THE “CALL IN”PERIOD FOR THESE DECISIONS EXPIRES AT 5.00 PM ON THURSDAY, 2 MAY 2002. NONE OF THE DECISIONS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED UNTIL AFTER THAT DATE.
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 23 APRIL 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mrs S A Smart (Chairman), Mr R R Barry, Mr E Fox, Mr P G Harris, Mrs M A Jarman, Mrs B Lawson, Mr R G Mazillius, Mr H Rees, Mrs J L Wareham
Also present non-voting :
Mr A C Bartlett, Mr J A Bowker, Mr B C Buckle, Mr J H Fleming, Mrs D Gardiner, Mr J F Howe, Mr P D Joyce, Mr A J Mundy
1. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 9 April 2002 be confirmed.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Interests were declared in the following matters:
Mr D J Knowles declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Minute 4 (a) - Best Value Review of Community Care Services for Older People and Physically Disabled Adults
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :
Mr B Willliams of Guildford Road, St Helens, Isle of Wight in relation to the Skateboard Park, St Helens (30/02)
Copies of the questions and replies given are contained in the Public Question Register.
4. PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING
(Mr D J Knowles declared a personal and prejudicial interest and left the room during discussion of this item)
(a) Best Value Review of Community Care Services for Older People and Physically Disabled Adults
The purpose of the Best Value review was to challenge and improve community care services for older people and physically disabled adults. Extensive consultation including public meetings had taken place. The Best Value review recommended improvements, which included the continued development of homecare provision, improvement in the management and provision of meals on wheels services, the development of a multi-agency community disability service, improvement in public information and continued investment in and development of community care services. The Social Services, Benefits and Housing Select Committee had scrutinised and commended the report at its meeting on 3 April 2002. Members considered the report and discussed the additional funding for social services as announced in the recent budget. However concern was expressed regarding Government proposals to fine local authorities who were found to be ‘bed-blocking’ and members were keen to support the Local Government Association in its lobbying of Government for a change in this policy.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Best Value Review and Service Improvement Plan be approved.
(ii) THAT a letter be sent in support of the Local Government Association in it’s lobbying to change policy on funding in respect of bed blocking.
(b) Respite Care Home for Children with a Disability
The Portfolio Holder updated members as to the current position and the proposed way forward in respect of capital funding. The aim of the project was the building of a new residential respite care home for children with disabilities as the current building, Beaulieu, would not be viable in the long term. Members were informed that neither the Council or the Isle of Wight Healthcare Trust was able to take on the financial responsibility via a lease back arrangement as has previously been envisaged. Advice was given regarding Section 22 of The Local Authorities (Capital Finance) Regulations 1997 and whether this could apply. Members were updated as to the successful bid under the Joint Investment Plan for Learning Disability.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the contents of the report be noted and approval be given for a licensed building contract and the provisions of Section 22 of the Local Authority (Capital Finance) Regulations as the means of providing private sector funding into the project.
(ii) THAT detailed negotiations proceed with potential partners, with a further report to the Executive within three months containing a detailed appraisal of the necessary contract arrangements.
5. BEST VALUE JOINT REVIEW DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING APRIL 2001 – MARCH 2002:CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AND SIGNIFICANT HEALTH NEEDS
This Best Value Review had been undertaken jointly by the Directorates of Education and Community Development and Social Services and Housing. A review scoping document was approved by the Children’s Committee in 22 March 2001 which identified 6 review areas and working groups were subsequently established. Consultation had taken place and key issues and areas for action were established. These formed the basis of the Improvement Plan. Members were informed that a bid to the Invest to Save Fund to help with the proposed work would be the subject of a separate report to the Executive at a later date. The Review and Improvement Plan had been considered by the Select Committees prior to its submission to the Executive.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the Best Value Review for Children with Special Educational Needs, Disabilities and Significant Health Needs be approved.
(ii) THAT an Invest to Save bid would be submitted to the Executive in due course.
6. PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR RESOURCES
(a) St Helens Village Green - Skateboarding
The Portfolio Holder informed members that he had been approached by the St. Helens Village Greens Society and the St. Helens Youth Project for support from the Council for a permanent skateboard in an area of the car park at St. Helens Village Green. A letter of objection from the Parish Council had been circulated to members. An alternative site at the local primary school had been suggested but was rejected after consultation with the school because the site was secluded and not suitable for children to use unsupervised. Members were advised that the Portfolio Holder had received a petition in support of the project. The local member addressed the Executive and gave his support to the proposal. The results of a trial period were reported. The land in question was owned by the Council and its use was restricted by the Commons Act 1899.
RESOLVED :
THAT the temporary licence be renewed for a period of twelve months and if proved successful, proposals for a permanent facility, subject to a further application to the Secretary of State, be considered, further by the Executive.
(b) Proposed New Hovertravel Terminal - Ryde Esplanade
Members were advised that a request had been received by Hovertravel for the grant of a 60 year lease, to enable their existing premises to be rebuilt with improved services. Hovertravel had occupied the site, for the use of a hovercraft terminal, with successive leases from 1965, with the current 10 year lease due to expire in 2006. Rent reviews would be every five years and all other terms and conditions of the existing lease would remain unchanged. A further review of rent would be written into the agreement in the event that an approach to landing charges for all cross Solent operators was at some point in the future agreed. Details were given regarding the increased rent that would be payable together with how the figures had been calculated.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the existing lease be renewed for a period of 60 years, at the increased rental level with a clause to allow for a further review of rent consequent on an overall policy of landing charges for all cross Solent operators being agreed.
(ii) THAT subsequent rent reviews be every 5 years and otherwise on the same terms and conditions as per the existing lease.
7. COMMUNITY STRATEGY - CONSULTATION DRAFT
The Leader reminded Members that the Local Government Act 2000 required the local authority to develop a Community Strategy which would set out the vision for the lsland for the next decade. A Draft had now been produced and was available for consultation. Government guidance emphasised the importance of creating partnerships and development of the Strategy through a Local Strategic Partnership. Members were advised as to the consultations that had already taken place and were informed that the strategy would be a key document in relation to the forthcoming Comprehensive Performance Assessment. Members stressed the need for the Strategy to be widely available to members of the public and in a readable format.
RESOLVED :
THAT formal consultation on the draft Community Strategy be supported.
8. CAR PARKS CASH COLLECTION SERVICE
Members were informed that the Council currently engaged a contractor to collect, count and bank the cash which was collected from car parking charges. The existing contact was due to expire on 17 July 2002. After legal advice the Council entered into negotiations with the one company that had submitted a tender and with those who had initially expressed an interest and which had met the Council’s short-listing criteria. Alternative arrangements in the form of a possible in-house service were also considered to give the Council a benchmark against which to consider cost effectiveness of bids and also as a real alternative to using a contractor. Members considered the implications involved in establishing an in-house operation.
RESOLVED :
(i) THAT the creation of an in-house operation together with the acquisition of a suitable vehicle and other associated costs be agreed at the cost identified in the report.
9. MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME
Questions were put to the Chairman as follows :
Mr J Effemey with regard to a help centre in Cowes (MQ26/02)
Mr J Effemey with regard to Tourist Information Offices opening hours in Cowes (MQ27/02)
Mr B Buckle with regard to the Isle of Wight Credit Union (MQ28/02)
Mr B Bartlett with regard to the lift at the Visitor Centre (MQ29/02)
Mrs J Wareham with regard to withdrawal of grants for grass cutting and graveyard maintenance (MQ30/02)
Copies of the questions and replies given are contained in the Members' Question Register.
CHAIRMAN