal interest in agenda item 6 (District Council Collection of Council Tax) as members of district councils.

 

4.

2016/17 Provisional Revenue and Capital Outturn. pdf icon PDF 378 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources concerning the provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2016/17 and sought the Cabinet’s approval for additional commitments and carry forwards.  A copy of the report, marked ‘4’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rhodes CC said that the County Council had made significant progress in achieving required savings during the past year, some of which had been delivered early, and that investment in capital projects had continued, although such funding would likely reduce in future years as financial pressures increased. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the 2016/17 provisional revenue and capital outturn be noted;

(b)       That the additional commitments set out in paragraph 54 of the report and the carry forward requests detailed in Appendix B, be approved;

(c)       That the revisions to the 2017/18 budget, as set out in paragraph 55, be approved;

(d)       That the prudential indicators for 2016/17, as shown in Appendix F, be noted.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASON FOR DECISION:

 

To inform the Cabinet of the provisional revenue and capital outturn for 2016/17, to set aside funding for additional commitments, to approve carry forwards into later years and to make revisions to the 2017/18 revenue budget.

 

5.

Annual Treasury Management Report 2016/17. pdf icon PDF 351 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the action taken and the performance achieved in respect of the treasury management activities of the Council in 2016/17.  A copy of the report, marked ‘5’, is filed with these minutes. 

 

Mr. Rhodes CC said that despite low interest rates the Council’s investments had performed well.  However, such rates had had a detrimental effect on the level of external debt held by the Authority, which had increased and was likely to continue to do so.  He said this was disappointing, although unavoidable in the short term, and the position would be monitored with a view to repaying this debt when it became due.

 

Mr. Rushton CC thanked officers for their hard work in ensuring that the Council’s loan portfolio outperformed expectations during a period of low interest rates, which was difficult.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the report be noted.

 

REASON FOR DECISION:

 

The Authority’s full adoption of the CIPFA Code of Practice for treasury management requires an annual performance report for 2016/17 to be considered by both the Cabinet and the Corporate Governance Committee before the end of September 2017.

 

6.

District Council Collection of Council Tax. pdf icon PDF 339 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the council tax collection performance of Leicestershire District Councils compared to other county areas and proposals to conduct a review of their collection and forecasting processes with the aim of improving these from 2018 onwards for the benefit of all authorities.  A copy of the report, marked ‘6’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rushton CC asked members to note that a letter had been received from the Leader of Blaby District Council regarding the report.

 

Members noted that District Council Treasurers had so far rejected the need for the proposed review and considered that this was not necessary on the basis that collection performance was already good. 

 

Mr. Rhodes CC said that the comparisons made with other county areas suggested this was not the case and that there was room for improvement.  He hoped that the authorities could work together and said that they should all aspire to be amongst the best, particularly given the extra potential income this could generate.   

 

Mr. Rushton CC sought and the Director confirmed that the County Council had offered to pay for the review, and that the review could be extended to consider the potential cost benefits of appointing a single collection authority which might also ensure a more consistent approach.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That it be noted that the County Council’s most significant income stream is council tax and, in the light of increased financial pressures, the need for the County Council to maximise this income to support the future provision of services in the area and reduce the need for savings;

 

(b)       That it be noted that District Councils’ collection of council tax is below the national average for county areas and that their forecasting has also been poor;

 

(c)        That a review of District Councils’ council tax collection and forecasting processes is necessary as soon as possible, and that this matter be brought to the attention of District Council Leaders requesting the full co-operation of their Councils in the review.

 

REASON FOR DECISION:

 

To enable the County Council to maximise the income it receives in council tax and, in the process, minimise the number of Leicestershire residents who avoid paying their fair share of council tax.

 

7.

Highway Asset Management Policy and Highway Asset Management Strategy Review. pdf icon PDF 369 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport which set out the results of the consultation undertaken on the draft Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, the final versions of which were attached to the report for approval.  A copy of the report, marked ‘7’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Members noted the comments received from Mr. G. A. Boulter CC on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group, a copy of which is filed with these minutes.

 

The Director reported that the Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee had considered the proposed Policy and Strategy in December 2016 during the consultation period and not at its meeting on 22 June as stated in the report.  He confirmed that the Committee’s comments had been taken on board when finalising the documents now presented for approval.

 

Mr. Rushton CC said that both documents clearly set out what would now be the Council’s approach to highway asset management, taking account of ongoing financial pressures and the reduced resources that would be available in the future.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the outcome of the consultation be noted;

 

(b)       That the Highway Asset Management Policy (Appendix A) and the Highway Asset Management Strategy (Appendix B) be approved;

 

(c)        That the Director of Environment and Transport, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member, be authorised to make minor amendments to the Highway Asset Management Policy and Highway Asset Management Strategy as he considers to be necessary to ensure that they remain current and conform to legislation;  

 

(d)       That it be noted that a Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan will be developed to support the principles of the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, replacing the existing Transport Asset Management Plan, and that this will be submitted to the Cabinet in Autumn 2017.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To approve the Highway Asset Management Policy and Strategy, which are key requirements to enable the County Council to maximise its funding allocation from the Government.

 

To support the delivery of a service that is aligned to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and to ensure that the Council as Highway Authority continues to meet its statutory duties under the Highways Act 1980.

 

The Highway Asset Management Policy and the Highway Asset Management Strategy may need to be modified slightly should circumstances change, for example, to respond to legislation or new opportunities.  Significant changes would submitted to the Cabinet for approval.  

 

8.

Future of Highway Forums. pdf icon PDF 306 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Environment and Transport regarding proposals to disband Highway Forums and the introduction of a new approach for managing petitions.  A copy of the report, marked ‘8’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rushton CC said that the operation of Highway Forums had been superseded by technology and agreed that there were now more efficient methods of sharing information with local members and the public on highway matters.  Mr. Rhodes CC confirmed that the proposed way forward was both pragmatic and sensible given the resources currently expended on running evening forum meetings.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That Highway Forums be disbanded;

 

(b)       That the proposed approach for managing petitions be approved for further consideration by the Constitution Committee.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The role of Highway Forums has changed since their inception.  In the context of continued budget reductions and opportunities arising from digital technologies, Highway Forums are no longer sustainable.  It is also intended to give greater recognition to the role of the local division member in dealing with highway concerns and complaints.  For example, by setting up a dedicated email contact for members directly to the Customer Service Centre and for those contacts to be prioritised.

 

9.

County Council Strategic Plan and Single Outcomes Framework. pdf icon PDF 438 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding proposals to undertaken a consultation on the five priority outcomes to be included in the Council’s revised Strategic Plan which would form part of a Single Outcomes Framework and would ensure a more joined-up approach to service delivery was adopted across the Council.  A copy of the report, marked ‘9’, is filed with these minutes.

 

The Director confirmed that the Scrutiny Commission would consider the proposed priority outcomes identified at its meeting on 19th July.

 

Mr. Rushton CC supported the outcomes identified and agreed that the proposed approach would help ensure that services and resources were more targeted and responsive to the needs of the community.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the five priority outcomes for inclusion in the County Council’s Strategic Plan and Single Outcomes Framework be approved;

 

(b)       That the proposals for stakeholder engagement and the timeline for finalising the Strategic Plan be approved.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To enable engagement with key partners and stakeholders on the Single Outcomes Framework, comprising five high-level priority outcomes, to be included in the Strategic Plan.  The establishment of a Single Outcomes Framework will set clear priorities for the Council in a form which will facilitate effective outcome-based commissioning aligned to the Medium Term Financial Strategy.  This approach will put outcomes for people first, support integration across the Council’s services and make better use of the total resources available to the Council.  

 

10.

Better Care Fund Plan 2017/18 - 2018/19. pdf icon PDF 619 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Director of Health and Care Integration and the Director of Adults and Communities concerning the preparation and submission of Leicestershire’s Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2017/18 – 2018/19 and the inclusion of additional resources allocated for adult social care as announced by the Government in March 2017.  A copy of the report, marked ‘10’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. White CC said that good progress had been made in Leicestershire and integration with partners was improving, as they worked together towards the same objectives.  He said the key area of challenge would be delayed transfers of care, an ongoing issue across the county, and that investment had been specifically targeted to address this in Leicestershire through the BCF. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the preparations and governance arrangements for the submission of Leicestershire’s Better Care Fund (BCF) Plan for 2017/18-2018/19 to NHS England be noted;

 

(b)       That with regard to the additional adult social care grant allocation of £19.7m announced by the Government in the Spring Budget:

 

(i)         it be noted that this funding is allocated to the County Council for the purposes indicated in the grant conditions, but will be incorporated into the BCF Plan as required by the BCF Policy Framework;

 

(ii)        the agreement reached with NHS partners on the spending of the grant be welcomed; and

 

(iii)       the impact of additional grant on the BCF pooled budget from April 2017 be noted;

 

(c)        That it be noted that the draft BCF Expenditure Plan attached as Appendix A to the report will be submitted to the Health and Wellbeing Board on 22 June 2017 for approval;

 

(d)       That the timescale for updating the rolling BCF Section 75 Agreement and associated governance arrangements be noted;

 

(e)       That the County Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy 2017/18-2020/21 be updated to reflect the additional adult social care grant allocation.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The National BCF assurance process requires all local areas to refresh BCF plans in partnership and in line with the BCF Policy Framework and Technical Guidance.

 

BCF Plans require approval from the local Health and Wellbeing Board prior to submission to NHS England.

 

Due to the timing of the Chancellor’s March budget statement, the additional £19.7m funding announced and allocated to the County Council for adult social care purposes could not be incorporated  within the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2017/18 – 2020/21.

 

11.

Leicestershire Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy for Older People 2016 to 2026 - Update on Extra Care Developments in Leicestershire. pdf icon PDF 237 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Director of Adults and Communities and the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the implementation of the Leicestershire Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy for Older People 2016-2026, the proposed approach for the procurement of county wide extra care support services, and proposals to dispose of the Catherine Dalley House and Silverdale Hostel site and the inclusion of the capital receipts from this sale within the Council’s capital programme.  A copy of the report, marked ‘11’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Blunt CC said that the overarching aim was to prevent and delay residents needing to access residential care, ensuring that they were able to maintain their independence for as long as possible, and the provision of extra care support services was one of the ways of achieving this.  Resources needed to be allocated appropriately to support this, acknowledging the market for private extra care schemes at the current time. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That progress with the implementation of the Leicestershire Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy for Older People 2016-2026 be noted;

 

(b)       That the development of the Waterside Court extra care facility in Loughborough and the proposed procurement of care contracts for Waterside Court up to November 2018 be noted;

 

(c)        That the proposed approach to procuring countywide extra care services from November 2018 as set out in paragraphs 33 and 34 of the report be noted;

 

(d)       That the outcome of the market testing exercise undertaken for the Catherine Dalley House and Silverdale Hostel site be noted;

 

(e)       That the sale of the Catherine Dalley House and Silverdale Hostel site be approved and the proceeds from the sale be added to the general capital receipts for use in the Council’s capital programme;

 

(f)        That a further report be presented to the Cabinet within the next 12 months outlining the requirements for extra care provision in Leicestershire and detailing plans for its prioritisation within the Council’s future capital programme.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The Leicestershire Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy for Older People 2016-2026 (the Accommodation Strategy) and associated delivery plan provides the Council with agreed priorities in relation to accommodation for older people over the next 10 years.  Although adult social care does not directly provide accommodation, the Strategy has been developed to fulfil statutory duties relating to the Care Act, meet efficiency targets and provide a basis for planning, partnership working and commissioning, in accordance with the overarching Adult Social Care Strategy to prevent, reduce, delay and meet a person’s need for services.

 

The Catherine Dalley House and Silverdale Hostel site has been held vacant pending the finalisation of both the Accommodation Strategy and the outcome of a market testing exercise on how to make best use of the site as a potential extra care development.

 

The results of market testing indicated that extra care providers would not favour a mixed tenure scheme and providers indicated they would not wish to enter into a scheme until the Government had made a definite decision regarding the introduction of Local Housing Allowance rent cap and the revenue funding of schemes.

 

Given the results of the market testing, it is recommended that the whole site be disposed of as soon as possible on the basis of inviting offers for either extra care or residential use (subject to planning).

The Cabinet has previously agreed that the proceeds of the sale of elderly persons homes, including Catherine Dalley House, be earmarked for the development of extra care, but at present there are no formal plans to develop an extra care facility.  Given the uncertainty about the future  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Superfast Leicestershire Programme Extension. pdf icon PDF 334 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive which set out proposals to implement a new Phase 3 of the Superfast Leicestershire Programme aimed at facilitating the delivery of superfast broadband access to the final 3% of properties in the County.  A copy of the report, marked ‘12’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Members noted that a value for money exercise would be undertaken and whilst it was unlikely that all of the remaining 13,000 properties would benefit from the scheme, implementing Phase 3 would enable all options to be considered with partners and other organisations to ensure this was taken as far as possible within the resources available.

 

Mr. Rushton CC gave his full support to the proposals and said that access to superfast broadband was vital for the future of the area and its residents.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the implementation of Phase 3 of the Superfast Leicestershire Programme for broadband extension, with a total value of £5.633m, be approved subject to satisfactory value-for-money assessments before and following the procurement process;

 

(b)       That the County Council underwrites £2.461m of the future contractual gainshare clawback funding and underspend expected to be released to the Authority in 2023 by BT;

 

(c)        That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the County Council and the Director of Law and Governance, be authorised to take all actions and/or decisions necessary to give effect to any matter relating to Phase 3 of the Superfast Leicestershire Programme;

 

(d)       That it be noted that:

 

(i)         the district councils will be offered the opportunity to invest in the Phase 3 extension Programme;

 

(ii)        OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) procurement processes will be used in accordance with the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) 2016/2017 Procurement Pipeline.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The County Council has prioritised the continued expansion of superfast broadband provision in rural areas, including within its Strategic Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

 

The proposal to underwrite £2.461m of the future contractual gainshare clawback will stimulate the market and improve the prospect of bids being received for the rollout of superfast broadband to the final 3% of the County which would otherwise remain with access to only slow broadband speeds.

 

Delegated authority to the Chief Executive will facilitate the timely and effective procurement and delivery of Phase 3 of the Programme.

 

13.

Energy-Efficient Public Sector Estate. pdf icon PDF 227 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources seeking approval for the implementation of the Energy Efficient Public Sector Estate project to support energy efficiency for the Public Sector in the Midlands.  A copy of the report, marked ‘13’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rhodes CC said that the Council had done very well in reducing its own energy costs and carbon emissions, and that the project would enable it to share its experience and expertise in this area with other public sector organisations whilst generating a moderate income for the Authority.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the Energy Efficient Public Sector Estate project be approved for delivery;

(b)       That the Director of Corporate Resources be authorised to release funding to facilitate the Project.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To enable delivery of the Energy Efficient Public Sector Estate project.

 

14.

Charter for Sustainable British Steel. pdf icon PDF 294 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive concerning the Charter for Sustainable British Steel and which sought approval to register the Council’s support to the Charter and include its requirements in the Council’s procurement of future construction and highway contracts where appropriate.  A copy of the report, marked ‘14’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rushton CC said that he was happy to receive the representations made by the Leader for North Lincolnshire Council and to support the Charter.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the Council’s implementation of the recommendations of the Procurement Policy Note 11/16 – Procuring Steel in Major Projects, whereby the Council includes questions on the use of steel (where appropriate) at the selection stage of a procurement process, be noted;

 

(b)       That the Cabinet supports  the objectives of the Charter for Sustainable British Steel;

 

(c)        That the Council includes the requirements of the Charter in its procurement of future construction and highways contracts (where appropriate) and in compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The Council had been approached by North Lincolnshire Council to pledge its support to the Charter.  The Charter has been developed by the UK Steel Trade Association, EEF Limited, to support the responsible sourcing of steel reinforcement  in accordance with the Framework Standard for Responsible Sourcing (BES 6001), which is recognised by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and which aims to ensure steel and other construction materials are sustainably sourced.

 

15.

Enforcement Programme for Underage Sales of Tobacco Products and Aerosol Paint Products 2017/18. pdf icon PDF 233 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet  considered a report by the Chief Executive seeking approval of the proposed enforcement programmes for underage sales of tobacco products and aerosol paint products for 2017/18.  A copy of the report, marked ‘15’, is filed with these notes.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the 2017/18 Enforcement Programmes for Underage Sales of Tobacco Products  and Aerosol Paint Products set out in Appendices A and B of the report respectively be approved.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To enable the County Council to meet its statutory obligation under Section 5(1) of the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 (as amended) and Section 54A of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

 

16.

Re-procurement of Integrated Sexual Health Services. pdf icon PDF 332 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health seeking approval to consult on a new proposed model for integrated sexual health services to be commissioned across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.  A copy of the report, marked ‘16’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. White CC said that this was an important service and it was vital that this continued to be easily accessible.  He considered that remodelling the service was sensible and he was confident that the Council with its partners could provide a better service at a reduced cost.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the draft model for the delivery of integrated sexual health services, based on the priorities of the Leicestershire Sexual Health Strategy 2016/19, be agreed for consultation;

 

(b)       That a further report be submitted to the Cabinet in November 2017 regarding the outcome of the consultation exercise and presenting the final service model for approval.

 

(KEY DECISION)

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

Upper tier local authorities have a statutory responsibility to provide a comprehensive open access sexual health service.

 

The current integrated sexual health service contract commissioned by Leicestershire County Council, Rutland Council and Leicester City Council ends on 31 December 2018.

 

Following a review of the current service model, a revised delivery model is proposed across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, which will provide a more targeted approach, meeting the needs of each area under one integrated service.  This will make greater use of online services and other schemes, such as self-sampling test kits for sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and improve access to free condoms and sexual health advice and information.   The model will continue to provide a combined  integrated service with appropriate variation to meet the needs of each local authority population.

 

17.

Exception to the Contract Procedure Rules for a Contract for the Provision of 16 - 19 Careers Information Advice and Guidance with Prospects - Urgent Action taken by the Chief Executive. pdf icon PDF 329 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children and Family Services which set out urgent action taken by the Chief Executive to approve an exception to the County Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to enable the award of a new short-term contract to Prospects for careers information, advice and guidance services for 16 to 19 year olds.  A copy of the report, marked ‘17’, is filed with these minutes.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Cabinet notes the urgent action taken by the Chief Executive to approve an exception to the County Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to enable the Director of Children and Family Services to negotiate and award a new short-term contract to Prospects for the provision of careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) for 16 to 19 year olds from 1 October 2017 to 31 July 2018.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

The budget for IAG services will reduce from October 2017 and a new service specification needs to be developed for procurement in 2018.  The award of a new short-term contract to Prospects (which has successfully delivered IAG services since October 2012) will allow time to do this.  As the budget reduction will affect Prospects swift negotiations were necessary to enable a new short-term contract to be awarded in time.  

 

The County Council’s Contract Procedure Rules (Rule 6 (b) (ii)), in cases of urgency, provide that the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader or Deputy Leader, can direct that an exception be made subject to this being reported to the next meeting of the Cabinet.  Urgent action was therefore taken by the Chief Executive in March 2017 to enable the negotiations to take place.

 

18.

Place Marketing Organisation - Governance Proposals. pdf icon PDF 560 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive regarding the proposed governance arrangements, Members’ Agreement and Articles of Association for the new Place Marketing Organisation and the proposed appointments to the Company’s Board of Directors.  A copy of the report, marked ‘18’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rushton CC welcomed the progress being made on this project and the joint work being undertaken by the County and City Councils.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That with regard to the new place marketing organisation (PMO) “Marketing Leicester and Leicestershire Limited”, the governance arrangements outlined in paragraphs 20 to 27 of the report, the Members’ Agreement (Appendix A), and the Articles of Association (Appendix B) be approved;

 

(b)       That the proposed appointments to the PMO’s Board of Directors as set out in paragraphs 22 and 23 of the report, be approved;

 

(c)        That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to approve the final version of Schedule 2 and the Appendix of the Members’ Agreement, which will be finalised following further discussions with Leicester City Council and prior to the formation of the PMO.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

Prior to the establishment of the PMO company as agreed by the Cabinet in November 2016, the governance arrangements and supporting company documents (i.e. the Members’ Agreement and the Articles of Association) must be agreed by both the County and City Councils.

 

19.

Future Strategy for the Delivery of Library Services - Transfer of Braunstone Town Library to Community Management. pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults and Communities concerning minor changes to arrangements for the transfer of Braunstone Town Library to community management.  A copy of the report, marked ‘19’, is filed with these minutes.

 

Members noted the comments received from the local member, Mrs A. Hack CC, a copy of which is filed with these minutes.

 

Mr. Rhodes CC said that he had sympathy for the comments made by Mrs Hack, but that each library transfer had been complex with a number of difficulties that needed to be overcome and Braunstone Town library had been no exception.  The programme overall had, however, been very successful and he thanked officers for their hard work.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the minor changes from the original business plan submitted by Fabula Social Enterprise in 2016 be noted;

 

(b)       That the transfer of the Braunstone Town Library to Braunstone Town Community Library, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, be approved.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To enable the transfer of the library to the ‘Braunstone Town Community Library’ charity which has been established by Fabula Social Enterprise (Fabula).

 

In April 2016, the Cabinet accepted the proposal from Fabula Social Enterprise to establish a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to manage the library.  Since then, following advice from the Charity Commission, together with the ongoing progress towards transfer, a number of minor changes have been made to the business plan, mainly that a different name for the CIO - ‘Braunstone Town Community Library’ be adopted.  As this differs slightly from the original proposal agreed, the Cabinet is being asked to confirm the transfer.

 

20.

Thringstone Trusts - Transfer of Trusteeship to a Successor Charitable Incorporated Organisation. pdf icon PDF 411 KB

Minutes:

The Cabinet, sitting as Trustee of the Thringstone Trust and the Thringstone Women’s Trust, considered a report of Chief Executive seeking approval to the adoption of new charitable objects for the Thringstone Women’s Trust (the Women’s Trust), the merger of the Women’s Trust with the Thringstone Trust and the subsequent transfer of the trusteeship of the merged trust and all its assets and liabilities to the Charles Booth Centre Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(a)       That the new objects for the Thringstone Women’s Trust as set out in paragraph 23 of the report be approved;

 

(b)       That, subject to the Charity Commission’s approval of the new objects for the Thringstone Women’s Trust at a) above, the Thringstone Trust and the Thringstone Women’s Trust be merged;

 

(c)        That following the merger of the two Trusts the assets previously vested in the Women’s Trust be ring-fenced for purposes that meet the new objects agreed in a) above;

 

(d)       That the Trusteeship of the merged trusts be transferred to the Charles Booth Centre Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CBC), subject to:

 

            (i)         the Charity Commission’s approval to a) above;

 

(ii)        the assets previously vested in the Women’s Trust being ring-fenced for the same purposes as set out in the new objects agreed in a) above; and,

           

(iii)       the Chief Executive being satisfied that suitable arrangements are in place for the CBC to fulfil its obligations as a trustee;

 

(e)       That the Chief Executive be authorised to take such decisions and actions as are necessary to implement the merger of the Thringstone Trust and the Thringstone Women’s Trust and the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the merged trusts to the CBC.

 

REASONS FOR DECISION:

 

To best achieve the objects of the Thringstone Trust and the Women’s Trust including the effective and sustainable operation of community services and activities from the Thringstone House Community Centre.

 

21.

Items referred from Overview and Scrutiny.

Minutes:

There were no items referred from Overview and Scrutiny.