Agenda and minutes

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non-pecuniary interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

In accordance with Procedure Rules Nos.11 and 35 a period of 10 minutes is allocated for members of the public to address the meeting on any matter relevant to the work of the body in question.  Individual members of the public may speak for up to 5 minutes but the Chairman or person presiding will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers. Members of the public are not required to give notice to use this facility. However, as a matter of courtesy, a period of 24 hours’ notice is encouraged.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

David Reeves, Managing Director of D&G Bus Ltd., spoke in relation to the Supported Local Bus Service Review and specifically the decision by the Council not to re-tender unaffected services which he felt was unacceptable on the basis that some operators would benefit from the decision not to re-tender unaffected services. He felt that all services included in the Supported Bus Service Review should be put out to competitive tenders. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication, as the Cabinet member now responsible for the review, replied that it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage as it was not possible to say which services would need to be retendered until the matter had been considered by Cabinet later in the meeting.

Carol Jones was concerned at the proposed withdrawal of the weekday evening bus service 6E from Brookhouse to Leighton Hospital. She said that this service was crucial to people’s health and wellbeing and that there were cost-effective alternatives which would allow the service to continue. She also criticised the way in which the public consultation had been carried out.

Andrew Needham of CPRE Cheshire commented that the figures quoted in the Government’s consultation document on the options for the Crewe HS2 Hub  and the Council’s response were not BCR (benefits to costs ratio) but rather net transport benefits. In order to work out BCR it was necessary to know the capital cost. In this respect he commented that Scenario 3 as outlined in the document would require a new Junction at Wimboldsley/Stanthorne/Minshul Vernon, the capital cost of which was not known but could be as much as £1bn. Accordingly he believed it was quite possible that Scenario 1 and Scenario 2 would have a better benefits to cost ratio. Mr Needham also referred to a recent public meeting at which Esther McVey MP appeared to question the need for HS2. The Chairman undertook to provide a written reply.

Jonathan Parry of Middlewich Town Council had submitted a question which had been received after the deadline for questions. In view of the weight of business before Cabinet and the lateness of the question, the Chairman was not minded to accept the question. However, as the question had been asked and answered on a number of previous occasions, the Chairman undertook to provide Councillor Parry with a written response.

Sinead Wheeler referred to the bus consultation report considered by the Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 23^rd October 2017. The report had been circulated to follow and members had only one working day’s time in which to read the 264 page document which would have a serious impact on the lives of thousands of residents. She commented that the report contained numerous anomalies and contradictions and that the proposals would result in many people losing their bus links to employment, health and social support. She called on Cabinet to defer a decision on the bus consultation report as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70.

A period of 20 minutes is allocated for questions to be put to Cabinet Members by members of the Council. Notice of questions need not be given in advance of the meeting. Questions must relate to the powers, duties or responsibilities of the Cabinet. Questions put to Cabinet Members must relate to their portfolio responsibilities.

The Leader will determine how Cabinet question time should be allocated where there are a number of Members wishing to ask questions. Where a question relates to a matter which appears on the agenda, the Leader may allow the question to be asked at the beginning of consideration of that item.

Councillor J Bratherton questioned the usefulness of the Cheshire East Homelessness Strategy which she said contained no practical solutions. She asked when it would be submitted to the overview and scrutiny committee for detailed consideration. She also asked about the role and function of the Homelessness team and what support was being offered to those in greatest need. Finally, she expressed disgust at a notice produced by ANSA in co-operation with the Homelessness Team and left under the old library building in Crewe which indicated that any belongings left there would be removed and destroyed. The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration responded that the Housing Team as a whole were immensely caring people and provided a range of services to support the homeless. He added that ANSA had given an apology for the notice posted under the old library building, the wording of which had been ill-judged. He would be more than happy to discuss the Council’s Homelessness Strategy and the work of the Homelessness Team further with Councillor Bratherton outside the meeting.

Councillor B Walmsley referred to proposed changes to the No 37 bus service (Crewe – Sandbach – Middlewich – Winsford) and urged the Council not to leave Middlewich cut off. Residents of the town had to travel elsewhere to access post 16 education and leisure and entertainment facilities and the bus service was therefore vitally important.

Councillor M Warren referred to a proposal in the Macclesfield Movement Strategy approved by Cabinet in October 2014 to establish a local member forum to review the delivery of the Strategy. He asked if local members could be given an opportunity to review progress with the Strategy before any further works were undertaken and if the local member forum could now be appointed. The Portfolio Holder for Environment indicated that he was happy to discuss the matter with local members and he undertook to provide a written response.

Councillor S Corcoran welcomed the independent review of the Council’s culture and asked if the Deputy Leader could give some reassurance to staff on how they could participate in the review without fear of repercussions and without their identity being revealed. He also asked if the Deputy Leader would agree that any member who revealed information about a vulnerable member of staff should not hold a position of authority in the Council. He added that the review should be conducted on a cross-party basis. The Deputy Leader responded that the review would be an independent review and that there would be various ways in which members of staff could make their views known whilst protecting their anonymity and privacy.

Councillor S Hogben commented that during consideration of the budget at the Council meeting in February 2017, an amendment had been moved that during 2017/18 the Council consult on a compulsory residential landlord licensing scheme for all privately-let residential accommodation in Cheshire East, including all houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), the administration of the scheme to be cost-neutral, with its set-up  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2017.

RESOLVED

That the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider a report on the outcomes of the bus service review and an approach to implement a new network of supported local bus services for Cheshire East. 

Cabinet considered a report on the outcome of the bus service review and an approach to implement a new network of supported local bus services for Cheshire East. 

A comprehensive public consultation had been completed, based upon on a consulted network of supported bus routes. The Consultation Summary Report was attached as Appendix 3 to the report. It was recommended that a set of modifications be made to the routes as consulted on in order to better reflect the needs of residents as identified during the public consultation. A summary of the resulting network and the changes from the consulted network was attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

The recommended approach could require some relaxation of the funding targets stated in the Medium Term Financial Strategy. The approach would realise savings in excess of £1m in 2018/19 whilst responding positively to issues raised in the consultation. 

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication reported the recommendations of the Environment and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meetings on 23^rd October and 2^nd November 2017 as appended to these minutes.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    approves the proposals for the new network of supported local bus services as set out in the report, as a basis for commencement of a suitable procurement process;

2.    authorises the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication, to finalise costed proposals for the network proposals, to commence from April 2018 subject to satisfactory tender returns from operators;

3.    subject to the outcome of the procurement process, agrees that the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Communication, identify any additional enhancements to the proposals for supported local bus services, informed by the evidence base from this review and public consultation and taking into account the Medium Term Financial Strategy; and

4.    notes that any material changes to the proposals arising as a result of the procurement process will be reported to Cabinet at the appropriate time, for instance, should any route attract no bids or there are significant changes to the commercial bus network.

To consider a report which seeks authority to launch a consultation on the draft HS2 Masterplan Vision for Crewe.

Cabinet considered a report which sought authority to launch a consultation on the draft HS2 Masterplan Vision for Crewe.

The draft Masterplan vision provided a strategic framework for the town, showing how development and infrastructure interventions could be delivered over time to capture the local growth and transformative benefits of HS2 and the Crewe hub station, thus acting as a catalyst for growth and regeneration for Crewe. The outputs of the draft Masterplan Vision would also inform the Constellation Partnership Growth Strategy.

The report also sought the approval and authorisation of Cabinet to the proposed consultation and stakeholder engagement plans as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    authorises the Executive Director of Place to commence a full public consultation on the draft  Masterplan Vision for Crewe;

2.    authorises the Executive Director of Place to enter into engagement with key stakeholders groups regarding the draft  Masterplan Vision;

3.    approves the use of the draft Masterplan Vision to inform the Crewe Hub Station Campus Integrated Study including the hub station design;

4.    notes the potential future consideration of any necessary changes to planning policy that may be required to support the implementation of the Masterplan Vision; and

5.    notes that a final Masterplan for Crewe will be presented to Cabinet following any responses from the public consultation being received.

To consider a report presenting the Strategic Events Framework for consideration as an important pillar in delivering the Council’s strategic priority of ‘Quality of Place’.

Cabinet considered a report presenting the Strategic Events Framework for consideration as an important pillar in delivering the Council’s strategic priority of ‘Quality of Place’.

The Framework at Appendix 1 to the report set out the Council’s priorities with regard to strategic events – events which had the potential to generate visitors, economic value, inward investment and place marketing benefits, as well as helping to achieve council outcomes and to support or celebrate local communities. The Framework would also help to guide the strategic approach of the Council’s partners and stakeholders, national agencies, the voluntary sector, commissioners of public services and event organisations.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    endorses the Strategic Events Framework for delivery from April 2018; and

2.    delegates decisions made within the Framework to the Head of Rural and Cultural Economy in consultation with the Portfolio holder responsible for Culture and Visitor Economy at the time, in line with financial regulations.

To consider a report which sets out a work plan on how Cheshire East Council can apply the principles of Participatory Budgeting in the mainstream commissioning cycle to allow communities to be better informed and part of the decision-making process.

Cabinet considered a report setting out a work plan on how Cheshire East Council could apply the principles of Participatory Budgeting in the mainstream commissioning cycle to allow communities to be better informed and part of the decision-making process.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    notes how the principles of Participatory Budgeting can be used to inform mainstream commissioning and to ask Cabinet;

2.    endorses the existing Open Data and Transparency agenda, including formally launching the website and committing existing resources (staff) to achieve this, as well as launching a collaboration with residents to help prioritise the publication of Open Data items, similar to the award winning Back Hacked;

3.    acknowledges the range of community partnerships and networks that have been established across the Borough in towns and areas of deprivation;

4.    recognises the importance of Community Development work to support and establish resident-led initiatives, and recognising that this work is supported and needs intelligence to provide evidence-led decisions; and

5.    notes that the Council will need new community-led approaches to develop community-based solutions that will support the Council to overcome challenges (such as the increasing demand on services such as Adult Social Care), which will result in enhanced community empowerment.

To consider a proposal to develop an all age (Young Carers and Adult Carers) Integrated Carers Hub for Cheshire East.

Cabinet considered a proposal to develop an all age (Young Carers and Adult Carers) Integrated Carers Hub for Cheshire East.

The development of an Integrated Carer’s Hub  model was an integral part of the Carers Strategy and Delivery Plan and contributed to a ‘Whole System Redesign’ for Carers outcomes, services and pathways. The service would provide a single point of contact for Carers, professionals and the community across the whole of Cheshire East offering both access to a range of intervention and support services, and a route through to other appropriate support services.

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    approves the development  of a Cheshire East Integrated Carers Hub to provide a single point of contact for carers of all ages through the coordination and delivery of a wide range of services;

2.    delegates authority to the Excecutive Director of People:

(a)  to award a contract  for an initial period of 2 years (with options to extend for a maximum of 2 years) following  a compliant OJEU  procurement process; and

(b)  in consultation with the Acting Director of Legal Services, to enter into a contract with the successful bidder; and

3.    notes and approves the use of funding available through the Better Care Fund to commission the Cheshire East Integrated Carers Hub.

To consider a report on the establishment of a framework agreement through which to commission construction-related consultancy services.

Cabinet considered a report on the establishment of a framework agreement through which to commission construction-related consultancy services.

Current arrangements for the delivery of construction and development projects included the commissioning of external construction-related consultancy services, such as those provided by architects, engineers and surveyors, via the Council’s own Framework. This Framework was due to expire on 31st October 2018 and could not be extended within EU Procurement Rules.An analysis of options had been undertaken with the conclusion that a replacement Framework would be the preferred option

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    approves the establishment of a Framework Agreement through which to commission construction-related consultancy services;

2.    delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, to award contracts to providers meeting the requirements of the Framework; and

3.    delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, to abort the procurement, should the need for the Framework no longer be required.

To consider a report recommending the adoption of a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

Cabinet considered a report recommending the adoption of a Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.

The Strategy formalised and developed the Council’s partnerships in respect of flood risk, setting out the links between Cheshire East Council and the other risk management authorities with responsibilities for dealing with flooding. As required by the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, the Council had consulted other risk management authorities and the public that may be affected by the Strategy and the document had been updated to reflect the results of that consultation.

RESOLVED

That the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy 2017 be approved and adopted in accordance with Section 9 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.

To consider a report on the Mid-Year Review of Performance for 2017/18.

Cabinet considered a report on the Mid-Year Review of Performance for 2017/18.

The report outlined the budgetary pressures facing the Council and the mitigation measures used to address forecast overspends. The report also highlighted examples of good performance in Quarter 2.

Annex 1 to the report set out details of how the Council was performing in 2017/18 and was structured into three sections:

Section 1 Summary of Council Performance

Section 2 Financial Stability.

Section 3 Workforce Development

RESOLVED

That Cabinet

1.    notes the mid-year review of 2017/18 performance in relation to the following issues:

• The summary of performance against the Council’s six Strategic Outcomes  (Section 1 of the report); 

• The projected service revenue and capital outturn positions, overall financial stability of the Council, and the impact on the Council’s reserves position (Section 2);

§  The delivery of the overall capital programme (Section 2, paragraphs 179 to 187, Appendix 4 and Appendix 5);

§  Fully funded supplementary capital estimates and virements up to £250,000 approved in accordance with Finance Procedure Rules (Appendix 6);

§  Changes to Capital Budgets made in accordance with the Finance Procedure Rules (Appendix 9);

§  Treasury management investments and performance (Appendix 10);

§  Management of invoiced debt (Appendix 12);

§  Use of earmarked reserves (Appendix 13);

§  Update on workforce development and staffing (Section 3);

§  The intention of the S.151 Officer to identify further financial mitigation, in relation to the Council’s 2017/18 revenue budget, through a review of the calculation of the Minimum Revenue Provision, (Appendix 15) and the funding of other revenue costs through capitalisation or the appropriate use of available reserves;

§  The intention to implement a flexible use of capital receipt strategy to be approved by full council (Appendix 14).

2.    approves supplementary revenue estimates to be funded by additional specific grant (Appendix 11);

3.    recommends that Council approve:

(a)  Fully funded supplementary capital estimates and virements above £1,000,000 in accordance with Financial Procedure Rules as detailed in Appendix 8. 

(b)  The Supplementary Capital Estimate of £12.6m for Poynton Relief Road as detailed in Appendix 8 and paragraphs 183-185.

§  To approve the forward funding of developer contributions to the scheme and to approve the underwriting, in principle, of any necessary gap funding required to deliver the proposed relief road.

§  That the scheme budget profile be adjusted accordingly in the capital programme.

(c)  The use of the flexibility to apply capital receipts to fund transformation projects as detailed in Appendix 14.

4.    recommends that Council note the financial implications of the change in the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy to the use of the annuity method as detailed in Appendix 15.