Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the last meeting held on 7 February were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to the implementation of the library service review, which follows an extensive public consultation.

The alternative options to that being recommended, but which were discounted included the following:

Option 1 – the library network would consist of:

Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane and Whickham

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Wrekenton

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services including the lending of      e-                  books

This would include a plan for the development of volunteer managed libraries at Crawcrook, Felling, Pelaw and Rowlands Gill libraries. In addition the mobile library would stop operating as it does at present.

Option 3 – the network would consist of:
                  Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Pelaw, Rowlands Gill and Wrekenton 

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services including the lending of      e-                  books

This would include a plan for the development of volunteer managed libraries at Crawcrook, Felling, and Whickham libraries. In addition the mobile library would stop operating as it does at present.

This is a new hybrid Option that was developed following public consultation.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That implementation of Option 2 as described below, which will result in a statutory network of eight Council operated libraries be approved:

Option 2 – the network to consist of:

Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Crawcrook, Pelaw and Wrekenton

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services                   including the lending of e-books

(ii)

That the development of volunteer managed libraries at Felling, Rowlands Gill and Whickham libraries be supported and a further report on this matter be submitted if the transfer to volunteer operation is not viable.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure a sustainable library service in Gateshead.

(B)

To deliver the Council’s agreed vision for the library service.

Consideration has been given to tenders received for goods and services.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the tender from Carer’s Federation Ltd be accepted for the contract for Independent NHS Complaints for a 24 month period commencing 1 April 2017 with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods.

(ii)

That the tender from Original Bakehouse Ltd be accepted for the contract for the Provision and Distribution of Bread and Bakery Products for a 24 month period commencing 7 March 2017 with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods.

The above decisions have been made because a comprehensive evaluation of the tenders received has been undertaken and the recommended tenders are the most economically advantageous tenders submitted.

Consideration has been given to recommending to Council the proposed Budget and Council Tax Level for 2017/18 and the prudential indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement as set out in the report.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the following recommendations be made to the Council:

(1)

That Gateshead’s Band D council tax for 2017/18 is increased by 4.99% (including a 3% adult social care Government charge) to £1,606.41.

(2)

That therevenue estimates of £198.883m for 2016/17 be approved.

(3)

That theindicative schools funding presented inappendix 2 to the report be agreed.

(4)

That therecommendations of the Strategic Director, CorporateResources in respect ofthe robustness ofestimates and adequacy of reserves identifiedin appendix 5 to the reportbe noted.

(5)

That the Prudential and Treasury Indicators set out in appendix 6to this report beagreed.

(6)

That the methodof calculating the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for2016/17 as set out in appendix 7 to the reportbe approved.

(7)

That the Budget proposals following theoutcome of consultation as set outin appendix 2 to the reportbe noted.

(8)

That it be notedthat at its meeting on 19January 2016, Cabinet calculated the following amounts for the year 2016/17in accordance withregulations madeunder Section 31B(3) of the Local GovernmentFinance Act 1992 asamended by the LocalismAct 2011:-

(a)      50,480.1being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordancewith regulation3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation ofCouncil Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as its Council Tax base for theyear;

(b)     1,186.8 for Lamesley Parish being the amount             calculated by the Council, in accordance with             regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amount of its             Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those             parts of its area to which special items relate.

(9)

That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2017/18 in accordance with Sections 31A,31B and 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by the Localism Act 2011 (‘the Act’): -

(a)        £565,059,612 being the aggregate total of the             expenditure amounts, which the Council estimates for             the items, set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking             into account the precept issued by Lamesley Parish             Council.

(b)        (£483,230,191) being the aggregate total of the             income amounts, which the Council estimate for the             items, set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)        £81,829,421 being the amount by which the aggregate             at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above,             calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section             31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for             the year including Lamesley Parish Council.

(d)        £1,606.6028 being the amount at (c) above, all divided             by the amount at (8)(a) above, calculated by the             Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act,             as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year             including Lamesley Parish Council.

(e)  ...  view the full minutes text for item C185

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the proposed capital programme for the next five years to continue to provide significant levels of strategic investment to deliver priority outcomes within the Council Plan and to help deliver the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy in order to maintain financial sustainability.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to:

(i)

Approve the capital programme for 2017/18, and the provisional programmes for 2018/19 to 2021/22, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report, subject to external funding approvals being received.

(ii)

Note the provisional capital financing for the programme, as set out in appendix 3 to the report, and delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources to enter into prudential borrowing which is consistent with the requirements of the capital programme and the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy.

(iii)

Note the position in relation to the additional flexibility regarding the application of capital receipts to fund the revenue costs of transformational projects outlined in appendix 4 to the report and agree to receive further updates to confirm specific investment plans as part of the capital programme monitoring reports during the year.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To continue to provide significant strategic investment to deliver priority outcomes within the Council Plan.

(B)

To realise the Council’s policies and objectives in relation to maximising resources available within its capital programme.

(C)

To assist with the medium and longer term financial sustainability of the Council.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the level of fees and charges for 2017/18 and to approve a delegation to allow for the approval of commercially sensitive traded fees and charges.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to:

(i)

Approve the fees and charges for 2017/18 as set out in appendix 2 to the report.

(ii)

Authorise the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources to make any necessary adjustments to correct any errors in the schedule of Fees and Charges.

(iii)

Approve a delegation to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources following consultation with the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council to approve any traded fees and charges designated as commercially sensitive.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure that Fees and Charges are set in accordance with Council priorities.

(B)

To support the delivery of the Council’s budget and the achievement of Council Plan outcomes.

Consideration has been given to the activity and direction of travel of the Change Programme since October 2016.

RESOLVED -

That the progress being made across the Change Programme be noted.

The above decision has been made to ensure the Cabinet is able to monitor the progress of the Change Programme and give direction in a timely manner.

Consideration has been given to consultation on a proposed new model of provision for Additionally Resourced Mainstream Schools (ARMS).

RESOLVED -

(i)

That consultation be approved with current ARMS, special and mainstream schools on moving away from the current ARMS model and move towards establishing satellite provision from special schools, (based on type of need) which would be hosted in mainstream schools on the basis of a service level agreement.

(ii)

That further financial modelling be undertaken in the light of proposed changes to High Needs Block funding.

(iii)

That that Governors of Rowlands Gill Primary School be requested to consider whether they would wish to reflect on their request to close their ARMS provision and become a host school as part of a ‘pilot’ scheme on a model to evaluate.   

(iv)

That it be noted Primary schools will also be invited to host the model and Rowlands Gill will be asked to continue on the proposed new model basis for a further academic year.

(v)

That Governors of Eslington Primary School be requested to consider forming a partnership with a mainstream primary school to offer satellite provision for primary aged children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.

(vi)

That consideration be given to any alternative models that may come forward during the consultation process.

(vii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in the early Summer Term 2017 on the outcome of the consultations.

The above decision has been made to meet the Council’s statutory duty to promote high educational standards and to make effective use of resources.

Consideration has been given to the outcome of a review of the Council’s environment services.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the review and analysis of the evidence of impact as well as the views of councillors and residents on changes and standards for environment services be noted.

(ii)

That the following recommendations be approved:

·         That standards for grass cutting and street cleansing are maintained recognising the role of a quality environment to health and wellbeing; in supporting economic growth; and for realising the Council’s Place ambition.

·         For a feasibility study to be completed on the Council’s tree stock to inform potential capital investment for a one off arboricultural programme to reduce complaints, potential incidents, claims and improve access.

·         Step up behavioural change, communication and awareness raising.

·         To place greater emphasis on environmental enforcement – a separate report to be brought in due course.

·         Explore opportunities for greater community involvement and ownership where this is appropriate.

(iii)

That further briefings be arranged for Councillors together with a Members’ Seminar in due course as the above recommendations are progressed.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure that the Council is able to meet statutory duties and responsibilities.

(B)

To support delivery of environment services at a level that helps to maintain standards but which contribute to the Council Plan priorities including the contribution to economic growth through Gateshead being an attractive place, and with greater community ownership and pride in the local area.

Consideration has been given to a newly formed charity proceeding with a Community Asset Transfer of Dunston Activity Centre.

RESOLVED -

That the Service Director, Legal, Democratic and Property Services be authorised to proceed with a 35 year lease to the charity Dunston Activity Centre pursuant to the Council’s Community Asset Transfer policy.

The above decisions have been made to manage resources and rationalise the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

Consideration has been given to accepting the surrender of the current leases of Site 2 and Site 3 Newtown Industrial Estate, Birtley from R Beal and Company Limited (“the Tenant”) and the re-grant of a 125 year lease to the Tenant.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the surrender of the current leases of Site 2 and Site 3 Newtown Industrial Estate, Birtley from R Beal and Company Limited (“the Tenant”) and the re-grant of a 125 year lease to the Tenant be approved.

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised to agree the detailed terms

The above decisions have been made to manage resources in accordance with the provisions of the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

Consideration has been given to accepting the surrender of the current lease of Site 4, Saltmeadows Road from J P Madden and D McLeod and (ii) for the grant of a new lease to Deal Direct Blinds for a term of 125 years.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the surrender of the current lease of Site 4, Saltmeadows Road from J P Madden and D McLeod and (ii) for the grant of a new lease to Deal Direct Blinds for a term of 125 years be approved.

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised to agree the detailed terms.

The above decisions have been made to manage resources in accordance with the provisions of the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

RESOLVED -

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining business in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Consideration has been given to the outcome of consultation and a proposed new structure for the GO Gateshead Sport and Leisure Service as set out in appendix 2 to the report.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the new structure for the GO Gateshead Sport and

Leisure Service as set out in appendix 2 to the report be approved.

(ii)

That a further report be submitted to Cabinet in September 2017 on the effectiveness of the new structure.

The above decisions have been made to ensure that the Service is fit for purpose and has the skills, knowledge and experience to deliver the vision for leisure.