Agenda and minutes
Venue: Scaitcliffe House, Ormerod Street, Accrington
Contact: Democratic Services (01254) 380116/380109/380184
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, who may attend the meeting in accordance with Executive Procedure Rule B11.
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Declarations of Interest and Dispensations Minutes: Councillors M Parkinson, P Cox and T Dobson declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 13 – Barnfield & Hyndburn Partnership, on the basis that they served as directors on the Partnership’s Management Board. There were no reported dispensations.
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To approve the minutes of the last meeting of the Cabinet held on 17th July 2019. Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 17th July 2019 were submitted for approval as a correct record.
In connection with Minute 68 – Housing Renewal Policy, The Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Tony Dobson, enquired about the promotion of and levels of awareness of the new Policy, particularly in the light of greater accessibility by those in need to additional Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding. Councillor Loraine Cox, Portfolio Holder Housing and Regeneration, responded that a cross-party working group had now been established and indications were that key partners were already aware of the new Policy. The Leader of the Council indicated that the Lancashire Leaders Group had recently discussed the issue of maximising DFG funding.
Resolved - That the Minutes be received and approved as a correct record.
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Minutes of Boards, Panels and Working Groups To receive the minutes of the meetings of the following bodies:
Minutes: The minutes of the following meetings were submitted:
· Cabinet Waste and Recycling Group – 10th June 2019
Resolved - That the Minutes be received and noted.
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Reports of Cabinet Members To receive reports from Cabinet Members. Minutes: Councillor Munsif Dad, Portfolio Holder Education, Leisure and Arts, reported that a family fun day had been held within the Asian community to enhance the entrance to Woodnook Vale Nature Reserve by planting wild flowers to provide a vibrant colony of native vegetation and habitat for bees and butterflies. The wild flower mix included yellow rattle seed, which supresses the growth of grasses. The event was well attended by young people who were passionate about the project and who would continue to support the environment through litter picks.
Councillor Dobson reported that a similar scheme by Onward Homes to plant wild flowers in Oswaldtwistle had produced a spectacular display. However, the flower tubs in the town centre needed some attention. The Leader of the Council commented that the planting of traditional flower tubs had been affected by budget pressures, although it might be possible to introduce green plants which required lower levels of maintenance and to review the financial situation next spring.
Councillor Paul Cox, Deputy Leader of the Council, reported that the Council had been successful in receiving its eighth Green Flag award in connection with Rhyddings Park. That meant that Hyndburn was number one in Lancashire for Green Flag status and could be justifiably proud. Members were pleased with the awards, which could be achieved at little extra cost by harnessing the passion and desire of local people. Tribute was paid to the various ‘Friends of’ groups who had contributed their time and energy to the parks. The Leader of the Council reiterated that the Council was often an enabler, working with community and voluntary groups to bring investment into the Borough.
Councillor Paul Cox also reminded Members of the success of Amazing Accrington’s Big Weekend held from 23rd to 25th August 2019. The festivities included Accrington’s Biggest Quiz on Friday, a Pop Party on Saturday and the Fantastical Forest Parade on Sunday. Over 5,000 people had attended the events. Activities such as this were helping to generate more footfall in the town centre.
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Report attached. Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader of the Council reported on the outcome of the second public consultation exercise held on the Core Strategy Review and Site Allocations DPD (held 26th February 2019 – 8th April 2019), and sought Cabinet approval of the next stages of work on the Local Plan. Members were also advised that a Member Briefing was due to be held on Monday 16th September 2019 on ‘The Future of Housing in the Borough’.
Councillor Dave Parkins commented that he had noted that the majority of responses about Huncoat Garden Village had been positive, with only a small number of negative replies. The proposals dealt with wider issues including the provision of schools. The Leader of the Council reminded Members of Hyndburn’s previous success in regeneration issues including the Pickle Factory in Oswaldtwistle and the Rishton Canalside development. Huncoat Garden Village was a much larger scale project and broad engagement would be required. The scheme would involve education and healthcare provision, as well as green spaces.
Approval of the Report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
The Core Strategy Review and Site Allocations DPD form central parts of the new Local Plan for Hyndburn; the Core Strategy sets the strategic overarching planning policy framework for the Borough, including setting housing and employment growth figures; the Site Allocations DPD will identify specific sites for development to help meet the planned growth over the plan period, and also the sites to be protected from development.
In February 2019, Council approved three consultation papers to be the subject of a public consultation exercise on the Core Strategy Review and Site Allocations DPD. The consultation papers were:
The report included further information on the following:
There were no alternative options for consideration or reasons
Resolved (1) That Cabinet notes the outcome of the public consultation exercise and the representations received during the second stage of public consultation under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
(2) That Cabinet agrees the ‘Proposed Council Response’ to representations and notes the proposed approach set out in this report on the next steps in preparing the Local Plan.
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Food and Safety Service Plan 2019/20 Report attached. Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Paul Cox, Deputy Leader of the Council, reported on a proposed Food and Safety Service Plan.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
The Food and Safety Service Plan is a document that is reviewed annually to ensure the service can meet demands and set out priorities for the coming year.
The Plan has been updated to include inspection targets for 2019/20 and includes the following performance indicators:
The Plan details work undertaken in the Borough and current levels of compliance. It also includes areas of health and safety work which are being undertaken this year in accordance with Health and Safety Executives (HSE) National Code for Local Authorities.
The Plan provides focus to the team, Councillors, food business operators and consumers. The Plan provides information on areas of work outside the Council’s statutory function such as the allergen initiative and allergen workshops for food businesses.
Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection
Without a Food and Safety Service Plan the Team cannot demonstrate the demands of the service against current resources as required by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) nor can they meet their statutory requirements.
Resolved - That Cabinet approve the proposed Food and Safety Service Plan as appended to the report.
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Report of Urgent Cabinet Decision - Mercer Park Skate Boarding Facility Report attached. Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Paul Cox, Deputy Leader of the Council, reported on an urgent decision taken under Executive Procedure Rule B16, in relation to the proposal to refurbish and improve the skate boarding facility at Mercer Park in Clayton le Moors. The decision, taken on 20th August 2019, was as follows:
That Cabinet continues to support the refurbishment and improvement of the skate boarding facility in Mercer Park as outlined in the report.
That Cabinet agrees to the Council being the accountable body in respect of the project funding in accordance with the terms and conditions of relevant funding bodies.
That Cabinet delegates authority to the Deputy Head of Environmental Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to take all reasonable steps to implement and complete the project, entering into necessary contractual agreements and obtaining all necessary permissions and consents.
That Cabinet agrees to waive the Contract Procedure Rules to engage Proffitts CIC as Project Manager for the delivery phase of this scheme, as set out in paragraphs 3.5 & 3.6 of the report.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
The Friends of Mercer Park are the longest standing Friends of Group in the Borough associated with a park. Over the years the Friends of Mercer Park have worked with the Council to undertake numerous community projects and fund raising events which have benefitted the park.
The outcome of a consultation undertaken by the Friends of Mercer Park showed that local residents and young people would like to see the refurbishment of the skate park facilities in Mercer Park.
Funding bids were submitted to relevant funding bodies between July and December 2018. The outcome was that funding bids to Sport England, Lancashire Environment Fund and Tesco were all successful.
In addition to this external funding being secured, Cabinet agreed to contribute £25,000 to the project via the capital programme for financial year 2019/20, Friends of Mercer Park contributed £3,000 and Lancashire County Council contributed £600.
Proffitts CIC, a community interest company who have expertise in green space improvement projects and audience development, submitted the funding bids as a co-applicant with the Council, at no cost to the Council. This is because the mechanism used by the funding bodies allows any fees for time spent on developing a funding bid to be claimed directly from them during the delivery phase of the project.
The Council and Proffitts CIC were co-applicants in securing the funding for this project and Proffitts CIC has the necessary skills fulfil the Project Manager role. As such, the Council intends for Proffitts CIC to act as Project Manager for the delivery phase of the Project.
The refurbished and improved skate boarding facility will provide a much better resource for the young people of the Borough to use.
A tender exercise has been undertaken in line with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and a successful contractor appointed. The new skate facility is expected to be completed by the end of September 2019.
Alternative ... view the full minutes text for item 113. |
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Council Tax Support Consultation Report attached. Minutes:
Councillor Joyce Plummer, Portfolio Holder Resources, reported on a proposal to commence a public consultation on plans to revise Hyndburn Council’s Council Tax Support Scheme for 2020/21. It was envisaged that the outcome of the consultation would be reported to the Council in January 2020.
Councillor Tony Dobson enquired about the possible provision of an All Member Briefing to consider the implications of the Funding Options highlighted.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
In 2020/21, Council Tax Support (CTS) will be in its seventh year, having been devolved to Local Authorities nationally in 2013 following the abolition of Council Tax Benefit. In 2013, Local Authorities were given a broad remit to design their own local CTS schemes for working age claimants, with pension age claimants still subject to a national scheme allowing up to 100% CTS.
Prior to 2013, Council Tax Benefit was funded in full by the Government: when Council Tax Support was introduced, the Government reduced Hyndburn’s grant by 10% of the previous year’s expenditure for all claimants and rolled future funding into the Revenue Support Grant.
Along with the majority of other Local Authorities, the Council introduced a minimum payment level for working age CTS claimants in 2013/14. The scheme also included four other changes designed to make the scheme fairer and to provide streamlined administration. The Hyndburn scheme otherwise mirrored the old Council Tax Benefit scheme.
Subsequent changes to Hyndburn’s CTS schemes have included provisions to mirror national changes to Housing Benefit and Universal Credit and minimum payment level increases from 20% to 27% in 2016/17 and to 30% from 2017/18. The Council’s scheme has been reviewed annually to ensure that it remains sustainable and the minimum payment levels remain at 30% today.
Council Tax Support cannot be considered in isolation: any changes to the scheme must be viewed in the context of national changes to benefits, (Universal Credit in particular), overall Council Tax increases (which increase CTS expenditure) and the end of the Revenue Support Grant from 2020/21. In light of uncertainty around the Local Government Spending Review and the UK’s exit from the European Union, it is considered prudent at this point to review the Council’s CTS scheme and to conduct a public consultation on potential changes.
The report included further information on the following:
Alternative Options considered and Reasons for Rejection
The Council could choose not to consult on the Council Tax Support scheme and as such no changes could be made in 2020/21. This would not allow the Council to consider the views of the local population or interested parties and would limit the authority’s options to fund the Council Tax ... view the full minutes text for item 114. |
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Financial Position July 2019 - Report for the Year Ending 31st March 2020 Report attached. Minutes: Councillor Joyce Plummer, Portfolio Holder Resources, reported on financial spending of the Council up to the end of July 2019 and the financial forecast outturn position for the Accounting Year 2019/20. Members considered a table within the report, which set out the core financial details.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
The spend for the first 4 months of the financial year to the end of July 2019 is £3,587,000 compared to a Budget of £3,651,000 giving a positive variance of £64,000 over the first 4 months of the year.
The current forecast spend to the end of the financial year in March 2020 is £10,960,000 compared to a Budget of £10,994,000. This forecast produces a positive variance of £34,000 by the end of the financial year. There are small adverse forecasts on the outturn position for Planning & Transportation and Regeneration & Property Services, but larger adverse forecasts on Environmental Services and Policy & Corporate Governance. All other areas are indicating a break even or surplus for the year.
Environmental Services
Environmental Services are predicting a year end adverse variance of £87,000. This stems from salary savings of £7,000 on Food Safety, £10,000 of additional expenditure on salaries on Waste Services and £2,000 of additional miscellaneous costs and £9,000 of less income generation against £103,000 of positive variance against Budgets on Recycling. Parks & Cemeteries are predicting a break-even year end position, while the Town Centre and Market Halls Budget is indicating an overall adverse variance of £176,000, comprising £190,000 reduced income at the Market Hall and income from CCTV down by £10,000 less £13,000 of salary savings and £11,000 of miscellaneous cost savings.
Culture & Leisure Services
Culture and Leisure Services are indicating a breakeven position by the year-end.
Planning & Transportation
Planning & Transportation are predicting an adverse variance for the year of £21,000. This is due to a predicted shortfall in income compared to budget on Building Control of £65,000. Elsewhere on the Budget there are £17,000 of staff saving and £46,000 of additional income less £19,000 of miscellaneous additional expenditure.
Regeneration & Property Services
Regeneration & Property Services are predicting an adverse variance of £8,000 at year-end with salary costs up by £109,000 over the year compared to budget and expected additional costs of £41,000, less £142,000 of additional income.
Policy & Corporate Governance
Policy & Corporate Governance are predicting an adverse variance of £171,000. This stems from salary savings of £75,000 less the Corporate Savings Target for the year of £165,000, predicted increases of £150,000 on Housing Benefit Costs, along with £21,000 of additional miscellaneous costs less £90,000 of additional income.
Non Service Items
The current estimate for the year is a positive variance of £321,000.
There were no alternative options considered or reasons proposed for rejection
Resolved - That Cabinet notes the report and asks the Corporate Management Team to continue to identify savings and increase income over the coming year to boost the overall surplus of the Council.
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Payments & Income Management System (PARIS) Replacement Report attached. Minutes: Councillor Joyce Plummer, Portfolio Holder Resources, reported on a proposal to waive standing order G7, as to contracts over £75,000, to upgrade the Council’s Payments and Income Management System. The contract would be for a period of five years.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
The existing software supplier is unable to support the outdated Paris software beyond the 12th January 2020 and the tight timescale to implement and test a new software system with the same functionality that also meets the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), means that officers have to identify a successful supplier by the 30th September 2019.
The report refers to the corporate software known as Paris used throughout the Council for the collection of debit and credit card payments via the Council’s website, mediated payments processed by Council staff over the phone and the 24/7 automated telephone service. Additionally the software receives and processes all payment files from the Council’s bank accounts, Pay Points, Enforcement Agents and the Department for Work and Pensions. The processing of these files includes validation and production of separate cash files for numerous services and systems in use throughout the Council, including an interface to the main accounting system. The overall annual income that is processed is over £180m, which includes significant amounts in Council Tax and business Rates on behalf of the major preceptors, the Government, Lancashire County Council, the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.
This area of business is subject to the ever increasing demands of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the upgrade will result in the provision of a fully hosted (by the supplier) solution which will meet the required standards and reduce the burden on the Council to demonstrate on-going compliance with these requirements through the required annual self-assessment process which is required by the Council’s Merchant Acquirer (Worldpay). The consequences of any data breach could involve an imposition of significant fines on the Council, cause reputational damage, and even lead to the withdrawal of the Councils’ ability to process debit and credit card payments.
To improve the Council’s PCI DSS compliance and protect both the Council and its customers from potential data breaches, it is necessary to upgrade both the Payments and Income Management systems.
Upgrading the Payments and Income Management systems will provide the Council with the tools to better consolidate all its payment processes and improve compliance to PCI DSS going forward, as well as satisfying a number of other business requirements which the current systems do not meet.
Failure to place a contract for a replacement system by 30th September will almost certainly place the Council in a position where it cannot accept debit and credit card payments from 13th January, 2020 for an unknown period. This is a category 1 risk to the Council from a financial and reputational perspective.
The report included ... view the full minutes text for item 116. |
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Proposed Disposal of the Charter Street Site, Accrington Report attached. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Loraine Cox, Portfolio Holder Regeneration and Housing, reported on a proposal to approve the disposal of the Council’s interest in the site at Charter Street, Accrington, for residential development, including accommodation for households on the Council’s housing register, with priority for homeless households and veterans.
Councillor Tony Dobson indicated that he had been initially unsure about the proposal to discount the land and to provide additional one bed apartments in the Borough. However, the Opposition Group was now happy to support the development based upon the model proposed. The Leader of the Council commented that Councillor Paddy Short, Armed Forces Champion, had worked hard to bring this scheme to fruition. The Council had previously signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Given that the North West was a significant recruitment area for the Armed Forces, there was a strong argument for supporting this development. A quality design would be produced in partnership with the Council.
Councillor Paddy Short indicated that he had been involved in this project for over two years. He explained the background to Building for Humanity CIC and its proposals to work with veterans and those requiring support around mental health issues. Councillor Munsif Dad also commented that the proposals tied in closely with his Lancashire County Council and Borough Council responsibilities and that he viewed this as an exciting development, which would also reduce fly tipping in the area.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
Over the last two years the Council has been in discussions with a local Community Interest Company known as Building for Humanity. It is a not for profit construction company set-up in Hyndburn, but with its temporary address registered in Cornwall. Building for Humanity aims to provide affordable housing for deprived households on low income including homeless households and veterans.
Building for Humanity has identified the Charter Street site, which is in the Council’s ownership, for the development of affordable housing for rent and a small number of affordable sales including shared ownership. The proposed development will comprise of:-
· 15 one bedroom apartments; · 15 two bedroom apartments; · 3 four bedroom town houses; and · 12 x 2 and 3 bedroom semi-detached houses.
The Council is proposing to discount the land and therefore the purchaser would need to agree the standard of accommodation with the Council to ensure high standards that are consistent with Homes England’s Design and Quality Standards, and that the apartments are self-contained with full facilities and not bedsits.
The accommodation is a proposed mix of housing for sale, shared ownership and rent with the apartments let at affordable rents. In return for a discounted land value, Building for Humanity would be required to grant the Council at least 50% nomination rights to the rented accommodation for initial lets and all relets.
To date, Building for Humanity has not developed any accommodation units and therefore has no track record in developing and managing rented accommodation. For this reason the Council has insisted Building for ... view the full minutes text for item 117. |
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Requests for Funding for the Operational Management of Council Buildings Report attached. Minutes: The Leader of the Council introduced a report of Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which set out that Committee’s recommendations with regards to three individual requests for financial support towards the operational management of Council buildings.
The Leader of the Council confirmed that a letter had been sent to Mercer House 1842 requesting further information, following the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, but no response had been received to date. Accordingly, the Cabinet would not consider this matter further today, but it was hoped that information would be available later in the year. The matter might also be referred back to the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee at that time.
Councillor Marlene Haworth reported that she had attended the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings and was satisfied that the issues had been handled fairly and professionally by the Chair and the Committee and that recommendations had been proposed which ensured the use of public money was properly accounted for. Councillor Munsif Dad indicated his support for the work of Hyndburn Arts Ltd and commented that Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre and Arts Centre remained an important venue in the Borough. In the interests of transparency, the Leader of the Council indicated that Gayle Knight, Managing Director of Hyndburn Arts was a member of the Labour Party and her husband was a serving Borough Councillor. However, her involvement with the Arts Centre pre-dated her political connections. In addition, the Management Board of the company comprised cross-party representation. The Centre worked across the Borough and further afield to provide a vibrant arts and cultural offer. The public were rallying to support the Centre and a special show would be provided soon by local actress and celebrity, Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Approval of the report was not deemed a key decision.
Reason for Decision
The Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee were asked to review three individual requests from external organisations for financial support towards the operational management of Council buildings.
The requests were as follows:
Hyndburn Arts Ltd – requesting £30,000 towards the operational management of the Civic Theatre and Arts Centre. The main reason for the request was due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, particularly the cancellation of several high profile events (which was out of the control of Hyndburn Arts Ltd) occurring in a short space of time.
Churchfield House Ltd – requesting £10,000 towards the operational management of Churchfield House, Great Harwood. The main reason for the request was due to an unexpected water bill of over £6,000. In order to prevent this happening year on year, Churchfield House Ltd will apply for charitable status which requires a certain level of reserves to be held.
Mercer House 1842 – requesting £5,000 towards the operational management of Mercer House and the Arthur Wilson Centre. The main reason for the request was for maintenance needs.
The three organisations were invited to report to the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 30th July 2019 and to ... view the full minutes text for item 118. |
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Exclusion of the Public Recommended That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items, when it is likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings that there will otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the items.
Details of any representations received by the Executive about why the following report should be considered in public – none received.
Statement in response to any representations – not required.
Minutes: Resolved - That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items, when it was likely, in view of the nature of the proceedings that there would otherwise be disclosure of exempt information within the Paragraph at Schedule 12A of the Act specified at the item.
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Report of Urgent Cabinet Decision - Waive contract procedure rules to extend the current contract to install and maintain Christmas Decorations and Amenity Lighting in Hyndburn Report attached. Minutes: In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval was given by Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 12th September 2019 in private, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.
Reason for Urgency
Time was of the essence to award the extension to the contract in advance of the Christmas period. Executive Procedure Rule B16(c) requires the urgent decision, the reason for it and for the use of urgency, to be reported to the next meeting of the Cabinet.
Exempt Information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)
The Leader of the Council, had submitted an exempt report on an urgent decision taken under Executive Procedure Rule B16, in relation to the proposal to waive the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to permit the extension of the current contract in place to install, maintain and remove Christmas decorations and carry out safety checks to amenity lighting throughout the Borough of Hyndburn. The decision, taken on 20th August 2019, was set out in the exempt report.
Approval of the report was not deemed to be a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
The reasons for the decision were set out in the exempt report.
Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection
The alternative options considered and reasons for rejection were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved - To note the urgent decision taken on 20th August 2019 to waive Contract Procedure Rules to extend the current contract to install and maintain Christmas decorations and amenity lighting in Hyndburn
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Barnfield & Hyndburn Partnership Report attached. Minutes: In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval was given by Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 12th September 2019 in private, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.
Reason for Urgency
It is considered that it would not be prudent to await the next meeting of the Cabinet on 13th November 2019, in order to approve the closure of the Partnership, in view of the need to progress the necessary legal, accounting and audit work required in a timely manner.
Exempt Information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)
The Leader of the Council had submitted an exempt report seeking approval from Cabinet on a proposal to close the Barnfield & Hyndburn Partnership.
Approval of the report was not deemed to be a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
The reasons for the decision were set out in the exempt report.
Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection
The alternative options considered and reasons for rejection were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved - That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report be approved.
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Emergency Decision to Waive Contract Procedure Rules to Appoint a Fire Safety Consultant Report attached. Minutes: In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval was given by Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 12th September 2019 in private, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.
Reason for Urgency
The current fire consultancy arrangements are due to end in the very near future. To appoint a Fire Safety Consultant who will ensure continuity of approach, it would not be prudent to await the next meeting of the Cabinet on 13th November 2019 before taking a decision on this matter.
Exempt Information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)
Councillor Loraine Cox, Portfolio Holder Regeneration and Housing, had submitted an exempt report seeking approval from Cabinet on a proposal to waive Contract Procedure Rules and to appoint the Council’s most recently used consultant as Fire Safety Consultant until 31st December 2021.
Approval of the report was not deemed to be a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
The reasons for the decision were set out in the exempt report.
Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection
The alternative options considered and reasons for rejection were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved - That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report be approved.
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Loan to Hyndburn Leisure Ltd Report attached. Minutes: In accordance with Regulation 5(6)(a) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, approval was given by Councillor Noordad Aziz, Chair of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to the following decision being made by Cabinet on 12th September 2019 in private, on the grounds that the decision was urgent and could not reasonably be deferred.
Reason for Urgency
In order to maximise the financial benefits to both parties of the revised funding arrangements, as soon as possible, it is not considered prudent to await the meeting of the Cabinet on 13th November 2019 before taking a decision on this matter.
Exempt Information under the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)
Councillor Munsif Dad, Portfolio Holder Education, Leisure and Arts, had submitted an exempt report seeking approval from Cabinet on a proposal to translate current amounts owed by Hyndburn Leisure Ltd into loans repayable at interest over a 10 year period.
Approval of the report was not deemed to be a key decision.
Reasons for Decision
The reasons for the decision were set out in the exempt report.
Alternative Options Considered and Reasons for Rejection
The alternative options considered and reasons for rejection were set out in the exempt report.
Resolved - That the recommendations as set out in the exempt report be approved.
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