Decision: That the minutes of the Executive Cabinet meeting held on 15 October 2020 be confirmed as a correct record for signature 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.

There were no declarations of interest.

Members of the public who have requested the opportunity to ask a question(s) on an item(s) on the agenda will have three minutes to put their question(s) to the respective Executive Member(s).  Each member of the public will be allowed to ask one short supplementary question. 

There were no public questions.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

To note the report.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member (Resources), presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out the performance against the delivery of the Corporate Strategy and key performance indicators during the second quarter of 2020/21, 1 July to 30 September 2020.

Overall, the performance of key projects is excellent with 85% of the projects rated as green and 15% currently rated as amber; there are two action plans for the amber projects which are contained within this report. Performance of the Corporate Strategy indicators and key service delivery measures is good with 67% of Corporate Strategy measures and 83% of key service delivery measures performing on or above target, or within the 5% threshold. Those indicators performing below target have action plans outlined with measures to improve performance.

Members discussed the report, noting the effects of Covid-19 on performance, particularly in relation to the Town Centre and businesses. Members were encouraged to direct any businesses who are struggling during lockdown to the relevant officers. It was agreed that a note be sent out to Members with information on the stay at home grants to help advise any residents queries.

Decision:

To note the report.

Reason for Recommendation(s):

To facilitate the on-going analysis and management of the Council’s performance in

delivering the Corporate Strategy.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

None.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

1.    To note progress on the project and timescale for completion.

2.    To ratify the procurement approach that was approved by executive member decision in Appendix E and F.

3.    To delegate powers to award the contract for the main works to the Executive Member for Resources based on the competitive tender process.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member (Resources), presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which updates Members on the progress of the conservation work at Astley Hall and seeks approval for delegated powers to award the contract for the main works following a competitive tender process.

The main work proposed to the hall includes the removal of the render on the front of the hall and the replacement of the windows and window frames, improving the visitor route, and repairs to the cottage roof. As part of the work the council also proposes to create a museum shop and information centre.

Members noted the other work that has taken place or is due to take place in the coming months including; additional car parking spaces created with the extension of Hallgate car park, repair works to the footpath around the perimeter of the playing fields, lighting scheme for the main footpath through the park and funding set aside for the renovation of Ackhurst Lodge and the creation of a new attraction.

The main work to the Hall has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and a new programme has therefore been agreed. Members noted the key milestones to ensure that the work be completed ready for re-opening in July 2021.

Members supported the proposals in the report on the works to Astley Hall and discussed the options available if the original brick was in a poor state following the removal of the render. Members also welcomed the wider improvement works, in particular, the additional parking and improvements to Ackhurst Lodge.

Decision:

1.    To note progress on the project and timescale for completion.

2.    To ratify the procurement approach that was approved by executive member decision in Appendix E and F.

3.    To delegate powers to award the contract for the main works to the Executive Member for Resources based on the competitive tender process.

Reasons for recommendation(s)

1.    To ensure members are fully informed of progress on this project and ensure a decision is taken on the contract award in line with our formal procedures.

2.    The decision on how the tender would be undertaken was taken by Executive Member Decision due to the amended timescales and to get the project back on track. The process needs to be ratified by Executive Cabinet in order to allow delegated powers for the contract award once the tenders have been returned and reviewed.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

No alternative options have been considered as the contract award requires ratification from Executive Cabinet to delegate the decision to the executive member to keep the project on track. The decision to undertake the work has already been agreed as part of the corporate strategy.

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive

1.    The report recommends that Executive Cabinet support the extension of the current PSPO’s and extends the Red Edged Map (original and proposed attached) on the Town Centre PSPO to include ASDA, Bolton St.

2.    Also recommends that delegated power to Director of Governance to amend as appropriate the wording of the orders.

Councillor Bev Murray (Early Intervention) presented the report of the Deputy Chief Executive which sets out the renewal process for the council’s current Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO’s) which have been in place for three years.

Following the introduction of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced to replace the Dog Control Orders (DCO’s) and Designated Public Place Orders (DPPO’s), Chorley Council replaced these orders with the PSPO’s in November 2017.

Chorley Council currently has six PSPO’s and it is proposed to extend five of the Orders and vary and extend one Order. Members supported the proposals.

Decision:

1.    Executive Cabinet support the extension of the current PSPO’s and extends the Red Edged Map (original and proposed attached) on the Town Centre PSPO to include ASDA, Bolton St.

2.    Delegated power to Director of Governance to amend as appropriate the wording of the orders.

Reasons for recommendation(s):

To extend the current orders which gives Authorised Officers powers to use the PSPO’s in the specific circumstances of the Orders and address the problematic behaviour efficiently and effectively.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

1.    Not to extend the PSPO’s, however due to the problematic behaviour that the PSPO’s cover it is proportionate and appropriate to consider that problems would re-occur / occur if the PSPO’s were not in place and Council Officers would have difficulty to address these behaviours without the Orders in place.

2.    Not to vary the Town Centre Map to include ASDA, Bolton Street. Currently the Town Centre PSPO does not include ASDA, Bolton St. However, there has been ongoing problems with begging within the town centre and when individuals have been approached and removed from within the PSPO area, they have moved to the ASDA Store. We have worked with the Supermarket, however the onus has been on them to remove the individuals which they have had difficulty with. Therefore, if the PSPO covered the store there would be an additional enforcement option thatcould be used to address the problem.