An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Terry Brown (Executive Member Places).

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Executive Cabinet held on 21 June 2012 (enclosed). 

RESOLVED - The minutes of the meeting of the Executive Cabinet held on 21 June 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Executive Leader.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

No Members declared an interest in respect of items on the agenda. 

The Executive Leader reported that there had been no requests from members of the public to speak on any of the meeting’s agenda items.

To receive and consider the report of the Chief Executive (enclosed). 

Recommendation approved.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member (Resources, Policy and Performance) presenting a report which responded to the findings and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Task and Finish Group on Tourism and Promoting Chorley.

Members discussed the recommendations and a suggestion was made in relation to running a television advertising campaign for the Markets.  It was noted that planning had already started for Christmas events. 

Coach trips would be actively encouraged and plans were in place to achieve this. 

The parking at the recent Big Drum Day event was discussed.  There had been a period of 20 minutes where the provision had not been adequate, but lessons needed to be learnt for future events with the provision of additional hard standing if possible. 

Decision made

Approval to implement the recommendations made by the task and finish group, and the additional work to be undertaken over the coming year as outlined in the report.

Reason(s) for decision

The implementation of these recommendations will support the borough’s economy and town centre.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

To not implement the recommendations made by the Overview and Scrutiny task and finish group. This was rejected as the recommendations were based on evidence collected from partners and stakeholders.

Recommendation approved.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member (Resources, Policy and Performance) advised that the report set out the performance against the delivery of the Corporate Strategy and key performance indicators during the first quarter, 1 April to 30 June 2012.

It was clarified that the bus shelter improvement plan did not include the provision of additional shelters. 

The Sharepoint Electronic Document Management System project was discussed.  It was clarified that the new supplier, Northgate, was a large software provider and the system in question (Information@Work) was a mature one.  The Council had previously withdrawn from a joint project with Lancashire County Council and other Lancashire Authorities with Northgate to deliver a Customer Relationship Management system.  The system in that case had not been a mature one.  The project was rated amber as it was expected that the project would soon be back on track. 

Members considered the refresh of the Council’s website and that this project now had a status of green (progressing according to timetable and plan).  Officers were working hard to deliver this project. 

The Council was leading discussions with a number of partners and providing they commit to the project the aim is to have a new contract for the accommodation for 16 and 17 year olds in place by 1 April 2013. 

Members noted that 9 new businesses had started in Chorley (up to 31 July) since May when the new Business Start Up post was established and filled. 

Decision made

The report be noted.

Reason(s) for decision

To facilitate the ongoing analysis and management of the Council’s performance in delivering the Corporate Strategy.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

None.

Recommendation approved.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member (Resources, Policy and Performance) presented the report which updated on the performance of the Chorley Partnership during the first quarter, from 1 April to 30 June 2012.

Although crime overall had increased by 3.9% in quarter one compared to the same period of last year, there had been significant decreases in alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour. 

The partnerships project to increase opportunities for NEET young people in Chorley now had a green rating. 

Members discussed policing numbers and the impact on crime.  The Executive Leader advised that the Chief Constable had given assurances that, there had been no impact on the levels of crime arising from cuts to funding, as savings had been made from back office areas.  However, the Leader was meeting informally with the Chief Inspector next week and he would raise Members concerns.  The Executive Leader would also write to the Chief Constable seeking his views on the latest position and report back to Members.  The Executive Leader also stated that there was a need to analyse the quarter two figures to identify any issues and keep the figures under review. 

Decision made

The report be noted.

Reason(s) for decision

To facilitate the ongoing analysis and management of the Chorley Partnership’s performance and delivery of funded projects.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

None.

To receive and consider the report of the Chief Executive (enclosed).

1.         Recommendation approved.  

2.         Recommendation approved.  

The Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member (Resources, Policy and Performance) advised that the report set out the current financial position of the Council as compared against the budgets and efficiency savings targets it set itself for the financial year 2012/13.

Members noted that £282,700 had been approved, as part of the 2012/13 budget, for investment in the Business Start-Up Scheme, the extension of business rate subsidy and shop floor refurbishment grants, the provision of council apprenticeships (NEET’s), debt advice funding and revenue costs of town centre land acquisition. 

The changes to car parking charges were considered.  Members noted that the detail of the report had been superseded by a recent Executive Member Decision.  It was difficult to foresee the impact, but this would be monitored and reported back. 

Decision made

1.      Approval to transfer the sum of £300,000 from General Balances to a specific earmarked Town Centre Reserve.

2.      Approval to the use of underspends on existing staffing budgets to fund the creation of a permanent Business Advisor post to provide a specific advisory service for existing local businesses who have been trading for over three years.

Reason(s) for decision

To ensure the Council’s budgetary targets are achieved.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

None.

1.         Recommendation to Council supported.

2.         Recommendation to Council supported.

The Deputy Executive Leader and Executive Member (Resources, Policy and Performance) presented the report which updated the Capital Programmes for financial years 2012/13 to 2014/15 to take account of rephasing of expenditure and other budget changes. 

The report outlined the budgeted receipt and use of contributions from developers for the period 2012/13 to 2014/15.

Decision made

1.      Council be recommended to approve the rephasing of capital budgets between 2012/13 and 2013/14 – 2014/15, as presented in columns (2), (6) and (10) of Appendix 1. 

2.      Council be recommended to approve the other amendments to the Capital Programmes for 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2014/15, as presented in columns (3), (7) and (11) of Appendix 1.

Reason(s) for decision

The 2012/13 to 2014/15 Capital Programme should be updated to take account of the rephasing of budgets, changes to resources available to finance projects, and the proposed use of uncommitted budgets.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

None.

To receive and consider the report of the Chief Executive (enclosed). 

Recommendation approved. 

The Executive Member (People) presented the report which outlined the proposal for the creation of a trial Councillor Community Grants Fund.

Members discussed the methodology to measure the success of applications.  This Community Grants Fund project was a pilot and would be used to inform future schemes and was aimed at supporting volunteers. 

Decision made

Approval to use the remainder of the Core Funding budget for 2012/13 to deliver the Councillor Community Grants Fund. 

Reason(s) for decision

To facilitate increased opportunities for member/resident engagement and make small amounts of funding more accessible.

Alternative option(s) considered and rejected

1.      To allocate the remaining core funding budget via the completion of small grants funding application process. This option was rejected on the basis that community groups who only want very small amounts of funding are less willing to complete a lengthy application process.

2.      To allocate a fixed amount to each member although this option was rejected due to concerns around effectiveness and efficiency.