Community and Economy Committee Minutes - 6 January 2005

Present

Members stood for a minute's silence in memory of Councillor Banks who had died on Friday 17 December 2004

Cec/72 Order of Agenda Items

Members were advised that there were two additional late items of business that would be taken at the end of the public and private parts of the meeting respectively.

Cec/73 Appointment of Vice-Chairman

Resolved that Councillor T C Ladhams be appointed Vice-Chairman for the remainder of the municipal year.

Cec/74 Minutes

The minutes including:

1. Cec/40 to Cec/64 of the meeting of this Committee held on Thursday 4 November 2004; and
2. Cec/69 to Cec/71 of the special meeting of this Committee held on 18 November 2004

were approved as a correct record of those proceedings subject to the following amendments.

1. Cec/47 the amendment by Councillor N Hughes to read "That the words, 'from amongst those Eden District Councillors with wards in the Penrith Market Towns area' be inserted";
2. That it be noted that Councillor Hughes rejoined the meeting following consideration of the Bampton Cemetary Extension; and
3. Cec/71 Point iv) of the resolution to read "The Council should review and improve its Tourist Information Network, in consultation......."

Cec/75 Declarations of Interest

1. Councillor J M Holliday declared a personal interest in item 8 on the agenda as it discussed housing in Langwathby.
2. Councillor N Hughes declared a personal interest in item 8 on the agenda and a personal and prejudicial interest in items 13 and 20 on the agenda.
3. Councillor A K Morgan declared a personal interest in items 13 and 17 on the agenda.
4. Councillor C Nineham declared a personal and prejudicial interest in item 7 due to his role as a County Councillor.
5. Councillor R V Turner declared a personal interest in the late item on the Alston Mill Race due to his residency in the town.

Cec/76 Revenue Estimates 2005-6

The Committee considered report F8/05 of the Director of Finance which asked members to consider and approve its revenue estimates for inclusion in the 2005-6 revenue estimates which are to be submitted to Resources Committee on 27 January 2005.

Members were advised that:

1. the 2005-6 estimates are based on the 2004-5 estimates, plus inflation, less any known savings
2. growth items are not included in the service committee estimates as they will be considered as a separate list by service committees; and
3. consideration should be given to raising charges in the light of market circumstances.

Resolved that:

1. the revenue estimatesfor 2005-6 - Appendix A - PDF 166Kb , for inclusion in the Authority's overall General Fund estimates, which are subject to consideration by Resources Committee on 27 January 2005 be approved; and
2. the list of uncommittedgrowth items - Appendix B - PDF 78Kb , for further consideration by Resources Committee on 27 January 2005 be approved.

Reasons for decision

1. Council has a legal duty to ensure its expenditure can be met by its income, inclusive of reserves
2. Council's revenue budget is a key element of the overall budget and policy framework

Other options considered

None

Cec/77 Annual Review of Fees and Charges

The Committee considered report F5/05 of the Director of Finance which asked Members to review the levels of fees and charges to be implemented from 1 April 2005 for the Committee. Members were advised that most of the proposed increases are in line with current inflation rates, however, the proposed increases for the hire of playing fields is below the level of inflation to reflect the significant increases imposed last year and there is no proposed increase for vehicle parking charges. Fees for markets remain unchanged due to falling occupancy rates and, in line with the recommendations of the Best Value review, the proposed increases for cemeteries are greater than inflation to bring charges closer to the actual cost of providing the service.

Resolved that the proposed changes asdetailed in the appendix to the report - Appendix C - PDF 48Kb  be approved.

Reason for decision

1. As part of the Council's annual budget exercise

Other options considered

None

Cec/78 Capital Programme 2005-6

The Committee considered report F1/05 of the Director of Finance which requested Members consideration and approval of this Committee's draft capital programme for 2005-6 which will be submitted to Resources Committee on 27 January 2005.

Resolved that

1. the 2005-6 Capital Programme as shown as an appendix to the report - Appendix D -PDF 118Kb  or Appendix D - RTF127Kb, be approved for inclusion in the Authority's overall Capital Programme, which is subject to consideration by Resources Committee; and
2. the new schemes as shown as an appendix to the report (Appendix D), be approved for inclusion in the Authority's overall Capital Programme, which is subject to consideration by Resources Committee

Reasons for decision

1. Failure to properly monitor its Capital Programme could lead to capital funding being over-committed
2. Council has a legal duty to ensure its capital expenditure can be met from its capital resources

Other options considered

None

Councillor C Nineham declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business and withdrew from the meeting during consideration thereof

Cec/79 Appleby Town Centre Enhancement Scheme

The Committee considered report PP87/04 of the Director of Policy and Performance which invited Members to view the proposals of Cumbria County Council for the Appleby Town Centre Enhancement Scheme and make any comments they wish to be conveyed to Cumbria County Councils about the proposals.

Resolved that Eden District Council write to the County Council endorsing the comments made by Appleby Town Council.

Reasons for decision

1. To respond to the Consultation.
2. To support Appleby Town Council who are putting forward the views of their residents

Other options considered

None

Councillor J M Holliday declared a personal interest in the following item of business but remained in the meeting during consideration thereof

Councillor N Hughes declared a personal interest in the following item of business but withdrew from the meeting during consideration thereof

Cec/80 Regional Housing Board Grant

The Committee considered report TS149-04 of the Director of Technical Services which informed Members of the progress of the North West Regional Housing Board Commissioning Projects (Round 2) and summarised the bids specific to the Eden area. Members were advised that Eden Housing Association had submitted a bid for shared equity low cost home ownership on 3 sites in Eden including Langwathby, Lark Lane and York Street, Penrith, and that Impact Housing Association had identified 53 properties up to the value of £150,000 each that are suitable for equity share.

Resolved that the following shortlisted bids for additional housing in Eden by Eden Housing Association and Impact Housing Association be endorsed

1. Eden Housing Association shared equity low cost home ownership at sites in Langwathby, Lark lane Penrith and York Street Penrith.
2. Impact Housing Association Cumbria-wide bid to purchase existing satisfactory housing to be resold to local people on a shared equity basis

Reasons for decision

1. Approval of the Eden Housing Association schemes could bring funding into the district of almost £700,000 and the Impact scheme could bring in an extra £200,000
2. To accord with the Council's objective to provide affordable housing for local people

Other options considered

None

Cec/81 Proposed Play Area Improvements

The Committee considered report TS145-04 of the Director of Technical Services which requested Members to consider the results of the consultation and progress for the Brackenber Play Area Castletown which, it was recommended, be considered for closure following consultation and consideration by this Committee.

Resolved that the equipment at Brackenber be removed at the end of its useable life and that the upgrade of the Castletown site proceed during the 2005/06 year as included in the original programme of improvements

Reasons for decision

1. Rationalisation of the facilities provided as play areas.
2. Brackenber is uneconomic to repair
3. To accord with the Council's objectives:

• To provide leisure sport and cultural activities
• Promote a healthy and safe Eden District
• Provide high quality services.

Other options considered

None

Cec/82 Final Road Works, Hartness Road, Penrith

The Committee considered report TS146-04 of the Director of Technical Services which requested Members approval of the necessary expenditure to complete the final road works required for Hartness Road, Gilwilly Industrial Estate, Penrith, to enable the highway to be adopted by the highway authority

Resolved that:

1. the estimate of £50,000 for the works required to be supported from the uncommitted element of the Eden Business Park capital programme be approved;
2. the Director of Technical Services be authorised to seek the adoption of Hartness Road by the Highway Authority; and
3. the Director of Technical Services proceeds to tender stage for the works required to bring Hartness Road to an adoptable standard.

Reasons for decision

1. The Council is obliged to complete the outstanding road works to Hartness Road as a condition of the sale of the employment land that it services.
2. Road service is deteriorating and requires maintenance works to prevent further deterioration.
3. The benefit of Hartness Road as an adopted highway will not accrue to the Council or the businesses served by the road until the road is brought to an acceptable standard acceptable to the adopting authorities.
4. Responsibility for maintenance and repair and liability for any third part injuries occurring due to the condition of the road transfer to the Highways Authority on adoption.
5. To accord with the Council's priorities and objectives:

• DA Foster a diverse economy
• DA01 Work in partnership to support and promote a range of employment sectors
• DB Create and sustain jobs
• DB01 Support existing businesses
• DB02 Attract new businesses to the district.

Other options considered

None

Cec/83 Grants to Organisations

The Committee considered report TS141-04 of the Director of Technical Services which asked Members to consider the following applications for financial assistance which had been received

Moved by Councillor C Nineham
Seconded by Councillor D I A Nattrass

That the grant requests outlined above be approved.

Amendment by Councillor N Hughes
Seconded by Councillor J M Holliday

That the grant requests outlined be approved with the amendment that Shap Swimming Pool be given the balance of £622 pounds making a total grant of £1500

A vote was taken when there were:

For the Amendment 4
Against it 5

The amendment was lost and the original motion, on being put as the substantive motion, was carried whereby it was RESOLVED that the following grants be approved:

Reasons for decision

The provision of grants contributes to the Council's corporate aims and objectives to provide leisure, sport and cultural services.

Other options considered

None

Cec/84 The "Promoting Eden" Scheme

The Committee considered report PP86/04 of the Director of Policy and Performance which advised Members of how the fund is being expanded in 2004-05 and requested them to consider whether or not it is permissible and appropriate for an applicant to access funding for such events from both the Economic Development and Tourism budget as well as from the new "Promoting Eden" Scheme.

Resolved that:

1. Council grants for promotional activities should not be duplicated;
2. the applicants be advised about the available grant options by officers; and
3. the terms and conditions for the "Promoting Eden" Scheme as set out in the appendix to the report be approved Appendix E - PDF69Kb  or Appendix E RTF55Kb.

Reasons for decision

1. The addition of applications for both budgets would place a strain on the availability of the tourism budget.
2. Duplication of funding would not represent a fair distribution of the available funds
3. To accord with the Council's objectives:
   " Promote the vitality and viability of town centres and villages
   " Support community-based economic activities
   " Support existing businesses
   " Provide information for residents and visitors.

Other options considered

To enable funding for qualifying events to be accessed from both the tourism and "Promoting Eden" budgets

Councillor N Hughes declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the following item of business and withdrew from the meeting during consideration thereof

Cec/85 Eden Citizens Advice Bureau (ECAB) Application for Funding for 2005-6

The Committee considered report CLS1/05 of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services which requested Members consideration of a request to meet the anticipated shortfall of £56,953 for the core costs for next year. Members were advised that the Council is a core funder of ECAB which is common throughout the country and that they are experiencing a growing demand for services.

Resolved that Eden Citizens Advice Bureau be given a grant of £22,810 for 2005-6

Reasons for decision

1. Council's existing provision of core funding and rent free accommodation considered to be adequate award
2. increase in award would put pressure on Council budgets and level of Council Tax

Other options considered

Members considered whether or not to increase levels of funding to ECAB and to what level.

The Chairman considered that the following item should be considered as a matter of urgency at this meeting because a delay of one committee cycle would not be in the best interests of the efficient operation of the service

Cec/86 Alston Mill Race

The Committee considered report TS3-05 of the Director of Technical Services which asked Members to consider providing financial support to Alston Moor Parish Council to enable a CCTV survey of the Mill Race at Alston to be carried out.

Resolved that:

1. a contribution of £750 towards the cost of a CCTV survey of the Mill Race be supported; and
2. Resources Committee be asked to approve a supplementary estimate in support of this application.

Reasons for decision

1. To help to address the concerns of local residents in Alston over the condition and capacity of the Mill Race.
2. To assist in deciding whether a programme of works is required to maintain the Mill Race.
3. The proposed action is in support of the Council's policy on inland flooding agreed at Works and Leisure Committee on 22 February 2001 (WL/1486).

Other options considered

None

Cec/87 Exclusion of Press and Public

Resolved that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, Members of the Public (including the press) be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Cec/88 Minutes

The minutes including Cec/65 to Cec/68 of the meeting of this Committee held on Thursday 4 November 2004 were approved as a correct record of those proceedings.

The following minutes Cec89 to Cec/94 contain exempt information as described in the relevant paragraph of part 1 of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 and are excluded from this document by virtue of section 100A of the Act. Below is a summary of these proceedings.

Contract Management (Cec/89)(Paragraphs 8 and 9)

The Committee considered report TS144-04 of the Director of Technical Services which provided details of the current position relating to Council contracts at various stages.

The Committee agreed that the contracts detailed in the report be noted

Banks Wood, Appleby (Cec/90)(Paragraphs 8 and 10)

The Committee considered report TS143-04 of the Director of Technical Services which identified how remedial works are to be enabled at Banks Wood, Appleby for the river bank slope.

The Committee approved the recommendations in the report.

Southend Road Sports Project (Cec91)(Paragraphs 8 and 9)

The Committee considered report TS135-04 of the Director of Technical Services which provided current details in respect of the Southend Road Sports Project and a revised financial profile for the scheme.

The Committee endorsed the action taken.

Grants to Individuals (Cec/92)(Paragraph 5)

The Committee considered report TS142-04 of the Director of Technical Services which asked Members to consider two applications for financial assistance under the guidelines for the award of grants to individuals.

The Committee approved the grants.

Applications for Minor Works Grants (Cec/93)(Paragraphs 5 and 7)

The Committee considered report TS147-04 of the Director of Technical Services which requested Members approval for two applications for Minor Works Grants under the provisions of the Regulatory Reform Order 2002.

The Committee approved the grants

The Chairman considered that the following item should be considered as a matter of urgency at this meeting because a delay of one committee cycle would not be in the best interests of the efficient operation of the service

Provision of Gym Equipment, Penrith Leisure Centre (Cec/94)(Paragraphs 8, 9 and 10)

The Committee considered report TS2-05 of the Director of Technical Services which requested Members to consider the award of the contract to provide gym equipment for the extended Penrith Leisure Centre.

The Committee approved the recommendation.

The meeting closed at 8.30pm